Steamtown National Historic Site Tours

Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service


Through interactive museums, workshops and train rides discover the importance of American steam railroad history and the people that made it possible.

Take a step back in time to America’s Industrial Revolution at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Watch audio-video presentations, browse photography displays and look inside locomotives while learning about the legacy of steam railroading and the workers associated with it. Visit train repair shops and take a historic train ride. Steamtown National Historic Site sits in the former yard of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.

Start at the Visitor Center, where you can find out about the site’s orientation, its attractions and daily activities. Go to the 250-seat surround sound theater and watch the short movie called Steam and Steel. It recounts the career of a railroad worker and the dramatic changes to U.S. railroads at the start of the 20th century.

Follow a through-the-ages timeline of railroading from its early beginnings up until the 1980s in the History Museum. Appreciate the significance of the workers that kept the rail system running smoothly at the Life on the Railroadexhibit. Get up close with restored trains and train artifacts in the Technology Museum. Among the displays are a boxcar, caboose, passenger car and steam locomotive.

Observe from a raised walkway as skilled mechanics carry out maintenance on antique locomotives in the workshops of the Roundhouse Museum. See as trains are turned and faced toward the workshops via a 90-foot (27-meter) long turntable.

Take a 30-minute ride around the railroad yard aboard the steam-powered Scranton Limited and Nay Aug Gorge Limited trains. You can also enjoy a 2-hour journey through stunning Pennsylvania countryside on a diesel-powered locomotive.

The attraction is just a short walk from the center of downtown Scranton and there’s free on-site parking. It’s less than a 3-hour drive from both New York CityOpens in a new window and PhiladelphiaOpens in a new window.

Steamtown National Historic Site is open daily and there’s an admission fee. Additional fees apply for the train rides. Visits involve a lot of walking, some of it on uneven surfaces, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Find more information on the attraction’s official website.

Plan a trip to see Steamtown National Historic Site

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hampton Inn Matamoras/Milford
Best Western Hunt's Landing Hotel Matamoras/Milford

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Steamtown National Historic Site

Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton

Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton

3.5 out of 5
700 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, PA
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton
Hilton Scranton & Conference Center

Hilton Scranton & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
100 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA
Hilton Scranton & Conference Center
ANZ Hotels Scranton

ANZ Hotels Scranton

2 out of 5
300 Meadow Avenue, Scranton, PA
ANZ Hotels Scranton
Courtyard by Marriott Scranton Montage Mountain

Courtyard by Marriott Scranton Montage Mountain

3 out of 5
16 Glenmaura National Blvd, Moosic, PA
Courtyard by Marriott Scranton Montage Mountain
Comfort Suites Scranton near Montage Mountain

Comfort Suites Scranton near Montage Mountain

2.5 out of 5
44 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA
Comfort Suites Scranton near Montage Mountain
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Scranton Montage Mountain

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Scranton Montage Mountain

3 out of 5
19 Radcliffe Dr, Moosic, PA
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Scranton Montage Mountain
Sleep Inn & Suites Scranton Dunmore

Sleep Inn & Suites Scranton Dunmore

2.5 out of 5
102 Monahan Ave, Scranton, PA
Sleep Inn & Suites Scranton Dunmore
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickson City/Scranton

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickson City/Scranton

2 out of 5
232 Main Street, Scranton, PA
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickson City/Scranton
Baymont by Wyndham Scranton Dunmore

Baymont by Wyndham Scranton Dunmore

2.5 out of 5
1226 Oneill Hwy, Scranton, PA
Baymont by Wyndham Scranton Dunmore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Steamtown National Historic Site

At Steamtown National Historic Site, immerse yourself in the rich history of railroads while enjoying nearby activities like live music, theater, and sports. Explore the vibrant Marketplace at Steamtown, participate in the renowned Steamtown Marathon, and take scenic train excursions. Don't miss the chance to visit Scranton and discover other attractions in the area for a well-rounded experience during your vacation.

Food and drinks

Enjoy a local wine experience at Wood Winery, located 12 miles from Steamtown National Historic Site, where you can savor delightful wines in a romantic setting. For on-site dining, explore nearby Scranton eateries offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy your palate.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is The Marketplace at Steamtown, just 0.2 miles away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, visit Viewmont Mall, located 4 miles away, where you'll find more shopping and dining experiences.

Recreation

At PNC Field, enjoy an energetic atmosphere while watching a game, just 3 miles from Steamtown. Stone Hedge Golf Course, located 14 miles away, offers scenic outdoor golfing. Merli-Sarnoski Park, also 14 miles away, provides a serene environment for relaxation and wellness activities amidst nature.

Adventure

At Montage Mountain Ski Resort, 4 miles from Steamtown, enjoy thrilling skiing and snowboarding amidst beautiful winter scenery. The Scranton Lake Walking Path, only 3 miles away, offers a picturesque hiking experience perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a longer trek, explore the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, 12 miles distant, featuring stunning views.

Nightlife

For a fun night, visit Nay Aug Park's arcadeAdventureZone for family-friendly excitement. If you're in the mood for romance and gaming, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs offers a lively casino atmosphere. For cultural entertainment, catch a show at the F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

Find the best attractions near Steamtown National Historic Site

Visitors to Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, can enjoy a range of attractions, including the scenic Pocono Mountains and local landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the area's lakes and parks, perfect for a beach experience or leisurely hikes. Explore Scranton's unique attractions, including the historic site itself, which highlights the rich railroading history of the region. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the charm of this historic town while enjoying its natural beauty.

  • University of Scranton: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, just 0.7 miles from Steamtown. Its blend of academic excellence and city vibes offers a unique glimpse into student life and beautiful campus architecture.
  • Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau: Located 0.5 miles away, this visitor center is your gateway to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. Discover local attractions and events while enjoying the scenic beauty of Lackawanna County.
  • Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour: Dive into history at this historic mine, 2 miles from Steamtown. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the region's coal mining heritage and its cultural significance.

Best time to go to Steamtown National Historic Site

Visitor numbers around Steamtown National Historic Site is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Steamtown National Historic Site is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.4°F (-4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
February26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
March34.2°F (1.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December30.7°F (-0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Steamtown National Historic Site

To save money on your trip to Steamtown National Historic Site, consider visiting in the cheaper months of June and October to November, as prices are lower compared to February, April, and August. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and combine your bookings for flights and activities to get package deals. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future savings. Take advantage of free attractions nearby, such as the University of Scranton and Viewmont Mall, to enhance your visit without spending extra.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Steamtown National Historic Site are June and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Steamtown National Historic Site with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.