CHANGING WITH THE TIMES
As America’s oldest continuously operating railroad, Strasburg Rail Road knows how to adapt to the times. Since our founding in 1832, we have weathered periods of economic boon and downturn, and we have found ways to adjust our services and operations to meet the needs of our guests.
At the start of our 2020 season, we marked our 60th year of offering authentic steam train rides to visitors from near and far, and we began our planned $1 million in enhancements both on and off the tracks.
When visiting Strasburg Rail Road, keep your eyes open for a few new features spanning from dining to shopping to building upgrades – all designed to create a memorable 20th Century experience for every guest. Here’s a sneak peek.
Café 1832
Our restaurant is undergoing a complete renovation, including a “face lift” and a new name: Café 1832. Now under construction, Café 1832 will include a new state-of-the-art kitchen with all new equipment as well as a newly-remodeled dining area that doubles the original seating capacity. When we open in a few months, we will be offering grab-and-go options and delicious meals made from locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.
General Store
We are transforming our primary gift shop into a new General Store designed to delight guests with classic treats and memorabilia. The store will feature a 1915 antique soda fountain, hand-dipped ice cream, penny candy, Kitchen Kettle canned goods, and other keepsakes.
Around the Station
Frequent guests of the railroad will notice additional upgrades around the station including new doors, windows, steps, ramps, and some fresh paint. At the center of the platform now stands Strasburg Rail Road’s official time keeper. In partnership with Lancaster jeweler Brent L. Miller, the railroad has installed the first official station clock for train schedules. The clock is designed with precision atomic timekeeping via satellite and LED backlighting. Guests will also appreciate the upgraded, ADA-compliant restroom facilities, complete with a new façade and granite countertops.
Enhanced Experience
Elevating our Guests’ experience at Strasburg Rail Road does not stop with physical renovations. We have also re-examined opportunities for guests to have authentic encounters with our steam engines. This has led to introducing In-Cab Experiences, which gives passengers exclusive access to being the engineer or fireman, or sitting in the jump seat of the steam locomotive during the ride. We’ve also added a Photo Event in the Fall that gives photographers and train enthusiasts a rare opportunity to capture our engines at various times and locations along the track.
We have been adapting to changing times since 1832, and as we do we continue to stay focused on our mission of delivering the best example of early 20th Century in a safe, clean, and historic environment. We look forward to seeing you soon!