This summer, following an absence of more than two decades, rail excursions will operate out of historic Gettysburg, Pa. In January, Patriot Rail, operating under the name Gettysburg Scenic Railway, launched a website and began to renovate the 1884 depot on North Washington Street. The website noted that trips would start in “mid-2025” but did not say how long they would last or what motive power would be used. It did note that at least some of the passenger cars formerly worked for Ringling Brothers in circus train service. Theme trains are also planned.

Excursions have come and gone over the decades with a variety of owners and operators with power including steam and diesel locomotives. Gettysburg Railroad last ran excursions in 2004. The former Reading branch runs north to Mount Holly Springs, Pa. Patriot Rail operates other excursions, including Blue Ridge Scenic and Granite State Scenic (formerly Hobo Railroad in New Hampshire). —M.T. Burkhart