Congress created Steamtown National Historic Site in 1986 to interpret the story of main line steam railroading between 1850 and 1950. The park occupies about forty acres of the former Scranton Yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, and includes historic railroading buildings, some dating from 1865. Steamtown National Historic Site operates three historic steam locomotives. The new core complex area, consisting of the restored 1937 roundhouse, the 1902 roundhouse, visitor center, theater, history museum and technology museum opened on July 1, 1995. One of the ways Steamtown preserves the past is through the restoration shop.

VISITATION:

Highest in July, August and October; lowest in December, January and February.

LOCATION:

Scranton, Pennsylvania

MAILING ADDRESS:

Steamtown National Historic Site
150 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503

TELEPHONE:

(570)340-5200
(570)340-5235 (FAX)
(570)340-5207 (TDD)
Outside the 570 area code, call 1-888-693-9391 (Toll Free)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Steamtown National Historic Site is open seven days a week, year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From July 1 through September 6, the park will be open until 6:00 p.m. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Warm and sometimes humid summers; cold and rainy or snowy winters. Wear seasonable clothing and good walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:

From Exit 53, Interstate 81: Follow the Central Scranton Expressway into the center city area. At the first stop light, turn left. This road bears right and becomes Lackawanna Avenue. Follow Lackawanna Avenue past seven traffic signals. The entrance is on the left one block past the seventh traffic signal. For a map showing how to get to Steamtown, click here. Return to the top

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: access by Interstate Highways (I-81) and various city roads. Scranton is serviced by an international airport and a bus station.

In Park: walking paths.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

*Educational groups require a $25.00 non-refundable registration fee in addition to the $1.00 per student and chaperone fee. This registration fee guarantees the program your educational group desires and must be paid within one week of reserving your program.

For a schedule of the Excursions to Moscow, PA, click here.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Daily schedules and park orientation are provided in the visitor center. There is a 250-seat theater that shows a 20- minute film about eastern, mainlines steam railroading. Visit the history museum with exhibits about the people who worked on the railroad, passenger railroading and the economics of railroading. See the 1937 roundhouse with operational steam locomotives undergoing routine maintenance, inspections and light repairs. There is also the technology museum with exhibits and models showing the development of the mechanical side of railroading from laying track to signals.

Trails, Roads: none.

Programs/Activities:

There are regularly scheduled tours of the locomotive shop and specific railway equipment. There are two hour, 26 mile steam excursions to Moscow, Pennsylvania during the summer season (See our Excursion Schedule). Tours of the roundhouse, locomotive shop and railroad yard, as well as other specialized tours, are available year-round (See our Tour Schedule).

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in the park. A variety of hotels, motels and camping sites are available in the area. For a complete list, call the Pennsylvania's Northeast Territories Visitors Bureau at 1-800-22WELCOME.

Food/supplies:

Local restaurants and grocery stores are located in the area. For a complete list, call the Pennsylvania's Northeast Territories Visitors Bureau at 1-800-22WELCOME.

Other Concessions/NPS-managed Visitor Facilities, and Opportunities:

The Steamtown Museum Store at Steamtown National Historic Site offers items which are limited to railroad history and the National Parks. Books, prints, video tapes, slides and post cards are available for visitors of all ages.

Accessibility:

Steamtown National Historic Site is handicapped accessible, with the exception of some historic locomotives and railroad cars. The excursion train is handicapped accessible, however seating is limited. If you or any member of your party have any concerns, please call in advance.

Special Needs:

Parking is available for buses. Handicapped parking is available nearest the visitor center in the main parking lot.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Exploring the museums and roundhouse; steam excursions to Moscow, Pennsylvania. Participating in ranger led tours - open to all ages.

GROUP RESERVATIONS:

Reservations for any groups should be made at least two weeks prior to the visit. Reservations may be made by calling (570) 340-5203 or (570) 340-5204, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Steamtown NHS offers educational programs, both at the park and at your site. For additional information, click here.

EXCURSION RESERVATIONS:

Reservations are recommended for excursions and may be made by calling (570) 340-5203 or (570) 340-5204 between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, during the excursion season. Reservations can not be accepted on the same day as the excursion.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Excursions require at least three hours and exploring the entire museum and roundhouse requires from one to four hours.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Steamtown National Historic Site offers special events throughout the year. Click here for Special Event News.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Narrowsburg, NY
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Stroudsburg, PA
Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau
Pennsylvania's Northeast Territory Visitors Bureau, includes information on the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, Anthracite Heritage Museum, Everhart Museum, Montage Mountain, Lackawanna County Historical Society, Red Barons Baseball, Lackawanna State Park, Lackawanna Heritage Valley.
National Institute for Environmental Renewal
The Houdini Museum, Scranton, PA
NEPC - BSA Heritage Trail
An overview of Scranton's Architectural Heritage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write: Steamtown National Historic Site

150 South Washington Avenue

Scranton, PA 18503.

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Updated 22JUL99