2023 Scenic Excursion Schedule

The railroad operates scenic train rides on weekends from May through October, RAIN or SHINE! 

Our passenger cars are handicapped accessible, but with limited space for wheelchairs. Please call ahead or email to reserve accessivle seating.

All scenic excursions are approximately

one hour and 10 minutes.

May thru August
11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Saturdays Only

September and October
11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Saturdays and Sundays

Exceptions to regular schedule:

Steam

Departures 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM:

May 20, 21, 27, 28 & 29

June 3 & 4 

Character Events

Departures 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM:

June 24

July 22

August 26

September 23

October 28

We also operate many evening and extra trains as noted in our Special Events schedule to the right, and on our Dinner Trains Tab.

Schedules are subject to change without notice. Although every effort will be made to operate on schedule, the Walkersville Southern Railroad is not liable for delays and reserves the right to alter its schedule and/or equipment as necessary.

 2023 SPRING & SUMMER SCHEDULE

Bunny Trains - April 1, 2 & 8 - 11 AM, 1:30 PM & 4 PM

Visit with the Easter Bunny on the train! Each child will have a chance to take pictures with the Bunny and receive a small surprise. Reservations required.  

Civil War

Reenactors - April 29 - 11 AM & 2 PM

Union and Confederate reenactors on the train and in the bushes trackside.*

Civil War Picnic - April 30 - 11 AM 

An educational picnic. Ride the full line (North and South) with one-hour BYO picnic at the park where a Civil War reenactment will take place.*  

* Caution! There will be the sound of gunfire with skirmishes along the line and/or at a mock battle at the park. Reservations recommended. 

Sunday Picnic Train - April 30 (Civil War), May 7, June 18 (Father's Day), August 13 - 11 AM

Ride the train the full length of our track (both North and South)! Bring the family out for an approximately 2-hour train ride with a 1-hour stop at the local community park for a BYO picnic and free-play time. Reservations Recommended.

Cab Rides - May 6 - 9 AM, 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM

Diesel engine cab rides available! Enjoy the ride of a lifetime sitting up with our engineer. Learn about the locomotive's controls while enjoying our tracks from a whole new viewpoint. Then, jump into the Engineer's seat for a fun photo op!

Cab rides are private and approximately 30 minutes long. Must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Riders must wear full-length pants/jeans, and no open-toe shoes or high-heels will be permitted. 30 minute time-slots. Reservations Required.

Opening Day - May 6 - 11 AM & 2 PM

Vintage engines on display all day. Enjoy one of the first rides of the season! Reservations Recommended.

Steam Train Rides - May 20, 21, 27, 28 & 29 (Memorial Day), June 3 & 4 - 11AM, 1PM & 3PM

Steam returns to WSRR!  Experience the exciting sights, smells and sounds of steam for three weekends beginning May 20th! Ride behind a real, coal-fired steam locomotive. Be sure to have your camera ready for some memorable photos.  We'll have two open flat cars behind the steamer, plus several enclosed cars and a caboose (caboose available when not privately reserved). Departures at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM each day.   Note that you may not want to wear your Sunday best because the steam locomotive can shower a little coal dust and water at times.   Daytime excursions (1 hour and 10 minutes) Reservations Recommended. 

Hand on the Throttle (Steam) - May 21, 28 & June 4 - 8 AM, 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 9:30 AM

Treat yourself or the train enthusiast in your life to a unique "Hand on the Throttle" ride with one of our experienced engineers aboard a steam locomotive. Hand on the Throttle rides are approximately 30 minutes long. Must be 18+, possess a valid driver's license, wear closed-toe shoes, full-length pants/jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. We suggest eye and ear protection, gloves and a hat. 30 minute time-slots. Reservations Required.

Jesse James Day - May 13, June 3* (steam), July 8, August 19, September 9 & October 7 - 11 AM & 2 PM (*June 3 - 11AM, 1PM & 3PM)

Jesse James and his gang are on the loose.  Expect an Old West raid on the train.  We'll supply the loot for the robbery, and be aware that there will be the sound of gunfire. Reservations Recommended.

History Train - 

Join us for a narrated trip down the tracks. Learn about out railroad history, equipment, landmarks and rairoad trivia. This event is limited to older children (12+) and adults. Reservations Recommended.

Railfan Photo Special - May 28 - 5:30 PM

This year's Railfan Photo Special theme is "Final Days of Steam in the 1950s". Photographers of all skill levels, railfans, and everyone in between are welcome to enjoy a series of photo runbys complete with props and people dressed in period-appropriate apparel. We will be using steam engine Jeddo Coal Co. #85 to lead freight and GE #9331 leading the passenger train. This event is not handicap accessible. Reservations Required.

Miracle Express - June 24 - 11AM, 1:30PM & 4PM

Ride the train with the Miracle Family! Be greeted at the station by our special guests, watch the Miracle Family put on a musical platform performance, then enjoy a 1 hour and 10 minute long scenic excursion. Our special guests will visit with each family for photos and small prizes. We are so excited to be partnering with Sew Classy Royal Events to bring you this event. Children are encouraged to dress up! Reservations Required. 

Teddy Bear Picnic - July 5 & 19, August 2 & 16 - 11:30 AM

Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and meet Goldilocks during the train ride! Train departs at 11:30 AM and returns at approximately 2 PM, with a stop in the park for a BYO lunch and a Teddy Bear themed story time presented by the Frederick County Public Library. RAIN or SHINE! Reservations Recommended.

Please note that this event is not handicap accessible. There are a few steps required to de-train at the park. 

Super Hero Picnic - July 12 & 26, August 9, 23 & 30 - 11:30 AM

Come dressed as your favorite Super Hero! Train departs at 11:30 AM and returns at approximately 2pm, with a stop in the park for a BYO lunch and a Super Hero themed story time presented by the Frederick County Public Library. RAIN or SHINE! Reservations Recommended.

Please note that these rides are not handicap accessible. There are a few steps required to de-train at the park. This is not a character event. We are the Super Heroes!

Star-Spangled Fireworks Train - July 7 [rain date July 8] - 8 PM 

Board the train for a ride and spectacular view of the fireworks. Train departs at 8 PM from our station. We'll ride to the end of the line, then return to a designated viewing area where we will get off of the train to watch the fireworks. Once the fireworks have concluded we will re-board the train for a short ride back to the station. Bring a flashlight and a blanket to sit on. Reservations Required. 

Please note that this event is not handicap accessible. There are no restrooms available once the train has departed the station. Porta-pottys are available before and after the trip.

Princess Express - July 22 & August 26 - 11AM, 1:30PM & 4PM

Ride the train with your favorite Princesses! Be greeted at the station by our special guests, watch the Princesses put on a magical platform performance, then enjoy a 1 hour and 10 minute long scenic excursion. Our special guests will visit with each family for photos and small prizes. We are so excited to be partnering with Sew Classy Royal Events to bring you this event. Children are encouraged to dress up! Reservations Required. 

July 22 - Classic Princesses*: Jewel Princess, Snow White, Beauty, Cinderella

August 26 - Summer Princesses*: Little Mermaid, Ocean Princess, Ice Queen, Ice Princess 

*Characters are subject to change without notice. All efforts will be made to avoid changes.

Sensory-Friendly Summertime Excursion - July 29 - 4PM

This event is geared specifically for our Autism spectrum and sensory processing disorder friends in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Seating is not assigned, and can be chosen at your leisure in any of our two open air flat cats, three passenger cars or caboose. Reservations Recommended.

Note that we still have to use the bells and horn at crossings. This sensory-friendly event is closed to the general public and exclusive to those on the Autism spectrum or with similar needs and their friends/family.