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A Historic Ride Returns: Wilmington & Western Railroad Reopens in Time for Fall Magic

ByVanessa Cavett

The Wilmington & Western Railroad opened in 1867 to transport goods between mills on the Red Clay Creek and the Port of Wilmington. In 1877, it was foreclosed and bought by the Delaware Western Railroad. It changed hands again in the 1880s as a Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) subsidiary became the new owner. Over the years, new owners and hurricane recovery marked the railroad.

In 2007, the line’s rebirth brought tour trains to ten miles of the track from Greenbank to Hockessin. The railroad closed in February 2005 for needed repairs.

Railroad Reopened

Foggy railway track through a misty autumn forest in Belarus, capturing serene nature and transportation scene.
Image by Irina Iriser via Pexels

With much anticipation, the historic Wilmington & Western Railroad reopened on October 30 after being closed for nine months. Restoration and maintenance work have been completed, and the railroad can now resume its longed-for rides through the Red Clay Valley. Closing the famous railroad was a difficult decision; however, management decided to update the track and equipment.

The oldest locomotive has been upgraded with new wheels, and its exterior has been spruced up with paint. About 2,500 railroad ties have been installed.

The railroad reopened in time for the Hayride Express, which lasts until November 2. This prized Delaware railroad’s opening is just in time for viewing the stunning fall foliage. The steam locomotives begin at Greenbank Station, which is near Prices Corner. They continue through the Red Clay Valley. Then the last view is the Hosckessin area.

Here are some of the great experiences passengers can look forward to.

Hayride Express

Wilmington & Western Railroad’s exciting 40-minute round-trip ride is an adventure up Red Clay Valley, offering wide-open views of moonlit fields, creek banks, and rocky cuts. You’ll climb aboard an original railroad flatcar re-designed to enjoy fall’s crisp evening air.  Bring your blankets and cameras to relax and enjoy the beauty as you ride along in the open-air car.

Powering the hayride is a historic locomotive. It’s a first-generation diesel guaranteed to give you a great ride. You can buy tickets from October 30 to November 2.  Adult tickets are $20, and children’s are $18.

Santa Claus Express

This seasonal tradition is for families to enjoy a scenic train ride with Mr. Christmas himself, Santa Claus. As you ride the Wilmington & Western Railroad through the Red Clay Valley with Santa, he greets every child individually. As a special treat, he gives them holiday sweet treats while spreading his famed Christmas cheer.

The Santa Claus Express is on Friday after Thanksgiving, ending on December 24. Adult tickets are $29 and children’s are $25.

Holiday Lights Express

A traditional steam locomotive travels through a snowy winter landscape, emitting steam and covered in festive lights, Wilmington, Western Railroad
Photo by Dmitrii Eremin via pexels

You’ll experience a magical ride aboard this festive and grandly decorated coach. Each of its 100-year-old coaches has thousands of lights, creating a spectacular holiday view. Many trackside neighbors participate by decorating their yards and homes elaborately. This adds to your enjoyment during your 45-minute ride through Red Clay Valley. It starts on December 4 and ends on New Year’s Eve.

Historical Attributes

Wilmington & Western’s Train No. 98 is a 2-8-0 steam locomotive built in 1929 and is the oldest locomotive in their fleet. Train No. 114, a General Motors Diesel-Electric SW1, was built in February 1940. It’s the oldest diesel locomotive routinely scheduled for service.  In 1980, the National Register of Historic Places named the railroad a national historic district. In 2016, it celebrated 50 years as a tourist railroad.

Conclusion

Wilmington & Western Railroad operates both steam and diesel locomotives. Covering 10.2 miles of track, it’s a jaw-dropping experience in the fall as the Red Clay Valley offers a kaleidoscope of brilliant color. Reopening in time for the holidays, the railroad is back on schedule with exciting rides for all ages.

You’ll love the open-car hayride express and see breathtaking scenery from a cozy car as you ride along the track. The kids will love Santa Claus Express and Holiday Lights Express. It’s a fun time for the whole family. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love learning about the past of this historical treasure. Get ready and get on board the Wilmington & Western Railroad for the best fall ride ever!

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