THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Hop aboard the Veterans Day Express for a scenic 50-minute, 14-mile round trip through southern New Jersey’s countryside aboard a beautifully restored 1930s train. Experience history, nature, and heartfelt tribute in one memorable ride.
Hop aboard the Veterans Day Express for a scenic 50-minute, 14-mile round trip through southern New Jersey’s countryside aboard a beautifully restored 1930s train. Experience history, nature, and heartfelt tribute in one memorable ride.
Book with Woodstown Central Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
314 ratings
Operated by Woodstown Central Railroad · Woodstown, New Jersey
Southern New Jersey's rolling countryside comes alive with history and heart aboard the Veterans Day Express, a unique 50-minute excursion stretching 14 miles round trip from South Woodstown Station. This restored 1930s passenger train offers travelers a chance to step back into the golden age of rail travel while honoring the sacrifices of our nation's veterans. The ride threads through peaceful landscapes—crossing serene Memorial Lake and traversing the Oldmans Creek Trestle—highlighting the rural charm and natural beauty of this historic region.
Departing from the quaint South Woodstown Station, passengers settle into comfortable coach-class seats that flip and swivel, ideal for families and groups to enjoy views on either side. Opening windows invite fresh breezes in summer, while winter trips warm travelers with heated cars. Trainmen enrich the journey with stories and insights about railroading in New Jersey nearly a century ago, deepening appreciation for the vital role railroads played in local development.
This trip is more than a scenic ride; it’s a tribute. Special discounted fares honor veterans with proceeds supporting combat veterans through The Rescue 22 Foundation. The combination of heartfelt mission, historical significance, and the charm of historic rail infrastructure like the Oldmans Creek Trestle make this experience deeply memorable.
Woodstown itself, located within Salem County, offers a gateway to southern New Jersey’s countryside, with accessible amenities for visitors planning multiple days in the region. Capturing idyllic scenes of lakes, rich farmland, and historic towns, this excursion fits perfectly for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, mild outdoor fresh air, and cultural history.
The South Woodstown Station is not just a boarding point but a place to linger, offering a small gift shop and fire pits where visitors can relax pre- or post-ride. Photography enthusiasts will find enchanting vistas from the trestle and lake crossings, especially at sunrise or late afternoon golden hour.
Please be aware that due to the historic vintage of the railcars, accessibility for passengers with mobility challenges is limited. The whistle and horn sounds at crossings are mandatory and can be loud — hearing protection is recommended for sensitive ears. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome onboard, though alcohol is restricted to special events.
The Veterans Day Express provides a rich outdoor recreation opportunity that combines easy physical effort with meaningful history and scenic exploration in a way few others do in this part of New Jersey. For anyone visiting Woodstown, it offers an authentic, relaxed journey into the past, framed by the natural charm of the countryside and the warmth of community dedication to veterans.
Yes, all passengers must have a ticket regardless of age, with different pricing for children aged 0–3 and 4–12.
Yes, restrooms are available onboard and a port-o-potty is located at South Woodstown Station.
Only registered service animals are permitted aboard the train for safety and comfort.
The railroad operates in most conditions but may cancel during extreme weather with advance notice via email and social media.
Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are allowed onboard as long as drinks have lids to prevent spills.
Alcohol is only permitted during special WCRR events such as Brew to Brew or BYO Cheese trains.
Woodstown Central Railroad preserves and operates historic passenger excursions in Woodstown, New Jersey, offering seasonal and private train experiences that highlight Southern New Jersey scenery and rail heritage. Founded and maintained by a dedicated preservation team, the operation runs restored vintage equipment including the 1927 Pennsylvania Railroad Table Car "Mineral Spring" and restored 1930s passenger cars for special events. The railroad offers a variety of scheduled excursions, from short family-friendly rides—such as the Woodstown Fall Fest excursion and the Princess‑Superhero Special—to longer scenic trips like the two‑hour Scenic Rambler and 32-mile roundtrip journeys. Seasonal offerings include the Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train with pumpkin picking at Fenwick Grove, the Salem Ghost Train with storyteller-led historic tours, and holiday and event-specific runs like the Independence Day Express and Father's Day Express. Private rentals are available for up to 50 guests aboard the Mineral Spring table car, making the railroad a unique venue for birthdays, corporate outings, and group events. Each excursion departs from Woodstown or South Woodstown stations and traverses landmarks such as the Oldmans Creek Trestle and Memorial Lake, offering repeated opportunities for photography and nature viewing. Safety protocols and volunteer-led operations emphasize preservation, education, and community engagement. Ticketed excursions are scheduled seasonally; advance reservations are recommended due to limited seating in first class, deluxe, table car, coach, caboose, and open-air seating options. Woodstown Central Railroad combines authentic historic railcars, curated storytelling, and scenic Southern New Jersey routes to deliver memorable rides for families, history enthusiasts, and railfans. Tickets sell quickly.
Book with Woodstown Central Railroad