Parks / Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown National Historic Site
National Historic Site · PA
Feel the heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil; hear the whistle and the "chuff-chuff" from the smokestack, feel the ground vibrate, and watch as one-ton drive rods turn steel wheels. Discover how steam railroading helped shaped our nation's history and culture. Learn about the stories of the people who built, repaired and rode, and about the ongoing work to preserve railroading history.
Official NPS page →Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Things to Do
Become a Railroad Explorer
Did you know that before the transcontinental railroad, it took four to six months to cross the United States? This is just one of the many fun facts you can learn as you become a Railroad Explorer! Steamtown is one of the few National Parks to carry this special Junior Ranger activity book.
Become a Steamtown Junior Ranger
Junior Rangers help to preserve Steamtown National Historic Site (and other National Parks) by: exploring the parks they visit, learning fun facts along the way, and taking an oath to protect the parks for future generations. Junior Rangers serve as ambassadors to the National Parks by sharing what they learn with their friends, families, and classmates.
Discover the History of Steam
Discover and uncover the history of steam railroading in the area; step back in time as you enter a recreated train station lobby complete with ticket windows; climb aboard a U.S. Mail Railway Post Office; or kick back in style upon the Erie Business Car #3.
Explore the Roundhouse
The combination of a working railroad yard and a world-class railroad museum gives visitors a chance to do more than just step back in time. The Roundhouse has been adaptively rehabilitated to allow Steamtown's mechanics to care for the locomotives with light-duty maintenance and repairs.
Find a Souvenir
Visit the America’s National Parks™ Store at Steamtown National Historical Park and shop a curated selection of quality educational products and books that will help extend the park experience. You can also find the park's passport stamp here.
Get Technical
The combination of a working railroad yard and a world-class railroad museum gives visitors a chance to do more than just step back in time. Steamtown's Technology Museum is a visitor favorite, providing an immersive experience into the lights, sounds, and technology of the railroading industry.
Locomotive Shop Tours
Join a Park Ranger or volunteer to get a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the railroad, the locomotive shop. Participants will learn how the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company was able to adapt to keep up with the demands of the railroad industry and its consumers.
Ride a Train
Steamtown's seasonal train rides offer a unique National Park experience. Rail experiences include short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard.
Watch "Steel and Steam"
This is the park's orientation film which explores the history of steam locomotives and the anthracite railroad while following a young child's journey into adulthood through their love of trains and working in the railroad industry.
Visitor Centers
- Visitor Center and Park Store
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.