NEW FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Diesel‑hauled holiday escape: a 45‑minute ride through Southern York County aboard restored 1800s coaches
A concise guide to the Memorial Day Express from New Freedom — what the 45‑minute scenic run covers and what to know before you board.
Diesel‑hauled holiday escape: a 45‑minute ride through Southern York County aboard restored 1800s coaches.
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend aboard the Memorial Day Express, a scenic 45‑minute train ride through Southern York County that pairs rolling countryside views with beautifully restored nineteenth‑century coaches such as the D. Reed Anderson and Abraham Lincoln cars for a relaxed, all‑ages outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Restored 19th‑century coach cars
Ride in carefully restored period coaches — including the D. Reed Anderson combine car and the Abraham Lincoln coach — featuring reversible cushioned seats, nineteenth‑century coal‑stove heating and operable windows that recreate the feel of Victorian‑era travel.
Scenic views along the South Branch
The track winds through rolling hills and peaceful valleys, at times paralleling the South Branch of the Codorus Creek, offering sustained countryside vistas during the short run.
A short holiday special for all ages
The Memorial Day Express is a holiday‑special, family‑friendly outing: a brief, 45‑minute excursion run by Northern Central Railway that fits easily into a holiday day‑trip itinerary.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
In under an hour you travel by diesel‑hauled train through Southern York County in cars patterned after 1800s coaches; the experience balances comfortable, period seating and small‑carriage intimacy with open‑window views of countryside and towns for a relaxed, memorable Memorial Day outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Please arrive 30 minutes before boarding; visit the gift shop to check in and receive your boarding pass. Cars feature operable windows and nineteenth‑century coal‑stove heating.
The onboard portion of the Memorial Day Express runs approximately 45 minutes.
Several restored coaches are used, including the D. Reed Anderson combine car (with reversible 1920s‑style seats and two restrooms), the Abraham Lincoln coach, the New Freedom coach and the open‑air South Branch car.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Memorial Day Express ride?
The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Where do I check in for the train?
Check in at the gift shop to receive your boarding pass; plan to arrive 30 minutes before boarding.
Are the passenger cars accessible?
The D. Reed Anderson combine car is handicapped accessible and includes onboard restrooms.
Which historic coaches will I ride in?
The railroad operates several restored nineteenth‑century‑style coaches, including the D. Reed Anderson, the Abraham Lincoln, the New Freedom and the open‑air South Branch car.
Is this outing suitable for children?
Yes — the Memorial Day Express is presented as an all‑ages holiday special.