Colebrookdale Railroad 

Travel back in time along Berks County’s scenic Secret Valley aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad. Leaving from the historic Boyertown and Pottstown stations, you’ll journey through the same tract of land that the original iron pioneers would have traveled, taking in historic locales of Pennsylvania's first iron works. Sites including former gristmills, blast furnaces, and the personal residence and an iron refinery of industry pioneer John Potts, after whom Pottstown is named. 

The region was a major force in the growth of the iron and railroad industries, eventually earning the nickname Boomtown USA. In fact, steel sourced from Pottstown was used in major projects from the Panama Canal to the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also pass by Pine Forge, the site of the first ironworks in Pennsylvania, and sites owned by other iron barons, like Samuel McCall. 

Today, visitors can experience early 20th century ambiance aboard the railroad’s several active, restored rail cars. Swoon to the songs of a 1898 player piano as you sample tapas and wine aboard the glamorous “Storm King,” a first-class parlor car. Ferns, fabulous chandeliers, and intricately detailed wood accent the “Maine Central” lounge car. Brunch and dinner trains, plus a fall foliage tour and other popular holiday-themed excursions are all offered. 

More than just fascinating history, the scenic corridor is teeming with wildlife, and it’s common for riders to spot eagles, hawks, foxes, turkeys, and deer from the railcars.