Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesExcursions year-round on scheduled dates; railbikes leave from Glasgow Grove in Pottstown
The Colebrookdale Railroad carries passengers in meticulously restored, century-old rail cars along the Secret Valley Line between Boyertown and Pottstown, through the oldest ironmaking region in the New World.
- Restored century-old passenger cars
- The Secret Valley Line
- Former Reading Company track
- Dining, first-class and coach seating
- Santa's Polar Bear Express
- Nonprofit preservation trust
Colebrookdale Railroad at a glance
- Hours
- Excursion times vary; office Monday to Friday (phones 9 am to 4 pm)
- Admission
- Varies by excursion; Autumn Cider and Donuts Express from $50, Santa's Polar Bear Express from $55
- Train rides
- Scheduled excursions of 1 to 2 hours year-round; railbikes from Glasgow Grove, Pottstown
- Seasonal events
- Autumn Cider and Donuts Express, Autumn Splendor dining trains, Fall Foliage Tour, Santa's Polar Bear Express, Winter Wonderland Adventure, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Snowflake Special
- Plan for
- 1 to 2 hours, depending on excursion
- Best for
- Families, couples and anyone who loves restored passenger cars
- Best ages
- All ages; one-hour trips suit toddlers
- Parking
- Parking facility at 64 South Washington Street, Boyertown
- Accessibility
- Park at South Washington Street; the Chestnut Street lot is not ADA accessible
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address64 South Washington Street, Boyertown, PA 19512(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(610) 367-0200
- Emailinfo@colebrookdalerailroad.com
- Websitecolebrookdalerailroad.com(opens in a new tab)
Follow Colebrookdale Railroad
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Colebrookdale 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 Boyertown.
Rally Takes the Train
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Reviving the Secret Valley Line through Pennsylvania's iron country
The Colebrookdale Railroad, known as the Secret Valley Line and to locals simply as The Colebrookdale, runs between Boyertown in Berks County and Pottstown in Montgomery County on former Reading Company track. The valley it follows was once home to pioneers and patriots and is, in the railroad's words, the oldest ironmaking region in the New World, a place where Native peoples and settlers from many nations mixed cultures and crafts from colonial days on.
The line is run by the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission reaches well beyond train rides. The Trust uses the railroad to teach restoration and job skills, including through a program for at-risk young people, to offer school curriculum on the region's history and nature, and to connect people of all ages and abilities with the outdoors. It is funded mostly through federal, state and community grants, the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, donations and ticket sales.
The Trust says it gives 100 percent of profits from special events to local causes and provides thousands of free train rides. Its staff and volunteers have restored passenger cars to the look of the golden age of railroading, and the railroad has even published children's books based on its own history, starting with the story of Pennsylvania Cabin Car 477768.
Edwardian cars, dining class and a quiet valley
Trains board at the Boyertown Rail Yard, with parking at 64 South Washington Street. Inside, the restored Edwardian-era cars are the show: dining cars serve brunch, lunch or dinner on select excursions, first-class cars include a complimentary glass of beer, wine or soda, and coach passengers can buy snacks from an a la carte menu. Out the window, the Secret Valley rolls by in farm fields and woods, especially popular in fall foliage season.
Excursions run from one-hour rides, like the Autumn Cider and Donuts Express, to two-hour dinner trains. Railbikes, pedal-powered rides on the rails, depart from a separate location at Glasgow Grove, 1410 Old Glasgow Street in Pottstown. The railroad's gift shop has a Kids Zone with train gear for young fans.
Don’t miss
- The restored Edwardian-era carsThe railroad's century-old passenger cars have been carefully restored to recreate the golden age of rail travel.
- Dining ClassOn select excursions, brunch, lunch or dinner is served on board while the train rolls through the valley.
- Pennsylvania Cabin Car 477768The little cabin car stars in the railroad's own children's book, The BIG Adventures of a Little Cabin Car, with free lesson plans for kindergarten through grade 4.
- Santa's Polar Bear ExpressThe railroad's most popular trip, a one-hour holiday ride with Santa through the Secret Valley.
- Railbikes at Glasgow GroveA separate way to ride the line, pedaling on the rails from the Pottstown end.
Cider, Santa and a cabin car story
Families with young children often pick the one-hour trips, like the Autumn Cider and Donuts Express, where every passenger gets cider and a donut, or Santa's Polar Bear Express. On the 90-minute 'Twas the Night Before Christmas trip, kids ride in pajamas while one of Santa's Helpers reads the poem, and Santa is said to appear with a gift for every child.
Before or after your ride, download the railroad's free materials for The BIG Adventures of a Little Cabin Car, which include coloring pages and brain games for kindergarten through grade 4. Note that the Chestnut Street lot is not ADA accessible and has no direct walkway to the station, so park at South Washington Street.
Plan your visit: tips for Colebrookdale Railroad
- All trains board from the Boyertown Rail Yard unless noted otherwise.
- Email info@colebrookdalerailroad.com if no one answers the phone; the railroad says staffing is short.
- Railbikes leave from Glasgow Grove in Pottstown, not Boyertown.
- Read the railroad's FAQ page before a first ride.
- Gift cards in any amount are sold online.
Holidays are the Colebrookdale's busiest season. Santa's Polar Bear Express, its most popular trip, is a one-hour ride with Santa, while the Winter Wonderland Adventure pairs dinner in Dining Class with a gift from Santa for every child, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a 90-minute pajama ride with a reading of the poem. Fall brings cider trains, foliage tours and Autumn Splendor dining trips. See our guide to Christmas train rides in Pennsylvania to compare options.
The Preservation Trust and its volunteers
The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, runs the railroad with staff and volunteers who have put countless hours into its cars and programs. It welcomes volunteer, group, charter and donation inquiries by email, and every ticket, gift card and gift shop purchase helps fund restoration, education and job training in the valley.
Other rail outings from Boyertown
Pennsylvania Live Steamers in Collegeville is about 13 miles away. The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg, about 24 miles off, tells the story of the railroad whose old track the Colebrookdale uses, and the West Chester Railroad is about 26 miles south. See our complete Pennsylvania list for more.
- Pennsylvania Live SteamersCollegeville, PA · about 13 mi
- Reading & Northern RailroadPort Clinton / Jim Thorpe, PA · about 16 mi
- Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical SocietyPennsylvania collections, PA · about 18 mi
- Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern RailroadKempton, PA · about 24 mi
- Reading Railroad Heritage MuseumHamburg, PA · about 24 mi
- West Chester RailroadWest Chester, PA · about 26 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
One family reviewing their holiday ride here mentioned that everyone on board, from the servers to the Conductor to Santa, seemed happy in their roles. That warmth is what I wanted for Mr. Conductor in our book, the man in the blue uniform who holds out a hand to help Rally aboard. I also love that this railroad wrote its own picture book about a little cabin car. You can read how ours came to be on our story page.
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
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
- Train museums in Pennsylvania: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Pennsylvania
- Halloween train rides in Pennsylvania
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Colebrookdale 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
- Colebrookdale Railroad official website(opens in a new tab)
- Colebrookdale Railroad on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
- Colebrookdale Railroad on Instagram(opens in a new tab)
- Colebrookdale Railroad on YouTube(opens in a new tab)
- Colebrookdale Railroad on TikTok(opens in a new tab)
- Colebrookdale Railroad on Tripadvisor(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Colebrookdale Railroad: 20 questions riders ask
How much are Colebrookdale Railroad tickets?
As of October 2026, prices depend on the excursion and class of service. The Autumn Cider and Donuts Express starts at $50, the Fall Foliage Tour at $40, Santa's Polar Bear Express at $55, and dinner trains range up to about $122. Book at colebrookdalerailroad.com, where each trip lists its fares.
Does the Colebrookdale Railroad have senior ticket prices?
Senior fares are not listed in the information we reviewed; posted prices are shown per excursion and class. Email info@colebrookdalerailroad.com or call (610) 367-0200 to ask about senior pricing before you book, and check the FAQ page on the railroad's website.
What is the Colebrookdale Railroad schedule?
The railroad runs scheduled excursions rather than a daily timetable, and its excursion calendar lists every trip. As of October 2026, fall options include the Autumn Cider and Donuts Express, Autumn Splendor dining trains and Fall Foliage Tours, with holiday trains following. Check colebrookdalerailroad.com for today's trains.
Where is the Colebrookdale Railroad station?
Trains board from the Boyertown Rail Yard, with parking at 64 South Washington Street, Boyertown, PA 19512. From Route 100, head west on Route 73 into Boyertown, turn left on Washington Street, go one block, and the parking entrance is on the right.
Where does the Colebrookdale Railroad go?
The Colebrookdale runs on the Secret Valley Line between Boyertown in Berks County and Pottstown in Montgomery County, on former Reading Company track. The route passes through farmland and woods in what the railroad calls the oldest ironmaking region in the New World.
How long is the Colebrookdale Railroad ride?
It depends on the trip. The Autumn Cider and Donuts Express and Santa's Polar Bear Express last about one hour, Fall Foliage Tours and brunch or lunch trains about 90 minutes, and dinner trains about two hours. Each excursion page lists its length.
Where do I park for the Colebrookdale Railroad?
Park at the railroad's facility at 64 South Washington Street, Boyertown, unless a parking attendant directs you elsewhere. The Chestnut Street lot has no direct walkway to Boyertown Station, the ground is uneven, and it is not ADA accessible. Railbike riders park at Glasgow Grove in Pottstown.
What is the Colebrookdale Railroad phone number?
The phone number is (610) 367-0200, answered Monday to Friday during office hours. The railroad says staffing shortages mean someone is not always available, and that email to info@colebrookdalerailroad.com is the most reliable way to reach it.
Does the Colebrookdale Railroad have a Christmas train?
Yes, several. Santa's Polar Bear Express is the most popular, a one-hour ride with Santa from $55. The Winter Wonderland Adventure includes dinner and a gift from Santa for every child, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a 90-minute pajama ride with a reading of the poem. Book early.
What events does the Colebrookdale Railroad have coming up?
As of October 2026, upcoming trips include the Autumn Cider and Donuts Express, Autumn Splendor brunch, lunch and dinner trains, and the Fall Foliage Tour, followed by Santa's Polar Bear Express, the Winter Wonderland Adventure, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and the Snowflake Special. The excursion calendar has dates.
Does the Colebrookdale Railroad have a steam locomotive?
Steam service is not described in the information we reviewed. The railroad's materials focus on its restored century-old passenger cars and its excursions. To ask about locomotives and any steam plans, email info@colebrookdalerailroad.com or check the Train Cars page on the railroad's website.
What is the Colebrookdale Railroad roster?
The railroad's website has a Train Cars page describing its equipment, which includes restored Edwardian-era passenger cars, dining cars, first-class and coach cars, and Pennsylvania Cabin Car 477768. A full roster, including any special cars fans ask about by name, was not in the information we reviewed.
Does the Colebrookdale Railroad run a 1920s themed train ride?
A 1920s themed excursion was not listed in the information we reviewed, but the railroad's lineup changes through the year. Check the excursion calendar at colebrookdalerailroad.com or the railroad's Facebook page for themed trips, and ask about first-class and dining options for special occasions.
What is the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust?
The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the railroad. It is funded mainly by grants, the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, donations and ticket sales, and it runs education and workforce programs alongside the trains, including restoration skills training.
Is the Colebrookdale Railroad good for kids?
Yes. One-hour trips like the cider train and Santa's Polar Bear Express suit young children, and the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas ride invites kids in pajamas. The railroad also offers free lesson materials, coloring pages and games for its children's book about Cabin Car 477768.
Does the Colebrookdale Railroad serve food on board?
Yes. Dining Class excursions serve brunch, lunch or dinner on select trips, first-class tickets include a complimentary glass of beer, wine or soda, and coach passengers can order snacks from an a la carte menu. Each excursion page notes whether a meal is included.
Where do Colebrookdale Railroad railbikes depart?
Railbikes depart from the railroad's Glasgow Grove location at 1410 Old Glasgow Street, Pottstown, PA 19464, not from Boyertown. There is a parking lot at Glasgow Grove. Check the Railbikes page on the railroad's website for current dates and prices.
Are there Colebrookdale Railroad reviews or complaints I should know about?
Reviews the railroad shares from Tripadvisor praise the restored cars, friendly staff and holiday decorations. The most common practical issue the railroad itself flags is that phones are not always answered because of staffing shortages, so email info@colebrookdalerailroad.com for the fastest reply.
How can I volunteer or donate to the Colebrookdale Railroad?
The railroad accepts volunteer, group, charter and employment inquiries by email through its contact page, and takes donations online. Charitable groups can also request donations from the railroad at least 30 days before their event. Gift cards are another way to support the trains.
What train attractions are near the Colebrookdale Railroad?
Pennsylvania Live Steamers in Collegeville is about 13 miles away, the Reading and Northern Railroad about 16 miles, and the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern Railroad and Reading Railroad Heritage Museum about 24 miles. The West Chester Railroad is about 26 miles away.
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