Black River & Western Railroad in Flemington and Ringoes, New Jersey

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Flemington and Ringoes, New Jersey · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesExcursions and themed trains run on scheduled dates through the year, mostly weekends

The Black River & Western Railroad carries passengers through rural Hunterdon County on a working short line built in 1854, with excursions run by the volunteer railroaders of the Black River Railroad Historical Trust.

  • Line built in 1854
  • Passenger trains since the early 1960s
  • Steam No. 60, built 1937
  • Volunteer-crewed excursions
  • Baggage car museum

Black River & Western Railroad at a glance

Hours
Trains run on scheduled dates, mostly weekends; see the website's ride calendar
Admission
Fares vary by ride; book through the website
Train rides
Round trips between Flemington and Ringoes, plus themed trains through the year
Seasonal events
Santa Express, Pumpkin Train, Easter Bunny Express, Father's Day Special, Hunterdon Wine Express, Car Show Cruiser, Festival Hopper, Liberty Limited
Plan for
About 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the ride
Best for
Families with young kids and railfans
Best ages
Toddlers to age 12

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Black River & Western Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Flemington and Ringoes.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

The little railroad that could, in Hunterdon County

The Black River & Western began in the early 1960s with a group of friends who loved steam railroading. Their first passenger trains between Flemington and Ringoes ran under a lease from the Pennsylvania Railroad. In time the company bought the line from Lambertville to Flemington outright, then added the former Central Railroad of New Jersey branch from Flemington to Three Bridges, and with ownership came a new business: hauling freight.

That freight work matters to the railroad's identity. The line was built in 1854, and it has never stopped doing what it was built for, carrying goods for local businesses. Today the Black River & Western is an independently owned Class III common carrier that interchanges with Norfolk Southern at Three Bridges and serves industrial customers in Hunterdon and Warren Counties. It is part of Chesapeake and Delaware, LLC, which runs several New Jersey short lines, and it is one of the few places in North America where you may occasionally see a steam-powered freight train.

Passenger excursions are still what the railroad calls its heart and soul. They are managed by the Black River Railroad Historical Trust, an independent 501(c)(3) that works closely with the railroad to preserve railroad history and teach the public about it. Every passenger train is staffed by the trust's volunteers, who learn their crafts through a training program open to people with no railroad experience. After more than 50 years, it describes itself as the little railroad that could.

Two stations, six miles of track and a museum in a baggage car

The railroad's line stretches about 16 miles, and public trips currently use roughly six miles between Flemington Station on Stangl Road and Ringoes Station on John Ringo Road. The classic Black River Limited is a no-frills round trip through farm country, and themed trains change through the year. Flemington Station is also the jumping-off point for a Historic Tour and Train Ride that includes a guided walk around the Stangl Road area.

At the stations, look for Baggage Car No. 420, which the railroad uses as its museum, and the gift shop. The equipment roster includes steam locomotive No. 60, a 1937 ALCo 2-8-0, and diesel switcher No. 438, a 1952 EMD SW9 built for the Erie Railroad that now pulls excursions and helps train new volunteers. Railfans can also book photo specials featuring engine No. 752.

Don’t miss

  1. Steam locomotive No. 60Built by ALCo in 1937 to haul sugar beets in Colorado, it has pulled Black River trains since 1965 and is now in its federally required inspection and restoration.
  2. Diesel No. 438A 1952 Erie Railroad SW9 donated in 2014 that pulls excursions today, and a 2018 grant added a heater so it can run year round.
  3. Baggage Car No. 420The railroad's own museum on wheels, worth a stop before or after your ride.
  4. Flemington Station on Stangl RoadDeparture point for the Pumpkin Train and the Historic Tour and Train Ride's walking tour.
  5. Ringoes StationThe other boarding point, and where families pose for photos with Santa during the holiday trains.

Bunnies, pumpkins and a visit with Santa

Themed trains are where young children shine. The Easter Bunny Express brings Peter Cottontail aboard and ends with an egg hunt. The Pumpkin Train rolls from Flemington Station to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction for pumpkin picking and a hay ride. The Santa Express includes a storybook read aloud on the moving train, a sing-along of songs like Jingle Bells, and group photos with Santa inside Ringoes Station.

For a calmer day, the Black River Limited is a simple round trip through Hunterdon County that suits both railfans and families. Dads ride free on the Father's Day Special.

Plan your visit: tips for Black River & Western Railroad

  • Check your confirmation email to see whether your train leaves from Ringoes or Flemington Station.
  • Read the railroad's FAQ page before calling; it answers common questions.
  • Holiday trains are the busiest; book early in the fall.
  • Visit Baggage Car No. 420 and the gift shop before you board.

The Santa Express is the railroad's big holiday train: families ride to visit Santa, with a storybook, carols on board and photos with Santa inside Ringoes Station. Some families still know it by its older name, the North Pole Express. In fall the Pumpkin Train heads to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction. Compare it with other Christmas train rides in New Jersey or browse fall and Halloween train rides in New Jersey.

Volunteer railroaders of the Historical Trust

Conductors, engineers, car attendants and restoration crews on the passenger trains are volunteers with the Black River Railroad Historical Trust, a 501(c)(3). You can join with no railroad experience and train in track work, train service and equipment restoration. Riding a train, shopping in the gift shop and donating all support the trust's work, including the return of No. 60.

More rail rides around Hunterdon County

The New Hope Railroad is only about 7 miles away across the Delaware River. In Phillipsburg, about 25 miles northwest, you can pair the Delaware River Railroad Excursions with the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum. For the whole state, see New Jersey train museums and rides.

Every train museum in New Jersey

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

On the Santa Express, a storybook gets read aloud while the train rolls along. I love that, because a story on a moving train is exactly what our book is. My favorite part to read to my kids is the tunnel: everything goes dark, then comes a big bright light and happy cheers from Rally, Mom and Dad. My mom dreamed up that moment, and I hope it gets a few cheers on rides like this. More on train books for toddlers.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Black River & Western Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Black River & Western Railroad: 20 rider questions

Where is the Black River & Western Railroad?

The Black River & Western Railroad is in rural Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Passenger trains board at two stations: Ringoes Station at 101 John Ringo Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551, and Flemington Station at 80 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822. Your confirmation email tells you which station to use.

Where is Black River & Western Railroad Flemington Station?

Flemington Station is at 80 Stangl Rd, Flemington, New Jersey 08822. It is the departure point for the Pumpkin Train and the Historic Tour and Train Ride, which includes a walking tour of the Stangl Road area. Make sure you go to the right station, since some rides leave from Ringoes instead.

What is the Black River and Western Railroad schedule?

The railroad does not run a daily timetable. Excursions and themed trains run on scheduled dates through the year, and almost all of them are on weekends. Check the Train Rides page at blackriverrailroad.com for current dates and times, since some rides are marked check back soon until their dates are set.

Is the Black River & Western Railroad running today?

Only on scheduled ride days, which are mostly weekends. To find out whether a train runs today, look at the booking calendar on blackriverrailroad.com or call (908) 782-6622. Since tickets are booked online in advance, a quick check before you drive saves a wasted trip.

How much are Black River and Western Railroad tickets?

Fares depend on the ride, and the railroad sets them for each event, so check prices when you book on blackriverrailroad.com. Some trains have special pricing, such as free rides for dads on the Father's Day Special, a discounted Festival Hopper and a discounted rate on the Liberty Limited.

Does the Black River & Western Railroad have a Christmas train?

Yes. The Santa Express is the railroad's Christmas train, a festive ride to visit Santa. On board, entertainers read a storybook aloud and lead a sing-along of familiar carols, and families can take group photos with Santa inside Ringoes Station. Book early through the website, as holiday trains are the busiest of the year.

Is the Black River & Western North Pole Express the same as the Santa Express?

The railroad's current holiday train is called the Santa Express, and earlier listings described family events including a North Pole Express. If you are searching for the Black River Christmas train, the Santa Express on blackriverrailroad.com is the ride to book.

What is the Black River & Western Pumpkin Train?

The Pumpkin Train leaves from Flemington Station and rides to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction, where families can pick pumpkins and take a hay ride. It is the railroad's main fall family outing. Dates and tickets are posted on the Train Rides page each autumn.

Does the Black River & Western Railroad run an Easter train?

Yes. The Easter Bunny Express is an annual spring ride with a visit from Peter Cottontail and an egg hunt. It is a good first train ride for young children. Watch the Train Rides page on blackriverrailroad.com in late winter for dates.

How long is the Black River & Western train ride?

Public trains currently run over about six miles of track between Flemington and Ringoes, part of the railroad's roughly 16-mile line. Trip length depends on the ride: the Festival Hopper is shortened on purpose, while the Historic Tour adds a walking tour at Flemington. Each ride page lists its own timing.

Is there a map of the Black River & Western Railroad?

From south to north, the railroad connects Lambertville, Ringoes, Flemington and Three Bridges, where it interchanges freight with Norfolk Southern. Passenger trips use the stretch between Ringoes Station on John Ringo Road and Flemington Station on Stangl Road. The website's station details help you find each one.

Does the Black River & Western Railroad run steam trains?

Its famous steam engine, No. 60, a 1937 ALCo 2-8-0, entered tourist service on the line in 1965. It came out of service in late 2023 for its federally required inspection, and restoration is underway. Excursions currently use diesel power, including No. 438, a 1952 EMD SW9 originally built for the Erie Railroad.

Is there a museum at the Black River & Western Railroad?

Yes. Baggage Car No. 420 serves as the railroad's museum, and there is also a gift shop. Visit them before or after your ride to learn more about the line's history. The Historic Tour and Train Ride adds a walking tour of the Stangl Road area in Flemington.

When was the Black River & Western Railroad founded?

It was founded in the early 1960s by a group of friends who loved steam railroading. Early passenger trains ran between Flemington and Ringoes under a lease from the Pennsylvania Railroad. The company later bought the Lambertville to Flemington line and the former Central Railroad of New Jersey line to Three Bridges.

Does the Black River & Western Railroad still haul freight?

Yes. It is an independently owned Class III common-carrier railroad serving industrial customers in Hunterdon and Warren Counties, and it is part of Chesapeake and Delaware, LLC. The track, built in 1854, has never stopped serving local businesses, and occasionally freight even moves behind steam.

Is the Black River & Western Railroad good for kids?

Yes. Themed trains such as the Easter Bunny Express, Pumpkin Train and Santa Express are built around children, with egg hunts, pumpkin picking, stories and Santa photos. The Black River Limited is a simple round trip that suits families with young kids who just want to ride a train.

Where can I see Black River & Western Railroad photos and reviews?

The railroad posts photos and news on its Facebook page, Instagram and YouTube channel, which show the stations, locomotives and themed trains. Reviews from riders are found on travel and review sites. Railfans can also book the BDRV No. 752 Photo Special, a charter built for photographers.

Can I volunteer at the Black River & Western Railroad?

Yes. Passenger trains are staffed by volunteers of the Black River Railroad Historical Trust, and no railroad experience is required. The trust trains volunteers in maintenance of way, train service, equipment restoration and more. Visit the Volunteer page on blackriverrailroad.com to get started.

How do I contact the Black River & Western Railroad?

Call (908) 782-6622 or email info@blackriverrailroad.com, or use the contact form on the website. The railroad asks visitors to read its FAQ page first, since many common questions about tickets and stations are answered there.

What train rides are near the Black River & Western Railroad?

The New Hope Railroad in Pennsylvania is about 7 miles away. In Phillipsburg, about 25 miles away, are the Delaware River Railroad Excursions and the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum. The Whippany Railway Museum is about 36 miles north.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Train Museums in North Carolina: Every Railroad Museum by Town
Next

Little Amerricka / Whiskey River Railway in Marshall, Wisconsin