Sundae on Sunday Express: Historic Glen Rock Train Ride from New Freedom, PA

Sundae on Sunday Express aboard the 1800 Coach Cars offers a one-hour round-trip from New Freedom, Pennsylvania to historic Glen Rock, following the original Northern Central Railroad through the Heritage Rail Trail County Park. This short excursion combines living-history rail travel with countryside views and a free ice-cream sundae for every rider, making it an easy, memorable outing for families and rail enthusiasts.

Boarding happens at the New Freedom Historic Station, 117 North Front Street; visitors are asked to check in at the gift shop and arrive about 30 minutes before departure to receive boarding passes. The ride traces a route used since the nineteenth century, passing rolling hills, farm fields and stretches of the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. On clear days the open-air South Branch coach and the caboose cupola offer fresh-air panoramas; in colder weather, authentic coal stoves and operable windows replicate historic comforts without sacrificing modern safety.

What sets this trip apart is the collection of restored coaches. Choose the D. Reed Anderson combine car for roomy reversible seats and accessible facilities, the Abraham Lincoln car for Victorian motifs and a direct link to national history, the New Freedom coach for classic 1860s styling, or the South Branch open-air car for unobstructed views. The newly restored No.613 Caboose adds a novelty: cupola seating that feels like the “best seat on the train.” Cars retain period details—walkover seats, wicker chairs, and era-appropriate heating—while offering modern air conditioning when needed.

This outing is as much about place as motion: the Heritage Rail Trail County Park preserves both tracks and the rural corridor they travel through, offering an interpretive slice of southern York County. Guides and signage point out towns and villages along the line and share stories, including the railroad’s connection to President Abraham Lincoln—who once rode these rails en route to Gettysburg—and the later use of the line by the Lincoln Funeral Train.

Practical notes: the trip lasts roughly one hour round-trip, is wheelchair-accessible in certain cars, and is appropriate for all ages. It’s ideal as a relaxed morning or afternoon activity when visiting nearby Gettysburg or York, and it pairs well with a trail walk along the Heritage Rail Trail. Bring layered clothing for changing temperatures between open and enclosed cars, and plan extra time to browse the gift shop.

For people who want a compact, historically rich outdoor experience without lengthy hiking or planning, the Sundae on Sunday Express delivers local flavor, tactile history, and a scoop of ice cream to celebrate the ride. Consider combining the ride with a picnic at nearby Codorus State Park or an afternoon exploring New Freedom’s small museums and shops to extend the local-railroad theme. Bring a camera.