PA Roadside Attractions

The Red Caboose Motel | Nostalgic Nights in Lancaster County

A collage of four photos taken at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a red caboose labeled "Southern" with a red SUV parked in front of it. The top right image features two rows of colorful cabooses, including blue, yellow, and red ones, lined up on either side of a driveway. The bottom left image depicts the interior of a cozy motel room with a bed, table, and chair. The bottom right image showcases a sign for the Red Caboose Motel with a yellow caboose in the background. The Red Caboose Motel includes over 40 cabooses and train cars converted into retro motel rooms.

If you’re looking for information about staying at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place!

A vibrant red caboose, number 42, repurposed as a motel room at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The caboose features white-framed windows and the motel's name, "The Red Caboose Motel," painted on the side in white letters. A black staircase leads up to the entrance, with the caboose set on train tracks. In the background, other colorful cabooses and train cars converted into motel rooms are visible, along with a black minivan parked nearby. Tall trees with lush green leaves provide a scenic backdrop against a blue sky with a few clouds.

The Red Caboose Motel features over 40 vintage cabooses and train cars that have been repurposed into retro motel rooms.

A row of colorful, repurposed cabooses at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The cabooses include a bright yellow Chessie System caboose, a red caboose, a blue caboose, and a yellow caboose, each with steps leading to their entrances. The cabooses are set against a backdrop of tall trees with green leaves and a clear blue sky. Cars are parked near the cabooses, and the area is paved, providing a quaint and charming atmosphere that showcases the unique accommodations of the motel.

The motel is located just east of Strasburg, close to many of Lancaster County’s most popular tourist destinations.

Recently I had a chance to spend several nights there, enjoying an unforgettable experience that combined history, comfort, and charm in the heart of Lancaster County.

A row of colorful, repurposed cabooses at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA, captured during sunrise. The cabooses include a maroon Pennsylvania caboose, a blue caboose, a teal caboose, a yellow and blue Alaska caboose, and several others, each with steps leading to their entrances. The rising sun casts a warm glow, creating long shadows and highlighting the vibrant colors of the cabooses. The sky features a mix of soft clouds and clear blue, enhancing the serene and picturesque atmosphere of the scene.

History of the Red Caboose Motel

The Red Caboose Motel originated in 1970 when the late Don Denlinger saved 19 cabooses from being scrapped.

A row of colorful, repurposed cabooses at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The foreground features a yellow Union Pacific caboose and a red Santa Fe caboose, followed by a series of other cabooses painted in vibrant colors including orange, blue, and yellow. The cabooses are lined up on tracks with a green grassy area in front. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and trees with lush foliage are visible in the background, creating a picturesque and charming scene that highlights the unique accommodations of the motel.

Denlinger, also the developer of several Strasburg tourism-related businesses such as the Historic Strasburg Inn and Fulton Steamboat Inn, saw the potential in preserving these historical pieces.

A red Nickel Plate Road caboose, number 40, repurposed as a motel room at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The caboose is weathered, adding to its vintage charm, and sits beside a building with a covered porch and a silo in the background. The scene is set during sunset, with the sky displaying warm hues of orange and yellow. A wooden fence lines the pathway leading to the caboose, and lush greenery surrounds the area, enhancing the rustic and picturesque atmosphere.

Originally painted red (hence the name Red Caboose), each caboose has been repainted to represent classic railroads across the United States, showcasing a variety of colors and designations that pay homage to historical railroad companies, including Lionel toy trains.

Two repurposed cabooses at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA, during sunset. The caboose on the left is painted red with "Canadian Pacific" written on the side, while the caboose on the right is orange with "LIONEL LINES" and the number 14. Both cabooses have steps leading to their entrances. The setting sun casts a warm glow, creating long shadows and illuminating the vibrant colors of the cabooses. The background features large trees with lush green foliage and a vintage railroad crossing sign, enhancing the nostalgic and picturesque atmosphere of the scene.

Today, the Red Caboose Motel boasts 38 cabooses, two dining cars, a mail car, a baggage car, and a farmhouse.

A picturesque farmhouse and barn at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The two-story farmhouse is constructed of red brick with white trim, featuring two levels of porches with white railings. The well-manicured lawn and flower beds enhance its charm. In the background, the restored red barn with a metal roof and cupolas, previously described, is visible. A paved walkway connects the two buildings, and a rustic wooden fence adds to the scenic, rural ambiance. The sky is bright blue with a few clouds, highlighting the beautiful weather and setting.

Each caboose and train car is an individual suite with a full bathroom, providing guests with a cozy and nostalgic stay.

A row of colorful, repurposed cabooses at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA, each painted to honor historic railways. The cabooses include a brown Strasburg Railroad caboose with number 29, an orange Seaboard Coast Line caboose with number 22, a silver Burlington Route caboose, a yellow Union Pacific caboose, and several others in blue and red. A red car is parked beside the brown caboose. The scene is set under a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds, and tall trees with green foliage provide a scenic backdrop.

Including the farmhouse, the property has 49 guest rooms, seating for 164 in the dining cars, an event barn, a petting zoo, and a gift shop, all spread across 9.3 acres of scenic land.

A friendly goat stands in an open pasture at the Red Caboose Motel's petting zoo in Lancaster County, PA. The background features picturesque farmland with fields, barns, silos, and a mix of green and brown landscapes. The scene is framed by tree branches at the top, adding to the rural charm. The clear blue sky with a few clouds and the well-maintained surroundings create a serene and inviting atmosphere.

What the Cabooses Look Like Inside

One of the highlights of staying at the Red Caboose Motel is the ability to park directly in front of your caboose.

The rooms inside the cabooses are long and narrow, reminiscent of campers or RVs, creating a unique and cozy atmosphere.

A cozy interior of a repurposed caboose motel room at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The room features a double bed with white pillows and a colorful quilted bedspread, flanked by two wall-mounted lantern-style light fixtures. To the right of the bed, there is a small wooden table with a chair, a book titled "Destination Lancaster" on top, and another lantern-style light above. In the background, a doorway leads to a small hallway with a glimpse of shelves and a compact bathroom area. The room is decorated in warm, neutral tones with white wainscoting along the lower half of the walls.

Unlike a camper or RV, however, you’ll enjoy normal water pressure thanks to traditional residential plumbing.

A small bathroom inside one of the repurposed caboose motel rooms at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The bathroom features a white toilet with a roll of toilet paper and a pack of Lavex toilet seat covers on top of the tank. Above the toilet, there is a metal rack holding neatly folded white towels and washcloths. To the right, there is a white shower curtain partially visible, indicating the presence of a shower area. The walls are painted a light beige color, creating a clean and simple look.

Each room is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and comfort, featuring a full bathroom and all the amenities (AC/TV/WiFi/microwave/refrigerator) needed for a comfortable stay.

A cozy motel room at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA, featuring a small wooden table with two chairs, a bed with a colorful quilt, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, a microwave, and an air conditioner unit. The room is well-lit with natural light from a window decorated with train-themed curtains.

Guests will appreciate the blend of vintage charm and modern convenience found in each caboose.

A cozy bunk bed setup inside one of the repurposed caboose motel rooms at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The top and bottom bunks are neatly made with white bedding and pillows. An air conditioning unit is installed on the wall next to the top bunk. A small window with colorful stained glass artwork is visible on the right, adding a touch of charm to the room. The walls are painted a soft beige, complementing the simple and functional design of the space.

Casey Jones’ Restaurant

Casey Jones’ Restaurant at the Red Caboose Motel is another unique feature that guests will love, constructed using two original P-70 80-ton dining cars that once rode the rails of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the early 1900s.

The interior is beautifully decorated, and the menu features delicious, home-cooked meals.

The interior of the Casey Jones Restaurant at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The restaurant is housed in a vintage train car, featuring an ornate red ceiling with gold accents and a series of elegant globe light fixtures. The dining area has rows of tables covered with newspaper-patterned tablecloths and surrounded by black chairs. Large windows along one side of the car provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape, adding to the unique dining experience. The decor blends historical charm with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

The Petting Zoo

Families and animal lovers will enjoy the free petting zoo on-site, where children and adults alike can interact with friendly goats, sheep, horses, and other farm animals.

Two horses playfully interacting in a green pasture at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The horse on the left is a reddish-brown color and is rearing up on its hind legs, while the horse on the right is a black and white pinto, standing with its mane flowing in the wind. The background features a picturesque rural landscape with fields, fences, and distant trees under a bright blue sky with a few clouds. The scene captures the lively and natural environment of the motel's petting zoo.

The petting zoo adds an extra layer of fun to the stay.

An alpaca rests on the ground inside a wooden shelter at the petting zoo of the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA, during sunrise. The sky is painted with warm hues of orange and pink, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop. In the background, a building with a blue roof and white trim is visible, surrounded by green pastures and a fence. The scene is framed by tree branches, adding to the tranquil and rural charm of the setting.

Ideal Location

The Red Caboose Motel is ideally located close to the Strasburg Railroad and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, providing guests with easy access to even more rail-related attractions.

Other nearby attractions include several covered bridges and Amish farms, Dutch Wonderland, Dutch Haven, and the Sight & Sound Theatres.

A photo of Dutch Haven, a well-known landmark near the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The building is designed to look like a traditional windmill, with large blades extending from the roof. The sign on the building advertises "Shoo-Fly Pies," indicating its specialty. The exterior features a stone facade and several windows, with a yellow and black color scheme on the sign and roof. The sky is clear and blue, adding to the picturesque quality of the scene.

These sites offer a variety of activities and sights to explore, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

A picturesque photo of a covered bridge in Lancaster County, PA, near the Red Caboose Motel. The bridge is painted red and spans over a small creek with cascading water. The lush green grass and tall trees on either side of the creek create a serene and idyllic setting. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground and adding warmth to the scene. The peaceful creek, charming bridge, and vibrant greenery epitomize the tranquil beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside.

As the sun sets over the Lancaster County countryside, guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, taking in the beautiful views and the tranquil ambiance.

A scenic photo of a farm in Lancaster County, PA, near the Red Caboose Motel. The image captures a sprawling farmland with a large barn and several silos. The foreground features a partially plowed field, while the midground showcases green pastures and a fenced area. The barn is surrounded by trees and additional farm buildings. In the background, a picturesque sunset with a pink and orange sky enhances the serene rural landscape. A windmill is also visible to the right of the barn, adding to the rustic charm of the scene.

Final Thoughts

The unique combination of staying in a repurposed caboose, dining in a historic railroad car, and experiencing the charm of the Pennsylvania countryside makes a night at the Red Caboose Motel truly special.

A vintage "Rail Road Crossing" sign stands near a tree at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. In the background, several repurposed cabooses, including a red one with "The Red Caboose Motel" and number 42, and a yellow caboose, are visible along a paved pathway. Cars are parked near the cabooses, and the area is surrounded by tall trees with lush green leaves. The clear blue sky and well-maintained grounds create a charming and nostalgic atmosphere.

Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, a family looking for a fun getaway, or a couple seeking a romantic retreat, the Red Caboose Motel offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

A vibrant red car parked in front of two repurposed cabooses at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The caboose on the left is painted blue and yellow with "ALASKA" written on the side, while the caboose on the right is orange with "SOUTHERN" and the number 10. Both cabooses have stairs leading up to their entrances. The sky is clear with streaks of clouds, and the scene is brightly lit by the sun, showcasing the unique and colorful accommodations offered by the motel.

The blend of history, comfort, charm, and great location creates a memorable stay that will leave you wanting to return again and again.

The front entrance of the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA, featuring a rustic wooden porch with rocking chairs, and a large sign that reads "Red Caboose Motel." The building has a vintage look with yellow siding, green barn-style doors, and red accents. A sign below the main sign advertises a restaurant, gift shop, and ice cream. The porch is adorned with plants and bushes, and a wooden ramp and stairs provide access. The clear blue sky and well-maintained landscaping enhance the inviting atmosphere of the motel.

For more information about the motel or to book a room there, please visit the Red Caboose Motels’ OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A large red sign for the Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant in Lancaster County, PA, with the text "ALL ABOARD!! Sleep In A Real Caboose Tonight" and the website address "redcaboosemotel.com." In the background, a bright yellow Union Pacific caboose, along with other colorful cabooses, is visible. The scene is set during golden hour, with the sunlight casting a warm glow on the sign and the cabooses. The surrounding area features green grass and trees, enhancing the welcoming and unique charm of the motel.

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