Tourist attraction

WK&S Railroad

WK&S Railroad in Kempton offers scenic train rides with friendly volunteer staff and family-friendly excursions. Known for their stunning Appalachian views, themed events, and charming model train displays.

4.8(229)

Unclaimed

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Plan your visit to WK&S Railroad

When: Regular rides on Sundays only, Sunday, May 3 through Sunday, November 1, 2026, unless otherwise indicated. Trains depart at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Schedule: Regular Sunday trains May 3 through November 1, 2026, departing 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m. 2026 special events: Glow Train Sept 6; Flavors of Fall Wine and Cheese Sept 18; Harvest Moon Special Sept 26; Pumpkin Class Pottery Train and Pink Ribbon Express Sept 27; Apple-Pickin' Train Oct 3 and 4; Holiday Pottery Train Oct 11; Pumpkin Patch Train Oct 17, 18, 24, 25; Bow Wow Express Nov 1; Mrs. Claus at the North Pole Bakery Dec 4 (departures 4:30, 5:15, 6:00, 6:45 p.m.); Santa Claus Express Dec 5 and 6.
Admission: Regular fares: Adults (12 and over) $12.00; Children (3 to 11) $6.00; Infants (2 and under) free. Groups of 20 or more $10 per person. Special event fares vary and discounts do not apply to special events.
Parking: Free parking adjacent to the station.
Time to plan: The ride is a 40-minute round trip; plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure to buy tickets and board.
Accessibility: Coaches are not ADA accessible because of the age of the equipment; the railroad asks visitors with special needs to contact them ahead of time to discuss accommodations.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. The Bow Wow Express (Nov 1) is a dog-themed ride.
Know before you go: Trips run rain or shine. There are no restrooms on the train. The snack shack is cash only. Regular ride tickets are sold at the station on the day of the trip; special events sell online and all special event sales are final with no refunds. A confirmation email is not a ticket, so stop at the ticket office. Unused regular tickets can be applied to regular rides within 12 months. On most regular trip days passengers may ride all day.

Checked on September 7, 2026 against the official site. Hours and prices change; confirm before a long drive.

What to do at WK&S Railroad

Ride a 40-minute round trip on a vintage train along the Ontelaunee Creek
Visit the Schuylkill and Lehigh model railroad at the station
Browse the gift shop and grab cash-only food at the snack shack
Take a fall special such as the Pumpkin Patch Train or Apple-Pickin' Train
Bring a leashed dog on regular rides or the Bow Wow Express
Ride the Santa Claus Express or Mrs. Claus train in December

The Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern is a tourist railroad that runs out of a small station in Kempton, in the northern corner of Berks County. We ride a vintage train on a 40-minute round trip that follows the Ontelaunee Creek through farmland and woods, crosses a few bridges, and passes the two old crossroads settlements of Trexler and Wanamakers before heading back.

Regular trains run on Sundays from early May through the first Sunday in November, with four departures each afternoon. Tickets for regular rides can be bought at the station on the day of the trip, and on most regular days a ticket lets us ride all afternoon. Adults pay $12, children 3 to 11 pay $6, and children 2 and under ride free.

The station grounds have a gift shop, a cash-only snack shack, and the Schuylkill and Lehigh model railroad display, so there is something to do between trains. From September through December the railroad adds special event trains such as wine and cheese rides, pumpkin patch trains, a dog-friendly Bow Wow Express, and Santa trains, which are ticketed separately and sell online.

What people love about WK&S Railroad

Apple Orchard Ride & Apple Donuts

This excursion’s hands-on apple picking and unique local treat generate enthusiastic repeat visits.

They have a scheduled stop at the apple orchard… Apple Donuts which Linda and I enjoyed.

Our favorite train experience so far has been the apple picking ride since it drops you off at the back of County Line Orchards.

Key Themes from Reviews of WK&S Railroad

Staff Friendliness & Volunteerism

Positive

Customers consistently praise the friendly, helpful volunteer staff and the warm, personal interactions they provide.

Staff were very friendly & accommodating and quick to make everyone feel welcomed.

All of the people who work there are amazing and very helpful too.

About WK&S Railroad

Welcome Aboard WK&S Railroad

Nestled in the rolling hills of Kempton, PA, WK&S Railroad is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a community of passionate volunteers, scenic vistas, and unforgettable experiences. As a premier railroad company in the region, WK&S Railroad invites visitors of all ages to step back in time, unwind, and create lasting memories on board authentic, historic railcars. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic escape, or an adventure with your furry friend, you’ll discover why guests rave about the “warm, welcoming atmosphere” and “breathtaking Appalachian views.”

Friendly Volunteers & Personalized Service

At the heart of WK&S Railroad is its dedicated team of volunteer staff, whose friendliness and enthusiasm consistently earn high praise. From the moment you arrive, the conductors and crew go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels special. Families arriving with small children are greeted with genuine warmth, and even first-time riders quickly notice how “all of the people who work here are amazing and very helpful.” These personal touches—whether it’s a friendly wave from the engineer or a patient explanation of historic equipment—turn a simple train ride into a heartfelt experience.

Scenic Rail Adventures

WK&S Railroad winds through some of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque countryside, offering panoramic views of the south face of the Appalachian Mountains and a tapestry of rolling farmland, forest groves, and charming orchards. Photographers and nature-lovers alike delight in spotting changing foliage, sleepy farmsteads, and distant ridgelines. Quotes like “the scenery sure is pretty” and “bursting with beautiful shots” capture the essence of these unforgettable vistas. Each journey provides a front-row seat to nature’s beauty, making the trip as much about the landscape as it is about the railway itself.

Family-Friendly Fun & Flexible Options

Ideal for families with young children, WK&S Railroad’s excursions strike the perfect balance of excitement and ease. The standard ride duration is thoughtfully paced so that toddlers stay engaged without growing restless—just “the perfect amount of time for my 2 and 6 year olds to enjoy the ride.” For those seeking more, flexible ride-all-day tickets and varied departure times let you explore at your own pace. During special all-day events, adventurous riders can even hop aboard a historic caboose for an up-close look at the rails from the rear of the train.

Special-Themed Excursions & Events

What truly sets WK&S Railroad apart is its rotating calendar of themed trips, each designed to keep the experience fresh and exciting:

Apple Orchard Ride & Apple Donuts
In the crisp days of autumn, climb aboard for a scenic journey that stops at a local orchard. Guests disembark to harvest their own apples before returning to savor the famous, made-fresh-on-site apple donuts. As one repeat visitor put it, “Our favorite train experience so far has been the apple picking ride… Apple Donuts which Linda and I enjoyed.”
Bow Wow Express (Dog-Friendly Event)
Furry friends are more than welcome on the Bow Wow Express, where dogs and humans ride side by side. Canine passengers receive complimentary treats, and there’s even a special concession stand offering pup-friendly snacks. “Dogs get a hot dog for free!” exclaimed one delighted guest, while owners appreciate the chance to share a unique bonding experience.
Fall Beer & Brat Trip
For adult travelers, the Fall Beer & Brat Trip pairs seasonal craft brews with savory bratwursts. Sample four different beer varieties, choose your favorite to fill a keepsake mug, and feast on a hearty plate as the train coils through vibrant fall foliage. “What a fun evening,” notes one review, “The staff was wonderful… The ride was great.”

On-Site Amenities & Unique Attractions

Beyond the rails, WK&S Railroad’s station grounds offer plenty to explore. A snack bar serves up hot chocolate, burgers, and local treats, while picnic tables and restrooms provide comfort between departures. Train enthusiasts won’t want to miss the HO-scale model-train display housed in a vintage caboose—a delightful surprise that captures the imagination of children and adults alike. “Very large H-O scale operating train display… any enthusiast would enjoy seeing,” enthuses one visitor.

Affordable Pricing & Excellent Value

Guests consistently note that WK&S Railroad delivers tremendous bang for the buck. Ticket prices, concessions, and special events are priced with families and budget-conscious travelers in mind. As one review summed up, “Great deal for the price! Cost is very reasonable and the staff is always friendly.” Whether you’re planning a spontaneous afternoon excursion or a themed celebration, WK&S Railroad offers quality entertainment without breaking the bank.

Plan Your Visit

Located just off Route 143 in scenic Kempton, PA, WK&S Railroad is open seasonally with a full schedule of regular and special events. Advance reservations are recommended—especially for popular themed trips—and group discounts are available for clubs, schools, and corporate outings. Be sure to check the online calendar for holiday rides, pet-friendly departures, and more.

Embark on a journey through time and countryside with WK&S Railroad. Friendly volunteers, captivating scenery, affordable fares, and one-of-a-kind themed events combine to create an experience that guests describe as equal parts nostalgia, adventure, and pure joy. All aboard for your next great railroad escape!