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First Responders Day
SPECIAL EVENT
First Responders Day
Join Woodstown Central Railroad for our 2nd Annual First Responders Day, honoring the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and public safety professionals who serve our communities. Choose between a historic diesel passenger train or steam-powered freight train experience, with complimentary rides available for eligible first responders.
Photo credit: Sebastian Segiel
Photo credit: Sebastian Segiel
40-60 mins
Family Friendly
Sept 12th
From $20
902 & 903
Why you’ll love it
Spend the day celebrating the people who serve our communities while experiencing two distinctly different sides of historic railroading. First Responders Day combines scenic train rides, vintage equipment, and interactive displays from local public safety organizations at South Woodstown Station.
- Choose between steam-powered and diesel-powered train experiences
- Eligible first responders ride free
- Enjoy scenic journeys through rural Salem County
- Ride aboard historic railroad equipment
- Explore interactive first responder displays at the station
- Learn about the region’s railroad history along the way
- A meaningful family outing celebrating local public safety heroes
choose your ride
Diesel Passenger Train
Ride aboard Woodstown Central’s restored passenger train pulled by ex-Reading FP7 locomotives #902 and #903. This approximately 40-minute, 12-mile scenic excursion travels along Salem County’s first railroad line, dating to 1863, through forests and rural farmland.
First-Class Woodstown Table Car
Coach Seating
Steam Freight Train
Experience the sights and sounds of steam aboard a freight train pulled by historic steam locomotive #9. The approximately 55–60 minute, 16-mile journey travels across Memorial Lake, through historic Woodstown, and over the Oldmans Creek Trestle.
Historic Caboose
Open Air Gondola
plan your trip
- Arrive 20 to 30 mins early
- Free parking on site
- Restrooms available at station and onboard
- First responder displays from 12–4 PM
- Bring first responder verification when claiming a complimentary ticket
- Not wheelchair accessible
event details
Dates:
September 12th
Train Departs:
12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location:
650 Alloway-Woodstown Rd, Woodstown, NJ 08098 Make a day of it
Make First Responders Day a full family outing in Woodstown. After your train ride and time exploring the first responder displays, grab a bite nearby, browse downtown shops, enjoy a sweet treat, or spend more time exploring the farms and small-town destinations of Salem County.
New Excursions coming Soon!
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“Amazing for all ages!”
Shirley S.
“The staff were wonderful, it was a great experience.”
Timothy B.
“Friendly, experienced, and a unique experience.”
Tracy B.
Hear from our riders
4.8 on Google
“Amazing for all ages!”
Shirley S.
“The staff were wonderful, it was a great experience.”
Timothy B.
“Friendly, experienced, and a unique experience.”
Tracy B.
Explore Salem County
Turn your train ride into a full day adventure.
frequently asked questions
Do all passengers need a ticket?
Yes, all passengers require a ticket. Children’s tickets are broken into two age groups. 4-12 (Child) and 0-3 (Toddler).
When is First Responders Day?
Woodstown Central Railroad’s 2nd Annual First Responders Day takes place September 12, 2026.
Do first responders ride for free?
Yes. Complimentary tickets are available to eligible active or retired first responders and qualifying public safety personnel. Verification may be required.
Do family members of first responders also ride free?
No. Complimentary admission applies to the eligible first responder. Family members and other guests must purchase regular admission unless otherwise noted.
What train rides are available?
Guests can choose between a diesel-powered passenger train pulled by ex-Reading FP7 locomotives #902 and #903 or a steam-powered freight train pulled by historic steam locomotive #9.
What's the difference between the diesel and steam rides?
The diesel passenger train offers an approximately 40-minute, 12-mile ride with Coach and First-Class seating. The steam freight train offers an approximately 55–60 minute, 16-mile experience with Caboose and Open Air Gondola seating.
Is there a bathroom on the train
Yes, the train is equipped with restrooms. There is also a port-o-potty located at South Woodstown Station.
Are pets allowed on the train?
Only registered service animals are permitted aboard the train.
Do you operate during bad weather?
We make every attempt to operate in all weather conditions. Please plan accordingly in your travel times. However, during extreme condition, the railroad will cancel operations and notify our guests with as much advance notice as possible. These cancellation notices will be sent via email, listed on our homepage, and through all social media outlets.
Can I bring my own food and drinks
Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are allowed on board. To prevent spilling, please make sure all drinks have a lid/cap.
Can I bring alcohol on the train
During the Brew to Brew trains, only Alcohol purchased at the Breweries is permitted onboard the train.