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Ride Through Time at Pennsylvania's Rail Museums

Published: February 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Pennsylvania, with its rich railroading history, is home to several fascinating railroad museums that serve as windows into the past, showcasing the evolution of train travel and its impact on society. Each museum in the state has its own unique offerings, reflecting the varied aspects of the rail industry.

They not only display an array of historical locomotives and railcars but also offer insight into the technical advancements and cultural shifts brought about by rail travel. They play a crucial role in celebrating Pennsylvania's vibrant railroading legacy, providing visitors with an appreciation of how railroads shaped both local and national narratives over time.

Recently restored Pennsylvania E8A #5706 and Reading 4-8-4 #2102 (T-1) sit outside the old Reading Railroad shops in Reading, Pennsylvania on June 28, 1986. American-Rails.com collection.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, highlighting the first railroad built through the Allegheny Mountains in central Pennsylvania.

Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the Altoona region, this museum offers engaging exhibits on the lives and work of rail industry personnel. Located in a beautifully restored Pennsylvania Railroad building, the museum reflects the symbiotic relationship between the city and the railroad industry.

Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and interpretive displays that highlight the contributions of workers, the technological changes in railroading, and the social dynamics within the railroad community.

Catawissa Railroad Company

The Catawissa Railroad Company, located in Catawissa, is actually a collection of restored cabooses painted in their original company colors, some of which can be rented for overnight  stays. Also be sure to see the town's preserved Catawissa Railroad (a component of the Reading Railroad) depot. 

Connellsville Canteen Museum

This museum, a non-profit organization operated by the Fayette County Cultural Trust, is located in the once-busy railroad town of Connellsville. 

Their overall mission is to preserve the history of Fayette County's World War II soldiers and veterans, and the sacrifices they made during that conflict. 

In addition, they also feature a very nice model train layout known as the Great Indian Creek Valley Railroad, designed and built by Harry Clark. 

If you're hungry be sure and stop by their café for either breakfast or lunch.  To learn more, plan a visit, and see all of their displays please visit their website.

The Choo Choo Barn ("Traintown")

Located in Boyertown in Lancaster County this attraction is very near the Strasburg Railroad.  It features a 1,700-foot train layout display for visitors to enjoy.  This is certainly worth a visit if you are planning a trip to ride the Strasburg!

Erie Railroad Museum

Nestled in Erie, Pennsylvania, this museum, sometimes known as Lakeshore Railway Museum, provides an intimate look at the local rail history with its collection of railcars and locomotives. Among the notable pieces is the Erie railroad caboose and several other equipment that documents the region's significant railroad past. The museum also incorporates a historical narrative about the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway.

Franklin Institute Science Museum

This large, well-known museum, located in Philadelphia, has a wing dedicated to railroad history including a handful of rolling stock.

One particular noteworthy piece is Baldwin Locomotive Works' 4-10-2 #60000, historically significant as the 60,000th locomotive the company manufactured.

It was meant to turn the tide in favor of steam power over diesel, featuring many new technologies at the time, but ultimately was unsuccessful in this endeavor.

Greenville Railroad Park & Museum

This museum, located in Greenville, features a collection of rolling stock including Union Railroad 0-10-2 #604, a 1936 product of Baldwin. The museum is open from May through October and admission is free.

Harris Switch Tower Museum

This small museum, based in Harrisburg, is located within the former PRR interlocking tower built in 1929. The facility is owned and operated by the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

Inside you can view historic artifacts and displays as well as see how an interlocking tower functioned. It is also a good location to watch passing trains! 

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark

This famous feat of engineering, located near Altoona, has been a marvel to witness since it first opened on February 15, 1854.

A small museum/train watching area located near the base of the shoe first appeared in 1879 and has steadily grown ever since. To learn more please visit the Railroaders Memorial Museum's website. 

Lake Shore Railway Museum

This museum is located inside the restored Lake Shore & Michigan Southern (NYC) depot at North East. The building itself houses several displays while outside the facility is a collection of rolling stock to peruse. The museum is open from April through October. 

Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village

This attraction is located on 31 acres in York and is home to a collection of historic buildings as well as the role short line Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad (the "Ma & Pa") played in the region. They also host short excursion rides.

National Toy Train Museum

This facility is located in Strasburg near the Strasburg Railroad. The museum, open since 1977, features several large, operating train layouts in a variety of scales ranging from HO to S gauge. It is open on select days throughout the year. 

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train

The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train, located in Ashland, serves a dual purpose of preserving Pennsylvania's rich mining heritage and offering guests a chance to experience what it was like to ride behind steam-powered trains. A historic 0-4-0T steam locomotive pulls retrofitted mine cars on about a 1-mile section of track.

Portage Station Museum

This museum is located inside the Pennsylvania Railroad's restored depot at Portage. It is operated by the Portage Area Historical Society and houses artifacts as well as an operating model layout. The facility is also not far from the Gallitzin Tunnels and Horseshoe Curve.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Located in Strasburg, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is one of the most comprehensive and renowned train museums in the United States. It houses an extraordinary collection of over 100 locomotives and rail cars that date from the mid-19th century to the present. A highlight here is the Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 No. 4935 electric locomotive, along with a wide variety of steam, diesel, and electric engines.

The museum also features a remarkable array of historic artifacts, photographs, and art that narrate the story of railroading in Pennsylvania. Visitors can explore exhibits that cover the technical, cultural, and social history of railroads, making it a rich educational experience.

Reading Railroad Heritage Museum

This museum is operated by the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, which does a fine job keeping alive the memory of the fabled Reading Railroad. It is located in Hamburg and features a collection of displays and rolling stock. They are open most weekends throughout the year.

Steamtown National Historic Site

Situated in Scranton, Steamtown National Historic Site is operated by the National Park Service and is dedicated to the history of steam railroading. The site offers incredible insights into the era of steam trains, with a vast collection of locomotives and freight cars.

A fascinating part of the experience here is the roundhouse and locomotive repair shop where visitors can see ongoing restoration work. Steamtown also provides live demonstrations and train rides that give a taste of the golden age of steam travel. The museum's well-preserved locomotives and vibrant educational programs make it a standout institution.

Tunnel Park & Museum

This museum is located near the famed Gallitzin Tunnels, another Pennsylvania Railroad engineering feat. Aside from the displays to peruse check out the restored PRR Class N5C caboose or simply watch the passing action of Norfolk Southern freight trains.