The Wilmington & Western Railroad was chartered in 1867 to move goods between the mills along the Red Clay Creek and the Port of Wilmington, and opened for business on October 19, 1872. Much of the line ran through the scenic Red Clay Valley, bustling in the late 19th Century with farms, small villages and water-powered mills.

In 1930, the passenger business ended, a victim of the Great Depression. With trucks and automobiles gaining in popularity, the Wilmington & Western line saw a sharp decrease in freight traffic, and the route was shortened to Hockessin, Del., in the late 1950s. In the mid-1960s, the non-profit Historic Red Clay Valley Inc., was formed to operate scenic tourist trains on the remaining 10 miles of the route.

Today, the modern Wilmington & Western continues to operate steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains through some of the most beautiful parts of New Castle County. The route runs alongside the peaceful Red Clay Creek, through wooded forests, and passes old mills and a covered bridge.

Many of our trains stop at the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove where passengers can enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch on the banks of the Red Clay Creek. We offer a variety of themed trains, including the Easter Bunny Express, Wild West Robbery Train, Civil War Weekend and the popular Santa Claus Express.

Amenities we offer are: Gift shop, snack bar, museum, and a picnic grove. Please note: we have limited handicapped accessibility.

For complete train information and a departure schedule, visit us at www.wwrr.com.