EL DORADO, Calif. —
Fall is coming to the tracks in El Dorado County, and local families will have another opportunity to combine pumpkins, history and a train ride when the El Dorado Western Railroad hosts its second annual Pumpkin Patch Train in October.
The special excursion is scheduled for Oct. 3, 10 and 17, 2026, departing from the El Dorado Depot at 4650 Oriental Street in the town of El Dorado.
The railroad’s event listing describes the experience simply: climb aboard a full-size excursion train, ride through the foothills and stop near Missouri Flat Road to choose a pumpkin before boarding the train for the return trip to El Dorado.
A pumpkin patch reached by rail
Unlike a conventional drive-to-the-pumpkin-patch outing, the El Dorado event makes the journey part of the attraction.
Passengers will ride in an open-air excursion car along the historic Southern Pacific Placerville Branch rail line. The round trip is expected to take approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
At the turnaround point, passengers will leave the train and select their pumpkins. Pumpkins are available for an additional $6 each and can be purchased during checkout.
After the pumpkin stop, riders return to the train and head back toward the El Dorado Depot.
The railroad’s event organizers emphasize that seating is limited, making advance reservations advisable. A limited number of walk-on tickets also will be available from the station agent.
Three departure times
Trains are scheduled to leave the El Dorado Depot at:
- 10 a.m.
- Noon
- 2 p.m.
Tickets go on sale at 9:30 a.m.
Admission is $12 for adults and children age 9 and older, while children ages 4-8 are $3. Children 3 and younger ride free. Online purchases are subject to an additional processing fee.
The railroad advises riders to call (530) 663-3581 with questions or to confirm departure times. The telephone is monitored only on scheduled train-ride days from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Riders 17 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and animals are not permitted aboard the train.
More than a pumpkin ride
The event also provides a glimpse into El Dorado County’s railroad history.
The El Dorado Depot is part of the county’s Historical Railroad Park, located along approximately 2.2 miles of the El Dorado Trail in the town of El Dorado. The county identifies the site as the location of El Dorado Station and says the El Dorado Western Railroad Foundation operates an excursion railroad program there.
County historical records identify 4650 Oriental Street as El Dorado Station and as an operations center for the El Dorado Western Railroad.
That combination of transportation history and family recreation is central to the railroad’s role in the community. The El Dorado Western Railway Foundation says its mission includes supporting rail operations in El Dorado County, preserving historic county railroad assets, interpreting railroad history through the county’s living-history rail program and encouraging volunteerism.
A local fall tradition takes shape
The Pumpkin Patch Train is part of a broader effort to keep excursion rail service operating in El Dorado County.
The railroad has continued to offer full-size excursion trains from the El Dorado Station during 2026, including special themed rides. Earlier 2026 excursions have used the same basic route toward Missouri Flat Road and return.
For local families, the October Pumpkin Patch Train adds a seasonal twist to that living-history experience: a short railroad journey, a pumpkin to take home and a chance for children to experience a piece of transportation history that still operates in their own backyard.
And unlike many fall attractions that require a substantial drive from El Dorado County, this one begins and ends at a historic depot right in the town of El Dorado.
The railroad’s invitation is straightforward: “We’ll see you on the train!”
Event Details
What: Second Annual Pumpkin Patch Train
When: Oct. 3, 10 and 17, 2026
Where: El Dorado Depot, 4650 Oriental Street, El Dorado, California 95623
Departures: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Adults and ages 9+: $12
Children ages 4-8: $3
Children 3 and younger: Free
Pumpkins: $6 each
Ride duration: Approximately 50-60 minutes
Reservations: Recommended; limited walk-on tickets available
Information: (530) 663-3581
