Edaville Railroad – The Final Days?
Last night my heart sank as I watched my son’s eyes well up with tears. My husband and I had taken our two little munchkins to Edaville Railroad for the Festival of Lights and my 5 year old had just asked if we could come here every year. I had to break the news to him that Edaville may be closing permanently on January 2nd, 2011. He asked why someone would want to close such a magical place, but I couldn’t explain it to him. He doesn’t understand that sometimes, despite the best of intentions, people can’t afford to keep things operational and that no matter how hard you look, sometimes, there just isn’t a buyer.
UPDATE – It was announced on September 24th that Edaville would stay open, beginning its new season on October 1, 2011!
Edaville was started back in 1947 when Ellis D. Atwood (EDA) purchased two-foot gauge rails from Maine and brought them back to his cranberry bog plantation in Carver, Massachusetts. He built a 5 ½ mile loop around the bogs to simultaneously service the bogs and give sightseeing tours to paying customers. He added amusement rides and lots of Holiday lights to give New Englanders and tourists alike an amusement park experience like never before.
My husband had heard that Edaville may be closing it’s doors soon, so we decided it was now or never to take our growing family for a visit, before it was too late. We arrived at 3:40PM (20 minutes before opening) after a 2-hour trip from our home. Mom and dad were tired, but the kids were excited and ready to explore, especially after seeing the train and all the lights in the distance. We dressed the kids in their snow bibs (highly recommended) and other winter gear and we were off.
There are a total of 11 amusement rides for the kids to choose from. Some rides are for the littlest children, in the 2-4 year old range, and include a miniature train, flying turtles, and a bumpy caterpillar (that my son said was like driving with mommy). Other rides are geared toward the 4-10 year old range, including high flying planes, twirling drums, soaring elephants, and spinning spaceships. A few rides are even reserved for the older children (and some brave adults). There is also an antique carousel and a Ferris wheel. A couple of the kiddie rides will accommodate adults as well. Daddy had the privilege of riding with the kids; he may have had as much fun as they did! All in all, we felt that the selection of rides, as well as the fun factor helped to make this a great outing.
One of the biggest attractions at Edaville, of course, is the train ride. It takes about 10 minutes to complete the 2.5 mile loop and with its comfortable bench seats and huge glass windows, you get a relaxed setting and an awe-inspiring view while watching the 7 million lights go by from the comfort of the coaches. All of the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from passengers mesmerized by the largest display of lights in New England really can get you in the Holiday spirit. Unlimited rides are included, but to avoid the crowds, be sure to go early for the shortest wait (the last train departs at 8:00 PM).
Of course, Edaville also has the standard amusement fare, including eateries and games (with fun prizes), as well as gift shops, a ball crawl, forest maze, model trains and Cranberry World Museum. Let’s not forget Santa; you can visit with him up until 8:30 PM and have a photo taken with no obligation to purchase. To be honest, our family saw little of the above activities due to the fact that they also have two Thomas tables set up with the usual trains, tracks and destinations. And as many of you with Thomas-loving children know, your kids love to play with other train tables more than their own!
Despite nippy toes, our family had a fantastic time during our 3 hour visit. Our children enjoyed many of the amusement rides as well as riding the train, seeing the lights, playing with the train table and looking around the gift shop. They won a prize playing an amusement type game, studied the old steam trains and made a lot of happy memories to last throughout the Christmas season. Children of all ages will enjoy this wonderful park, but we feel that children 3-12 would most enjoy everything Edaville has to offer.
Edaville Railroad is located in Carver, Massachusetts and is open from 2-9 PM on weekdays and from 4-9 PM on weekends, except Christmas Day, when they are closed. Friday-Sunday are the busiest days, so if you’re looking for maximum enjoyment and minimal crowds, visit on a weekday or as soon as the park opens. Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for children 2-12 and free for kids under 2. Be sure to print your $2 off coupon before heading out.
The Park closes for the season on January 2nd. Sadly, this may be the last day of operation for this historic and fun park. If you live in the area or are lucky enough to be visiting New England during the Christmas season, why not make some happy memories at this iconic amusement park that so many of us know and will fondly remember.
Disclosure
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- Edaville Railroad’s Back On Track For 2011 From November 25th through January 1st, families may enjoy Edaville's traditional Festival of Lights, along with all of the rides that make little ones squeal...
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One Response to “Edaville Railroad – The Final Days?”
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I had to comment on your experience with your 5 year old because I had a very similar discussion with my 10-year old daughter last night. She was teary the whole hour ride home and could not understand why someone would close a place as “magical” as Edaville. I told her maybe there would be a Christmas miracle but I did so with a lump in my throat.