South Carver, Massachusetts: Edaville USA - Cranberry Bog Train

Owned and operated by Brenda Johnson and Robert Julian since 2003, Edaville USA has undergone many exciting changes over the years, including the reconfiguration of the entire rail course and the incorporation of vintage amusement rides, such as an antique carousel and an illuminated Ferris Wheel. Other attractions throughout the year include, "Day Out With Thomas" a family event centered around the Thomas the Tank Engine classic storybooks; the National Cranberry Festival, which features a train ride through the fall cranberry harvest; and the Christmas Festival of Lights offering rides through brilliantly lit displays in the winter.

Edaville hosts many special events throughout the year and is definitely a place that and family can visit and have a good time. There are plenty of rides for all ages and things to do. I suggest visiting their website www.edaville.com for more information.

Formerly operated as just "Edaville Railroad." It was closed in 1991 and most of its Maine 2 footer railroad equipment went to the Maine Narrow Gauge Museum. It remained closed for a number of years. During that time there were several attempts by groups to reopen the theme park. All of those attempts failed until a couple of local contractors (both rail fans) decided to attempt to reopen the once popular tourist site.

Today, Edaville USA runs limited service, mostly during the Cranberry harvest season and during the period between Thanksgiving and New Years for the "Festival of Lights." It is a 5.5 mile train ride behind a diesel locomotive or a European narrow gauge steam locomotive. The tourist site is closed during the summer.

The name of the old cranberry bog train ride was Edaville Railroad! I, too have childhood memories of it, going there at night, I think around Christmastime, and having a train ride through the bogs with my mom and dad. I was sad to learn a couple years ago that they had closed and moved some of the trains to Maine, but I just looked it up online and GUESS WHAT...? Edaville reopened July 5, 2002. Who knows if the new Edaville is as cool as the old Edaville, but it sounds pretty awesome, nonetheless.

Edaville Railroad went around a cranberry bog. It used to have a christmas display in November and December. During the energy crisis they powered the display and generating their own power with a steam generator. They also had a Fire Engine display and railroad museum. At the proper time of year you could see the cranberries being harvested from the bogs while taking the railroad ride.