In 1962, a group of railroad lovers in Philadelphia founded Steam Trains, Inc. A few short years later, they purchased nearly 17 miles of the Reading Company's tracks in New Hope to create the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. They used steam for a passenger service and freight service between New Hope and Buckingham Valley until 1971, when the company purchased a diesel engine. Since then, the company was sold a number of times, and in the 1990s, the new owners, the Bucks County Railroad Preservations & Restoration Corporation, have put $2 million into completely restoring the train and tracks to its turn-of-the-century roots.
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad has a number of restored cars for guests, including 1920s passenger cars, an antique bar car, and two historic engines - a steam locomotive and a diesel locomotive. There are two train stations, one at New Hope and one at Lahaska, and passengers can get on and off at both stations and ride the train back to their originating destination. The New Hope train station is the original location that was once the site of the railroad telegraph for the New Hope area. This building is over 100 years old.
An important part of the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is its freight service. Although most visitors come to this railroad to take the historic train from New Hope to Lahaska and back, this is still a working railroad that provides transportation of raw materials and manufactured products. The largest customer for the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is CRC Industries, a local manufacturer of auto repair chemicals. This railroad connects with CSX transportation to provide services throughout the United States, especially on the East Coast.
For guests interested in historic passenger rides, the train leaves hourly at both stations. There are also special events throughout the year for those who want an even more unique experience. The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad has brought back an old tradition of serving a meal while traveling, which guests can experience in one of the Evening Star Dinner Trains. This ticket includes the round-trip ride, which lasts about two hours, and a three-course meal with a salad, entrye, and dessert. Throughout the year, there are also murder mystery dinners aboard the train, and along with diner and the round-trip ride, guests will experience an interactive theatre production. During the holiday season, visitors can also book a ticket for the North Pole Express, which features Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a number of other holiday travelers to entertain riders of all ages. This Christmas ride includes a holiday story, as well as free cocoa and cookies. Kids can also visit with Santa while on the train to receive a special gift, as carolers and local musicians play holiday music. In the week following Christmas, families are also invited to ride the Return to the North Pole Express, where kids can thank Santa for the gifts they've received.
For more information about tickets to any of these events or to book a regular train ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, call 215-862-2332.
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