PA Historic Places

The Everett Railroad | Steam Train Excursions in Blair County

This collage features four images from a steam train excursion on the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a steam locomotive emitting plumes of smoke at the station, with the "HOLLIDAYSBURG" sign visible. The top right image displays a bright red caboose with "EVERETT RAILROAD 91517" on the side. The bottom left picture captures a line of passenger cars at the station, decorated with Christmas greenery and a festive tree in the foreground. The bottom right photo shows the train passing under a bridge, with steam enveloping the cars, creating a dynamic scene of movement and activity.

If you’re looking for information about the Everett Railroad in Blair County, you’re in the right place!

A classic black steam engine, number 11, of the Everett Railroad is captured with billows of dark smoke rising into the sky as it operates on the tracks. The words "EVERETT RAILROAD" are prominently displayed on the side of the tender. An engineer can be seen in the cabin, giving life to this historic locomotive. The train is set against a backdrop of old buildings and a clear sky, with hints of industrial activity in the distance, characteristic of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania's railway scenery. — The Number 11 and its tender steaming down the tracks in Hollidaysburg.

Since 2015, the Everett Railroad has been offering captivating steam train excursions from its nostalgic station in Hollidaysburg, Blair County.

A historical steam locomotive adorned with the number 11 is captured mid-departure, releasing puffs of steam around its black steel body. In the foreground, a conductor dressed in a dark uniform with a cap stands by the railroad tracks, looking towards the camera. Behind him, the Hollidaysburg train station, modest in size and decorated with wreaths, contributes to the nostalgic ambiance. The sky is partly cloudy, allowing some sunlight to filter through, and a few bare trees are visible in the background, hinting at a chilly season. The scene conveys a sense of historical transportation and bygone eras. — The railroad is named for a railroad that once operated out of Everett in neighboring Bedford County.

This modern venture is named for a shortline railroad that once operated out of Everett, approximately 30 miles to the south in Bedford County.

A vibrant red caboose with yellow trim and the words "EVERETT RAILROAD 91517" sits on the tracks in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. It features a black wreath with a bow on its side, adding a festive touch. The caboose is equipped with railings, ladders, and a raised lookout area, characteristic of traditional caboose design. In the background, there's a sign for an outlet store, and various buildings, power lines, and bare trees indicative of a small industrial area. The sky is overcast, and the ground appears dry, suggesting a cool, cloudy day. — Despite the name, the Everett Railroad does not depart from or visit Everett.

Today, the reimagined railroad neither departs from nor visits Everett, but rather serves as a sightseeing treasure within the confines of Blair County.

A steam train from the Everett Railroad is captured passing under a concrete bridge in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The locomotive leads a procession of vintage passenger cars, with white steam billowing from its engine and enveloping the train in a dramatic fog. The side of the nearest car prominently displays "EVERETT RAILROAD" in gold lettering. Above on the bridge, a lone figure watches the scene unfold. The landscape in the background is hilly and barren of leaves, suggesting a late fall or winter season, and the ground appears wet or icy. The scene captures the essence of historic rail travel against a rugged Pennsylvanian landscape. — Train departing the station in Hollidaysburg.

Directions | Hours | Fees

Rides depart from the station located at 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

The Hollidaysburg station, a contemporary creation, draws its architectural inspiration from the classic designs of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s original stations.

Two individuals stand in front of the Hollidaysburg train station, which is a quaint, beige building with a pointed roof and decorated with Christmas wreaths and multicolored string lights. The station's sign reads "HOLLIDAYSBURG," and a "TICKETS" sign hangs by the door. In the background, there are railroad tracks and a bridge, with trees and a hilly landscape in the distance, indicative of the rural setting of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The atmosphere appears calm and welcoming, characteristic of a small-town railway station. — The modern Hollidaysburg station is built in the style of an old PRR station.

With an eye for historical authenticity, it serves as a charming gateway to a series of nostalgic journeys.

A vintage steam locomotive marked with the number 11 is at the center, releasing thick plumes of white and gray smoke into the overcast sky. In the foreground, the train station labeled "HOLLIDAYSBURG" is adorned with Christmas wreaths and garlands, indicating a festive season. A man in a dark coat can be seen standing by the station, observing the scene. The ground is wet, suggesting recent rain or snow, and bare trees loom in the background. — Snow flurries flying as Engine #11 prepares to depart the station.

Operating from March through December, the railroad offers a diverse array of sightseeing excursions.

The Santa Express is one of many holiday-themed train excursions throughout the year.

For the most current event schedule and ticket price information, enthusiasts and curious travelers alike should visit the Everett Railroad’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Gift shop inside the train station.

What You’ll Experience at the Everett Railroad

Each ride is a unique celebration, from the festive Santa Express in December to nearly a dozen themed events, capturing the essence of holiday and seasonal changes throughout the year.

A cheerful Santa Claus and a helper dressed as an elf are interacting with passengers inside a vintage passenger car of the Everett Railroad during a festive excursion in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The interior is decorated with garlands and wreaths for the holiday season, adding to the merry atmosphere. Passengers, some wearing Santa hats, are seated in blue seats, their attention drawn to Santa and the elf as they walk down the aisle, bringing holiday cheer to the excursion. — Santa and an elf making their way through a passenger car.

These excursions are not mere trips; they are immersive time capsules that whisk passengers back to an era where steam power reigned supreme in travel.

A musician in a red beanie and brown coat plays the accordion while seated on a stool outside a train station. He is positioned in front of a music stand with sheets of music, likely playing Christmas carols, evidenced by the festive wreath with red ribbons on the door behind him. The setting appears to be a holiday event, given the seasonal decorations and the musician's attire. The atmosphere seems cheerful and welcoming, inviting passersby to enjoy the live music during the steam train excursion at the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. — An accordion player running through some Christmas classics outside the Everett Railroad train station.

If you’re a fan of leisurely journeys powered by the nostalgic charm of steam, the “Steam into the Cove” excursion on the Everett Railroad is an ideal choice.

The photo shows a view from the Everett Railroad's passenger train during the "Spring into the Cove" excursion, with the historic Roaring Spring train station platform coming into sight. The bright red structure with white trim and the station's name in bold yellow letters creates a welcoming sight for travelers. Passengers on the train, visible through the windows, are poised to disembark, while others on the platform anticipate boarding. Cobblestone paving and classic park benches line the platform, inviting a moment of rest and reflection. In the background, the quintessential small-town Americana setting is evident with a red car passing by, all under the expansive blue sky punctuated with fluffy clouds. The scene captures the timeless allure of rail travel through the heart of Pennsylvania.

This delightful 27-mile round trip takes you from Hollidaysburg to Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, offering a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of Morrison’s Cove.

A classic steam train from the Everett Railroad is captured mid-journey as it crosses an intersection in Pennsylvania, with a red car paused at the crossing, awaiting its passage. The train's passenger cars, adorned with rivets and flush with historic character, follow closely behind the billowing smoke of the engine. The crossing signal, with its bright red lights and stop sign, stands prominently at the forefront, a reminder of the safety measures in place where rail meets road. Overhead, a clear blue sky provides a striking background to the scene, highlighting the contrast between the powerful, old-fashioned locomotive and the modern vehicle. This snapshot, taken during the "Spring into the Cove" excursion, encapsulates a moment where time-honored tradition intersects with the pace of contemporary life.

As you travel, the steam engine gently rolls through the picturesque countryside, providing a serene backdrop that captivates both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

The scene unfolds from the vantage point of a passenger aboard the Everett Railroad's excursion train, with a sprawling agricultural feed mill complex dominating the view. Large silos reach toward the sky, interconnected with a network of walkways and chutes, a symbol of the region's agricultural industry. Wisps of steam or dust rise from the operation, mingling with the clouds above and adding to the industrial character of the landscape. In the foreground, the side of a classic railcar gleams in the sunlight, guiding the eye along the tracks that meander past the mill. A tractor stands in a nearby field, representing the ongoing work and cultivation of the land, while a red truck parked beside the mill provides a splash of color to the pastoral setting. This image captures a moment where the historic charm of train travel meets the industrious spirit of rural Pennsylvania.

The journey not only offers breathtaking views but also a chance to step back in time, enjoying the rhythm of the rails and the historic ambiance of the train.

A vintage steam locomotive, marked with the number 11, chugs along a gravel track cutting through the tranquil farmland of Pennsylvania on the Everett Railroad. Billowing plumes of dark smoke pour from its stack, contrasting with the vibrant blue sky dotted with wispy clouds. To the left, a modest white farmhouse sits peacefully in the distance, surrounded by the wide-open green spaces characteristic of Morrison's Cove. The sturdy metal back of the train engine reflects a time of industrial power and romantic rail travel. The landscape is serene and spacious, epitomizing the rural beauty of the region between Hollidaysburg and Martinsburg, PA, during the "Spring into the Cove" excursion.

The ALCO #11 Steam Locomotive

The crown jewel of the Everett Railroad is (in my humble opinion) the ALCO (American Locomotive Company) #11 steam locomotive.

A historic black steam locomotive marked with the number 11 is shown in mid-operation with white steam billowing around it as it pulls a string of passenger cars. The train is passing the Hollidaysburg train station, which features a sign with the town's name. The station is decorated with holiday garlands, and a green lamp hangs near the sign. The sky is overcast, and the bare branches of trees are visible in the background, suggesting a winter season. The train tracks reflect the cloudy sky above, adding to the wintry atmosphere of the scene. — ALCO (American Locomotive Company) #11 steam locomotive.

This impeccably restored engine, originally completed in 1923 in Paterson, New Jersey, was destined for the sugar cane fields of Cuba.

A close-up image of a historical maker's plate on a steam locomotive from the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The plate, affixed to a textured surface, reads "AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE COMPANY 62635 COOK WORKS MAR 1923," indicating the manufacturer, serial number, the works where it was built, and the date of manufacture. The plate and its raised lettering have a patinated finish, and it's mounted above a dark, curved section of the locomotive's exterior, secured by hex bolts. — Builder’s plate from March 1923.

However, the post-World War I collapse of the global sugar market rerouted its destiny through Rhode Island and New York before it finally graced the tracks of Pennsylvania in 2015.

A meticulously maintained Everett Railroad steam locomotive, number 11, is on display, its black paint contrasting with the complex metalwork of the wheels and rods. The locomotive is decorated with a holiday wreath and Santa hats on the headlamps, signaling a festive season. Steam rises from the engine, which has "Everett Railroad" written on its side, and the driver is visible in the cabin window. The train is situated on railroad tracks with gravel beds, and the background reveals a residential neighborhood with homes and leafless trees, indicating a winter setting in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. — #11 was originally supposed to be shipped to Cuba.

This historical twist of fate is a boon for railroad enthusiasts and sightseers alike.

A rear view of the Everett Railroad's black steam locomotive number 11, showing a crew member standing on the back as it emits a dense cloud of steam upwards. The tender is labeled with its capacity, "4000 GAL WATER 1800 GALS OIL," indicating its operational resources. The train is on a set of tracks with some autumn leaves scattered around, and parked cars and a bridge are visible in the background, setting the scene in a casual, everyday environment in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. — #11 backing up on the tracks, preparing to couple with a passenger car.

As the #11 locomotive powers through the Pennsylvania countryside, its rhythmic chugging and soul-stirring whistle create a symphony of sounds that complement the visual beauty of the journey, creating a feast for the senses!

A majestic black steam locomotive from the Everett Railroad, adorned with a bright red bow and wreath around its headlight, emits a towering plume of smoke into the sky as it travels along the tracks in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The number 11 is clearly visible on the front, and Santa hats are playfully placed atop the headlamps. The engine's powerful presence and holiday decorations suggest a festive Santa Express excursion, evoking the warmth and joy of the season amidst the colder, subdued colors of the surrounding landscape. — The sights, sounds, and smells associated with steam train travel are unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

The Everett Railroad in Blair County offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of American railroading history, while providing a delightful steam-powered sightseeing experience through some of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque landscapes.

Passenger cars of the Everett Railroad are parked at a station in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. One of the cars is numbered 1194, and a train conductor in uniform stands on the steps of one car. The station has a festive look with a small Christmas tree and wreaths adorning light poles, while a gazebo and vendor tents suggest an event or market may be taking place. The overcast sky and leafless trees indicate a cool weather setting, likely around the holiday season. The scene is bustling with activity and evokes a sense of community and tradition associated with holiday train excursions. — Christmastime in Hollidaysburg.

For history buffs, railfans, and those seeking a distinctive way to discover the Blair County countryside, it’s a must-see attraction well worth your time!

A dramatic scene of a vintage steam locomotive engulfed in a cloud of white steam as it moves along the tracks. The headlight and front part of the locomotive are visible, with the number 11 prominently displayed. Behind it, passenger cars trail into the distance. The train is set against a backdrop of a cloudy sky and bare trees, with utility poles lining the scene. The ground shows patches of snow, suggesting a cold weather setting. The overall atmosphere is dynamic and filled with the power of the historical train in motion. — #11 engulfed in a cloud of white steam outside the Hollidaysburg station.

The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County celebrates the lives of both railroad workers and railroading communities in central Pennsylvania.

Exterior of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County Pennsylvania. — The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.

Unlike many “train museums” that focus primarily on engines and cars, the Railroaders Memorial Museum focuses primarily on the men and women who kept the engines running and the cars rolling.

Exhibit showing some of the various jobs performed by employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. — Exhibit showing some of the various jobs performed by employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

The World-Famous Horseshoe Curve is located just nine miles from the Everett Railroad station in Hollidaysburg.

Approaching the Horseshoe Curve Visitor Center in Altoona. — Approaching the Horseshoe Curve Visitor Center in Blair County.

Considered one of the “engineering wonders of the world” at the time of its completion in 1854, the Horseshoe Curve continues to offer railfans an up-close opportunity to experience the thrill of trains passing by along this 2,375 foot-long curved stretch of tracks.

A young railfan waves to a passin Norfolk Southern engineer at the Horseshoe Curve. — A young railfan waves to a passing Norfolk Southern engineer at the Horseshoe Curve.

The 5 Best Railroad Overlooks Near Altoona is your guide to some great “trainspotting” destinations near Altoona.

A westbound Norfolk-Southern train exiting the western portal of the Allegheny Tunnel in Gallitzin.

The East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County offers steam-powered passenger excursions, shop tours, and visits to the “roundhouse”.

A collage of four photos showcasing the East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The first image captures a steam locomotive with billowing smoke at sunset. The second shows a conductor aboard the locomotive. The third depicts the train amidst a winter landscape with white smoke against the hills. The last image is of an open passenger car traveling through a lush green forest. — Scenes from the East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County.

The Northern Central Railway offers sightseeing excursions through the picturesque landscape of southern York County, using both a replica 1860s steam locomotive and a 1959 GP9 diesel engine to pull the trains.

Collage of four photos taken at the Northern Central Railway of York. Top left: Two steam locomotives, Number 17 and Number 85, are on display in front of the New Freedom Station, with steam billowing into the blue sky. Top right: Number 85 steam locomotive pulls a yellow passenger car and red caboose along the tracks, surrounded by green trees. Bottom left: View from the locomotive showing the train tracks and the adjacent trail, with smoke trailing behind. Bottom right: People standing on the gondola car platform near the E.K. Krebs building, a historic red and white building, as they enjoy the scenic ride. — Scenes from the Northern Central Railway.

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, PA is consistently ranked as one of the best sightseeing trains in the northeastern United States.

Fall foliage around the train station in Jim Thorpe, PA. — The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway station in Jim Thorpe, PA.

The New Hope Railroad offers enchanting sightseeing journeys through Bucks County aboard meticulously restored historic trains, blending scenic beauty with a rich heritage of rail travel.

A collage of four photos showcasing the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including: the historic Witch's Hat train station with a maroon locomotive beside it under a blue sky; the train winding through a lush forested area; passengers seated inside an open-air observation car with wooden benches; and a bright red "Welcome to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad" sign at the station entrance, inviting visitors to "ride the rails back in time."

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Strasburg Rail Road offers scenic sightseeing excursion trains pulled by majestic steam locomotives.

A collage of 5 photos showing scenes from the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, PA.

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