There’s something magical about steam locomotives. Maybe it’s the display of raw power—the sound and motion of a different age. Or maybe it’s the elegant engineering from yesteryear. Whatever it is, steam locomotive train rides are irresistible.
And you can find plenty of places to ride them throughout Pennsylvania. Use our guide to find the perfect destination for you.
Table of Contents
Where to Find Steam Locomotive Train Rides In Pennsylvania
- Everett Railroad
- East Broad Top Railroad
- Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad Company
- Northern Central Railway
- Strasburg Rail Road
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
- Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad
- New Hope Railroad
Where to Stay When Riding Steam Trains
Where to Find Steam Locomotive Train Rides In Pennsylvania
Here are some of our very favorite spots to catch a ride on a genuine steam locomotive (and how far you might travel if you plan to stay with us at The Station Inn in Cresson, PA)!
1. Everett Railroad (Hollidaysburg, PA)
The Everett Railroad’s history is a story of persistence, determination, and passion. Founded in 1954, it served the Everett, PA area until 1982 when it was abandoned, after losing its connection with Conrail when it discontinued service there. (Check out our history of the Pennsylvania Railroad to learn more about Conrail!). The Everett then moved to Claysburg when Conrail sold an abandoned line there.
Eventually, a series of additional rail lines expanded the Everett Railroad throughout the local area, turning it into an economic engine based on transportation and tourism.
That’s where we come in today. The railroad’s passenger excursions delight 35,000 riders every year—and that steam engine, Alco #11, is a true delight!
Today, you can count on the Everett Railroad for a variety of experiences, including:
- Ice Cream Specials
- Hobo Adventures
- Autumn Adventures
- Wine Rides
- And More!
Learn More About the Everett Railroad
Address: 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
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Distance From The Station Inn: 12 Miles (About 20 Minutes)
2. East Broad Top Railroad (Rockhill Furnace, PA)
East Broad Top Railroad is a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of engineering. 150 years ago, it was one of the first railroads to try narrow gauge technology—a revolutionary railway approach that enabled engineers to install tracks faster while simultaneously allowing trains to handle rougher terrain.
Today, East Broad Top Railroad is the oldest and best-preserved narrow-gauge railroad anywhere in the United States!
Since EBT looks much as it did when it closed in 1956, it’s one of the most exciting, vibrant heritage sites you’ll come across, as the entire facility serves as a time capsule for a past era—including five Baldwin steam engines built between 1911 and 1920. #16 was restored to operating condition in 2023.
Speaking of, we have great news for anyone who loves steam engines: USA Today named EBT the 3rd best scenic train ride in the entire US! Not bad at all!
Oh, and here’s another major perk: EBT is only an hour and fifteen minutes away from our home in Cresson, PA! It’s an incredibly convenient trip while you’re spending a few days with us.
Learn More About the East Broad Top Railroad
Address: 421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249
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Distance From The Station Inn: 65 Miles (About 1.25 Hours)
3. Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad Company (Middletown, PA)
We all know time travel is impossible outside of sci-fi novels and Hollywood blockbusters, but you can get pretty close to it when you visit the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad Company.
The M&H Railroad formed in 1888, and its construction between Middletown and Hummelstown concluded in 1890. It quickly became part of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad (which then became the Reading Company).
Since the M&H is still operating in a tourist capacity, it’s been moving trains for more than 130 years!
You’ll find plenty of events throughout the year to enjoy, including:
- Murder Mystery Dinners
- High Tea Trains
- Ice Cream Sundae Caboose Rides
- Fall Foliage Express
- And More!
There’s only one catch—at least when it comes to steam engines: As far as we know, their Canadian National 2-6-0 steam engine is out of service, with no ETA as to when it will return. But, fear not, as the M&H uses some interesting diesel locomotives for their tourist trains! If you have your heart set on steam before checking it out, call ahead before making your trip.
Learn More About the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad Company
Address: 136 Brown Street, Middletown, PA 17057
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Distance From The Station Inn: 150 Miles (About 2.25 Hours)
4. Northern Central Railway (New Freedom, PA)
The Mason-Dixon line is the historic boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland, which eventually became the dividing line between the North and South in the American Civil War and still serves as a delineation between the crowded, bustling Northeastern United States and the friendly, milder Southeastern US.
While the Civil War is over, you can still touch a piece of the past—even outside of Gettysburg. Just north of the Mason-Dixon line in York County, you’ll find New Freedom, a small town of 5,000 people and home to the Northern Central Railway.
For more than 10 years, the Northern Central Railway has delighted train fans with steam engine No. 17—an impressive $2 million steam locomotive built new in 2013 to replicate the locomotive technology of the Civil War era. It was completely crowdfunded by local community members and railfans from around the country!
Learn More About the Northern Central Railway
Address: 117 N Front St, New Freedom, PA 17349
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Distance From The Station Inn: 176 Miles (About 3 Hours)
5. Strasburg Rail Road (Strasburg, PA)
In many ways, Strasburg is the epitome of the railfan kingdom in North America.
For one, it’s home to the oldest continuously operating railroad on the continent. Two, it’s the most-visited heritage railroad in the continental US. Three, they occasionally use a steam locomotive to haul modern-day revenue freight cars for businesses in the area. Finally, it’s directly across the street from the popular Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
What’s not to love?
The Strasburg Rail Road is the place to be.
Plus, riding along one of the railroad’s famous steam engines will give you an up-close look at Pennsylvania’s historic countryside, home to the beautiful “Amish Country.” Grab a camera and get comfortable because there’s a lot to see!
We should also mention: This railroad isn’t just about train rides. You’ll find plenty of entertainment options, such as:
- Holiday Events
- Murder Mystery Experiences
- Date Night Concerts
- Escape Rooms
- Whiskey on the Rails
- Wine & Cheese Rides
- Thomas the Tank Engine
- And More!
Check out their events calendar for an updated list of incredible ideas.
Learn More About the Strasburg Rail Road
Address: 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
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Distance From The Station Inn: 180 Miles (About 2.75 Hours)
6. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Here’s great news if you ever visit the Strasburg Rail Road: The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is right across the street. Literally.
This lovely museum is an ode to all railroading in the Commonwealth’s history, and it’s been a favorite destination for railfans since it was first established in 1963.
Visit to walk through history and experience the evolution of trains and train technology over the last 100+ years.
Learn More About the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Address: 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
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Distance From The Station Inn: 180 Miles (About 2.75 Hours)
7. Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (Reading, PA)
Calling all history buffs and railfans! The Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad is ready for you! Featuring dozens of miles of track connecting many towns in the heart of Pennsylvania, the RBMN is one of the best destinations to capture the state’s industrial past.
How lovely is it? Well, the train travels from Reading, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA—an area that’s been nicknamed The Switzerland of America. Keep your eyes peeled for the lovely excursion into Lehigh Gorge State Park.
RBMN is unique among our choices because their railroad network is MUCH larger than the others listed – more than 300 miles in total. These steam trips share RBMN’s main line with their many freight trains, and thanks to the size of the railroad, there are some longer-distance train rides offered up to an entire day of action!
While there’s plenty to love on the RBMN, one of the coolest features is the massive (and gorgeous) steam locomotive #2102, famous for the Reading’s Iron Horse Rambles in the 1970s. Originally built in 1945, #2102 is one of the largest steam locomotives in active service east of the Mississippi.
Learn More About the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad
Address: 3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605
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Distance From The Station Inn: 200 Miles (About 3 Hours)
8. New Hope Railroad (New Hope, PA)
The New Hope Railroad can trace its roots all the way back to 1891, when its tracks were established by the Reading Railroad.
While the town of New Hope has caught up with the times to become a vibrant destination for the arts, boutiques, and culinary delights, this railroad remains a quaint link to the region’s industrial past.
Riding a steam train along the New Hope Railroad is like stepping through a museum; the knowledgeable onboard narrators share stories from long ago, helping to weave together local history and folklore from the past 100+ years.
Locomotive #40, a Baldwin 2-8-0 built in 1925, has been the spotlight of the New Hope Railroad for many years.
Like so many other destinations on this list, the New Hope Railroad provides a variety of attractions, including:
- A Speakeasy Train
- Wine & Tapas
- A Grapevine Express
- Holiday-Themed Trips
- And More!
Learn More About the New Hope Railroad
Address: 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938
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Distance From The Station Inn: 256 Miles (About 4 Hours)
Where to Stay When Riding Steam Trains
Make us your home base while discovering the best steam locomotive train rides in Pennsylvania!
As a railroad-themed B&B along the Norfolk Southern line, you’ll see up to 40 trains per day while enjoying the shade on our front porch.
Check out our rooms or get started with your booking to reserve your new home away from home.
