Are you a train enthusiast? Here are the best railway museums in Pennsylvania:
1Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Strasburg, PAThe Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which opened its doors in 1975, offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the history of the railway in the United States. This museum is a great place for those interested in learning about the evolution of rail transport and its impact on the development of the country. 2Carnegie Science Center
Pittsburgh, PAThe Carnegie Science Center, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is situated in the Chateau neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is conveniently located across the street from Heinz Field, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. As the most visited museum in Pittsburgh, it offers a wide range of interactive exhibits spread across four floors. 3Steamtown National Historic Site
Scranton, PAThe Steamtown National Historic Site, often referred to as Steamtown, is a railway museum situated in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA. Established by a congressional decision in 1986, the museum aims to depict the history of American railways between 1850 and 1950. It is a significant destination for those interested in the history of American railways and the evolution of transportation. 4World Famous Horseshoe Curve
Altoona, PAThe Horseshoe Curve is a renowned railway curve located near the American city of Altoona, Pennsylvania. This horseshoe-shaped curve was constructed in 1854 by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). It is considered an engineering marvel and has been in operation since its inception. The curve is currently owned and operated by Norfolk Southern since 1999. 5Hanover Junction Railroad Station
Seven Valleys, PAThe Hanover Junction Railroad Station is a historic site located in Hanover Junction, North Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania. This station, which was built between 1852 and 1854, has a rich history and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It served as a key transportation hub during the American Civil War and remained in service until the 1920s. 6Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Cresson, PAThe railroad line made ship traffic over the Allegheny Mountains possible, thus connecting the Ohio River with the Susquehanna. This was a significant achievement in the transportation history of the United States, as it allowed for the movement of goods and people across difficult terrain. 7Railroaders Memorial Museum
Altoona, PAThe Railroaders Memorial Museum (RMM) is a significant destination for those interested in the history of railroads, particularly in the central Pennsylvania region. The museum, located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, provides a comprehensive look into the lives of railroad workers and the communities they formed. It offers a particular focus on Altoona, the Altoona Works, and the greater Pittsburgh area, making it a rich source of local history. 8Electric City Trolley Museum
Scranton, PAThe Electric City Trolley Museum is a transport museum situated in the heart of downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania. It is conveniently located next to the Steamtown National Historic Site, making it an ideal destination for those interested in the history of transportation and railroads. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of trolleys and interurbans in the region. 9Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Chartiers, PAThe Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, located in Washington, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the operation and preservation of streetcars and trolleys. The museum's collection primarily consists of historic trolleys from Pennsylvania, but also includes examples from Toledo, Ohio, New Orleans, and even an open-sided car from Brazil. Many of these trolleys have been painstakingly restored to operating condition. 10Lackawanna Historical Society
Scranton, PAThe Carbondale Historical Society, located in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, operates a local history museum situated on the third floor of the Carbondale City Hall and Courthouse. This museum is a testament to the city's rich history and heritage, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the past and learn about the city's evolution over the years. 11Rockhill Trolley Museum
Rockhill, PAThe Rockhill Trolley Museum, located in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania, is a heritage railway and museum dedicated to the collection and restoration of trolley, interurban, and transit cars. This unique museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history of public transportation through its extensive collection of restored vehicles. 12The National Toy Train Museum
Paradise, PAThe National Toy Train Museum (NTTM) is situated at 300 Paradise Lane, in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, USA. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and fascinating world of toy trains. 13East Broad Top Railroad
Rockhill, PAThe East Broad Top Railroad (EBT) is a narrow-gauge railway situated in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania, to the east of the Rocky Mountains. This railway, with a track gauge of 914 mm, is one of the oldest and best-preserved narrow-gauge railways in the United States. It was in regular operation from 1871 to 1956 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Today, it serves as a tourist attraction.- 14
Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum
Robertsdale, PAThe Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum, curated by Ron Morgan, is dedicated to documenting the history of the isolated Broad Top Coal Field in south central Pennsylvania. The museum provides a deep dive into the region's coal mining history, offering a unique perspective on the industry that shaped the area. - 15
Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum
Gibsonia, PALocated in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum is a unique destination for those interested in railroads and model trains. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition of model trains and historical railroad paraphernalia, offering a fascinating insight into the history and mechanics of rail transport.