Steamtown National Historic Site, Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Historic Site

Steamtown National Historic Site

Scranton · Pennsylvania

Overview

About Steamtown National Historic Site.

Feel the heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil; hear the whistle and the "chuff-chuff" from the smokestack, feel the ground vibrate, and watch as one-ton drive rods turn steel wheels. Discover how steam railroading helped shaped our nation's history and culture. Learn about the stories of the people who built, repaired and rode, and about the ongoing work to preserve railroading history.

FoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHands-OnJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

Warm and sometimes humid summers; cold and rainy or snowy winters. Wear seasonable clothing and good walking shoes. For travel aboard the summer and fall seasonal excursion trains, please note that the commuter-type coaches are not air-conditioned, or may not be heated. Therefore, we recommend that you dress appropriately for the season that you plan to visit us!

Key Facts

TypeHistoric Site
DesignationNational Historic Site

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Steamtown National Historic Site.

7 images

Things to do

Discover Steamtown National Historic Site.

cover of the railroad explorer activity book which shows illustration of train at station

Become a Railroad Explorer

Did you know that before the transcontinental railroad, it took four to six months to cross the United States? This is just one of the many fun facts you can learn as you become a Railroad Explorer! Steamtown is one of the few National Parks to carry this special Junior Ranger activity book.

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photo of every Junior Ranger book Steamtown has to offer

Become a Steamtown Junior Ranger

Junior Rangers help to preserve Steamtown National Historic Site (and other National Parks) by: exploring the parks they visit, learning fun facts along the way, and taking an oath to protect the parks for future generations. Junior Rangers serve as ambassadors to the National Parks by sharing what they learn with their friends, families, and classmates.

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Entryway of museum corridor with exhibit panels suspended from the ceiling

Discover the History of Steam

15-45 Minutes

Discover and uncover the history of steam railroading in the area; step back in time as you enter a recreated train station lobby complete with ticket windows; climb aboard a U.S. Mail Railway Post Office; or kick back in style upon the Erie Business Car #3.

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Visitor wearing mask while standing on elevated platform in roundhouse, looking at a train

Explore the Roundhouse

10-60 Minutes

The combination of a working railroad yard and a world-class railroad museum gives visitors a chance to do more than just step back in time. The Roundhouse has been adaptively rehabilitated to allow Steamtown's mechanics to care for the locomotives with light-duty maintenance and repairs.

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Exterior view of park store building with directional sign pointing visitors to store

Find a Souvenir

5-20 Minutes

Visit the America’s National Parks™ Store at Steamtown National Historical Park and shop a curated selection of quality educational products and books that will help extend the park experience. You can also find the park's passport stamp here.

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Photo of exhibit display featuring locomotive light signals

Get Technical

20-60 Minutes

The combination of a working railroad yard and a world-class railroad museum gives visitors a chance to do more than just step back in time. Steamtown's Technology Museum is a visitor favorite, providing an immersive experience into the lights, sounds, and technology of the railroading industry.

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A ranger is shown speaking to a crowd of visitors while in a mechanical shop

Locomotive Shop Tours

45-60 Minutes

Join a Park Ranger or volunteer to get a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the railroad, the locomotive shop. Participants will learn how the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company was able to adapt to keep up with the demands of the railroad industry and its consumers.

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Diesel locomotive number 514 at a road crossing

Ride a Train

1-10 Hours

Steamtown's seasonal train rides offer a unique National Park experience. Rail experiences include short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard.

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Movie title displaying "Steel and Steam" on screen and dimly lit theater

Watch "Steel and Steam"

18 Minutes

This is the park's orientation film which explores the history of steam locomotives and the anthracite railroad while following a young child's journey into adulthood through their love of trains and working in the railroad industry.

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