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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Steamtown National Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's rich railroad history with massive steam locomotives, exhibits, and rides in a former rail yard. Free admission!
"This place was loaded with all kinds of history. This may be the best preserved site in America dedicated to the railroad."

🎯 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.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 3,559 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
nps.gov/steaHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

The Roundhouse & Turntable
Rail yard
Witness the heart of the historic railroad yard, where massive locomotives are maintained and moved.

Restoration Workshops
Behind-the-scenes tours
Get a fascinating glimpse into how these historic steam engines are brought back to life by dedicated staff.

Steamtown Railfest
Various locations within the site
Experience the annual celebration of all things trains with rides, demonstrations, and special exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Paid Rides
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Easily spend half a day or more exploring the locomotives and exhibits.
🗺️ Check the Map First
The site is large and can be a bit confusing; grab a map to navigate efficiently.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Easily spend half a day or more exploring the locomotives and exhibits.
🗺️ Check the Map First
The site is large and can be a bit confusing; grab a map to navigate efficiently.
📸 Don't Miss the Big Boy
This massive locomotive is a must-see and often parked outside.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the site. Some may have fees, so it's good to check local parking regulations.
Absolutely! Scranton is a popular stop for those interested in industrial history and train enthusiasts. Consider combining it with other local attractions.
Downtown Scranton is walkable, and Steamtown NHS is centrally located. For exploring further, consider ride-sharing services or local buses.
Yes, the Electric Trolley Museum is located across the street and is often visited in conjunction with Steamtown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Steamtown National Historic Site is FREE! However, there is a small fee for the scenic train rides.
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.
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.
Steamtown NHS generally operates year-round, but hours may be reduced during certain seasons or holidays. Always verify current operating status before your visit.
General admission is always free. Special event pricing may apply during festivals like Railfest.
🎫 🚂 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.
Yes, Steamtown offers short, scenic train rides on a historic locomotive for a small fee. These are very popular!
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.
Absolutely! Kids are often fascinated by the massive trains and the history. The train rides are a big hit with younger visitors.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas, but check specific park rules. Bringing your own food is a great way to save money.
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.
Yes, Scranton offers many family-friendly restaurants. Ask locals or check online reviews for recommendations based on your preferences.
Scranton has a diverse culinary scene. You'll find classic American fare, Italian specialties, and local diners.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use. Be mindful of any restricted areas or signs.
While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check with site staff if unsure.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions.
Yes, you can often see the restoration work happening. Guided tours might offer closer access and insights into this process.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit