Begin your time at this Pennsylvania attraction in the Visitor Center where you can orient yourself with the park, its facilities and attractions. See Steel and Steam in the Steamtown National Historic Site Theater. Then, tour the History and Technology Museums and Roundhouse, or climb aboard a locomotive to experience the train ride of a lifetime. In the Bookstore, you can shop for gifts and keepsakes unique to the Steamtown National Historic Site and Pennsylvania.
Theater Presentations
The Steamtown National Historic Site Theater features Steel and Steam, an 18-minute film that follows one man’s career on the railroad and explores the changes railroads underwent during the early 20th century. In addition to Steel and Steam, the Theater occasionally showcases other railroad-related presentations.
History Museum
Discover the story of steam railroading in the site’s world-class History Museum that chronicles railroading from the earliest days of rail to the 1980s with focus on anthracite coal mining and DL&W President William Trusedale. Additional museum highlights include Life on the Railroad, an exhibit that explores the people who kept the railroad running, railroad stations and a railway post office car and business car.
Roundhouse
At the heart of the Steamtown National Historic Site is the Roundhouse. The remaining portions of the 1902/1937 Roundhouse has been rehabilitated and is used to store, maintain and display engines from the Steamtown collection. Wander the raised walkway in the Roundhouse to catch a glimpse of work in progress on the locomotives.
Technology Museum
Take a look at the technological changes and advancements in railroads through the years. The Technology Museum features a sectioned steam locomotive, a caboose and boxcar as well as exhibits that cover the aspects of railroading such as making and using steam, signals, disasters, railroad jargon, architecture and maintenance of way.
The “Scarnton Limited” and “Nay Limited” Short Train Rides
If time permits, take a short train ride and experience what it is like to ride in a historic commute car, built between 1915 and 1935. Between 30 and 45 minutes, the train rides at the Steamtown National Historic site offer visitors a good overall view of the railroad yards.
Shopping in the Bookstore
Stop by the Bookstore, located in the Oil House. You can shop for an array of memorabilia to help remember your visit to the Steamtown National Historic Site. In addition, the Bookstore carries light snacks and cold soft drinks.
- Interpretive exhibits that support the Steamtown National Historic Site can occasionally be found in The Changing Exhibits Gallery on the second floor of the Visitor Center.
- Complimentary wheelchairs are available to check out from the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
- It is important to note that visitors who wish to take the “Scarnton Limited” or “Nay Limited” train ride will be charged an additional fee. Ask Steamtown National Historic Site employees in the Visitor Center for more information.