Wilmington & Western Railroad, Delaware

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Wilmington, Delaware · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesTrains run mainly on weekends, with special event trains through the year

The Wilmington & Western Railroad carries passengers through the Red Clay Valley on a branch line chartered in 1867, behind steam locomotives more than a century old, and it has been doing so as a volunteer-powered tourist railroad since 1966.

  • Line chartered in 1867
  • Tourist trains since 1966
  • 1907 Baldwin and 1909 Alco steam
  • 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug
  • Run largely by volunteers
  • Year-round family event trains

Wilmington & Western Railroad at a glance

Hours
Trains run mainly on weekends; see the online schedule. Business office Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission
Fares vary by train and event; buy tickets through the online schedule
Train rides
Steam, diesel and Doodlebug excursions through the Red Clay Valley, mostly on weekends
Seasonal events
Easter Bunny Express, Santa trains, Autumn Leaf Specials, Summer craft beer evening trains, Sunday picnic trains
Plan for
Half a day, including boarding and the ride
Best for
Families with young kids and steam fans
Best ages
Toddlers to grandparents

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

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Wilmington & 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 Wilmington.

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.

From mill freight to the Landenberg Branch to a volunteer railroad

The Wilmington & Western was chartered in 1867 to haul goods from the water-powered mills along Red Clay Creek down to the Port of Wilmington. It opened for freight and passengers on October 19, 1872, running three passenger trains and a mixed freight six days a week over nearly 20 miles of track between downtown Wilmington and Landenberg, Pennsylvania. Construction debts sent it into foreclosure in 1877, and new owners reorganized it as the Delaware Western, which did well moving kaolin clay, vulcanized fiber, snuff, iron and coal for the mills.

In the 1880s the Baltimore & Philadelphia, a Baltimore & Ohio subsidiary, bought the line. As the B&O's Landenberg Branch it was for a time the railroad's most profitable branch, and the resort park at Brandywine Springs filled summer trains with families escaping the heat. The park closed in 1923, passenger service ended on September 28, 1930, and as trucks took freight the branch was cut back to Southwood in the early 1940s and to Hockessin in the late 1950s.

In the 1960s Thomas C. Marshall Jr. and a group of local rail enthusiasts formed Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc. Beginning in 1966 they leased the tracks from the B&O on weekends and ran steam-powered tourist trains between Greenbank Station and Mt. Cuba. When the Chessie System filed to abandon the line in the mid-1970s, the group started raising money at once, and in August 1982 it bought the remaining 10.2 miles of the Landenberg Branch. The railroad is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and staff and volunteers still give countless hours each year so that future generations can know the history, industry and beauty of the Red Clay Valley.

Antique coaches, steam whistles and the Red Clay Creek

A visit here is a ride. You board antique passenger coaches, former Lackawanna and Pennsylvania Railroad cars, pulled by one of the railroad's coal-burning steam locomotives or an early-generation diesel, and roll out through the farms, woods and creek crossings of the Red Clay Valley. Most trains are pulled by the diesels, one of which has spent its whole working life in this valley, so check the schedule if you have your heart set on steam.

The steam fleet includes a 1907 0-6-0 switcher built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and a 1909 4-4-0 American built by Alco. Some trips use the 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug, a self-propelled railcar with plush seats and a polished wood interior, and little red cabooses round out the collection. Many of the railroad's pieces are more than 100 years old, and the equipment page tells the story behind each one.

Don’t miss

  1. The 1909 Alco 4-4-0 AmericanBuilt by Alco in 1909, this 4-4-0 is the passenger-style engine of the railroad's steam pair and burns coal like its Baldwin partner.
  2. The 1907 Baldwin 0-6-0 switcherA sturdy yard engine from the Baldwin Locomotive Works, still pulling passengers more than a century after it was built.
  3. The 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad DoodlebugPart locomotive and part passenger coach, the railroad calls this self-propelled car its most unusual piece of equipment.
  4. The little red caboosesThe railroad explains why cabooses mattered so much to the crews who once rode at the back of freight trains.
  5. Crossing Red Clay CreekThe line follows the creek that once powered the valley's mills, and the railroad's own photos often show engines crossing it.

Bunny trains, Santa trains and a steam whistle in the woods

The railroad's whole calendar is built around families. The Easter Bunny Express is a favorite with young riders and grandparents alike, the Santa trains are a December tradition, and summer Sunday picnic trips let you pack a lunch and make a day of it. Visitors often mention how friendly the volunteer crews are with kids, from helping families find seats to snapping group photos.

Trips are a comfortable length for little ones, long enough to feel like an adventure without testing patience. Coaches are antique cars, so expect steps up into the train. The railroad also runs an Office and Education Center on Railroad Avenue, a sign that teaching kids about the valley is part of its mission.

Plan your visit: tips for Wilmington & Western Railroad

  • Buy tickets online through the schedule page; seating is assigned by reservation.
  • To add people to an existing reservation, call the business office so your group sits together.
  • The contact form is not monitored evenings or weekends, so ask ticket questions early in the week.
  • Boarding is at the station on Newport Gap Pike (Route 41 North); the office is on Railroad Avenue.
  • Read the Ask the Conductor FAQ page before you call.

Special trains fill the Wilmington & Western calendar all year. Santa rides along on festive December trips, the Easter Bunny Express brings spring crowds, and Autumn Leaf Specials roll through the Red Clay Valley at peak color. Holiday trains are popular, so book early, and see our guides to Christmas train rides in Delaware and Halloween train rides in Delaware for more seasonal outings.

Historic Red Clay Valley and its volunteer crews

The railroad is owned and run by Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc., a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and interpret the natural, cultural and railroad heritage of northern Delaware. Volunteers do everything from running the trains to fixing the track, and the railroad says it can always use more help. You can support it by riding, becoming a member, donating, or signing up to volunteer, and local businesses help as corporate members.

More rail history around the Red Clay Valley

The Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights is about 6 miles away and adds Stanley steam cars and a miniature coal-fired railroad to a steam-themed day. Across the state line, the West Chester Railroad is about 16 miles off, and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg is about 33 miles. For the full list, see train museums in Delaware.

Every train museum in Delaware

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.

The Wilmington & Western follows Red Clay Creek, and I can imagine Rally with his nose pressed to the glass of one of those old coaches, watching the water slide by. In our book he gazes out an arched window at the ocean and says hello to a white bird. Different water, same happy little face. I made a coloring page of that window moment for kids who love the view as much as he does.

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 Wilmington & 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.

Wilmington & Western Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The Wilmington & Western Railroad runs through the Red Clay Valley just west of Wilmington, Delaware. Trains board at the station at 2201 Newport Gap Pike (Route 41 North), Wilmington, DE 19808. The business office and education center is a separate stop at 1601 Railroad Avenue, so set your GPS for the Newport Gap Pike address on ride day.

What is the Wilmington and Western Railroad schedule?

Trains run primarily on weekends, with special event trains spread through the year, including holiday, spring and fall foliage trips. The railroad posts its full all-trains schedule on its website, where you can also buy tickets for each run. Check the schedule before you go, since departure times and power change by event.

Is the Wilmington and Western Railroad running today?

That depends on the day. Trains mostly run on weekends and on special event dates, not daily. The quickest way to check is the schedule page at wwrr.com, which lists every upcoming train. Note that the business office only answers questions Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, so a weekend inquiry may not get a reply in time.

How much are Wilmington and Western Railroad tickets?

Fares depend on the train and the event, so the railroad lists prices on each run in its online schedule rather than one flat rate. Holiday and themed trains are priced separately from regular excursions. Group fares are also offered. Buy tickets online through wwrr.com, or call the business office at (302) 998-1930 on a weekday with questions.

Does the Wilmington and Western Railroad have a Christmas train?

Yes. Santa trains are part of the railroad's yearly event lineup, with festive rides through the Red Clay Valley in the holiday season. These are among the busiest trains of the year, so book as soon as dates appear on the schedule page. If you plan to meet another family on board, reserve together or call the office to be seated as a group.

Can you have a birthday party on the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The railroad does not post a set birthday party package online. It does offer group fares and assigned seating, which work well for a party riding together. Call the business office at (302) 998-1930, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, or use the contact form at wwrr.com to ask about options for your date.

What is Wilmington and Western Railroad engine 98?

Engine 98 is one of the railroad's locomotives, shown on its site crossing Red Clay Creek with Engine 58. The steam fleet includes a 1907 0-6-0 switcher built by Baldwin and a 1909 4-4-0 American built by Alco. The railroad's equipment page gives the full story and history of each locomotive in service.

What is Wilmington and Western Railroad number 92?

The railroad does not describe a number 92 on its main pages. Its roster is made up of two antique steam locomotives, several early-generation diesels, a 1929 Doodlebug railcar, Lackawanna and Pennsylvania Railroad coaches, and cabooses. For details on a specific engine number, see the equipment section at wwrr.com or ask through the contact form.

What are the Wilmington and Western Railroad reviews like?

Riders consistently praise the friendly volunteer crew, the scenery and the pace of the ride. Reviewers mention grandkids enjoying the Easter Bunny Express, families packing a lunch to make a day of it, and staff taking group photos. Several call it one of the friendliest railroads on the East Coast. You can read more on its TripAdvisor and Google listings.

Is there any Wilmington and Western Railroad controversy or news?

The railroad does not post any controversy on its own site. For current news, such as schedule changes, new events or equipment updates, its Facebook page and website are the best sources. Signing up for its email list through wwrr.com is another way to hear about announcements and new trains before they sell out.

Where can I see Wilmington and Western Railroad photos?

The railroad shares photos of its trains on its website, Facebook page and Instagram account, including scenes of locomotives crossing Red Clay Creek. TripAdvisor reviewers also post their own pictures from rides. A ride itself is the best photo trip, especially on fall foliage runs, when the valley's trees are at their peak color.

Does the Wilmington and Western Railroad use steam locomotives?

Yes, on some trains. The railroad owns a 1907 Baldwin 0-6-0 switcher and a 1909 Alco 4-4-0 American, both coal-burning steam engines. Most trains, though, are pulled by early-generation diesels, and some use the 1929 Doodlebug railcar. If steam matters to you, check which power is listed for your train on the online schedule.

What is the Doodlebug at the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The Doodlebug is a self-propelled 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad railcar that is part locomotive and part passenger coach. Riders sit in plush seats surrounded by a polished wood interior. The railroad calls it its most unusual piece of equipment, and it runs on selected trips, which are marked on the schedule at wwrr.com.

How old is the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The line was chartered in 1867 and opened for freight and passenger service on October 19, 1872. It later became the Baltimore & Ohio's Landenberg Branch. Historic Red Clay Valley began running tourist trains on it in 1966 and bought the remaining 10.2 miles in 1982. The railroad is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Is the Wilmington and Western Railroad good for toddlers?

Yes, it is a popular outing with young children. Rides are a manageable length, the Easter Bunny and Santa trains are aimed at families, and crews are known for being patient and helpful. The antique coaches have steps at boarding, so be ready to lift little ones, and plan to fold strollers before you climb aboard.

Does the Wilmington and Western Railroad offer fall foliage trains?

Yes. Autumn Leaf Specials run through the Red Clay Creek valley when the trees change color, and they are one of the most popular ways to see fall leaves near Wilmington. Dates are set each season, so watch the schedule page and buy early. These trips pair well with a picnic in the valley afterward.

Can I bring a group on the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

Yes. The railroad offers group fares, and seating is by reservation. If you add people after booking, call the business office at (302) 998-1930 so everyone sits together. Groups planning to meet other families on board should coordinate their reservations ahead of time. Weekday calls between 10 am and 4 pm get the quickest answers.

Who runs the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The railroad is owned and operated by Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc., a nonprofit formed in the 1960s by Thomas C. Marshall Jr. and local rail enthusiasts. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the natural, cultural and railroad heritage of northern Delaware. Staff and volunteers run the trains, maintain the equipment and repair the track.

How can I volunteer at the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The railroad welcomes volunteers and says its people do everything from running trains to fixing track. You can sign up through the volunteer page at wwrr.com or check the volunteering box on the contact form. Becoming a member or making a donation are other ways to help keep the Red Clay Valley's trains running.

What train museums are near the Wilmington and Western Railroad?

The Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights in Yorklyn is about 6 miles away and focuses on steam cars and a miniature railroad. In Pennsylvania, the West Chester Railroad is about 16 miles off, and Strasburg, about 33 miles away, has the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the Strasburg Rail Road and the National Toy Train Museum.

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Kelsey Cecil
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