Express Way

Gettysburg’s New Excursion Train 

Patriot Rail Company invites groups to take a ride through Pennsylvania’s past

Nestled in the rolling countryside of South Central Pennsylvania, Adams County is home to thousands of acres of apple orchards, the National Apple Museum, farmers markets, wineries, arts, dining, and the Gettysburg National Historic Park. Now, groups can experience the region’s history, charm, and scenic beauty from a different perspective: onboard a reimagined excursion train operation set to debut in mid-2025.

Patriot Rail Company, which owns and operates over 30 short-line freight railroads across the U.S., is thrilled to announce the re-establishment of the Gettysburg & Northern Railroad’s historic excursion train. This exciting new attraction joins Patriot Rail’s two other scenic railroads (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Ga., and Granite State Railway in Lincoln, N.H.) and will take passengers along a 25-mile route between downtown Gettysburg and the quaint town of Mount Holly Springs. A great addition to both student and adult group itineraries, every trip is an educational adventure as you learn about the historic significance of the rail line, pass breathtaking views of historical landmarks such as the 45.5-foot-tall Eternal Light Peace Memorial, and listen to engaging storytelling about key figures and events tied to the Gettysburg area.

Patriot Rail Excursions invites groups of all ages to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey of the historic sites of Gettysburg, Pa., such as the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.

As they travel the 25-mile train ride from downtown Gettysburg, groups will find themselves among the rolling hills of South Central Pennsylvania, painted with bountiful fruit orchards, farm markets, and wineries.

Patriot Rail’s Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been taking passengers on excursions through the magnificent mountainscapes of Blue Ridge, Ga., since 1998.

The historic 1884 Gettysburg Depot has undergone a meticulous restoration, paving the way for a new era of rail travel and cultural experiences.

“We are excited to welcome ABA group tour operators to experience the Gettysburg Excursion,” says Bob Turnauckas, Patriot Rail’s president of Scenic Rail Excursions. “This unique rail journey will not only offer your tours rich history, a behind-the-scenes view of the Pennsylvania apple orchard countryside, and educational opportunities, but we have also designed it with dedicated motorcoach parking and group amenities for a memorable experience for your guests.” 

At the heart of this project is the 1884 Gettysburg Depot, located on North Washington Street near the southeast entrance to Gettysburg College and a block from the historic Majestic Theater. Originally designed to welcome thousands of visitors traveling to Gettysburg on the rails for special celebratory events, holidays, and veterans participating in reunion events, the depot grew to serve tourists into the early 1990s. Closed for more than two decades, the depot has been revitalized to include upgraded platforms, modernized parking facilities, and improved accessibility. New benches, lighting, and a walkway now connect the depot parking lot with an overflow parking area, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.

The fully renovated 1950s-era passenger coaches and a vintage baggage car—reimagined as a modern power car—are original Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus train cars that have been transformed into luxurious passenger railcars, offering a first-class experience while retaining their historic charm.

Like the popular holiday trains on the Blue Ridge and Granite State Railway Excursions, the Gettysburg & Northern Railroad will host themed rides and special events throughout the year. From haunted Halloween rides to festive holiday trains, there’s something for groups of all ages and interests
to enjoy.

As one of the largest and fastest-growing short-line holding companies in North America, Patriot Rail has a presence in 24 states. For more information, visit patriotrail.com. To learn more about the Gettysburg & Northern Excursion Railroad, including anticipated opening date, visit patriotrail.com/services/scenic-rail-excursions or call (855) 955-7245.

Bones to Buggies 

Travel through time on this unique Northern Indiana itinerary

To say that they’ve thought of everything just may be the understatement of the year. Kudos to Judy McConnell, group travel manager at Visit Shipshewana, and Nicole Lawler, director of engagement at Visit South Bend Mishawaka, who have created a tour operator’s dream itinerary, complete with immersive experiences, local makers, education, entertainment, and world-class dining and lodging. A partnership born out of a cooperative spirit and a shared desire to showcase Northern Indiana’s past and present, “Bones to Buggies” is a four-day, three-night uniquely midwestern experience for groups. 

Conveniently located in the heart of the Great Lakes region of the U.S. with easy access to Interstate 80/90, both Shipshewana and South Bend are steeped in history and culture while also offering modern amenities and activities. Bones to Buggies blends the best of both worlds into one fully customizable itinerary, with a suggested itinerary that includes more than 20 attractions.

“We love partnering in Northern Indiana and are excited to offer new, fun group experiences like our Bones to Buggies itinerary,” says Judy McConnell, group travel manager at Visit Shipshewana, and Nicole Lawler, director of engagement at Visit South Bend Mishawaka.

The Blue Gate Restaurant is a popular choice for groups looking for an Amish-style meal in Northern Indiana. Just make sure you save room for the pie.

At the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, groups will explore the ancient world of dinosaurs and see actual fossils that museum founder Mark Tarner has collected over the years.

The Chocolate Cafe located on-site at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum serves up soup, sandwiches, salads, and the “best hot chocolate in the world.”

Quaint shops, antique stores, flea markets, and local craftsman like woodworker Lavern Miller of Teaberry Wood Products make Shipshewana a shopper’s dream destination.

Notable Highlights

Explore 1.9 billion years of history at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, a new, hands-on museum in South Bend. The museum both educates and entertains groups as they get up close and personal to Jurassic sea creatures, an avian dinosaur nursery, preserved dinosaur skin, a 3,000-year-old sequoia tree, and a life-size model of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Dig for real fossils from museum founder Mark Tarner’s own paleontological digs, pick up a prehistoric souvenir from the gift shop, then head next door for a factory tour of Tarner’s award-winning South Bend Chocolate Co. and a peek at a 1,300-year-old Mayan chocolate pot and other chocolate memorabilia.

For bones of a different kind, groups will tour a “Buggy Boneyard” in Shipshewana to see where Amish buggies go after they are past their prime. Be sure to snap a group photo in front of an antique carriage, then enjoy a home-cooked Amish meal at the 350-seat Blue Gate Restaurant, followed by a show at the Blue Gate Theatre.

The Heart of Amish Country

As one of the largest Amish communities in the world, Shipshewana is the perfect place to learn about Amish culture. A variety of stops on the Bones to Buggies itinerary gives groups the opportunity to watch master craftsmen at work, including Riverbend Harness and Horseshoeing, Creekside Wheelshop, Hoosier Buggy Shop, and The Carriage House. For student and adult groups who want to learn more about the life and faith of the Amish and Mennonites, add a visit to Menno–Hof, an educational complex located across the street from the Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market.

Planning Tips

To make the most of your experience, McConnell and Lawler suggest using a local, step-on guide who can share their knowledge of the region, point out hidden gems, and keep things running smoothly. A seamless tour means there’s plenty of time for the rest and rejuvenation that have been thoughtfully built into the itinerary. After a relaxing spa treatment at a resort casino, retail therapy at quaint downtown shops, cozy dining in a historic mansion, and a comfortable night’s sleep at a boutique hotel, groups will be ready to rise and shine and dig in for more.

For more details about Bones to Buggies or to customize your itinerary, contact McConnell at (260) 768-4008 or [email protected] or Lawler at (574) 400-4020 or [email protected].

visitshipshewana.org/groups | (260) 768-4008

visitsouthbend.com/meetings-and-groups | (574) 400-4020

Photo credits: Dave Johnson; Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB.