Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, New Jersey

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Phillipsburg, New Jersey · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesWeekend trips May 2 to November 1, 2026; Polar Express in the holiday season

Delaware River Railroad Excursions is a nonprofit living museum of steam railroading, running trains from Phillipsburg along the Delaware River and training volunteers to keep the history of the New York, Susquehanna & Western alive.

  • Run by a nonprofit since 1988
  • Trains along the Delaware River
  • Gem panning at the mine stop
  • Free pumpkin for every child in fall
  • The Polar Express in winter

Delaware River Railroad Excursions at a glance

Hours
Saturdays and Sundays, May 2 to November 1, 2026; trains at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm
Admission
Fares vary by trip; buy online at 877trainride.com (some events carry a separate charge)
Train rides
River Train, Mine Train and Winery Train on weekends May to early November; themed trains in season
Seasonal events
The Polar Express, The Great Pumpkin Train, Dino Days, Easter Bunny Train, Warren County Winery Train, Birthday Trains
Plan for
About 3 to 4 hours with the mine stop
Best for
Families with young kids
Best ages
Ages 2 to 12
Parking
Visitors mention paid parking areas in town (about $10)

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

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Delaware River Railroad Excursions? 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 Phillipsburg.

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.

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

Railfans who built a railroad family in Phillipsburg

The trains are run by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, formed in the fall of 1988 by longtime observers of the Susquehanna railroad who wanted an organization to save its story and the wider railroad history of New Jersey. The society grew to more than 500 members from 25 states, with members at times in Canada, England, Germany and New Zealand. It is a New Jersey nonprofit educational organization and a 501(c)(3).

The society calls its excursions a living museum of steam railroading. Volunteers come from every background, mechanics and professors and corporate executives among them, and the society says you can arrive with no railroad experience and leave as a train engineer. Its training is built to meet federal railroad rules, and many volunteers have gone on to railroad careers. The society also runs the Maywood Station division, which it holds up as its model of historical restoration.

Today the excursions draw more than 100,000 visitors a year to more than 10 different events over 15-plus scenic miles, and 2026 marks the operation's 22nd year. Trips run along the route of the old Bel-Del, as Phillipsburg's tourism office calls it, from Phillipsburg south toward Riegelsville.

River views, a gem mine and the old lime kilns

Trains leave from 38 Market Street in Phillipsburg and roll south along the Delaware River. The River Train runs to the riverside hamlet of Riegelsville, and many trips stop at the Susquehanna Mining Company at Snyders Station, where riders learn about placer mining and pan for gemstones to take home. The mine site has a gift shop, picnic grove and lawn games such as horseshoes, checkers, tetherball and cornhole, with a stay of about one hour and fifty minutes.

Watch for the Carpentersville Lime Kilns, which the railroad says are the oldest and largest left in New Jersey and date to before the Revolutionary War; the fall pumpkin patch sits in a glade right in front of them. Phillipsburg's tourism office highlights New York Susquehanna & Western No. 142, a Class SY 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive built in 1989 in China, and the railroad's photos feature engine No. 811 at work.

Don’t miss

  1. The Susquehanna Mining CompanyThe mine stop where kids pan for gemstones to keep, with a mine tour, picnic grove and lawn games.
  2. Carpentersville Lime KilnsPre-Revolutionary kilns the railroad calls the oldest and largest left in New Jersey, right beside the pumpkin patch.
  3. NYS&W No. 142A Chinese-built 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive from 1989, highlighted by Phillipsburg's tourism office.
  4. The River Train to RiegelsvilleThe signature ride, following the Delaware River south to a small riverside town.
  5. The Warren County Winery TrainAn adults-focused trip that adds tastings and a tour at a local winery.

Panning for gems, picking pumpkins

This railroad is built for kids. At the mine stop they pan for gemstones to bring home and play lawn games in the picnic grove. From September 19 to November 1, every train becomes The Great Pumpkin Train, and every child can hop off at the pumpkin patch on the way back and pick a pumpkin for free. On fall trains families can also spend about two hours at the mine and corn maze.

Dino Days add a dinosaur show with real fossils, a ventriloquist, fossil panning and a dinosaur exploration maze. Visitors mention a gift shop car on the train where kids can buy train whistles. The cars do not have air conditioning, so plan for fans and open windows on hot days.

Plan your visit: tips for Delaware River Railroad Excursions

  • Buy tickets early; visitors say popular trains sell out.
  • The train has no air conditioning; dress for the weather.
  • There is no station building, so allow time to find the boarding area at 38 Market Street.
  • Bring a bag for the gemstones the kids pan at the mine.

In the holiday season the railroad runs The Polar Express, with night trains along the river that riders describe as magical for children and adults alike. In fall, The Great Pumpkin Train gives every child a free pumpkin from the patch beside the old lime kilns. Compare more Christmas train rides in New Jersey and pumpkin and Halloween train rides in New Jersey.

The NYS&W Technical & Historical Society

Volunteers of the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society run the trains, the mechanical and steam program and the society's Maywood Station division. Anyone can volunteer and be trained, even with no railroad background. Riding, booking a birthday train, buying gift certificates or joining the society all support the work.

Rail history around the Phillipsburg area

The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum is right in town. The Black River & Western Railroad is about 25 miles southeast, and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe is about 31 miles away. See the full list of New Jersey train museums.

Every train museum in New Jersey

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

These trains follow the Delaware River the whole way, and riders talk about the views from the open windows. I always picture a small face at the glass. In our book, Rally gazes out an arched window at the ocean and greets a white bird gliding past, and my kids always wave back. A river is not an ocean, but the wonder looks the same. Find Rally's window scene on our coloring pages.

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 Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

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.

Delaware River Railroad Excursions: 20 questions riders ask

Where do Delaware River Railroad Excursions trains leave from?

The railroad lists its visitor location as 38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865, and some riders search for it by nearby Elizabeth Street. Visitors note there is no station building; on busy holiday nights a large white tent serves as a warming area. Call (877) 872-4674 if you need help finding the boarding area.

What are the Delaware River Railroad Excursions trip times?

As of October 2026, weekend trains run Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm during the season, May 2 to November 1, 2026. Mine trips are listed at 10 am, noon and 2 pm. Holiday trains such as The Polar Express run on their own schedule.

How do I buy Delaware River Railroad Excursions tickets?

Buy tickets online at 877trainride.com, where each trip has its own booking page. Gift certificates are on sale for the 2026 season too. Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge. Riders say popular trains sell out fast, so book ahead rather than counting on a walk-up seat.

Is there a Delaware River Railroad Excursions discount code?

The railroad does not post a public discount code on its website. Watch its Facebook and Instagram pages, where specials and new dates are announced, or sign up for its updates. Gift certificates are available if you want to give a trip as a present.

Does Delaware River Railroad Excursions run The Polar Express?

Yes. The Polar Express train ride runs in the holiday season from Phillipsburg, with night trips along the river. Riders describe it as a magical experience for both children and adults, with a friendly, fun crew. Dates and tickets are posted on 877trainride.com, and they sell quickly.

What do reviews say about The Polar Express at Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

Riders praise the entertainment and the friendly crew, and describe the trip as magical for kids and grown-ups. Reviewers also advise buying tickets early because they sell out, and mention paid town parking, a warming tent instead of a station, and a food truck nearby.

Is there parking for Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

The railroad does not list its own parking lot. Visitors mention parking areas in town that cost about $10, especially during The Polar Express. Arrive early on event days to find a spot and walk to the boarding area at 38 Market Street.

What is the River Train at Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

The River Train runs from Phillipsburg south along the Delaware River to the riverside hamlet of Riegelsville. It is the railroad's classic scenic trip, running weekends from May 2 to November 1, 2026, with a stop available at the Susquehanna Mining Company.

What is the Susquehanna Mine at Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

The Susquehanna Mining Company is the railroad's mine stop at Snyders Station. Guests tour the mine, learn about placer mining and pan for gemstones to take home. There is a gift shop, picnic grove and lawn games, and the stay lasts about one hour and fifty minutes. Riders often call the mine ride a family favorite.

What is the Warren County Winery Train?

The Warren County Winery Train follows the Delaware River to one of New Jersey's wineries for a tour and tastings. It runs weekends from May 2 to November 1, 2026. Riders have praised the winery visit and the guide. The train has no air conditioning, so dress for warm days.

What is The Great Pumpkin Train?

From September 19 to November 1, every train is The Great Pumpkin Train. Riders can spend about two hours at the mine and corn maze or simply ride, and every train stops at the pumpkin patch on the way home, where each child picks a free pumpkin. The patch sits beside the historic Carpentersville Lime Kilns.

Does Delaware River Railroad Excursions host Day Out With Thomas?

Day Out With Thomas has been part of the railroad's calendar, and its gallery shows Thomas at Lehigh Junction. The event is not listed among the 2026 weekend trips, so check the upcoming events on 877trainride.com or the railroad's Facebook page for any future Thomas dates.

What upcoming events does Delaware River Railroad Excursions offer?

The railroad runs more than 10 events a year. Along with weekend River, Mine and Winery trains, its calendar has included an Easter Bunny Train, Day Out With Thomas, Dino Days, The Great Pumpkin Train and The Polar Express. Check 877trainride.com for this season's dates.

Can I book a birthday party on the Delaware River train?

Yes. Birthday Trains run May through October and include a private birthday car, a mine tour and exclusive use of the party pavilion at the mine. Details are on the Birthday Trains page at 877trainride.com, or call (877) 872-4674 to check dates.

Is Delaware River Railroad Excursions a steam train?

The railroad calls itself a living museum of steam railroading and trains volunteers in a steam program. Phillipsburg's tourism office highlights NYS&W No. 142, a 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive built in 1989 in China. Trips may also use diesels, so ask when booking if steam matters to you.

Who runs Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

The New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society runs the excursions. Formed in 1988, the nonprofit has more than 500 members and also operates the Maywood Station division. Volunteers crew the trains, and the society trains new members to federal railroad standards.

Can I volunteer with Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

Yes. The society welcomes volunteers with or without railroad experience and says you can start with no background and leave a train engineer. Volunteers work in the steam program, mechanical department, train crews and events. Email info@nyswths.org to get started.

Where can I see Delaware River Railroad Excursions photos and reviews?

The railroad's website has a gallery with Polar Express night trains, the pumpkin train, steam action and Thomas, plus rider reviews. More photos are on its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages, and riders also leave reviews on Tripadvisor.

Are there tours at Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

Yes. Mine trips include a tour of the Susquehanna Mining Company and its history, and the Winery Train includes a winery tour with tastings. The River Train is a scenic trip to Riegelsville. Each tour is booked as a trip on 877trainride.com.

What train museums are near Delaware River Railroad Excursions?

The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum is in the same town. The Black River & Western Railroad is about 25 miles away, the New Hope Railroad about 26 miles and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania about 31 miles.

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Kelsey Cecil
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