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Steamtown National Historic Site

4.7
·4k reviews·Scranton, United States

Explore America's rich railroad history with massive steam locomotives, exhibits, and rides in a former rail yard. Free admission!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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A Reading Diesil Electric Engine

Steamtown National Historic Site

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore America's rich railroad history with massive steam locomotives, exhibits, and rides in a former rail yard. Free admission!

4.7
(4k reviews)

"This place was loaded with all kinds of history. This may be the best preserved site in America dedicated to the railroad."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Perks

General admission is free! Consider the small fee for train rides for the full experience.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive historic site.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 3,559 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Union Pacific "Big Boy" No. 4012

Union Pacific "Big Boy" No. 4012

Outdoor display area

Marvel at one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, a true giant of American railroading.

Instagram
The Roundhouse & Turntable

The Roundhouse & Turntable

Rail yard

Witness the heart of the historic railroad yard, where massive locomotives are maintained and moved.

InstagramReddit
Restoration Workshops

Restoration Workshops

Behind-the-scenes tours

Get a fascinating glimpse into how these historic steam engines are brought back to life by dedicated staff.

InstagramReddit
Steamtown Railfest

Steamtown Railfest

Various locations within the site

Experience the annual celebration of all things trains with rides, demonstrations, and special exhibits.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Paid Rides

While Steamtown NHS offers free general admission, don't miss the chance to experience a short train ride for a small fee. It's a highlight for many visitors and a great way to see more of the historic rail yard. InstagramReddit

Plan for a Full Day

With numerous locomotives, exhibits, and restoration areas, you can easily spend a half to a full day exploring. Consider visiting the adjacent Electric Trolley Museum too! TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Labor Day Weekend
Why
Railfest celebration!
Crowd
High
When
During special events
Why
Unique demonstrations & activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The perfect spot in PA for a hike this summer🌳 Who’s going?? #pennsylvania #pennsylvaniacheck #scranton #scrantonpa #nayaugpark #waterfall #gorge #nature #travel #visitpa #pabucketlist #summer2024
@billyexplorespa
36K likes • 704.6K views

🎯 Free Admission Perks

General admission is free! Consider the small fee for train rides for the full experience. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive historic site. Instagram

An ice cream experience with a gothic twist awaits at Black Cow Cookies & Cream in Downtown Scranton! Here’s a peek inside the unique shop located within The Ritz Theater building that is known for its midnight black soft serve. 🖤🍦 #DiscoverNEPA
@discovernepa
23.1K likes • 621.2K views
Happy New Year! To celebrate, we at Steamtown National Historic Site are "Ringing" in the New Year by ringing the bell on our most famous engine, the Union Pacific "Big Boy" no. 4012! Join Ranger Kennedy and enjoy the sounds of this unique bell. Several of our @nationalparkservice peers are joining in this year as well! Be sure to search #NPSRings to see how other parks are ringing in 2025. From a...
steamtownnhs
622 likes • 6.3K views

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Easily spend half a day or more exploring the locomotives and exhibits. Instagram

🗺️ Check the Map First

The site is large and can be a bit confusing; grab a map to navigate efficiently. Reddit

Steamtown National Historic Site #trains #locomotive #sightseeing #biker #vacation #rv
roadtrip403
50 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Perks

General admission is free! Consider the small fee for train rides for the full experience. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive historic site. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Easily spend half a day or more exploring the locomotives and exhibits. Instagram

🗺️ Check the Map First

The site is large and can be a bit confusing; grab a map to navigate efficiently. Reddit

📸 Don't Miss the Big Boy

This massive locomotive is a must-see and often parked outside. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Steamtown National Historic Site for its impressive collection of locomotives and its free admission. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the experience, with many highlighting the fascinating restoration work and the enjoyable train rides. Some find the site layout a bit confusing initially, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for history buffs and families alike.

"I’ve been to Steamtown now 3 times. The NPS staff and Rangers are always extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. Plenty of Parking, easy to get to with GPS. Museum inside is awesome, outside displays are unique. There are usually daily rides on one of trains, and occasionally longer excursions for a price."

Steve Bergerj

"Great museum we decided to visit spur of the moment. No admission but we did pay $6 a person for a short ride into town and back. So many beautiful engines and train cars from various companies. The staff are so polite and everyone we spoke to was eager to share their knowledge. I was very impressed with cleanliness of the place and you can see that this museum is well cared for. We did not take the short walk to the trolley museum located across from the train yard but we are planning of visiting again in the near future."

A. “BackSeatRider” W.

"Amazing Place to visit while in Scranton PA! Very kid friendly, and interesting for the whole family. You can pay for a ticket to ride their trolley and train ride, which explains the history of the area. There is also the turntable + roundhouse museum, which houses lots of relics and trains, all of which is free to see. Overall an amazing place to stop by whenever you have free time, plus it's a short walk over the bridge to the Steamtown Marketplace & Trolly Museum!"

Mike Lamb

What People Like

Free admission
Impressive locomotive collection
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Site layout can be confusing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Steamtown NHS is located in downtown Scranton, PA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available within Scranton. TikTok

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the site. Some may have fees, so it's good to check local parking regulations. Instagram

Absolutely! Scranton is a popular stop for those interested in industrial history and train enthusiasts. Consider combining it with other local attractions. TikTok

Downtown Scranton is walkable, and Steamtown NHS is centrally located. For exploring further, consider ride-sharing services or local buses. TikTok

Yes, the Electric Trolley Museum is located across the street and is often visited in conjunction with Steamtown. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to Steamtown National Historic Site is FREE! However, there is a small fee for the scenic train rides. Instagram+1

For general admission, no advance tickets are needed as it's free. For special events like Railfest or specific train rides, it's advisable to check the official website for booking information. Instagram+1

Operating hours can vary seasonally. Typically, the site is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official NPS website for the most current hours. Instagram+1

Steamtown NHS generally operates year-round, but hours may be reduced during certain seasons or holidays. Always verify current operating status before your visit. Instagram

General admission is always free. Special event pricing may apply during festivals like Railfest. Instagram

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

You can explore a vast collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives, walk through the roundhouse, see restoration work in progress, and learn about American railroad history. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, Steamtown offers short, scenic train rides on a historic locomotive for a small fee. These are very popular! InstagramReddit

Yes, guided tours are often available and provide in-depth information about the site and its collection. Some tours may take you behind the scenes. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Kids are often fascinated by the massive trains and the history. The train rides are a big hit with younger visitors. Reddit

The Union Pacific 'Big Boy' No. 4012 is one of the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built, and it's a star attraction at Steamtown. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, there is a park store that may offer snacks and drinks. It's recommended to bring your own or explore nearby downtown Scranton eateries. TikTok

Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas, but check specific park rules. Bringing your own food is a great way to save money. TikTok

Downtown Scranton has a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. You can also find unique spots like Black Cow Cookies & Cream for a treat. TikTok

Yes, Scranton offers many family-friendly restaurants. Ask locals or check online reviews for recommendations based on your preferences. TikTok

Scranton has a diverse culinary scene. You'll find classic American fare, Italian specialties, and local diners. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The roundhouse, the turntable area, and the massive locomotives like the 'Big Boy' offer incredible photo opportunities. The rail yard itself provides a dramatic backdrop. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use. Be mindful of any restricted areas or signs. Instagram

While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check with site staff if unsure. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions. Instagram

Yes, you can often see the restoration work happening. Guided tours might offer closer access and insights into this process. Instagram

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