Welcome to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Logo of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad providing train rides from Cumberland, Maryland utilizing historic steam and diesel locomotives.

2025 Maryland Railfest

Get ready for Maryland Railfest, rolling into Downtown Cumberland September 12–14! Celebrate the region’s rich railroading history with $13.09 train rides, the iconic Frostburg Flyer, Fireball Photo Experience, BBQ Choo, and exclusive Ridgeley Shop Tours. Enjoy live music, explore over 25+ vendors, and experience family-friendly fun throughout our WM Station and Canal Place.

With entertainment, history, and community all in one place, Railfest is the perfect destination for train lovers and festival-goers alike!

Featured Excursions

  • Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Frostburg Flyer Winter Service traverses the scenic route between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland with a full brunch menu and bar.

    Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train

    Saturday Evenings 7:00PM

    Enjoy date night out on our award-winning Dinner Train! With fresh prepared food, and full bar service, you will certainly enjoy an elegant night on the rails!

    Book Today

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Train

    Select Saturdays January - October

    Are you ready to solve a mystery? Hop on board our Murder Mystery Dinner Train and solve the mystery while you enjoy drinks and dinner on this entertaining journey.

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  • Western Maryland Scenic Railroad locomotive No. 1309 pulls the signature Frostburg Flyer service between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland.

    Sunset on the Mountain

    May - September 2025

    As our steam locomotive winds through the rolling Allegheny Mountains, guests relax in vintage railcars, savoring complimentary appetizers and hand-crafted cocktails.

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  • The Polar Express™ Train Ride

    The Polar Express™ Train Ride

    November 21st - December 23rd

    Characters from the story come to life, sharing stories and treats, while the smell of hot cocoa fills the air. The trip ends with a visit from Santa, making memories that capture the joy of the holidays.

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Check out our full train schedule

An steam train traveling through a mountainous forest with orange and yellow autumn foliage, emitting white smoke.

The Route

Leaving Cumberland, the route travels west through a breach in the Allegheny Mountains over an iron truss bridge, around World Famous Helmstetter’s Curve, and through the 914-foot Brush Tunnel under Piney Mountain. Climbing grades up to 2.8% on the 16-mile trek, the route follows the former Western Maryland Railroad right-of-way, then joins the old Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad.

A vintage steam train emerging from a tunnel with steam billowing up into the air, surrounded by leafless trees and rocky terrain.

Locomotive 1309

Built in 1949 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Chesapeake & Ohio Railway steam locomotive no. 1309 was built to handle the railroad’s heaviest coal trains throughout Kentucky and West Virginia until it was retired in 1956.

64 years later, no. 1309 has completed an overhaul and restoration and is an outstanding tourist attraction operating trains between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland. The locomotive is the largest operating steam locomotive of its type in the world.

A Timeless Experience for Everyone

boldly
“Such a fun trip on a scenic railroad!”
TripAdvisor Reviewer
“Such a fun trip on a scenic railroad!”
TripAdvisor Reviewer

I had a wonderful ride on the Frostburg Flyer while in the area for a weekend getaway. The train ride was relaxing, the staff was amazing, and the views were incredible. I will definitely be back!

TripAdvisor Reviewer
“Seeing the 1309 running is worth the price of admission alone.”
TripAdvisor Reviewer
“Seeing the 1309 running is worth the price of admission alone.”
TripAdvisor Reviewer

What an amazing trip. I'm glad we waited for the weekend to ride the steam powered train. Seeing the 1309 running is worth the price of admission alone. The conductor was very friendly and answered a ton of questions for us. He and his wife actually own two of the cars that they lease to WMSR. You can tell he cares deeply about preserving the heritage of the railroad. We bought Deluxe seats, but were free to roam about the train. Spent a bit in the open air cars, and the disclaimer is true. It is loud and dirty, but so cool!

TripAdvisor Reviewer
“The polar express crew did an excellent job!”
Google Reviewer
“The polar express crew did an excellent job!”
Google Reviewer

The polar express crew did an excellent job! We had a group of 10, nana, papa, two sons and 6 grands. Everyone had a wonderful time. A gentle ride to the north polar to pick up Santa and then Santa entertained us on the way back home. Loved the old steam train. A beautiful ride through the mountains and we were fortunate enough to get some snow! We will do it again!

Google Reviewer
“Not only was the train a wonder to behold, the staff were wonderful as well.”
Jacqui F
“Not only was the train a wonder to behold, the staff were wonderful as well.”
Jacqui F

We took a ride on the polar express, and we were seated in the upper level of the ocean view car. The ride was driven by their steam locomotive. Not only was the train a wonder to behold, the staff were wonderful as well. The station is beautiful, as well as the restored downtown area surrounding it. We will definitely be back, not only for the polar express but for scenic rides as well.

Jacqui F
“You really need to check out WMSR 1309 it was an awesome experience.”
Michael M
“You really need to check out WMSR 1309 it was an awesome experience.”
Michael M

You really need to check out WMSR 1309 it was an awesome experience. My son's were amazed at the size, sounds, smells from such a large operating steam engine. Nice ride, pretty scenery, overall great experience.

Michael M
“‘Hands on the Throttle’ of a 2250 hp, quarter-million pound locomotive? Absolutely fantastic experience!”
Brian S
“‘Hands on the Throttle’ of a 2250 hp, quarter-million pound locomotive? Absolutely fantastic experience!”
Brian S

It was a superb time, and worth every penny to experience operating a locomotive of a vintage similar to those my grandfather ran prior to his retirement. David really enjoys his job, and it shows. Carol and I had a great time, and encourage anyone thinking about WMSR's HOTT to stop thinking and make a reservation!

Brian S
“Great Food, Train Ride and Customer Service”
Phil P.
“Great Food, Train Ride and Customer Service”
Phil P.

We went up to catch the Murder Mystery Train and were not disappointed. Getting tickets was a breeze, boarding, food and their customer service was outstanding. The evening murder mystery was fun and the actors were interesting and funny. We highly recommend you give one of their events a try. It will be worth the time and money.

Phil P.
“Great Way To See The Fall Leaves!”
GMC507
“Great Way To See The Fall Leaves!”
GMC507

Had a wonderful time riding the train from Cumberland to Frostburg, then riding our bikes back down the mountain. Booking, check-in and loading the bikes was very easy. Lots of parking at the station. The conductors and people who load and unload the bikes could not have been more patient and helpful. The train ride was beautiful, comfortable and fun.

GMC507