Are you on the lookout for a new family-friendly Halloween-themed adventure? Have you been to a pumpkin patch? How about by train? Well, welcome aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express.
Two Times the Fall Fun
The Pumpkin Patch Express is a seasonal train ride operated by the South Carolina Railroad Museum, in Winnsboro, SC. The event traditionally takes place on the two Saturdays before Halloween. This year, the Pumpkin Patch Express will run October 18 and 25, 2025.
Pumpkin Pickin’
The train ride is a 3-mile scenic excursion along the Rion, Rockton, and Western Railroad. The train departs from the South Carolina Railroad Museum and arrives at a local pumpkin patch. At the patch, children 12 and under may select and decorate a pumpkin! The stop is approximately 40 minutes; and in addition to experiencing the pumpkin patch, all guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy festive games, face painting, a maze and food vendors. Finally, everyone will re-board the Pumpkin Patch Express and head back to the station.
Ticket Costs
Ticket prices range from $17 to $120, with children under 2 riding free. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different type of tickets and their cost:
$17: Coach ticket
$22 for an Open Air ticket
$50 for a Locomotive ticket
$120 for Caboose Compartment
Purchase your tickets for the Pumpkin Patch Express.
Things to Know Before You Arrive
Please note, all riders must check in at the ticket office at least 20 minutes prior to their scheduled ticketed departure time. Did you purchase tickets you can no longer use? No problem. You can exchange or transfer Pumpkin Patch Express tickets for $2.
A Pit Stop Before Pumpkins
There are restroom facilities available at the train depot, as well as, porta-potties at the pumpkin patch. However, there are no restrooms aboard the train. We encourage Guests to use the restroom prior to boarding the train.
Rolling Through the Years
The Pumpkin Patch Express has been a part of the SC Railroad Museum’s seasonal staples for a number of years. The growing number of ticket sales is a direct correlation to the popularity of this fall favorite activity. Let’s make this year a record-breaking year!
About the South Carolina Railroad Museum
The South Carolina Railroad Museum, located in Winnsboro, SC, is just a short drive from Columbia and roughly 70 minutes from Charlotte. Don’t let the museum’s small-town location fool you, however. The National Register of Historic Places officially recognizes this hidden treasure. In fact, all of the museum’s trains, whether running or resting, are historic artifacts. Learn more about the museum’s history here.
Help Keep History on Track
As a non-profit organization, the museum relies on volunteers for nearly all operations and on donations for funding. In fact, admission to the museum is free! With a small staff, the museum’s success and legacy rely heavily on its dedicated volunteers and the ongoing support of the community. The museum always welcomes and encourages new volunteers to contribute. View museum volunteer opportunities here.
South Carolina Railroad Museum
110 Industrial Park Rd, Winnsboro, SC 29180
803.635.9893
Check out all the pumpkin patches in Columbia, SC
