Winnipesaukee Railway in Meredith, New Hampshire
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesSummer and fall rides from Meredith and Weirs Beach
The Winnipesaukee Railway carries riders along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on track laid in 1848, with departures from Meredith and Weirs Beach and special fall trains from downtown Laconia.
- Track first laid in 1848
- Boards in Meredith and Weirs Beach
- Two-hour lakeshore ride from Meredith
- Rail & Sail combo days
- Private party caboose for 10
- Turkey Dinner Train in fall
Winnipesaukee Railway at a glance
- Hours
- Meredith departures in spring and summer at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm; fall times differ (as posted for 2026)
- Admission
- Check gsscenic.com for current fares; group rates for 20 or more
- Train rides
- 2-hour rides from Meredith, 1-hour rides from Weirs Beach (summer and fall), Pumpkin Festival trains from Laconia
- Seasonal events
- Fireworks Train, Fall Foliage train, Wicked Witch Express, Pumpkin Festival Trains, Turkey Dinner Train, Rail & Sail
- Plan for
- 1 to 2 hours for a regular ride; 5 hours for the Fall Foliage train
- Best for
- Families visiting the Lakes Region
- Best ages
- All ages; one-hour rides for toddlers
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address154 Main Street, Meredith, NH 03253(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(603) 745-2135
- Emailinfo@gsscenic.com
- Websitegsscenic.com/winnipesaukee-railway(opens in a new tab)
Follow Winnipesaukee Railway
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Winnipesaukee Railway? 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 Meredith.
Rally Takes the Train
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A lakeside line that has carried visitors since 1848
In 1848 crews laid 54 miles of track between Tilton and Lincoln, and the Winnipesaukee Railway still rides a stretch of that line along the lake. In its early decades the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad owned it, bringing summer travelers from Boston, Hartford and New York to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. In the early 1900s the Boston & Maine took over and used the route for both passengers and freight, including traffic for the region's paper mills.
As highways spread in the 1950s, passenger trains faded, and when the paper mills closed in the mid-1970s the freight ended too. The State of New Hampshire bought the line and later offered it for lease. Ed and Brenda Clark of Lincoln took that chance, opening the Hobo Railroad in 1987. In 1991 they bought the Winnipesaukee Railway, which gave the family the whole 54-mile route from Tilton to Lincoln. For years the lake trains were known to visitors as the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
In 2024 the operation joined Patriot Rail's family of scenic excursion railroads and the company became the Granite State Railway, with the Winnipesaukee Railway as its Lakes Region line. Rail bikes along Lake Winnisquam in Laconia followed in 2021, and the company says the line now carries more than 175 years of New Hampshire railroad history.
Meredith, Weirs Beach and the shore of Paugus Bay
The main station is at 154 Main Street in Meredith, where the two-hour round trip heads south along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee through Weirs Beach and past Paugus Bay toward Lakeport, then returns on the same track. A second station at 211 Lakeside Avenue in Weirs Beach offers one-hour rides in summer and fall, and in October special trains board in downtown Laconia for the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival.
Beyond the regular rides, the railway pairs its train with a boat trip on the lake for Rail & Sail days, runs a five-hour Fall Foliage train from Meredith through Ashland, and serves a full turkey dinner from Hart's Turkey Farm on select fall evenings. Families celebrating something can book Leo's Party Caboose, a private car for up to 10 guests with tables and its own restroom.
Don’t miss
- The Meredith to Lakeport runThe two-hour trip follows the lake's western shore through Weirs Beach and along Paugus Bay, the railway's signature ride.
- Rail & SailOffered on most operating days, it combines the train with a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee for a full day out.
- Leo's Party CabooseA private two-hour caboose ride for up to 10 people, with seating, tables and a private restroom, made for birthdays and family gatherings.
- Turkey Dinner TrainA two-hour lake ride with roast turkey, stuffing, gravy and warm apple crisp catered by Hart's Turkey Farm on select fall dates.
- Fall Foliage trainA five-hour fall trip from Meredith inland through Ashland, timed for peak color.
Short rides, a caboose party and costumed witches
For young kids the one-hour rides from Weirs Beach are an easy first train trip, and the two-hour Meredith ride suits children who can sit still a bit longer while watching the lake roll by. Leo's Party Caboose turns a birthday into a private train ride, and you can bring your own lunch or order boxed lunches ahead.
In fall, the Pumpkin Festival trains out of Laconia and the Wicked Witch Express, with performances and Halloween fun aboard, give older kids something to look forward to. Bigger kids and teens may also enjoy the four-person rail bikes along Lake Winnisquam in Laconia.
Plan your visit: tips for Winnipesaukee Railway
- Check which station you are booked from: Meredith (2-hour rides) and Weirs Beach (1-hour rides) are separate stops.
- Book Leo's Party Caboose ahead by calling (603) 745-2135.
- Groups of 20 or more get special rates.
- Fireworks Trains are done for 2026; watch the website for next year's dates.
Fall is the railway's busiest season. The Wicked Witch Express fills the cars with witches, performances and spooky surprises, and the Pumpkin Festival trains board in downtown Laconia during the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival. You will find more ideas in our list of Halloween train rides in New Hampshire.
From the Clark family to the Granite State Railway
The Clark family of Lincoln built this business and ran the lake trains for more than three decades before it joined Patriot Rail in 2024 as part of the Granite State Railway. Its staff now runs trains in both the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. Riding, booking a group trip or signing up for the e-newsletter on the railway's website are the best ways to support the line.
The rest of the 1848 line
The railway's sister operation at the north end of the same track is the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, now running as the Granite State Railway. The fall foliage train passes through Ashland, home of the Ashland Railroad Station Museum, and in Lincoln families also like Clark's Bears and the White Mountain Central Railroad. Browse every New Hampshire train museum and ride to plan more.
- Hobo RailroadLincoln, NH · same town
- Clark's Bears / White Mountain Central RailroadLincoln, NH · about 1 mi
- Mount Washington Cog RailwayBretton Woods, NH · about 24 mi
- Ashland Railroad Station MuseumAshland, NH · about 24 mi
- Conway Scenic RailroadNorth Conway, NH · about 27 mi
- Wolfeboro Railroad historic collectionWolfeboro, NH · about 40 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Leo's Party Caboose lets families bring their own lunch aboard, and that made me smile, because packing is Rally's favorite part. Before his trip he tucks his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball into his little suitcase. I can just picture a caboose full of kids, each with a bag of treasures, waiting for the lake to roll by. My kids are learning to read with our favorite 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
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 New Hampshire: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in New Hampshire
- Halloween train rides in New Hampshire
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Winnipesaukee Railway?
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
- Winnipesaukee Railway official website(opens in a new tab)
- Winnipesaukee Railway on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
- Winnipesaukee Railway on Instagram(opens in a new tab)
- Winnipesaukee Railway 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.
Winnipesaukee Railway: 20 questions riders ask
Is the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad the same as the Winnipesaukee Railway?
Yes. The lake trains long known as the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad now run as the Winnipesaukee Railway, part of the Granite State Railway. The operation joined Patriot Rail's scenic excursion railroads in 2024. Tickets and schedules for Meredith, Weirs Beach and Laconia are all on gsscenic.com.
Where is the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad station in Meredith?
The Meredith station is at 154 Main Street, Meredith, New Hampshire 03253, and it is the departure point for the two-hour lakeshore rides, the Turkey Dinner Train and the Fall Foliage train. The company's main office is in Lincoln, at 64 Railroad Street, but Lakes Region rides leave from Meredith or Weirs Beach.
Where is the Winnipesaukee Railway Weirs Beach station?
The Weirs Beach station is at 211 Lakeside Avenue, Weirs Beach, New Hampshire 03247. It offers one-hour train rides in summer and fall, a shorter option than the two-hour trip from Meredith. Make sure your ticket matches the station you plan to drive to.
What do reviews say about the Weirs Beach train ride?
The Weirs Beach ride is the railway's one-hour option, and its appeal is a short, easy trip along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee that fits well with a beach or boardwalk day. For current visitor reviews and photos, the railway's TripAdvisor page is a good place to read recent comments before you book.
What is the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad schedule?
As of October 2026, the Meredith station lists spring and summer departures at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, and September and October departures at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Weirs Beach runs one-hour rides in summer and fall. Special trains have their own times, so check gsscenic.com for your date.
How can I check the Lake Winnipesaukee train schedule for today?
Use the booking calendar on gsscenic.com, which shows the trains running from Meredith, Weirs Beach or Laconia on any given day. You can also call (603) 745-2135. Some trips, such as the Fireworks Trains, are seasonal and may already be finished for the year.
How much are Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad tickets?
The railway sells tickets online through gsscenic.com, where current prices appear for each ride and date. Travel listings have quoted two-hour Meredith fares starting at about $35, but check the official site for this season's prices, which differ for special trains such as the Turkey Dinner Train and Rail & Sail.
Are there discounts on Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad tickets?
The railway offers special group rates for parties of 20 or more, including school trips, reunions and motorcoach tours. Call (603) 745-2135 or email info@gsscenic.com to ask. Other discounts are not posted online, so check gsscenic.com for any current offers.
What route does the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad take?
From Meredith, the two-hour ride travels south along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, through Weirs Beach and along Paugus Bay toward Lakeport, then returns the same way. The five-hour Fall Foliage train heads inland through Ashland. All of it uses the historic 1848 line between Tilton and Lincoln.
Is there a map of the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad?
The railway's website shows its three boarding points rather than a detailed route map: Meredith for two-hour rides, Weirs Beach for one-hour rides and Laconia for Pumpkin Festival trains. The route runs along the western lake shore between Meredith and Lakeport. Call (603) 745-2135 if you need help picking a station.
Where do you park for the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad?
The railway does not post parking details online for its Meredith or Weirs Beach stations. Weirs Beach in particular gets busy in summer, so leave extra time. Call (603) 745-2135 before your trip to ask where riders should park.
What is Rail & Sail on the Winnipesaukee Railway?
Rail & Sail combines a ride on the Winnipesaukee Railway with a boat trip on Lake Winnipesaukee, passing lakeside towns and shoreline. The railway says it is available on most operating days. Book through gsscenic.com and allow most of a day for both parts.
Can you have a birthday party on the Winnipesaukee Railway?
Yes. Leo's Party Caboose in Meredith is a private caboose for up to 10 guests, with tables, seating and a private restroom, on a two-hour ride along the lake and Paugus Bay. Guests can bring lunch or pre-order boxed lunches. Reserve by calling (603) 745-2135.
What is the Turkey Dinner Train on the Winnipesaukee Railway?
It is a two-hour round trip from Meredith with a full turkey dinner catered by Hart's Turkey Farm: roast turkey, stuffing, whipped potato, gravy, butternut squash, rolls, a drink and dessert, with warm apple crisp in fall. It runs on select dates from September to October.
Does the Winnipesaukee Railway have Halloween or fall trains?
Yes. The Wicked Witch Express features witches, performances and Halloween surprises aboard, the Pumpkin Festival trains board in downtown Laconia during the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, and a five-hour Fall Foliage train runs from Meredith. Check gsscenic.com for dates and tickets.
Does the Winnipesaukee Railway run a Christmas train?
No Christmas train is listed on the railway's Lakes Region page as of October 2026; its seasonal specials are summer fireworks trains and fall events. Check gsscenic.com later in the year, or look to its sister Granite State Railway in Lincoln, for any holiday rides.
Is the Winnipesaukee Railway good for toddlers?
Yes, especially the one-hour rides from Weirs Beach, which are short enough for little ones. The two-hour Meredith ride works for kids who are happy to sit and watch the lake. The five-hour Fall Foliage trip is better for older children. Bring snacks and a jacket for breezy days by the water.
What are the Laconia rail bikes?
Laconia Rail Bikes, run by the same company since 2021, are custom four-person rail bikes that ride along the shore of Lake Winnisquam on historic track dating to 1848. They leave from 15 Veterans Square in Laconia. They are a good add-on for active families after a train ride.
What is the history of the Winnipesaukee Railway?
Its track was laid in 1848 as part of a 54-mile line from Tilton to Lincoln, owned first by the Boston, Concord & Montreal and later the Boston & Maine. After the state bought the line, Ed and Brenda Clark opened the Hobo Railroad in 1987 and bought the Winnipesaukee Railway in 1991. Patriot Rail took over in 2024.
What other train rides are near the Winnipesaukee Railway?
Its sister line, the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, now runs as the Granite State Railway on the north end of the same track. The Ashland Railroad Station Museum sits on the Fall Foliage route, and Clark's Bears with its White Mountain Central Railroad is also in Lincoln.
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