Based on previous reviews we were excited to take our 2.5 yo and 5.5yo boys on a ride. We had tickets for a ride to Bowne station, with a stop at Ringoes. We started at about 2.30, train did not take off till almost 3... in 85 F weather was ruff. Then we took off, went right through Ringoes and then on to no where... another 20 mins in and the train stopped in the middle of the country side, sat there for 5 minutes and proceeded to go back the other way... never went to Bowne station... We then stopped at Ringoes, by then it was easily well over 1.5 hours in the trip, in mid 80's heat with no access to additional water was painful, yes we brought some with us, but had run out by then. The Ringoes station was a let down, they were ill prepared, limited drinks available to purchase, a few expensive toys to buy, 20 minutes stop. We boarded at about 2.45, did not return till about 5.30... with only the one stop in the whole ride. The kids, although super excited at the beginning were rather restless by the end. Another dad was there with his 2 young kids and even commented that this was a really long ride... The length of the whole thing was not the main issue, I just dont understand why we never got to Bowne Stationa and why nothing was said. For $18 a person and $10 for our oldest... that was a pricey ride... Overall it's a great concept and we may try again on a another event, just pretty disappointed in our experience on this ride. I really wish my kids had experienced what other people got to do on the rides described in the other reviews. The staff was awesome...
BR&W
I love old trains so I stopped in here as I have passed bye numerous times on my "DriveAbouts " I like to call them. It was later in the afternoon, so the place was deserted, and closed. So I slowly did a circle thru the parking lot and stopped to just peek about some, and took these pics. There is a museum here also that I will have to come back and visit.
The Halloween train was a lot of fun. They stopped off at the farm and there was a lot to do then. The Easter Express was not as good. We had to get off the train so they could swap the engine and there is nothing to do at the train station other then a small train table.
A nice place. Restored wagon carts can be seen here.
Took my dog, no issues. Well worth the trip if you dont mind some smoke and some time in the slow lane.
What a great experience for my 5 year old! Met Santa, some elves, had hot cocoa, and so much more. Staff was friendly and made the trip great!
The staff was courteous and my 2 year old son had a blast riding on the train.
It was really a amazing place. They run steam and diesel so make sure you check the site before going. The ride is about and hour and 20 minutes round trip. One was is about 23-26 minutes with a short layover in the middle that is 15-20 minutes. It is a great place with friendly staff, great heritage equipment, and tranports you back in time. I would recommend this to any train lover or person who likes a good day out.
Our family loved the ride. It's about 5 mile ride one way. We wish it was longer as we all love trains. Not much of a scenic ride but a good one to try something new for a change.
Good place to ride 100 years old train. However keep in mind that steam engine is not running every weekend, and even on the days it is scheduled to be, not necessarily you will ride steam but not diesel (also kind of historical, but not steam). Additionally, as both engines are old, there are possibly of delays. We had a delay for about 25 minutes as they had issue connecting the engine to the cars. Besides that- it is worth if every penny spent. Nice 30 minutes (one way) ride (you are paying for the round trip though). Conductors will tell you a history of this railroad and the cars. Good views. Ringoes has a gift shop and a small in-car museim and a restroom. My family was very pleased with this trip. BTW, for those with small kids - during Christmas time they are running polar express.
Fantastic experience, definitely a to-do for kids who love trains. the farm was a fun time and the folks were really nice. its going to be an annual expirience for a few more years for sure. Also very COVID appropriate
Love this place. They are out of this world. Amazing good and pleasant. Custumer service, very organized and well trained.
Nice train excursion. Has a Biblical Theme ride in addition to the standard Santa ride. Engine 60 shines
we rode the railroad at 2 pm. on a cold winter day. We were fine, but if you are usually cold, the front of each car is warmer than the rear. Everyone working is volunteering their time. They went out of their way, to help everyone have a great time. Keep in mind that they are giving up time with their families in order to work the railroad. Be sure to come to the correct stop in Flemington. Dress warm, as the stop in ringoes is cold , and you will probably be standing outside. We had a great time. Do not expect Modern day luxuries, as this is really about a trip back in time. Thank you to everyone who worked the Polar Express!
What can I say? This is a wonderful piece of nostalgia and great for the family. Interesting way to spend your day and make memories. Highly recommended.
They did an amazing Polar Express experience! It was absolutely fantastic!
Kids loved the train ride. It was interesting although the stop at ringoes is kind of dull. They have a train set there that kids like. Overall its a good experience for kids
Not the overly scenic, but a peaceful and enjoyable train ride especially behind a steam locomotive.
Great for little kids and toddlers, has short themed train rides throughout the year.
Great polar express ride, hot cocoa, cookies, Santa, elves and a bell to take home
Great for the little train enthusiast. A real stream engine with old cars from almost 150 yrs ago. Nice relaxing ride for adults, too (though I wouldn't go just for the ride, we took our 3yr old, who LOVED it!) They tell you some history of the rail line and town such is actually interesting and there's a tiny gift shop and "museum" at the Ringoes station
Want a nice ride by train thru the country side. This is the place for you.
Railfest was good steam engine broke down for our return trip
The train ride was fun and the museum was pretty interesting, kids will love this place.
Loved the Christmas train! What a great way to get into the holiday spirit! The highlight - Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the wonderful elves. They made the ride festive and interactive. Loved hearing The Night Before Christmas, and singing along to the carols. Can't wait to do it again next year!
Waiting platform isn't great not much coverage. But the experience was good for the kids to see Santa just wish there was more room waiting for the train and then at th "North Pole"
This is a fantastic place to take the kids. We brought them via the "Polar Express" for the second time and they absolutely loved it. (5 and 7yrs old). We will go again.
This was a fun train ride for the whole family! It was extra special since Santa and his elves were roaming the train the whole time! This will be a Christmas time tradition for my family.
All volunteers... great experience . Very nice time .
Took my daughter for the Santa train ride and it was perfect! Train ride, Hot coco, sitting on Santa's lap, what more could you ask for.
Great activity for the kids. We did the 8:30 it killed half of our morning, which was great. Santa and the elves come on train and they sing, pass out candy canes, sit with the kids etc... When you arrive at the "North Pole" they have hot chocolate and cookies for the kids. You can also have their face painted and there is a little gift shop. Highly recommend.
If you (or your family) love trains, please come visit BR&W. Train crew were wonderful. Our trip was fun and we will definitely be back!
Old time favorite from childhood and they're expanding hopefully over the years will keep adding fun place to take the kids or hit up one of their specialized trains see their website
Wonderful staff working Santa's Candy Cane Express train.
Everything was good except the conductor on the first leg of the trip was in a bad mood or didn't like kids. He was very picky about how the kids were sitting. I get no feet on the seat or hands out the window, but you do know kids fidget right? He actually even told my husband to move his arm because the tiniest bit of an elbow was sticking out of the window. Yes you warned us that if a window fell, it could hurt. He's a grown man. If if bumps into a tiny bit of his elbow, he'll survive.
It's a nice railroad. Not the most scenic in the world but it's not called the black river and western scenic railroad. If you like trains than this is definitely worth your time and money.
This trip in train was excellent! The ride is very smooth.
One of the best regional scenic railroads...this was my 2nd visit ..i've been on the steam #60 and the diesel...great ride...a little short but from what i understand it may reach Lambertville soon .. great staff..nice museum..
We loved this train ride! The ride was very enjoyable. The scenery was nice even on a rainy day. We departed from Flemington and arrived in Ringoes. Once departing the passenger car that was heated with a wood burning stove, we made our way to get some chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa. Afterwards we made a pit stop at the bathroom, took a photo at the photo booth with a lovely Xmas tree. The gift shop was very nice with many items for sale. Lastly, we finished with a tour of the museum. The museum had a lot of displays and information. There was also a model train set up which the kids enjoyed watching. We finished up just in time for our train ride back to Flemington. We had a great time here.
If your ever in the area of Hunterdon County, this train ride is worth every penny! The train ride is beautiful and all done on vintage passenger cars! Make sure to look for tickets to ride behind the steam locomotive. Flemington is a nice small town to check out. Ringoes has a nice train yard to look around! Check out the museum as well! Great place to bring kids! You might not have an interest in trains, like I do, but this is must! I ve been on the excursions before since I live here in New Jersey. I always enjoy the ride! Five stars from a NJ Train guy!
You Will have such a great time riding the Black River and Western Railroad. Everyone is outgoing and friendly.
Great railroad. Their prices are fair and I love their themed ( Easter Bunny and Santa ) trains.
Interesting ride. Not too fast. Not too bumpy. Ok for kids....
Great Holiday Train Ride! The staff was very nice, Santa and Mrs. Clause were very patient with every child. Everyone was given hot chocolate and a delicious chocolate chip cookie. We had a great time.
They did a nice job making this fun for kids, just wish the santa had been a little more convincing. I also wish there was more to do at the 'north pole' to spread people out a little more, we spent the whole time waiting in a line, first to get cocoa and a cookie, then to take a picture in the sleigh, then to get the picture inside.
Not worth the money. The route is not scenic at all.
Great train ride. Lots of fun. Really a special time with the family.
Fun family-friendly train ride during the holidays. Tickets include the out-and-back ride (~12 miles total) on historic trains, hot cocoa, cookie, mini-museum, and Santa photo (check beforehand, as Santa isn't there all days). Train cars have antique wood burning stove heaters.
Amazing stock, plus over a hundred years or history. Those trains have traveled all over the country. Defiantly a great experience for the fam!
I share a love of trains and Christmas with my children and grandchildren! There is nothing better than the North Pole Express out of Flemington. We also I've the Steamies in the Summer during Grammy Camp!
My grandson was in heaven. So cool and the conductor was very informative. Just a great experience.
Great experience! They have both steam and diesel engines, depending on what is scheduled
Beautiful train, lovely scenery, and knowledgeable friendly staff for the entire 90 minute ride
