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!
Year-round
National Historic Site · PA
Things to do in Steamtown
The National Park Service lists 9 things to do at Steamtown National Historic Site. 8 have no extra fee, 8 need no reservation. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
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.
Year-round
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.
15-45 Minutes Year-round
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.
10-60 Minutes Year-round
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.
5-20 Minutes Year-round
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.
20-60 Minutes Spring, Summer
Advertisement
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.
45-60 Minutes Year-round
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.
1-10 Hours Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies
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.
18 Minutes Year-round
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Steamtown. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
- Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River (NY, PA)
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (NJ, PA)
- Morristown National Historical Park (NJ)
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail (CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV)
- Valley Forge National Historical Park (PA)
- Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (NY)
Advertisement
Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Steamtown National Historic Site — things to do on nps.gov