PA Historic Places

Exploring Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton

A four-image collage from Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA. Upper left shows a vintage steam engine number 26 inside a roundhouse with steam rising. Upper right features two locomotives, including engine 790, displayed on a turntable with a modern building in the background. Lower left is the Union Pacific 'Big Boy' steam engine number 4012, a large black locomotive parked outside. Lower right is the National Park Service round emblem displayed at the historic site.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, you’re in the right place!

The entrance area of the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, featuring a large informational sign with an image of a steam locomotive and the text "STEAMTOWN." Behind the sign, there is a seating area with picnic tables and a modern building with large glass windows and red structural elements. A clear blue sky is overhead. — Steamtown in Scranton, PA.

Steamtown National Historic Site is both a museum and an active railyard, located on the site of the former Scranton yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W).

Head-on view of a steam locomotive inside the roundhouse at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Steam rises from the engine, which features a large circular front with a central headlight. The surroundings are industrial, with metal beams, tools, and parts scattered around. Another locomotive and a red passenger car can be seen in the background. The setting is lit by natural light filtering through the roundhouse windows. — Locomotives in the roundhouse.

Steamtown’s mission is to preserve and share the rich heritage of steam locomotives, the powerful engines that fueled America’s Industrial Revolution.

A majestic black steam locomotive, number 2124, is displayed under a clear blue sky at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The side of the locomotive reads "Reading," and it is equipped with large driving wheels and a prominent headlight. The gravel ground and a portion of the train tracks are visible in the foreground. — A Reading Shops locomotive from 1947.

Directions | Hours | Admission

Steamtown is located at 350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503.

Steamtown is open 7 days a week, with Summer hours running: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Winter hours running 10:00 AM – 4 PM (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).

A view of the turntable and tracks at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Two diesel locomotives, one yellow and grey numbered 664 and the other yellow and grey numbered 663 with "Lackawanna" on the side, along with a black steam locomotive numbered 790, are positioned on the tracks surrounding the turntable. The modern visitor center with large glass windows and red structural beams forms the backdrop under a clear blue sky. — Steamtown is open seven days a week year-round.

Operated by the National Park Service, both parking and admission to Steamtown are FREE, although seasonal train excursions and special events do have fees associated with them.

The interior of a classic railroad business car is visible through its open door at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. A National Park Service emblem is prominently displayed on the door, and an informational plaque titled "Erie Business Car #3" is in the foreground. Inside, the warm wood-paneled interior beckons. To the right, the exhibit continues with another railcar and informational displays against a backdrop of the industrial-themed museum interior. — Admission to Steamtown in free.

Attractions at Steamtown

Upon entering the sprawling 62-acre complex of Steamtown, visitors embark on a historical journey back to and through the golden age of steam-powered locomotives.

A black steam locomotive, number 790, and a yellow and grey diesel locomotive, number 663, are displayed side by side on a turntable at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The site features modern architecture with a red and glass visitor center in the background, under a clear blue sky. — Steamtown is a 62-acre complex.

Steamtown features a roundhouse with a working turntable, several historic outbuildings, a museum, and an impressive collection of locomotives and rail cars.

An old, black steam locomotive, with the lettering "E.J. Lavino and Co.," on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The locomotive shows signs of wear and age, with its paint faded and peeling. It is stationed on tracks in front of the modern, red and glass exterior of the site's museum buildings. An informational placard is visible in front of the locomotive, providing visitors with historical context. — A steam locomotive built in 1927.

The Roundhouse

This architectural marvel, reconstructed from an original 1902 structure, houses a collection of steam engines and exhibits.

A vintage black steam locomotive, numbered 759, is on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The locomotive sits on tracks inside a dimly lit roundhouse with exposed wooden beams above. An information plaque about the engine hangs from a beam, and festive garland decorates the railing in front of the locomotive. In the background, other locomotives and railcars can be seen under the warm glow of the roundhouse lighting. — A Lima Locomotive Works steam engine built in 1944.

This massive circular building is where locomotives were taken for service and storage.

An educational plaque titled "1902 Roundhouse Section" at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It includes a brief history of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad's roundhouse and a black and white photo of three steam locomotives housed in the roundhouse stalls. An inset image shows the roundhouse as photographed in 1910. The text explains the building's purpose and the modernization that occurred in 1937. The plaque is mounted on a brick wall with a directional sign above pointing to the Visitor Center. — History of the roundhouse.

A walkway around the outer edge of the roundhouse gives you an elevated view of the locomotives housed here.

A vintage steam locomotive, numbered 26, emits steam while parked inside the dimly lit roundhouse at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The locomotive's details, such as rivets and piping, are accentuated by the dramatic lighting that casts shadows across its surface. The roundhouse's wooden ceiling beams and red safety railing add to the historic ambiance of the scene. — Baldwin Locomotive Works engine built in 1929.

The Turntable

The turntable allowed locomotives or railcars to be turned around in tight spaces by loading them onto a rotating section of track and then aligning them with a particular roundhouse stall.

A large railway turntable at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with two diesel locomotives, numbers 664 and 663, and a steam locomotive on the surrounding tracks. The turntable is in the foreground, showing its circular shape and the central pivot. The site features a modern architecture with a red and glass building in the background. — Turntable at Steamtown.

A focal point of the yard, this rotating platform demonstrates the precision engineering that facilitated the movement of these massive steam locomotives.

An informational plaque at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, describing the purpose and operation of a railway turntable. The plaque, titled "Turntable," explains that it served as the hub of the roundhouse complex, with tracks radiating like spokes into each roundhouse stall. Accompanying the text are black and white historical photographs showing the turntable and locomotives in use. — Description of the turntable operation.

The History Museum

The History Museum tells the captivating story of the railroad industry, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that bring the past to life.

A display case at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a collection of railway memorabilia. The exhibit includes vintage dining car china, advertising posters, photographs, and tickets representing the passenger train experience. — Passenger exhibit in the history museum.

Visitors can follow a chronological timeline to learn about the development of the steam locomotive from its earliest days.

An educational display panel at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a bright yellow background and black line drawings of early steam locomotive designs. The text on the display explains the development of steam railroading in Great Britain and the refinement from water pumps to locomotives, mentioning Richard Trevithick's contributions. Key phrases include "Rails and Steam: From Water Pumps to Locomotives" and "Richard Trevithick, a pump designer, built the first locomotive in 1804. — History of steam locomotive development.

Several passenger and freight cars are open to walk through inside the museum, including this post office car.

Inside the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a vintage Louisville & Nashville (L&N) blue railway post office car is on display. The car is labeled "United States Mail Railway Post Office 1100" in gold lettering. Adjacent to it, the interior of the museum features red structural columns, a high ceiling with industrial lighting, and another historical railcar. A mail cart and various vintage baggage pieces are visible on the concrete floor. — Louisville and Nashville Railway Post Office.

Postal clerks would ride in these cars and sort the mail while it was in transit.

Inside a historical postal railcar at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, featuring an array of sorting cubbies lining the walls. The car has wooden worktables, mailbags hanging from hooks, and a glossy red floor, reflecting the authenticity of a bygone era in mail transportation. — Inside the postal car.

Upstairs in the history museum is a small theatre space, where a film about the history of steam travel in America plays on a loop.

An indoor viewing area at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with rows of blue folding chairs facing a large screen showing a historical film about steam locomotives. — Film about steam locomotive travel in America.

The Big Boy

The behemoth Union Pacific Big Boy #4012 is an undeniable star at Steamtown.

The iconic Union Pacific "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4012 is exhibited outdoors at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The large, black locomotive with white lettering stands on railroad tracks, with its intricate machinery and massive wheels highlighted in the daylight. The background features industrial buildings and a clear blue sky. — Union Pacific Big Boy #4012.

Weighing over a million pounds with a loaded tender, this giant represents the pinnacle of steam locomotive development.

An informational display at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, provides historical details about the Union Pacific #4012 "Big Boy" locomotive. The display includes specifications, historical context, and illustrations of the locomotive in action. The text describes the "Big Boy" as one of the longest and most powerful steam locomotives in the world. A series of black and white drawings depict the locomotive traversing various landscapes and the mechanical details of its design. — History of the Big Boy locomotives.

The Big Boys were designed to haul tremendous loads over the steep grades of the Rocky Mountains – a formidable task met with raw power and ingenuity.

The Union Pacific "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4012 on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This massive black locomotive with white numbering is a historic piece of American railroading, shown here with its intricate rods and wheels highlighted by the sunlight casting shadows on the ground. The locomotive sits on railroad tracks with bare trees and a blue sky in the background. — One of the largest steam locomotives ever built.

Train Rides and Special Events

Although my visit to Steamtown did not coincide with any train rides, they are offered throughout most of the year – check out Steamtown’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE for the most up-do-date schedule and pricing.

The loading platform at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a wooden roofed shelter bearing the site's name. Metal benches line the platform, and orange traffic cones section off an area. A freight train car is parked alongside the platform, and additional tracks extend into the distance under a clear sky. — Loading platform for train excursions.

Steamtown also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and re-enactments.

A historical steam locomotive, number 15, and a diesel locomotive, number 664, are on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with multiple railroad tracks in the foreground. In the background is the Electric City Trolley Museum, identifiable by its sign. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a clear blue sky. — Railyard at Steamtown.

Final Thoughts

Steamtown National Historic Site offers more than a walk down memory lane; it’s a full-fledged immersion into the railroading era that built modern America.

Inside the roundhouse at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a disassembled steam locomotive, number 85, is on display. Its boiler, exposed tubes, and firebox are visible, revealing the locomotive's internal structure. To the right, a black and yellow diesel locomotive, labeled "N.Y.C.& St.L. 514," stands in stark contrast. The industrial setting is dimly lit with overhead lighting. — Inside the roundhouse.

It’s a must-see destination for anyone fascinated by the romance of the rails, the ingenuity of engineering, or the history of American industry.

Inside the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a vintage steam locomotive, number 26, is idling. Steam rises around the engine, creating an atmospheric effect in the dimly lit roundhouse. The locomotive features classic design elements such as a large headlamp, a brass bell, and riveted metal construction. — A ceiling flue vents exhaust out of the roundhouse.

Whether you’re a railroad enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for an enriching experience with family, Steamtown offers a unique blend of education, nostalgia, and fun!

On display at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, are three locomotives, including a sleek yellow and grey Diesel-Electric locomotive numbered 664 on the left, a large black steam locomotive numbered 790 in the center, and another Diesel-Electric locomotive on the right. They are positioned on tracks in front of a modern red and glass structure under a blue sky. — A late November afternoon at Steamtown.

PA’s Top Railroad-Themed Attractions | A Visitor’s Guide highlights the best train rides in Pennsylvania, railroad museums, model railroads, and historic rail sites across Pennsylvania, all based on my firsthand visits.

A collage showing 4 of the best railroad-themed attractions in Pennsylvania, including the East Broad Top Railroad, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and the Horseshoe Curve.

Nearby Attractions

16 Must-See Attractions in Lackawanna County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near the Steamtown National Historic Site.

A collage of four photos taken in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Top left: Historic steam and diesel locomotives displayed at the Steamtown National Historic Site turntable. Top right: A Stegosaurus skeleton on exhibit inside the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art in Scranton. Bottom left: A vibrant mural of Dwight Schrute from the television show "The Office" painted on a wall in Scranton. Bottom right: A serene waterfall flowing through the rocky landscape of Nay Aug Gorge at Nay Aug Park in Scranton.

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