The restored Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad shop complex in Scranton is home to one of the most complete railroad history museums known as Steamtown National Historic Site. Located on 66 acres, the park includes outdoor exhibits, tours of a working restoration shop, and train rides behind historic steam and diesel locomotives. It also affords visitors an opportunity to walk through an active roundhouse where steam locomotives are still maintained.
Choices
The Steamtown complex includes history and technology museums. Be sure to view the orientation movie, which includes an explanation of how the site was utilized by the Lackawanna Railroad during the steam era. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the indoor and outdoor areas, plus another 30 minutes for a train ride. The Scranton Limited is a 3-mile round trip operating through the rail yard and past Scranton’s former Lackawanna station. The Caboose Experience is a 15-minute ride through the yard. Steam power, usually Baldwin 0-6-0 No. 26, pulls the train.
When to go
Operated by the National Park Service, Steamtown is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission to the park is free, but there is a modest fee for train rides, which operate from mid-May until mid-October.
Good to know
Railfest, normally held on a June weekend, is a great time to visit. Equipment normally stored is brought out for photos, with some open for cab tours.
Worth doing
Steamtown occasionally offers day-long train rides in 1920s steel coach cars pulled by vintage diesel locomotives. These run Saturdays and Sundays during the summer and autumn months on the main line of the Delaware Lackawanna Railroad through the Pocono Mountains. Check the event calendar for details.
Don’t miss
In 2021, NPS cosmetically restored Union Pacific No. 4012 — a Big Boy. It is now prominently displayed near the park entrance.
Getting there
From Interstate 81, take Exit 185. At the first traffic light, follow Spruce St. ahead to Mifflin Ave. Turn left. Turn right to Lackawanna Ave. Pass the Lackawanna Transit Center, and turn left to Cliff Street.
Location: 350 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA
Phone: 570-340-5200
Website: nps.gov/stea
E-mail: Form on website
