Tracks to the Patch: Board the Train in Winnsboro, SC

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 takes place on the two Saturdays before Halloween each year. In 2026, the Pumpkin Patch Express runs October 24 and October 31.

Pumpkin Pickin’

The train ride is a 3-mile scenic excursion along the Rockton, Rion 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

Tickets for the 2026 Pumpkin Patch Express are available now. Children under 2 ride free. The museum offers four ticket tiers:

Coach
Open Air
Locomotive
Caboose Compartment

For reference, 2025 prices ranged from $17 (Coach) to $120 (Caboose Compartment). Check here for confirmed 2026 pricing before booking.

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. Boarding gates close 10 minutes prior to departure, so plan to arrive with time to spare. Did you purchase tickets you can no longer use? No problem. You can exchange or transfer Pumpkin Patch Express tickets for $2 per ticket.

Accessibility: ADA and wheelchair accessibility is limited at this event. Families with accessibility needs should call 803-635-9893 before booking. Small strollers are permitted but must be emptied and folded before boarding; some large strollers may not be permitted.

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 beloved part of the SC Railroad Museum’s seasonal calendar for a number of years — and it’s easy to see why. A scenic train ride, a pumpkin patch, games, face painting, and the charm of historic Winnsboro make for an unforgettable fall day for the whole family.

About the South Carolina Railroad Museum

The South Carolina Railroad Museum, located in Winnsboro, SC, is about 40 minutes from Columbia via I-77 N, 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

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