WOODSTOWN TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Wind in Your Hair on a 1930s Gondola: Grandparents’ Day Express Across South Jersey
An 18‑mile, 75‑minute round‑trip aboard a restored 1934 open‑air gondola between South Woodstown and Mannington — this guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the limited accessibility considerations to note.
Wind in Your Hair on a 1930s Gondola: Grandparents’ Day Express Across South Jersey.
All aboard a piece of railroad history: the Grandparents' Day Express invites families to ride an authentic 1930s train along South Woodstown’s first railroad line, taking an 18‑mile round trip through scenic forests and rural farmland from South Woodstown to Mannington and back; the experience centers on a beautifully restored, open‑air gondola originally built in 1934 and includes a special gift for all grandparents.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An authentic 1930s open‑air gondola
Ride in a restored Open Air Gondola built in 1934 — a car with no roof, windows or doors and elevated bench seating that offers a literal open stage for the South Jersey landscape.
Unobstructed vistas of forests and farmland
The route runs through Southern New Jersey’s wooded stretches and agricultural lowlands, delivering wide, unimpeded sightlines from the open gondola as the train makes its way to Mannington and back.
A family outing with a keepsake
Built for Grandparents' Day, the trip pairs nostalgia with celebration — every grandparent on board receives a complimentary gift, framing the ride as a multigenerational memory in motion.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
The excursion is a compact, nostalgia‑rich outing: passengers arrive at the station, board the historic consist and spend roughly 75 minutes taking an 18‑mile round trip between South Woodstown and Mannington, feeling the wind and the rhythm of the rails from open bench seating that exposes riders to the elements and the landscape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who should — and shouldn’t — book this trip:
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Arrive 20–30 minutes prior to departure at 650 Alloway‑Woodstown Road to check in at the ticket window; the full excursion lasts approximately 75 minutes and covers an 18‑mile round trip between South Woodstown and Mannington.
The Open Air Gondola is exposed to the elements; bring weather‑appropriate clothing and an umbrella if there is a threat of inclement weather — gondola riders may be moved to coach seating if necessary.
Due to the historic nature of the railcars, Woodstown Central Railroad’s passenger train does not meet current ADA accessibility standards; plan accordingly if you or your party require accessible facilities or assistance.
Non‑alcoholic drinks and light snacks are permitted (drinks should have a lid); alcohol is only allowed on specified special events.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do all passengers need a ticket?
Yes, all passengers require a ticket; children’s tickets are divided into age groups 4–12 (Child) and 0–3 (Toddler).
Is there a bathroom on the train?
Yes. The train is equipped with restrooms, and there is also a port‑o‑potty located at South Woodstown Station.
Are pets allowed on the train?
Only registered service animals are permitted aboard the train.
Do you operate during bad weather?
The railroad makes every attempt to operate in all weather conditions, but in extreme conditions it will cancel operations and notify guests by email, on the homepage, and via social media.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Non‑alcoholic drinks and light snacks are allowed on board; to prevent spilling, please ensure all drinks have a lid or cap.
Can I bring alcohol on the train?
Alcohol is only permitted onboard during specific events such as Brew to Brew trains or BYO and Cheese trains.