Steamtown National Historic Site image

Steamtown National Historic Site

Tourist attraction Historic site Rail museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Scranton


Address

350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

(570) 445-1898

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trains (33) museum (23) history (19) visit (18) steam (17) amazing (17) ride (16) train (16) site (13) great (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ken S. 1 year ago on Google
    The place to go if you have any interest in trains! Mostly vintage steam engines but also some diesel electric locomotives. Loads of hands on stuff. Climb into the engineer's seat and ring the bell! Learn all about rail power and railroading. Take an excursion or a short caboose ride. A super fun place to visit! (Plan a couple of days and also visit the trolley museum on site!). Thank you National Park Service!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marilyn W. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited Sept. 2022 - If you like anything trains or industrial, this is a must-see. First time seeing a real turntable and roundhouse. Our self-guided tour of the museum part was top-notch with all the history and information, displays, & audio. (Was not many people.) The place was clean and staff was friendly. We did not have time to explore the different trains on the tracks in use… that did seem like a unique collection, nor did we get to see the gift shop before closing time. But it was so worthwhile… my personal favorites are the Mail car and all the Industrial architecture.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Credible C. 7 months ago on Google • 641 reviews
    Steamtown is an amazing museum that tells a good stories about trains and how trains influence the ways American lives. It has a very large yard with an impressive collection that consists of locomotives, and many passenger cars. Its massive locomotive shop has many engines in various stages of restoring. Its technology museum has exhibits that demonstrates the changes in railroad technology over the years. This museum is a must stop for both train enthusiasts and common folks. A good place to walk around to soak in the grandeur of machinery that improved the quality of life for many, and it tells a very good stories of how trains transformed America over the years. Many things to do here. You can easily spend a whole day here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L M. 2 years ago on Google
    Maybe the best place to visit in Scranton, PA! The only thing that could have been better is if the trains had been running. When Covid is over, they will be again. It might be worth the trip back out from Connecticut. Dozens of really cool, mostly old steam locomotives, most beautifully refurbished to their original glory. The national park service staff are so helpful and knowledgeable as well. My grandchildren, ages 11 and 9 loved it as well.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing facility to visit over and over. It's not too often you can roam around a working railroad. Keep safety in mind when exploring the displays. Check the schedule for tours, short train rides or even excursions. Admission to the site and round house are free. Displays are super informative and include full size cut-aways to help explain steam and diesel technology. I've been a visitor for years but I wish I had made the initiative to visit for the first time many many years earlier.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 john e. 5 months ago on Google • 272 reviews
    It was a nice day. It's only six bucks for entry and that includes the the ride on a historic steam engine locomotive. The ride is short. It doesn't go fast but it's it's fun to do to be on one of those trains from 100 years ago and the locomotives they have around for you to walk through was amazing. The history of the steam locomotive was amazing. It was good for the kids. My grandkids enjoyed it and like for six bucks a kid a person you can't go wrong. Only negative thing I have to say is that the other some of the buildings were closed. The only thing they did have open was the museum shop or the book shop where you can go in and buy a souvenirs but it was interesting. It was good. It was a good day
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shane B. 3 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    It is amazing that this place is free for everyone. I've been visiting since I was a little kid and look forward to bringing my kids here one day. One of only a handful of places keeping these beautiful steam powered beasts alive. Definitely a great stop even for those not into trains.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Delmar G. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely and family-friendly place to visit in Scranton; it's pleasant to see the old lifeblood of the Wyoming Valley maintained by such knowledgeable and friendly staff. I do wish they had more trains, but the nation as a whole is lacking them so I can't complain. As for attractions? Steamtown NHS has the largest steam locomotive in history (the Union Pacific Big Boy), and the gorgeous Reading T1 is stunning to see. Even the smallest mašinka are giant up close, and the indoor exhibits are tastefully done and quite informative. Plus, the local railroad company uses parts of the facility as an active track, so visitors can regularly see and hear trains at work, which really adds to the experience. Do keep on mind that active trains can be loud, so visitors sensitive to sudden noise should be forewarned.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samuel L. 9 months ago on Google
    Real great national historic site. It’s really amazing what the National Park Services has done to preserve this important piece of American rail history. Very detailed and fun exhibits. Feel free to move along at your own pace. You can easily spend a couple hours reading and watching all the materials that have been prepared. Rangers are there to help you if you need it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle S. 9 months ago on Google
    We drove an hour to visit here and were not disappointed. I was extremely shocked that everything was free except the train ride which was still only $6! It was just a short ride back and forth, about 20 minutes, but still cool to see what it was like to be in and old train. If you take your time and actually read, look, and listen to all the information in the museum, you could spend HOURS here. We soeny most the day and had packed a picnic lunch we enjoyed on a picnic table there. The mall is right next door if you happen to need something else. ;)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandy F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit. I never knew about this place and it was fun to learn about the history of the railroad and to see the actual trains. A few trains you can walk through and others are actual working trains. The people working there are very knowledgeable and this is a great place to visit to visit with kids too!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauren C. 1 month ago on Google • 148 reviews New
    This place is such a beauty! It’s free to enter, just make sure it’s open. They had “The Big Boy”! Such an amazing sight to see. Definitely a fun place to learn as well, they have amazing history about trains and freight going across America and how everything has changed. I fell in love with the history and everything I saw about the history. The trains are cool, and you can go in most (not all) trains!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John D. 1 year ago on Google
    This a great site for any level of locomotive/train interest and has a wonderful roundhouse surrounded by trains from different lines. The inside displays and videos are informative and very well done. Plus, the place is free to enjoy!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Millie K. 2 years ago on Google
    This national historic site is a departure from most National Historic sites/parks sites in that there are a lot of objects in display to go along with the history. Unlike national battlefields where imagination is key, you can see the historical steam engine locomotives. The engines span a number of decades and the work shops are working shops that are actively used to maintain the locomotives. If you happen to ho when they are demonstrating the turntable, be sure to watch. Not currently running the trolley during the pandemic. Still a great site to visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jen g. 1 year ago on Google
    We came to check out this awesome wonderland of trains. We drove from Northeast Indiana, about 8½hrs. We happen to go on the weekend of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Big boy.. We also wanted to meet the group who brought out thier speeders. They are a different group than from our area. This place is ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE DRIVE. If you love trains even a little this place needs to be on your bucket list. We even came back for a second day and we still would love to return for another visit. Please check this place out. I will say, this can easily turn into the whole day. I suggest bringing snacks and drinks in a cooler. We really only found water and pop in the gift shop we bought the last waters they had at the moment. We also didn't bring anything to eat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica J. 9 months ago on Google
    I'm trying to visit as many National parks and monuments as possible. We were driving through PA, so we stopped at Steamtown. It's very informative. They have quite a collection of old engines, a working roundhluse/turntable, and extensive displays. We took the 30-min short ride, which was okay, but you don't really go anywhere. It's $6 for adults and $1 for young kids.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oleg K. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing experience! This museum is one of the best I've ever been. Great organized, you're going through the history of railroads of the United States. Exhibits are made of the real locomotives so that you can see the greatest and the real size of them. Also there are a lot of educational exhibits, so you can learn how it was done and worked. Would definitely recommend to visit
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel S. 8 months ago on Google
    Been coming here ever since I was a little kid, and have loved it every time I have visited! It is free to enter as a part of the National Parks service, and they have a whole host of steam locomotives and rolling stock on site. The excursions were curtailed during the pandemic, but the 2023 season schedule looks to be jam packed with excursions. They also recently cosmetically restored the Big Boy, which during my childhood looked very worn down by the elements. But now the pride of the steam age sits glistening in the sun with his new coat of paint. The museum areas are informative and tell the history of the Lackawanna valley's railroads and have a diorama of what the site looked like in its heyday. I'm hoping that the next time I visit they have more steam locomotives restored to operating condition so I can ride the rails here once again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen Way L. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a experience you and your kids don't want to miss. The historical site has very detailed exhibition how the railroad started and eventually replaced by cars and planes. The documentary they have was so nostalgia. Please visit their gift shop as the lady in the shop was so patiently explaining about the national park stamps collecting books.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mensah W. 3 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    This place was amazing. Just to see where we started back in the early 1900's till now is mind-blowing. To see how small the sleeping carts were then, I'd rather walk. lol This is a great place to take kids to learn about some history & they get to ring the bell as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zachary O. 5 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    This is an amazing place to take anyone who is a fan of trains, the history of this region or just someone looking to explore something new. The collection of steam engines is vast and it's definitely worth taking the rail yard shuttle, for just $6 you get a decent length ride that shows you some good views
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Trypp A. 1 year ago on Google
    I just toured the museum which was free. There is a lot here, it's an impressive collection although maybe a bit of a struggle to understand the rhyme or reason to some of the trains or pieces in the collection. I preferred the Pennsylvania train museum but both are impressive. I didn't do any of the train rides, perhaps that would have bumped it to 5 stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beth O. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum was amazing and filled with bits of neat displays as well as MANY trains the kids could check out to see how the styles changed over the years and sizes. As a side note, thank you the awesome mechanic who came out and helped us out with our suv. I wish I had gotten a picture or remembered your name but you made a stressful situation better! Thank you for going above and beyond to help us from being stranded 3 hours from home.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa P. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to go pick up a National Parks pass because it was the closest location to us that had the military one and was pleasantly surprised to find the trains and museum and this site in general. Was just expecting a plain building in town. The weather was great, no lines or rushing through, staff was very informative and helpful. Also some very scenic areas on the way out of Scranton. Overall nice experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcy K. 8 months ago on Google
    This is an excellent stop for train lovers! You get to walk through the train cars and see the different types of cars. The rangers were helpful with the junior ranger program. My boys, age 3 and 6 really enjoyed this.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dustin W. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice place, all the employees greeted me, the rail yard and turntable area immaculate. Lots of cool trains and museum to see. Had to do a double take while in the museum, the characters in there look so real. Will definitely be visiting again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William B. 7 months ago on Google • 122 reviews
    Steamtown National Historic Site is a very interesting and amazing place. There is a lot of history in this historic site. Plan on staying for a while to see everything. Several short videos and movies to watch. The passport cancelation stamp is in the visitor center. There are actually two stamps here, not just one. The junior ranger program is here as well. If you have the time completely it, it's worth it. Would recommend visiting this National Historic Site.

  • 5/5 Tim P. 4 months ago on Google • 116 reviews
    A great place for a railroad enthusiast, young or old. They've painted the Union Pacific 4012 Big Boy and it looked great. They've also painted Reading 2124 and it looks nice as well. The rest of the area was clean and they had park rangers and a couple of guides to answer questions. Thectrolley museum was open as well with trolley rides. (Steamtown is free, but trolley museum has a cost.)

  • 5/5 E V. 5 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    We appreciate there being no fee to enter the area. The grounds are well kept and pleasant for walking. My children (ages 2-14) each found something they enjoyed seeing, between the engines in the yard, the hand-pump car, and the displays in the technology museum. We also enjoyed the "Scranton limited" train ride with the history tidbits shared by the park ranger over the speaker. While not a glamorous scenic train ride, the price can't be beat!

  • 5/5 John D. 7 months ago on Google
    This was amazing. We had previously visited the Steamtown Museum and explored the trains and even took a really nice train ride, but this time we explored the Trolley Museum. It was wonderful. We took a ride on a trolley thru one of the longest ( 1 mile + ) underground tunnels ever built. We passed some amazing sights not seen from anywhere else, 3 step falls, a closed mine entrance, the gourge, etc. And the amazing things I learned Trolleys and baseball are forever linked- who knew? Baseball fields and amusement parks were originally built so people had a reason to use the Trolleys for something other than going to and from work. The original name of the BROOKLYN DODGERS was actually the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers. The ONLY trolley that still connects directly to a baseball field is in Scranton. This place is a MUST SEE AND DO! Really, bring the family for a really fun filled, inexpensive, educational great day out.

  • 5/5 Fin O. 7 months ago on Google
    Would definitely recommend! Though can be quite hot in the summer time. Lots of old ALCO and some Baldwin class steam engines. They even have excursions in the afternoon. Free-roam, but be mindful of the facility.

  • 5/5 ka d. 7 months ago on Google
    Free National Park site, very well done displays and actual engines, caboose, boxcar. Great for kids and families and anyone with interest in local or national history. Lots of free parking, picnic areas.

  • 5/5 Pam B. 6 months ago on Google
    The trains were impressive in the yard. Some of the buildings were closed including the visitor center, but there were plenty of buildings open and with interesting displays inside. A very interesting museum to investigate.

  • 5/5 Frank D. 2 years ago on Google
    A must-see for any rail geek. Great exhibits, knowledgeable and friendly docents, and lots of rolling stock to see (including the mammoth Union Pacific "Big Boy"). Expect to spend at least 2 hours there, and visit the Electric Trolley Museum while you're there (you can use the same parking lot).

  • 5/5 Amy O. 5 months ago on Google
    Wonderful location, great ride, kind staff, and amazing museum with a bunch of beautiful trains! Loved how beautiful the Tobyhanna ice house tour ride was with the changing leaves too!

  • 4/5 Jisu D. 2 years ago on Google
    Learn about steam train. The place has great potential to add stuff. May be because of holidays it was light

  • 5/5 Nathan B. 4 months ago on Google
    Little to no restrictions on where you could walk. I couldn't ride the train because of the pandemic but I got to see plenty of other moving trains, as there's a shortline running right through there. Amazing exhibits too, finally got to see CN 3254 and got to see my very first Big Boy! Will absolutely be going back someday, probably not soon because of how far it is from me, but I WILL it be back.

  • 5/5 Janice T. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic place to visit. The trains were amazing. Much history and information here. Excellent and I would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Desh C. 1 year ago on Google
    Steamtown is highly worth visiting if you're interested in trains and/or history. The museum is nicely put together and informative, and it's free admission which is also nice. It is also worth noting that it is located in a restored roundhouse. They have a large collection of old railcars from various eras and railways, as well as a restored and operational steam locomotive which gives train rides to visitors on the tracks next to the museum. Also in close proximity is the trolley museum which has an operational electric trolley that you can also get a ride on. There is also a mall right next to this place if you wanted to go shopping or get food while in the area. If you're visiting the Scranton area, definitely don't pass this place up.

  • 5/5 Hank K. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited Steamtown National Historic Site a few weeks ago. The site , also known as Steamtown USA, is very informative about how the steam engines changed America. They have fully restored steam locomotives and offer train rides. In addition to the many trains on view Steamtown National Historic Site has one of the few remaining Big Boy locomotives. Only 25 Big Boys were built and I believe about 6 or so Big Boys remain.

  • 5/5 Mensah W. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    This place was amazing. Just to see where we started back in the early 1900's till now is mind-blowing. To see how small the sleeping carts were then, I'd rather walk. lol This is a great place to take kids to learn about some history & they get to ring the bell as well.


Call (570) 445-1898 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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