The Wilmington & Western is a heritage railway running through the Red Clay Valley west of the city — a 10-mile branch line that operates seasonal steam and diesel trains on weekends from spring through fall. The route follows the Red Clay Creek through wooded valleys and farmland, with stops at Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove and the Hockessin station.
Trains depart from Greenbank Station near Marshallton. Several themed runs each season — Easter Bunny, Pumpkin Patch, Civil War, Halloween — sell out well ahead. The standard one-and-a-half-hour round trip is a pleasant outing in itself, especially in October when the foliage is at its best.