By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

CALERA – Calera’s Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum will offer train rides with a seasonal destination beginning Oct. 5.

Dubbed the Pumpkin Patch Express, rides will be available on weekends to the museum’s pumpkin patch, where riders can go on hay rides, pick pumpkins and participate in several kid-friendly activities. Ticket prices start at about $11 for children and $15 for adults.

Heart of Dixie secretary Barbara Morrow said it takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the pumpkin patch by train, and participants spend at least half an hour at the pumpkin patch once they arrive.

Hayrides, bounce houses, a maze and other activities also greet passengers at the patch.

“The children love it (because of) the way that it is presented with the different activities that we have,” Morrow said. “You’re not just going to a pumpkin patch.”

Pumpkins cost an additional $5 each, with pumpkins of all sizes costing the same amount, Morrow said.

Tickets are available in advance or at the door, with trains departing Saturdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the museum at 668-3435 or visit Hodrrm.org.