All railway museums to visit in Pennsylvania

Make a historic journey through railway history at 15 museums in Pennsylvania dedicated to trains and railroads. These museums celebrate the development and impact of rail transport.

Are you a train enthusiast? Here are the best railway museums in Pennsylvania:

  1. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania1

    Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

     Strasburg, PA
    The 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.
  2. Carnegie Science Center2

    Carnegie Science Center

     Pittsburgh, PA
    The 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.
  3. Steamtown National Historic Site3

    Steamtown National Historic Site

     Scranton, PA
    The 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.
  4. World Famous Horseshoe Curve4

    World Famous Horseshoe Curve

     Altoona, PA
    The 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.
  5. Hanover Junction Railroad Station5

    Hanover Junction Railroad Station

     Seven Valleys, PA
    The 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.
  6. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site6

    Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

     Cresson, PA
    The 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.
  7. Railroaders Memorial Museum7

    Railroaders Memorial Museum

     Altoona, PA
    The 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.
  8. Electric City Trolley Museum8

    Electric City Trolley Museum

     Scranton, PA
    The 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.
  9. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum9

    Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

     Chartiers, PA
    The 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.
  10. Lackawanna Historical Society10

    Lackawanna Historical Society

     Scranton, PA
    The 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.
  11. Rockhill Trolley Museum11

    Rockhill Trolley Museum

     Rockhill, PA
    The 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.
  12. The National Toy Train Museum12

    The National Toy Train Museum

     Paradise, PA
    The 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.
  13. East Broad Top Railroad13

    East Broad Top Railroad

     Rockhill, PA
    The 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. 14

    Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum

     Robertsdale, PA
    The 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. 15

    Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum

     Gibsonia, PA
    Located 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.