PA Museums

Exploring the Lake Shore Railway Museum in Erie County

Collage of four images taken at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The top-left photo shows a CSX freight train passing by the museum along a brick pathway and fence. The top-right photo captures the museum entrance with vintage railway signals and a sign indicating the museum is open. The bottom-left photo features an interior display with railroad artifacts, including model trains and vintage signage, set against walls decorated with framed historic photographs. The bottom-right image shows a person standing on the front of a Chessie System locomotive, showcasing the museum’s interactive locomotive displays.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Lake Shore Railway Museum in Erie County, you’re in the right place!

The exterior of the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, features the historic red brick building of the former New York Central Railroad passenger depot. A sign with the museum’s name hangs above, welcoming visitors to explore the site. The building is accented with beige stone and green trim, and the surrounding landscaping includes vibrant flower beds and potted plants that add a touch of color to the setting. The platform area is lined with brick paving, enhancing the historic charm of this well-preserved railway landmark.

This museum, a gem for rail enthusiasts and history lovers alike, is dedicated to preserving the railroad heritage of the Erie County area.

Located in the borough of North East (roughly 14 miles northeast of Erie), the Lake Shore Railway Museum sits on the site of a former New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

The historic former New York Central Railroad passenger depot, now home to the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, features a red brick exterior with beige stone accents and a green roof overhanging a shaded porch. Various vintage items, including old carts and potted plants, line the brick-paved area around the depot, adding to the site’s nostalgic charm. A green tractor and a blue Conrail caboose numbered 18374 are visible nearby, showcasing the museum’s dedication to preserving transportation artifacts significant to the region’s railroad heritage.

With a rich collection of artifacts and vintage rolling stock, the museum offers a captivating journey through the region’s railroading past.

A vintage Great Northern passenger car, labeled "Empire Builder" and named "Lake Wenatchee," is displayed at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The car is painted in the classic green and orange color scheme of the Great Northern Railway, with windows lined up along its side, providing a glimpse into the golden age of passenger rail travel. Wooden steps lead up to an entry platform, inviting visitors to explore this piece of rail history amid the museum’s grounds, which showcase artifacts from various railroad companies significant to the Erie County region.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Lake Shore Railway Museum is located at 31 Wall Street, North East, PA 16428.

The museum grounds are open to the public from daylight to dusk year-round, weather permitting.

A vintage 1918 Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad baggage car, painted in faded olive green, is displayed outdoors at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The historic railcar sits on tracks surrounded by green grass, trees, and picnic tables, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The worn exterior features the words "Burlington Railway Express Agency," adding to its historical charm and connection to the era of passenger rail travel preserved at this museum on the former New York Central Railroad grounds.

The museum’s indoor exhibit hours vary seasonally.

The entrance to the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, is marked by a welcoming sign from the Lake Shore Railway Historical Society indicating that the museum is open. Vintage railroad equipment, including old signal posts with red and green indicators, is displayed near the doorway, adding historic charm to the entrance. The brick pathway leading up to the entrance and the green and red accents on the building reflect the heritage of this former New York Central Railroad passenger depot, inviting visitors to explore the museum's extensive collection of rail artifacts.

From May until June 14, visitors are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 PM. The hours expand from June 15 until Labor Day to include Thursday through Sunday, also from noon to 4 PM. Finally, from September 8 through October 29, the museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays, keeping the same hours.

A display case labeled "Old Trains" at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, showcases a collection of vintage model trains. The case holds various miniature locomotives and passenger cars arranged on shelves, set against a backdrop of historic train-themed wallpaper depicting classic routes and advertisements. The exhibit highlights the evolution of rail travel, offering visitors a nostalgic look at early train designs and craftsmanship. This display adds a charming, educational element to the museum’s extensive collection of railroad artifacts.

Admission is donation-based, encouraging contributions to support this historic venue.

A bright blue Conrail caboose, labeled with the number 18374, is displayed alongside an orange industrial locomotive at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The caboose features an extended platform with railings and a side door, representing the end of a train setup that highlights the museum’s collection of railroad artifacts. The surrounding green grass and classic railroad signals add to the vintage atmosphere at this museum, located on the historic grounds of the former New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

What You’ll See at the Lake Shore Railway Museum

Inside the museum, visitors find a fascinating array of railroad artifacts, from vintage signals to model trains and historic photos lining the walls.

A display room at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, is filled with historic railroad memorabilia, including a large model of a New York Central steam locomotive prominently positioned in front of the window. The walls are adorned with framed photos and vintage signs, while shelves hold railroad hats, lanterns, and various artifacts. Signal lights in red and yellow add an authentic touch to the space, along with a telegraph machine and other operational equipment from the railroading era. The detailed setup immerses visitors in the rich history of rail transport preserved at this former New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

The interior rooms are filled with memorabilia and detailed model displays that transport you back to the golden age of rail travel.

The interior hallway of the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, features a historic ticket window and various memorabilia on display. Framed photos and vintage signs, including an American Express sign offering money orders and telegraphic transfers, line the walls. The museum's wooden floors and antique furnishings contribute to an authentic railway atmosphere, with numerous plaques, badges, and posters adding to the historical ambiance of this preserved New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

Featured displays showcasing the work of local companies like General Electric, Heisler Locomotive Works, and Pullman Standard Car Company, integral players in Erie County rail history.

A display case inside the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, features intricately crafted models of Heisler geared locomotives. The detailed miniatures showcase the unique design and engineering of Heisler Locomotive Works, originally based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The models are presented with precise attention to components like the wheels, gearing, and cab details, allowing visitors to appreciate the mechanical ingenuity of these historic locomotives up close. The reflective glass adds depth to the display, making this exhibit a highlight for fans of locomotive history and model craftsmanship.

Step outside, and the 2.5-acre museum grounds reveal a stunning lineup of historic locomotives and train cars.

A bright red Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad caboose, numbered 164, is displayed on the tracks at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The caboose, with its distinctive wooden exterior and yellow handrails, captures the classic design of these end-of-train cars used in the early days of railroading. Positioned alongside other historic railcars, including a blue Conrail caboose, this exhibit highlights the museum’s dedication to preserving a wide range of railroad artifacts. The vibrant colors and preserved details make this caboose a standout piece on the former New York Central Railroad depot grounds.

The Wellsville, Addison & Galeton (WAG) #1700 is a rare General Electric center-cab locomotive built in 1940, one of only eight ever made and the only one remaining in existence.

Rust-covered Wellsville, Addison & Galeton Railroad locomotive 1700 on display at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The locomotive's faded pink and cream paint reflects years of exposure, showcasing the museum's commitment to preserving historic rail artifacts from regional rail lines. The engine is a testament to the industrial heritage of the area.

The “Little Joe” locomotive, built by General Electric in 1949, is a unique electric engine, one of only 20 ever produced, with the museum’s #802 being one of the last of its kind in existence.

A striking 1949 "Little Joe" electric locomotive, painted in vibrant orange and marked with "South Shore Railroad," is displayed on the tracks at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. This historic locomotive, numbered 802, stands proudly outdoors against a backdrop of historic buildings, vintage railcars, and signal equipment, illustrating the rich railroad heritage preserved at the museum, located on the former New York Central Railroad depot grounds.

The New York Central (NYC) #2500, a U25b locomotive built in 1963, is notable as the first of its series produced for the NYC, holding a special place in railroading history.

A vintage New York Central locomotive, numbered 2500, is displayed at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The locomotive, painted in black and white with noticeable weathering and signs of age, reflects its long history in rail service. Yellow safety railings and step details remain intact, adding a contrasting touch to the locomotive's worn appearance. This historic piece exemplifies the museum's dedication to preserving significant railroad artifacts on the grounds of the former New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

The Illuminating Co. #6, a fireless steam locomotive built by Heisler Locomotive Works in 1937, is a rare “thermos bottle” engine that operates on compressed air, making it the only operating fireless steam locomotive in North America.

A 1937 Heisler fireless steam locomotive, labeled with "The Illuminating Co.," is displayed at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. This unique locomotive, painted in black with a bright red cab interior, was designed to operate without an open flame, making it suitable for use in areas where traditional steam engines could pose a fire risk. Positioned on a gravel area among other historic rail cars, this locomotive exemplifies the specialized rail technology preserved by the museum, located on the historic site of the former New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

On days when the museum is open, staff often grant access to selected locomotives, cabooses, and passenger cars, allowing visitors to climb aboard and explore the interiors.

A visitor sits in the engineer's seat inside a locomotive cab at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, holding a radio microphone as if communicating with other train crew members. The cab features a comfortable black leather seat and a panel filled with controls and instrumentation, offering an authentic glimpse into the operational environment of a train engineer. Large windows provide a clear view of the surroundings outside the museum, enhancing the immersive experience of sitting at the helm of this historic locomotive.

This provides guests an excellent opportunity to experience railroading history first-hand.

The interior of a Great Northern Railway dining car at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, is set with rows of tables in vibrant red and blue, each accompanied by cushioned chairs. Small candle holders on the tables add a cozy ambiance, reflecting the classic charm of mid-20th-century rail dining. A prominent Great Northern Railway emblem decorates the wall at the far end, highlighting the car’s historical connection. Large windows line both sides of the car, offering scenic views and providing natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for museum visitors to experience rail travel’s golden era.

The museum is also a popular spot to watch modern trains roll by, as it’s located directly along the busy CSX and Norfolk Southern tracks.

A CSX freight train, loaded with stacked cargo containers, passes by the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The train moves along active tracks near historic rail artifacts, including a vintage signal tower and older railcars displayed on museum grounds. The scene combines modern rail operations with preserved railroad history, highlighting the museum’s unique location on the former New York Central Railroad depot site.

Around 75 trains pass by the museum each day, providing an exciting spectacle for railfans who come to watch modern engines thunder down the tracks.

A CSX freight train passes by the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, with shipping containers stacked high on flatbed cars. The historic museum building, originally a New York Central Railroad passenger depot, stands on the right with flower pots and benches, while dark clouds gather in the sky, creating a moody, dramatic atmosphere. Visitors can be seen observing the train, enjoying the close-up view of the rail action from the brick-lined platform.

There’s a picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy the close-up view of these powerful machines as they travel past, making it a family-friendly destination.

A freight train carrying stacked shipping containers passes by the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, while a visitor sits on a picnic bench watching the train go by. The historic former New York Central Railroad passenger depot, now the museum’s main building, is visible nearby, along with a green tractor and other rail artifacts. The scene captures a blend of modern rail activity and preserved railroad heritage, providing an immersive experience for train enthusiasts and visitors to the museum grounds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re there to admire the historic locomotives or watch modern trains in action, the Lake Shore Railway Museum offers an immersive experience.

A well-worn CSX locomotive, numbered 7764 and painted in the classic blue and yellow CSX color scheme, is displayed on the tracks at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The locomotive’s faded paint and rusted exterior showcase its years of service, adding character to the museum’s diverse collection of historic rail equipment. Positioned on the former New York Central Railroad grounds, this locomotive exemplifies the museum’s dedication to preserving regional railroad history.

With its unique displays and proximity to active rail lines, the museum is a place where past and present meet.

The interior of a passenger car at the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, features a cozy seating area with two cushioned benches facing each other, separated by a small table. A potted plant adds a touch of color and warmth to the setting, reminiscent of the comforts offered to rail travelers in past decades. The large window provides a view of the museum grounds, showcasing other vintage rail cars outside. This inviting space allows visitors to experience the nostalgic charm of historic rail travel in an authentic passenger car setting.

For anyone with an interest in railroading, this Erie County treasure is well worth a visit!

For more information, please visit the Lake SHore Railway Museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A CSX freight train, led by two powerful locomotives numbered 388 and 4236, passes by the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The train, loaded with double-stacked cargo containers, moves along the active tracks beside historic artifacts on display, including an old signal tower and vintage railcars. The scene captures the blend of active rail transport and preserved railroad history at the museum, located on the grounds of the former New York Central Railroad passenger depot.

PA’s Top Railroad-Themed Attractions | A Visitors Guide is a well-organized directory to Pennsylvania’s top railroad museums, sightseeing train excursions, model train displays, and various other attractions catering to modern-day railfans.

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

The Erie Maritime Museum, located on the picturesque shores of Presque Isle Bay in Erie, highlights the region’s rich naval history and its significant role during the War of 1812.

Collage of four photos taken at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a historical marker for the Brig Niagara, the restored flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie, with the ship docked behind it. The top right photo depicts a detailed exhibit featuring cannons and lifelike figures recreating the ship's crew in action. The bottom left photo showcases a large painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie, displayed prominently within the museum. The bottom right photo captures the museum’s front entrance, with its brick exterior, "Museum Open" flag, and signage, inviting visitors to explore Erie's rich maritime history.

The Hagen History Center in Erie is a museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 200 years of local history through engaging exhibits and incredible architecture.

A collage highlighting exhibits and buildings at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a vibrant red 1950 Crosley Hotshot, representing Frank Lloyd Wright’s love of automobiles. The top-right image displays a detailed model of the USS Michigan, a historic iron-hulled warship significant to Erie’s maritime heritage. The bottom-left image captures Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's sword and telescope from the early 1800s, artifacts connected to the War of 1812. The bottom-right image features the museum's main campus, with the Thomas B. Hagen History Center sign in the foreground and the historic red-roofed buildings, including the Wood-Morrison House, visible in the background.

Presque Isle State Park in Erie is Pennsylvania’s most-visited State Park, with over 4 million people a year venturing onto this sandy peninsula that arcs out into Lake Erie.

Scenes from Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.

Asbury Woods in Erie is a 234-acre park offering 5 miles of hiking trails, a Nature Center, and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.

A collage of four photos taken at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a dirt trail winding through a forest with early autumn foliage. The top right image captures a person walking a dog along a wooden boardwalk, surrounded by vibrant trees in shades of green and orange. The bottom left image depicts a serene section of Walnut Creek, with rocky banks and tall trees showcasing the beauty of fall colors. The bottom right image highlights the Asbury Woods Nature Center sign, framed by colorful autumn leaves and a bright blue sky, welcoming visitors to explore the park and its trails.

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to more than 400 animals and 600 species of plants from around the world.

Exploring the Erie Zoo in Erie Pennsylvania.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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