Steamtown is billed as the only national site that is devoted to the story of the steam engine and its role in the development of the United States. The site is located in downtown Scranton, PA and occupies 40 acres of the railroad yard of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.
The National Park Service rebuilt the Roundhouse and the turntable from the remnants of the original buildings. The site includes a visitor center, history museum, roundhouse, turntable, three sections of the second roundhouse built in 1902, and a technology museum.
Steam engine rail excursions are offered regularly. You can also take guided tours of the site. On the day we were there, we toured the locomotive repair shops located behind the roundhouse. Steam engines need maintained frequently—about every 150 miles. Crews work on maintenance regularly. When they have time, they work on reconstructing and repairing old engines in their collection.
The collection of steam trains includes the Big Boy—one of the largest engines ever built. There is also an old snow plow engine used to clear snow from tracks and a small industrial switcher.
One of the unadvertised assets of the site is the volunteers. They are great. For most, volunteering is a labor of love. The ones we met were all eager to share their passion about the engines. The volunteer we met at the main desk lives in New Jersey and comes to Steamtown four times a year to work. That is dedication.
Steamtown is considered a working railroad site. Steam engines—and an occasional diesel—are coming and going frequently. We got to hear—and feel—the power of the big engines. Exciting.
Linked to the site by a ramp way is the Mall at Steamtown. Anyone not interested in steam engines can spend the day shopping. We spent so much time at the historical site, we never made it to the mall.
After you visit the site—take a short drive down the main street to the Hotel Radisson which occupies the old train station and main offices of the railroad. You can park in their parking lot for the short visit. Have lunch there if you want. Prices are less expensive if you wander around to the back of the building to a small bar and restaurant that looks over the tracks.
Fees:
- Historic site entrance fees are $6.00 for adults 17 and up. Kids 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Excursion fees are extra—the “Scranton Limited”—a short train excursion—is $3.00 for ages 6 and up.
More information on the Steamtown National Historic Site.
Additional pictures.
