STEAM INTO HISTORY- PLAYFUL PARENT SUMMER VACATIONING GUIDE
This train loving and history buff family was in heaven during our visit to Steam Into History. It was such a treat to climb aboard the beautiful William H. Simpson No. 17; a replica of the Civil War steam locomotive that carried Abraham Lincoln to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
There are two train excursion options. The Glen Rock rides which are about an 1 hour long and the Hanover Junction rides which are around 2.5 hours round trip. All rides depart from and return to New Freedom, PA. Both trips are great excursions. I recommend going to Hanover Junction because the views are breath taking.
This beautiful historic train ride offers three different seating options. I recommend getting in line early to board if you have a particular car you’d like to sit in. On the ride down we sat in the open air car. The windows are larger and allow for great views and awesome pictures. On the ride back we sat in the lounge car with green seats. It was a very comfortable ride back.
Take time to explore the museum’s that are included with admission. There are two buildings to explore at New Freedom and one at Hanover. The small museum at Hanover had a quite a few interactive exhibits. It’s great when the kids can learn and explore through hands on experiences.
One of the things I love most about Steam Into History is that you feel like you are rolling back in time. The reenactors are great and wear the most beautiful costumes. During our stop at Hanover Junction one of the reenactors brought out time period toys for the kids to play with.
Be sure to check out the model train display at the New Freedom Station. It’s located in the very back past the ticket booth. If you look carefully you might even spot everyone’s favorite number one engine!
Don’t worry…they have a train table and a pretty awesome little gift shop too! Grandma spoiled the boys and got them each a wooden railway train and a Steam Into History t-shirt.
I have to give recognition to the staff at Steam Into History. Each member of the team we interacted with was friendly, genuine and seemed to absolutely love their job. We learned so much about trains and history from the staff.
Steam into History is a non-profit and is dedicated to providing fun and educational programs to the community. Every month they offer different events to attend. Check out their calendar to find out whats coming next. Link to calendar
Tips
- Park your car at the park just down the street.
- Bring ear protection if you have a little one with sensory issues.
- Pack a lunch, there are picnic tables you can eat at during the layover at Hanover Junction.
- If like riding bikes than bring your bike, the bike trails follow the train tracks and could be extra fun.
Stream Into History
Address: 2 West Main Street, New Freedom, PA 17349
Website: http://www.steamintohistory.com
Price: Tickets are $15-$26 depending on age, ride, event, etc. See schedule
***Thank you Steam Into History for inviting us, we had a traintastic time! All information provided in this article is my own non-biased opinion. The Playful Parent was not paid to write this article; this vacationing guide was created to help families plan trips that promote learning through play and family bonding.***
June 29, 2017 at 8:35 am
Thank you for this wonderful article. We appreciate your support and glad you had a great time on our train. The crew at Steam Into History
June 29, 2017 at 11:16 am
What an absolutely beautiful train, there is something so wonderful about a steam train, it’s like taking a wonderful step back in history.
June 29, 2017 at 11:38 am
This looks like so much fun! Steam Into History sounds like something my daughter and nephew would enjoy!
June 29, 2017 at 12:08 pm
My toddler son is obsessed with all things trains. He would love for us to take him to Stream Into History!
June 29, 2017 at 1:54 pm
What a beautiful train, I’m impressed with all the fun activities, this is great to do with kids! Sounds like a great experience! I love to do history related activities, even if it’s just going to the museum! I’m adding this to my summer bucket list. -Corinne
June 29, 2017 at 2:10 pm
I’ve always loved train rides and this one looks even better than the ones I’ve been on! I love how they make the rides kid friendly and incorporate history. I’ll be adding this to my summer “must do” list!
June 29, 2017 at 3:15 pm
I had never heard about Steam Into History before, I want to plan a trip to go sometime soon. How adorable are your tots!! Thank you for sharing this article.
June 29, 2017 at 3:22 pm
This looks like it would be so much fun. I just love trains.
June 29, 2017 at 3:34 pm
How cool! I’d love to check out this train. I’m all about history.
June 29, 2017 at 4:50 pm
I discovered your site through Google because I was looking for something fun to do when visiting with my in-laws this summer. Lucky me, I love trains!!! Thank god you posted this!
June 29, 2017 at 7:39 pm
This looks like so much fun and a great way for kids to learn about history. Your little guys are adorable!
June 30, 2017 at 1:55 am
What gorgeous images! Looks like a fabulous attraction for families. We have something very similar in my town with a working RR train and a train museum, shops, restaurants, etc. We plan on traveling to PA and want to visit Steam into History!
June 30, 2017 at 4:45 am
What a fantastic place to visit! I grew up in a small village in Canada that only existed because it was a good place for a railway station. I have such a fondness for trains!
June 30, 2017 at 4:51 am
This trip looks amazing and something the kids will always remember fondly! Kudos to the staff, it’s always a break or make part of the fun isn’t it?
June 30, 2017 at 8:12 am
What a beautiful experience, especially for kids! So different, a great way for kids to learn about history while having fun!
June 30, 2017 at 2:27 pm
OMG my fiance is a history buff and he wants kids and I’m sure that once we have kids, he’d totally want to go here. He’d probably have more fun than the kids!
June 30, 2017 at 9:21 pm
What a fun post! My husband worked for the railroad for 20+ years, so anything with trains hold a special place in our hearts. We have a steam train similar to this within an hour of our house and every year in the fall we take an afternoon and go for a ride. Certainly we have a lot of fun, but it’s even more fun to see it through the eyes of the kids! This has been added to our train excursion bucket list!
June 30, 2017 at 9:51 pm
This looks so fun! I love train rides and this sounds like a great place for family trip. I know my son is going to love this.
July 1, 2017 at 1:35 am
Steam Into History looks like so much fun. My younger sibling would love this. Would be a fun present to take them for their birthday. Thanks for sharing.
July 3, 2017 at 6:46 pm
This looks like so much fun! I love that it has something for everyone and that you can still learn something while having fun!
July 4, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Lookibg at your photos, I felt like I was stepping back in time. What an exciting outing and a great learning experience.