Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum, Maryland
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesTrains run on scheduled days and special events; check the event calendar
The Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum runs excursion trains over the same trackbed the Pennsylvania Railroad's Frederick branch opened in 1872, past an old lime kiln and out into Maryland farm country, with a railroad museum beside the station.
- Trackbed first opened in 1872
- About 6.7 miles of heritage line
- Collection of small critter locomotives
- Caboose playhouse in the museum
- Santa and Easter trains
- Free parking by the station
Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum at a glance
- Hours
- Trains and museum operate on scheduled excursion and event days; see the event calendar
- Admission
- Fares vary by excursion and event; see the Train Fares page
- Train rides
- Scenic excursions of about 1 hour 10 minutes in vintage coaches and open-air cars, plus themed event trains
- Seasonal events
- Santa Trains, Easter Trains, Evening mystery trains, Steam weekends, Wild West Express, Civil War reenactors
- Plan for
- About 2 hours including the ride
- Best for
- Families wanting a real train ride near Frederick
- Best ages
- Toddlers to age 10
- Parking
- Free parking in the grassy lot by the station, with gravel overflow across the street and behind the museum; room for coach buses
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address34 West Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville, MD 21793(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(301) 898-0899
- Emailadmin@wsrr.org
- Alsomusdir@wsrr.org
- Alsojosh@wsrr.org
- Websitewsrr.org(opens in a new tab)
Follow Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum? 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 Walkersville.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Bringing trains back to the Pennsylvania Railroad's Frederick branch
When the railroad first opened through Walkersville in 1872, it gave farm families a way into Frederick in one direction and out toward Woodsboro in the other. The line later became a secondary branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and its depot, tool house and other buildings date from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Walkersville Southern Railroad formed in the early 1990s to run excursion trains over part of that former PRR trackage, which is now owned by the State of Maryland. Its heritage line covers about 6.72 miles, from milepost 60.0 south of Woodsboro to milepost 66.72 just north of where Maryland Route 26 meets U.S. Route 15 near Frederick, using the old Pennsylvania Railroad milepost numbers. Riders see many of the same views passengers saw 150 years ago.
Alongside the trains, the group runs the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum in an early 20th century brick commercial building near the station. Its exhibits show railroad artifacts and how the railroad shaped the local community, and its members are at work on a renovation campaign and ongoing restoration projects to keep the PRR branch line's story alive for future generations.
The depot, the yard and the ride out to farm country
After parking, head to the circa 1880 station to check in or buy excursion tickets, then explore the buildings and the yard until boarding time. Most of the equipment dates from the 1920s through the 1940s. The standard scenic ride is listed at about an hour and 10 minutes, in vintage 1920s passenger coaches or on an open-air flatcar, rolling past a lime kiln more than a century old and into farm country.
The railroad specializes in collecting "critters": small industrial and light-duty switching locomotives under 100 tons. It has about a dozen, from a GE 25-tonner up to a 65-ton GE, with the oldest a 1939 Davenport and the newest a 1960 Plymouth, and it especially values its Pennsylvania Railroad pieces. The museum is generally open whenever trains are running; look for the "Come In" sign on the door, which stays closed to keep the temperature steady.
Don’t miss
- The excursion rideAbout an hour and 10 minutes over 1872 trackbed, past a century-old lime kiln and out into Frederick County farm fields.
- The open-air flatcarRiding in the open is a favorite on mild days and gives kids the best view of the countryside.
- Locomotive #1The small #1 locomotive is one place parents can set children on the running board for a photo.
- The critter collectionAbout a dozen small switchers, from a 1939 Davenport to a 1960 Plymouth, including Pennsylvania Railroad pieces.
- The station and tool houseTurn-of-the-century railroad buildings that set the scene before you board.
- The caboose playhouseBuilt inside the museum for children to play in while adults look at the exhibits.
Open cars, caboose photos and a playhouse
Kids can ride in a vintage coach or out on the open flatcar, and before boarding, parents may lift them onto the running board of the small #1 locomotive or the ends of the cabooses for photos. Inside the museum, a caboose playhouse was built just for children, so grown-ups can look at the exhibits while little ones play nearby.
The yard is gravel with real rails, so hold small hands, step over the rails rather than on them, and do not climb on equipment without permission. Museum exhibits are not hands-on unless a sign invites you to touch.
Plan your visit: tips for Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum
- Check in at the station first if you have tickets, then explore the yard until boarding.
- On busy days, watch for Lot Full signs and use the parking behind the brick museum building.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the gravel yard.
- Gift cards and charters are available through the website.
- Email admin@wsrr.org for schedule, fare and lost item questions.
Throughout the year the railroad runs themed trains, including Easter Trains, evening mystery trains, the Wild West Express and Civil War reenactor weekends, along with three weekends of steam locomotive operation. In December, Santa Trains are a family favorite; add them to your list of Christmas train rides in Maryland, and check the event calendar for dates and tickets.
Volunteers on the trains and in the museum
The Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum is a nonprofit run with the help of trained volunteers, who are coordinated through a volunteer and training program. You can support it by riding, buying a gift card, becoming a member (members get updates on renovations and restorations), donating to the renovation campaign, or volunteering.
More Maryland rail stops near Walkersville
The Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum in Union Bridge is about 11 miles away. The Brunswick Heritage Museum is about 19 miles south, and the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum about 23 miles west. Browse train museums in Maryland for more ideas.
- Western Maryland Railway Historical Society MuseumUnion Bridge, MD · about 11 mi
- Brunswick Heritage MuseumBrunswick, MD · about 19 mi
- Hagerstown Roundhouse MuseumHagerstown, MD · about 23 mi
- Frederick Railroad Museum / historic rail collectionFrederick area, MD · about 25 mi
- Gaithersburg Community MuseumGaithersburg, MD · about 25 mi
- National Capital Trolley MuseumColesville, MD · about 32 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Out past the old lime kiln, the Walkersville train rolls into open farm fields, and I can picture little noses on the glass watching for cows and birds. Rally has his own window moment in our book: he looks out an arched train window at the ocean and says hello to a white bird. It's my favorite quiet page, and the one my kids are learning to read on their own.
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 Maryland: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Maryland
- Halloween train rides in Maryland
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum?
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
- Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum official website(opens in a new tab)
- Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
- Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum on Instagram(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.
Walkersville Southern Railroad: 20 questions riders ask
What is the Walkersville Southern Railroad?
The Walkersville Southern Railroad is a heritage railroad and museum in Walkersville, Maryland, about five miles north of Frederick. It runs excursion trains over trackbed the railroad first used in 1872, on a former Pennsylvania Railroad secondary line, and operates a railroad museum in a brick building near the station.
What is the Walkersville Southern Railroad schedule?
The railroad runs excursions on scheduled days and special event trains through the year, rather than daily service. Dates and departure times are posted on the event calendar at wsrr.org, which is the place to check before you go. For schedule questions, email admin@wsrr.org or call 301-898-0899.
Is the Walkersville Southern Railroad running today?
The quickest way to check today's trains is the event calendar and ticket page at wsrr.org, since the railroad operates on scheduled days and events. If no excursion appears for today, the trains and museum are likely not running. Call 301-898-0899 or check the railroad's Facebook page for same-day updates.
What are the Walkersville Southern Railroad hours?
The railroad does not keep daily hours. The station opens for check-in ahead of each scheduled excursion, and the museum is generally open whenever trains are running; look for the Come In sign on its door. Check the event calendar at wsrr.org for this season's operating days.
How much are Walkersville Southern Railroad tickets?
Fares vary by excursion and event, and current prices are posted on the Train Fares and Purchase Tickets pages at wsrr.org. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the station if seats remain. Gift cards are also sold through the website, which makes a ride an easy present.
Is there a Walkersville Southern Railroad offer code?
The railroad does not post discount or offer codes on its website. Watch its Facebook and Instagram pages for announcements, or become a member, since members receive exclusive updates on events. For questions about group pricing or charters, email admin@wsrr.org.
How long is the Walkersville Southern Railroad train ride?
The standard scenic ride is listed at about one hour and 10 minutes. Plan on about two hours total so you have time to check in at the station, look at the locomotives and cabooses in the yard, and visit the museum before or after your trip.
What will I see on the Walkersville Southern Railroad train ride?
The train runs over the same trackbed used when the railroad opened in 1872, past a lime kiln more than 100 years old and out into Maryland farm country. You ride in vintage 1920s passenger cars or on an open flatcar, and see many of the same sights passengers saw 150 years ago.
Is there a Walkersville Southern Railroad route map?
The heritage line runs about 6.72 miles, from milepost 60.0 south of Woodsboro to milepost 66.72 just north of the intersection of Maryland Route 26 and U.S. Route 15 near Frederick, using old Pennsylvania Railroad milepost numbering. The station is off Biggs Ford Road, about two miles east of Route 15.
Does the Walkersville Southern Railroad have a Christmas train?
Yes. Santa Trains run during the holiday season and are among the railroad's most popular events. Dates and tickets are posted on the event calendar at wsrr.org, usually well ahead of December, and seats can go quickly. Buy online early if you have a particular date in mind.
What special event trains does the Walkersville Southern Railroad run?
Besides Santa Trains, the railroad runs Easter Trains, evening mystery trains, a Wild West Express, weekends with Civil War reenactors, and three weekends of steam locomotive operation each year. Its website also offers charters for private groups. Check the events page for this year's lineup.
What is in the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum?
The museum, in an early 20th century commercial building, has educational exhibits of railroad artifacts and the railroad's impact on the local community, plus a caboose playhouse for children. Exhibits are not hands-on unless a sign invites you to touch. The museum is generally open when excursions are running.
What locomotives does the Walkersville Southern Railroad have?
The railroad specializes in critters, small industrial switching locomotives under 100 tons. It has about a dozen, from a GE 25-tonner to a 65-ton GE, mostly built in the 1930s and 1940s. The oldest is a 1939 Davenport and the newest a 1960 Plymouth, and Pennsylvania Railroad pieces are especially valued.
Is Walkersville Southern Railroad locomotive 8 still running?
The railroad does not post a public, engine-by-engine roster of which locomotives are in service. It owns about a dozen small switchers, and which engine pulls a train varies by day. If you are hoping to ride behind a particular number, email admin@wsrr.org before you buy tickets.
Is the Walkersville Southern Railroad good for young kids?
Yes. Kids can ride in vintage coaches or on the open flatcar, pose on the running board of the small #1 locomotive or the ends of the cabooses for photos, and play in the caboose playhouse in the museum. The yard is gravel with rails, so keep little ones close.
Where do I park for the Walkersville Southern Railroad?
Parking is free in the grassy lot next to the station, with more gravel parking across the street and behind the brick museum building. Follow the signs to train parking, and on busy days watch for Lot Full signs. Coach buses can use the grassy lot or the larger area behind the museum.
How do I get to the Walkersville Southern Railroad?
The railroad is about five miles north of Frederick off U.S. Route 15, roughly 50 miles from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. From Route 15 north of Frederick, turn right onto Biggs Ford Road and continue about 2.2 miles to the station and parking on the right.
What do reviews say about the Walkersville Southern Railroad?
The ride itself, through Frederick County farm country in vintage coaches or an open-air car, is the main draw, and the railroad pitches it for both family outings and a night out for two. You can read current visitor reviews on the railroad's Facebook page and on travel sites. The railroad's Facebook and Instagram pages also share recent photos of its trains, events and restoration work.
How can I volunteer at the Walkersville Southern Railroad?
The railroad trains volunteers to help with operations, the museum and restoration projects. Contact its Volunteer Coordinator at josh@wsrr.org with questions about volunteering or training. You can also support it by becoming a member or donating to the renovation campaign through the website.
What train museums are near the Walkersville Southern Railroad?
The Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum in Union Bridge is about 11 miles away. The Brunswick Heritage Museum is about 19 miles, the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum about 23 miles, and the Gaithersburg Community Museum about 25 miles from Walkersville.
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