steam into history

travelled a few hours to visit based upon the fact that this place has the only operating 4-4-0 American locomotive east of the Mississippi. The day I was there the engine was down for repairs so the train was pulled by a small Diesel engine instead. This was very disappointing but understandable. The ride was pleasant and ends at the junction where Abraham Lincoln changed trains enroute to Gettysburg. Standing in the exact spot where Lincoln was photographed in 1863 was humbling. I see similarities to the early days of the strasburg railroad with this operation if it's handled in the same altruistic way. I wish them good luck, this is worth the trip.

I had wonderful afternoon with President Lincoln and General Grant aboard Number 17 rolling thru the wonderful countryside of PA. There is nothing better than traveling an estimated 10 miles an hour in the countryside and soak up that magnificent scenery. A guide is aboard dressed in period clothes and gives a great presentation on the sights as we pass them and how it relates back to the Civil War. The entire train crew and support staff gives you a warm welcome and extremely friendly both on board and the depots.Besides this attraction being for both the train and history buffs, this is also a great for all ages to experience what was like riding a train from yesteryear. Feel how the cars ride the track and see the puffs of smoke from the steam engine. I understand that their is an effort to expand the ride up north to York, PA in the future.

We took our son to ride the train and he loved it. So did we. The whole itinerary was fun and Mr. and Mrs. Lee were fantastic at narrating and being friendly to everyone. Every trip is SOLD OUT!!!The museum and the Ice Cream truck at the end of the trip are a nice treat! :)

We had a group of 60 people so we had a private car. Which was nice as the seats have cushions on them. They told us several interesting things on the way down regarding civil war. We stopped at Hanover junction and had homemade ice cream which was nice. The return trip was a man portraying mr. Double day and talked all about baseball history. Much of it was interesting such as the invention and progression of both the ball and glove and how interest grew during the civil war. Then it became a little too much as he just kept changing ball hats and giving a few statements of different teams. I think they just need to know when to end as their are many women on board and they were getting bored. Overall a good day.

We met and questioned General U. S. Grant. We were entertained by a balladeer who sang and played guitar or banjo. An altogether grand time and much recommended. And oh yes, full of history.

This is a great place to visit. The round trip ride is about 1 hour. windows are large so you watch the beautiful fall colored foliage as you pass by. Friendly locals, stopping and waving from along the tracks. Replica of the train Abe Lincoln would have traveled on going between Gettysburg and Harrisburg PA. Very cool looking engine that you want to get a picture of before or after your train ride. Interesting place to visit. Fun time! (only downer, is one female and one male bathroom stall). We were visiting on a bus trip and the bathroom line was long....but went fast. They also have a small gift shop.

I grew up near this railroad and I have fond memories walking the tracks with my grandfather as he would share stories of the "old days". We rode on a slightly rainy ugly day, so the scenery wasn't as brilliant as it could have been. I loved the ride and I enjoyed hearing the history. I would recommend this ride. New Freedom is a small town, and this adds to the charm. I was amazed at the prices for ice cream at Hanover Junction. Someone needs to step in with competition and help the food truck lower his prices!

We booked this trip well in advanced and hoped to have the steam train pulling us. The boiler inspector came the day before and the engine was not ready. They do not guarantee you will get the steam engine. It was a hot day and the cars are not air-conditioned but we enjoyed the ride. A docent told us about the line; Lincoln rode this line on his way to Gettysburg and how the south attacked it during the war. The 2 ½ hour round trip to Hanover Junction was interesting and informative. They have special rides with different themes throughout the year.

Having been born and raised in New Freedom, I was pleasantly surprised to finally learn so much of its history. Please don't let the negative reviews scare you away. This is not an air conditioned, cushy ride. It is faithful to the period it represents. You'll have plenty of people to wave at. A lot of people actually follow the train and jump out at each crossing to take photos. The views and perspective from the track are so much different than from the road. Keep an open mind, bring a camera, grab the family, enjoy the ride! We'll be riding again this weekend.

Spent a delightful Sunday afternoon with my almost 2-year-old grandson, Daniel, at the Steam into History station and train ride. He loved the long whistle of the train and waving to the people along the rail trail that runs along side the tracks. The rhythm of the rails nudged him to nap for a while but he woke up to the sounds of a banjo-pickin' singer in Civil War attire. Then from the big train to little ones inside the building, Daniel had a lot of fun watching the exact copy of #17 going around a track overhead and playing with Thomas and Friends on a train table near the front window. It's a little pricey but children under 3 are free so it can be affordable for families.Nothing beats a train ride into the past!

We visited "Steam Into History" in July, 2013. Unfortunately, we chose the hottest day of the summer. The narration as we rode along was incredible. Our narrator was extremely knowledgeable. The scenery was beautiful. We hope to take the trip in the Fall this year .

I took my 5 yr. old granddaughter....we did the one hour ride....she was so happy just riding this. The William H. Simpson #17 is a faithful replica of the Civil War steam locomotive that carried Abraham Lincoln to deliver his now famous Gettysburg Address. This day they had a scavenger hunt activity for the kids and my granddaughter had fun with sighting the object and drawing them. The passenger cars were very realistic, just like the old times, just plain seats.... you could feel every piece of the rail, no shock absorbers here.! It was a warm day but all the windows were open and the breeze helped and they sold ($1.00) ice cold bottled water which hit the spot. It gives you an honest feel of days gone by. All volunteers were so pleasant and informative, yes, volunteers. This is a non-profit educational charity. The costumes are great...our narrator was just full of history stories.....many I never knew about. The little station where you purchased the tickets has a gift shop ....interesting things for all. Of course we had to have the Thomas chocolate lollypop for the ride.! We are looking forward to returning with more family and friends. You just can't get enough history to realize how far we've come. This is worth every penny and then some.! Check out their website for special events....

We did the 2 hr ride to Hanover Jct. The train itself is a reproduction copy of a civil war train coaches and engine and sparkling newish without the breakdown problems of refurbished material.The windows open wide and the car has end windows open to provide airy breezes in the hot summer. The downside is the rather cramped knee room like todays airplanes and hard seats. If the booking is light you can snag facing seats and all is fine. Or if you pick the end cars you get bench seats along the walls. The few towns it passes through are quite scenic and of course it hugs a stream most of the way up on the RH side.no problem hearing the constant announcements on the way up.At Hanover Jct turnaround the scenery is park like and photogenic.This one is worth going out of your way and is competitive in price for the ride.Some pretty good restaurants and ice cream available in New Freedom

My husband and I were so excited to ride this steam train but we were a little disappointed. I like to be early in line so I can get the seat in front or the best view. We were first in line and waited at least 1/2 hour before the train boarded. There seemed to be a lot of confusion when we started to board and then our hostess called for large parties over 7 people to go first. Well, a party of 11 marched ahead and took up all the seats that I was hoping for and stood in line for. The costuming was a nice touch - Union soldiers, conductor, hostesses and President Lincoln and train workers were dressed in vintage style clothing. They also had President Washington on the train...Why? There were no train in his time. I can see with a little more practice this might be more professional - but it need more work. The steam train was beautiful.

I took this trip last summer. The train goes from New Freedom to Hanover Junction and back. The route traveled had trees on both sides. No scenery. The person narrating on the way had very poor microphone. Couldn't hear or understand most of it. At Hanover Junction, the tour guide gave a short history of the station when Lincoln visited to givre the Gettysburg address. You were free to tour the station. There was an ice cream truck therre for refreshmenrts. The passenger cars were very stark and the seats were hard and uncomfortable. Better to gp to Strasburg and take their train ride.