Steam Into History Endowment Fund of York County Community Foundation

Northern Central Railway of York is an excursion railroad that makes time travel possible! It’s an authentic experience where you can meet presidents and generals, experience the Wild West, enjoy the spirit of the season any time of year and literally ride along the very rails that helped build and save our nation. It’s a breathtaking journey through gorgeous countryside that brings out the child in all of us.

What Makes Northern Central Railway of York unique?

Authenticity

Northern Central Railway of York (re-branded from Steam Into History) offers riders an authentic experience via a replica Civil War-era steam locomotive as well as a mid-20th century diesel locomotive. The trains follow along the historic Northern Central Railway, which was a critical railroad that helped enable the Union victory in the Civil War and played a major role in the Industrial Revolution, allowing for the transportation of products to wide geographic markets. President Abraham Lincoln rode the NCRR to and from Gettysburg when delivering the Gettysburg Address, and his funeral train passed from Baltimore to York via the NCRR.

Scenery

South-central Pennsylvania’s famed rolling hills frame the unique visual experience of Northern Central Railway, which departs from the historic hamlet of New Freedom and visits places like Hanover Junction Rail Station (where Lincoln switched trains en route to Gettysburg) and captivating towns like Glen Rock. The world’s oldest rail tunnel with active rails, Howard Tunnel, lies along the NCRR tracks, and the nationally-recognized York County Heritage Rail Trail follows along the tracks, offering bikers, joggers, and walkers access to York City in the North and the Mason-Dixon Line in the South, where it connects with Hunt Valley, MD, via the 20-mile Northern Central Railroad Trail. York County is also known for its diverse architecture, evidenced by the 19th-century houses, commercial buildings, and barns along the railroad.

Themed Programs/ Rides

The past comes to life through Northern Central Railway’s themed excursions, where you can meet President Abraham Lincoln, talk with Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his wife, experience a real-life Wild West raid from the James-Younger Gang, learn about the Underground Railroad from William Goodridge and more! Furthermore, special seasonal events like the hugely popular Tannenbaum Train and Fall Foliage Excursions offer unique family experiences aligned with the seasons. Where else can you ride a train to a Christmas Tree Farm, choose a tree, and have it waiting for you when you get back to the train station?

Premium Equipment

The William H. Simpson No. 17 is an authentic replica of the steam locomotive that carried President Abraham Lincoln to deliver one of the greatest speeches in history, the Gettysburg Address. Northern Central Railway also offers rides pulled by GP-9, an authentic diesel engine. Lovingly restored rolling stock, including a unique combine car, creates a unique experience for each and every ride.

Childhood Wonder

Northern Central Railway of York is for the kid in all of us, whether our first experience with a train was having The Little Engine that Could read to us by our parents, or seeing a locomotive pass by our car or house for the first time. To enhance the experience for children, Northern Central Railway offers fun opportunities throughout the year, from rides with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus to tea parties and superhero excursions.