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Ride a replica 19th-century steam locomotive and go behind the scenes with the crew at Stone Gables Estate. This VIP experience blends hands-on rail prep, staged engine photography, animal encounters, and a charitable mission.
Ride a replica 19th-century steam locomotive and go behind the scenes with the crew at Stone Gables Estate. This VIP experience blends hands-on rail prep, staged engine photography, animal encounters, and a charitable mission.
Book with Stone Gables Estate
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Stone Gables Estate · Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Stone Gables Estate's VIP Behind the Scenes Train Experience invites visitors to ride vintage steam replicas at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad, the program pairs living history with close-up access: a replica 1868 steam locomotive pulling an 1848 Pioneer Coach, a mid-1860s Combine Coach, and an 1860s Day Coach. VIP ticket holders begin with a behind-the-scenes briefing as crew prepare the engine, offering insights into boiler checks, coupling, and the basics of steam operation. After the short 35-minute ride, guests can photograph staged locomotive scenes at Fox Hollow Junction, The Trestle, Star Barn Station, Belmont Bridge Station, and other estate landmarks. The property spans roughly 280 acres and includes Ironstone Ranch, Star Barn Village, St. Michael’s Vineyard, and the Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, so there is plenty to explore between rides. Families will appreciate the Critter Connection animal show and a petting area (weather permitting), plus food trucks and mobile restrooms that keep a rustic day comfortable. Stone Gables Estate operates as a faith-based ministry and directs 100% of net profits to Brittany’s Hope, a nonprofit supporting abandoned children worldwide; each ticket is practical support for that mission. Logistics are simple but strict: enter at 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown PA 17022 and arrive by 8:30am for an 8:45am start; late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Guests must wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sleeves to participate in the VIP behind-the-scenes portion; the train shed is not wheelchair accessible. Plan for about 35 minutes aboard the train, but allow a full morning to midafternoon if you want staged photos, animal interactions, and vendor snacks—organizers suggest departing around 3:30pm for a complete visit. This is a standout experience for gearheads who love steam technology, photographers who want posed engine portraits at multiple locations, and families who want a short, curated history lesson with interactive animals. Because Stone Gables Estate balances living history with a charitable mission across working ranchland, a visit feels purposeful as well as picturesque. Check weather updates or call 717.902.9791 if conditions threaten cancellations, and expect photos taken by staff to potentially be used for promotion per ticket terms. For a compact railroad day that combines hands-on crew access, staged photography, animal encounters, and charitable impact, the VIP Behind the Scenes Train Experience at Stone Gables Estate delivers a memorable morning on the rails. Bring a camera with a mid-range zoom, wear layers for early-morning chill and afternoon sun, carry water, and respect staff safety rules during the steam-up and boarding; doing so keeps the vintage equipment and animal exhibits safe and ensures your group captures the best shots without slowing the schedule. Reserve early for limited VIP spots today.
Arrive by 8:30am for an 8:45am start; late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Enter at Brittany's Hope: 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown PA 17022.
The train shed is not wheelchair accessible; guests must wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sleeves to join the behind-the-scenes portion.
Each train ride lasts about 35 minutes; plan a full morning-to-afternoon visit if you want photos and animal shows.
Animals are not permitted on this tour; service animals policy should be confirmed with the organizer ahead of time.
Check your email, the estate's social media, or call 717.902.9791 for cancellations; refunds are issued by the railroad when rides are canceled.
Stone Gables Estate is an event venue and historic property in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, hosting seasonal festivals, theatrical dinners, family attractions, and outdoor adventures. Located on scenic grounds that include Ironstone Ranch and the Star Barn Village, the estate stages holiday experiences such as The Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch, the National Christmas Center, the 8th Annual Christmas Light Drive-Thru, and Santa Express aboard a steam locomotive. The estate programs live performances and dinner events in the Star Barn, featuring acts like Servant Stage Cabaret, Grammy Award-winning duo Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, and Irish tenor Mark Forrest. Dinner-and-show evenings combine a festive buffet, gift shopping, and a drive-thru light display. Outdoor offerings include guided horseback trail rides and date night trail rides across shaded forest trails and open pastures, with scenic stops near Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge and other historic landmarks. Seasonal celebrations include the 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza with self-guided tours, live performances, yard games, and a petting zoo. Food trucks, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities appear across multiple events, and shuttle access is available for select festivals. Stone Gables Estate emphasizes family-oriented programming, local vendors, and curated entertainment to create memorable experiences. Event listings, performer lineups, and specific amenities are published for each season so guests can plan visits. The estate’s combination of historic venues, themed holiday attractions, live music, and outdoor recreation defines its offerings in Lancaster County. Tickets, schedules, accessibility details, and parking instructions are published with each event to help visitors plan. Check event pages for updates.
Book with Stone Gables Estate