Children's Museums
Steamtown National Historic Site
📍 350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–4 PM |
About Steamtown National Historic Site
Old locomotives & railroad artifacts. U.S. train history, documented via steam locomotives, exhibits & rides in a former railroad yard. Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4012 is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built and is housed at Steamtown National Historic Site. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,616 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- National Historic Site / Railroad Museum
- Location
- Scranton, PA
- Main Attraction
- Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4012 steam locomotive
- Best For
- All ages interested in railroad history
- Key Experience
- Train rides, locomotive tours, and interactive railyard demonstrations
💡 Did You Know?
- Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4012 is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built and is housed at Steamtown National Historic Site
- Steamtown operates as an active railroad yard, requiring visitors to learn and follow safety procedures, making it a functioning heritage railway rather than a static museum
- The Big Boy Reunion 2026 event (June 15-30) will feature Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, a historic visit of another rare Big Boy locomotive to the site
- Steamtown offers hands-on sensory experiences allowing visitors to feel heat, smell steam and oil, and hear whistles directly from steam locomotives during demonstrations
- The site houses multiple steam locomotives and train cars preserved in barns and outdoor displays, with daily train rides available during operating season starting May 9, 2026
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan your visit for Wednesday-Sunday between 9:30am-4pm during winter/spring season, as the site is closed Monday-Tuesday. This schedule helps you avoid wasted trips and plan accordingly.
- Arrive early to experience the train rides, as they operate on a daily basis during operating season (beginning May 9, 2026). Rides are popular and availability may be limited, especially on weekends.
- Budget 3-4 hours for your visit to fully explore the museum exhibits inside, see the outdoor steam locomotives and train cars in the roundhouse and railyard, and potentially ride a train. First-timers should watch the short theater film—reviewers consistently recommend it as a must-see.
- Before visiting, familiarize yourself with safety procedures for the active railyard environment. This is an operating railroad site, not a typical indoor museum, so understanding safety guidelines enhances your experience and keeps you secure.
- If visiting during special events like Big Boy Reunion 2026 (June 15-30) or Railfest 2026 (September 4-6), book timed reservations well in advance as these events attract significant crowds and require pre-registration.
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