WILMINGTON TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
A 1929 Doodlebug glides up the Red Clay Valley for a creekside picnic stop
A 75–80 minute round-trip aboard Wilmington & Western Railroad’s vintage 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug, with an optional 20‑minute picnic layover at Mt. Cuba.
A 1929 Doodlebug glides up the Red Clay Valley for a creekside picnic stop.
This short, pastoral rail outing follows the Red Clay Valley from Greenbank Station up to Yorklyn, powered by a restored 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug; riders can step off at Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove for a 20‑minute pause beside the Red Clay Creek or stay onboard as the car continues through Ashland and Yorklyn before returning.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A living 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug
The trip is powered by a vintage 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug railcar, the mechanical heart of this short heritage run.
Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove: 20 minutes on the creek
The train makes a scheduled stop at Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove where passengers who choose to detrained have a peaceful 20‑minute layover along the banks of the Red Clay Creek for a brief picnic or to simply take in the surroundings.
A round trip up Red Clay Valley to Yorklyn
The route carries riders up the Red Clay Valley to Yorklyn; passengers may remain onboard to travel further through the communities of Ashland and Yorklyn instead of detraining at Mt. Cuba.
What the day feels like
How the ride unfolds
Board at Greenbank Station and settle into a short, scenic run that follows the Red Clay Valley. Midway the train pauses at Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove for a 20‑minute creekside layover — passengers may disembark for a picnic while those who prefer remain aboard as the doodlebug continues through Ashland and Yorklyn; on the return the train will make a brief stop at Mt. Cuba to re‑board picnic passengers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this short heritage rail outing.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full round trip runs approximately 75–80 minutes.
Boarding takes place at Greenbank Station — 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808.
If you plan to detrained at Mt. Cuba, bring any picnic items you wish to use during the scheduled 20‑minute layover; no additional gear requirements are specified.
This heritage outing is run by the Wilmington and Western Railroad and is powered by the 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ride?
The round trip lasts approximately 75–80 minutes.
Where do I board the train?
Boarding is at Greenbank Station, located at 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Can I get off for a picnic?
Yes — the train makes a scheduled 20‑minute stop at Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove along the banks of the Red Clay Creek for passengers who wish to disembark and picnic.
What if I prefer to stay on the train?
Passengers who do not detrained at Mt. Cuba may remain onboard and travel further up the line through the communities of Ashland and Yorklyn.
Will the train pick up picnic passengers on the return?
Yes — on the return trip there is a brief stop at Mt. Cuba to pick up picnic passengers.