PA Museums

Exploring the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County

A Johnstown trolley car, built in 1925, in the Rockhill Trolley Museum collection.

If you’re looking for information about the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County, you’re in the right place!

York trolley car #163 pulling into the station at Rockhill in Huntingdon County. — York trolley car 163 pulling into the station at Rockhill in Huntingdon County.

The Rockhill Trolley Museum is the oldest operating trolley museum in Pennsylvania.

The scene shows two historical trolleys at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County, PA. On the left, a red and white trolley, decorated with garlands and the words 'Santa's Trolley', is stationed at the platform. To the right, an orange trolley, numbered 355, sits on the tracks. Both trolleys are adorned with Christmas decorations, and a festive garland with lights stretches overhead between the trolleys against a cloudy sky backdrop. — Santa’s Trolley excursion in mid-December.

“Operating” being the important distinction here, as this is a museum where you get to ride the exhibits!

Tickets being punched on a trolley ride through the Blacklog Narrows in Huntingdon County.

History of the Rockhill Trolley Museum

Started in 1960, the Rockhill Trolley Museum collects, restores, and operates electric streetcars, or trolleys.

Snow sweeper car #3, built in 1911, in the Rockhill Trolley Museum collections. — Snow sweeper car 3, built in 1911.

That collection includes cars from many Pennsylvania cities including Johnstown, York, Scranton, and Philadelphia.

A Philadelphia and Western "bullet car", built in 1931, in the Rockhill Trolley Museum collection. — A Philadelphia and Western “bullet car”, built in 1931.

There are also cars from cities as far away as San Diego.

A San Diego trolley car, built in 1982, in the Rockhill Trolley museum collection. — A San Diego trolley car, built in 1982.

And from countries as far away as Portugal and Brazil!

Inside one of the buildings at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County PA — Car 249 from Portugal, built in 1904.

Riding the Streetcars at the Rockhill Trolley Museum

Riding the electric streetcars at the Rockhill Trolley Museum is like taking a trip back in time to the early 1900s, when this form of transportation enabled individuals to travel for work, shopping, and socializing in an era when few people owned automobiles.

The "motorman" operating the electric trolley on an excursion along the Shade Gap branch of the East Broad Top Railway. — The “motorman” operating the electric trolley on an excursion along the Shade Gap branch of the East Broad Top Railway.

Trolleys departing from Rockhill follow a 3 mile (one-way) ride into the Blacklog Valley, along tracks leased from the neighboring East Broad Top Railroad.

The East Broad Top Railroad hopes to have at least one steam engine back in operation in 2022. — The East Broad Top Railroad in Rockhill Furnace, PA.

One great feature of the Rockhill Trolley Museum is that when you buy a ticket to ride, you are buying an all-day pass, good for as many rides as you care to take!

Leaving the station aboard the York #163 trolley car at the Rockhill Trolley Museum. — Leaving the station aboard the York 163 trolley car.

Along the route you’ll pass the ruins of the Rockhill Iron Furnace, which last operated in 1907.

Remnants of Rockhill Furnace along the Shade Gap branch of the East Broad Top Railroad.

After a brief pause at the end of the line, the trolley reverses course and returns to the station.

Trolley 163 at the Rockhill Trolley Museum originally operated in York, PA. — Trolley 163 originally operated in York, PA.

Exhibits at the Rockhill Trolley Museum

The Rockhill Trolley Museum started trolley operation in 1962. — The Museum started trolley excursions in 1962.

While the streetcars are the big draw at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, there are more traditional exhibits inside the Museum Store.

A display inside the Rockhill Trolley Museum. — A display of trolley-related memorabilia.

A poster signed by trolley aficionado and Pennsylvania legend Mister Rogers caught my eye.

Signed poster from trolley fan Mister Rogers at the Rockhill Trolley Museum. — Signed poster from trolley fan and legendary Pennsylvanian Mister Rogers.

And what museum would be complete without a gift shop?!

Gift shop at the Rockhill Trolley Museum. — The all-important gift shop!

The car barns near the museum store are where the streetcars are refurbished, serviced, and stored when not in use.

Inside the Rockhill Trolly Museum in Huntingdon County Pennsylvania. — Car 1875 from Brazil, built in 1912.

Santa’s Trolley

The Santa’s Trolley excursion, one of the seasonal special events held every year at the museum, offers a unique holiday experience as visitors step back in time aboard a vintage trolley decked out in festive décor.

Two vintage trolleys on parallel tracks at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County, PA, set against a backdrop of bare trees and a rocky hillside. The closer trolley is red with the number 172 and has a wreath on the front, marked 'Santa's Trolley.' The other trolley is orange and numbered 355. Both appear to be part of the Santa's Trolley excursion, waiting to transport passengers along the scenic track. — Santa’s Trolley.

The sound of jingle bells and the sight of garlands and lights set the tone as families cozy up on the trolley benches, ready for their ride through the holiday landscape.

Inside a vintage trolley from the Santa's Trolley excursion at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, Huntingdon County, PA. Passengers sit facing forward, enjoying the ride. The interior is festively decorated with garlands and Christmas lights strung along the ceiling. Vintage-style light bulbs illuminate the wooden-paneled interior. The windows reveal a cloudy day outside, and advertisements from different eras line the upper interior walls, adding to the historic ambiance of the trolley. — Trolley car decorated for the occasion.

Along the way, passengers are treated to the joyous sight of Santa Claus mingling with guests, bringing smiles and a touch of magic to children and adults alike.

Passengers are seated inside the festively decorated trolley at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, Huntingdon County, PA. A person dressed as Santa Claus is standing in the aisle, smiling and interacting with guests. The interior is adorned with Christmas lights and garlands. The atmosphere is cheerful, capturing the spirit of the holiday season on the Santa's Trolley excursion. — Santa mingling with the trolley passengers.

The journey is made even more enchanting by the surrounding trackside scenery, featuring Christmas displays that captures the spirit of the season.

A charming trackside outdoor Christmas display at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County, PA, featuring a variety of inflatable and stationary holiday figures. There are inflatable reindeer, a gingerbread man, Santa Claus, and elves among other festive characters. The scene is set in a clearing surrounded by tall pine trees, with a hint of snow on the ground, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere. — Trackside decorations.

After the trolley ride, guests can explore the museum, learning about the history of trolley transportation while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

An elaborate miniature trolley display at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County, PA, showing a snowy winter village scene. Multiple train tracks weave through the landscape, dotted with miniature houses, trees, and figurines. A backdrop painting of a night sky with stars and snowfall enhances the wintry effect. Festive decorations including garlands and lights are visible above the scene, and an onlooker is seen from the back, observing the moving trolleys. — Model trolley layout at the museum.

The Santa’s Trolley excursion is a memorable outing that combines historical charm with the warmth of Christmas traditions.

A heartwarming moment captured inside a trolley at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, Huntingdon County, PA, where a person dressed as Santa Claus is having a conversation with a young girl. Santa, in a traditional red suit and hat, is seated and attentively listening to the girl standing next to him. The trolley is decorated with Christmas-themed items, and passengers can be seen in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere of the Santa's Trolley excursion. — Santa chatting with a young passenger.

How to Find the Rockhill Trolley Museum

The Rockhill Trolley Museum is located at 430 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249.

For the latest on hours, admission prices, and special events, visit the Rockhill Trolley Museum’s official website.

Rockhill Trolley Museum sign along Meadow Street in Rockhill, Huntingdon County. — Museum sign along Meadow Street in Rockhill, Huntingdon County.

The Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton offers a captivating journey into the heart of the city’s once-vibrant streetcar network.

A collage of photos capturing the history and charm of the Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Electric City Trolley in Scranton.

Nearby Attractions

As mentioned earlier, the East Broad Top Railroad is literally right across the street from the Rockhill Trolley Museum.

The East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. — The East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County.

And as with the Rockhill Trolley Museum, the East Broad Top Railroad offers train rides, shop tours, and a wealth of historical exhibits.

Steam locomotive number 16 headed south towards Orbisonia along the East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County Pennsylvania. — Steam locomotive number 16 headed south towards Orbisonia.

Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County is home to many beautiful natural attractions, including waterfalls, unusual rock formations, and scenic overlooks.

The Ledges Trail Overlook in Huntingdon County at Trough Creek State Park. — The Ledges Trail Overlook at Trough Creek State Park.

The 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County is one of the most famous (and challenging) hikes in central Pennsylvania!

A section of the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County.

Saint Mary’s Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Huntingdon County.

Saint Mary's Covered Bridge in Huntingdon County, PA — Saint Mary’s Covered Bridge in Huntingdon County, PA

Hawn’s Overlook is one of several outstanding vistas at Raystown Lake.

Observation area at Hawn's Overlook above Raystown Lake. — Hawn’s Overlook at Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County.

Indian Lookout in Huntingdon County is perched high above the former Colerain State Park, now part of the Rothrock State Forest.

Exploring Indian Lookout in the Rothrock State Forest. — Indian Lookout in Huntingdon County.

Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County features a six-acre lake, miles of hiking trails, and the remnants of a ghost town and iron furnaces.

Fishermen on a crisp October morning at Greenwood Furnace State Park. — Fishermen at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

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