'All aboard!'

More than 1K attend opening weekend of Railway

Simpsonville, S.C. — As families and their kids boarded the train in Heritage Park on Saturday, Engineer Al Wood chatted with both seated customers and ones still patiently waiting in line for a ride on the miniature replica steam engine.

Al Wood is the sole engineer of Heritage Park Railway | City of Simpsonville

Dressed in denim overalls, a conductor's hat and red bandana around his neck, Wood gave train rides to 1,391 people on opening weekend for 2021 of the Heritage Park Railway. Wood said opening day on Saturday was a "huge success," which continued into Sunday.

Opening Day 2021 for Heritage Park Railway was March 13 | City of Simpsonville

"All the preparation leading up to opening day was well worth the work," Wood said. "The smiles remind us how important the train is to the community, including people beyond the Upstate. I believe Heritage Park Railway will have another great season."

Heritage Park Railway is open Saturdays at 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 - 6 p.m., weather permitting. Rides cost $3 per person each ride with children under 2 years old riding for free with an accompanying adult; only cash and checks are accepted.

Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell took photos of opening day.

"The heart of Heritage Park Railway is family, a value the City of Simpsonville holds dear," Campbell said. "As a gathering spot for parents and kids, couples and friends, the train helps keep the community Simply Connected."

Follow the Heritage Park Railway Facebook page for the latest on the train, including closings.