Railfest at Steamtown National Historic Site

General admission to the park and event is FREE!

For those looking to experience one of our short train rides, there is a cost of $6/person ages 6+, $1 for ages 0-5; payment by credit card only at the Tickets and Information Booth located near the main parking lot.

Some advance tickets will be available online at recreation. gov starting on Wednesday, 8/20, with limited tickets available for walk-up purchase at the main information booth during Railfest.

Friday, 8/29

"Scranton Limited" Yard Shuttles

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 (steam)
• Run time: about 30 minutes
• 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Caboose Hops

• Anticipated power: Nickel Plate #514 (diesel)
• Run time: 10-15 minutes
• “Load and go” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, 8/30

"Scranton Limited" Yard Shuttles

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 (steam)
• Run time: about 30 minutes
• 10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Caboose Hops

• Anticipated power: Nickel Plate #514 (diesel)
• Run time: 10-15 minutes
• “Load and go” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, 8/31

"Scranton Limited" Yard Shuttles

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 (steam)
• Run time: about 30 minutes
• 10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Caboose Hops

• Anticipated power: Nickel Plate #514 (diesel)
• Run time: 10-15 minutes
• “Load and go” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Photo Run By 

Offers riders a short train ride with the option to disembark for a photo opportunity of the steam engine as it does a couple of run-bys.

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 (steam)
• Run time: 60 minutes
• 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Radisson/Lackawanna Station Tour 

Offers riders a short train ride and guided tour of the historic Lackawanna Railroad Station. Limited tickets; must be reserved in advance. Check back for ticket reservations link on Wednesday, 8/20.

• Anticipated power: Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 (steam)
• Run time: 60 minutes
• 1:30 p.m.

Friday, August 29 - Railfest Programs & Activities
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Core Complex, Eastern National Park Store, and Community Partner Tents Open	Throughout the Park
10:30 AM	Opening Ceremony - University of Scranton ROTC Color Guard, National Anthem, Superintendent's Welcome, Introducing the Honorary Railfest Conductor, Phoebe Snow, Turntable Demo, Railfest 2025 Announced Open!	Turntable
11:30 AM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at Info Booth)	Board at Track 12
12 Noon	Junior Ranger Swearing-In Ceremony	By #6039 at Main Gate
12:15 PM	NJ Trackcar Speeder Parade & Turntable Demo	Turntable
1:15 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
1:30 PM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
2:20 PM	Track Work & Maintenance Demonstration	Back of Loco Shop
2:30 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
3:00 PM	Steamtown @30: Panel discussion on the past, present, and future of railroading, restoration, preservation and heritage.	Visitor Center Upstairs
3:15 PM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
3:45 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)
4:30 PM	Turntable Demonstration- #26 Returns to the Roundhouse	Turntable
4:45 PM	Junior Ranger Swearing-In Ceremony	By #6039 at Main Gate
5:00 PM	Park and Railfest Closes
Ongoing Throughout the Day
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9:30 AM-4 PM	Black Diamond #353 & City of Lima Sleeper Cars Open for Visiting (break from 10:30-11:15)	Back of Shop & Track 12
11 AM-4 PM	NJ Trackcar Speeder Rides (break from 11:30-1:30)	Back of Shop
11 AM-5 PM	Pump Handcar Rides	Back of Shop
11 AM-5 PM	WWII Stuart Tank Rides - offered by the Iron Horse Society and Stuart Tank Memorial Association (tickets by donation)	Back of Shop
11 AM-5 PM	Stourbridge Lion, Model Railroad Layouts, 30 Year Rewind: Steamtown Grand Opening 30th Exhibit	Technology Museum
12 noon-4 PM	Timeless Treasures Special Exhibit and Pocket Watch Making Activity	Technology Museum
11 AM-1 PM 2 PM-3:30 PM	Caboose Hops	Board behind Technology Museum
10 AM-4 PM	Shop Machine Demonstrations including the Ring of Fire, King Boring Mill, Planer, and Drop Table. Demos approx. every 20 minutes. (Break from 10:20-11:00)	Loco Shop
11 AM-4:30 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy (parking lot)
Electric City Trolley Museum
Trolley Museum Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m with discounted admission ($3)
Trolley Rides at 10:30, 11:30, 12:45, 2:00 & 3:00 (Tickets- $5 at Trolley Museum, board at the Excursion Platform)
Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Musicians, Roving Stilt Walker & Juggler
After Hours Special Event
7 PM - 9:30 PM	Steam Giants After Dark Night Photo Shoot
Join the Iron Horse Society for an exclusive, after-hours Railfest 2025 night photo experience. Each evening (Friday & Saturday) features three professionally-lit scenes with legendary locomotives, rolling stock, and atmospheric effects. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance through the Iron Horse Society.

Saturday, August 30 - Railfest Programs & Activities
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Core Complex, Eastern National Park Store, and Community Partner Tents Open	Throughout the Park
9:30 AM	Opening Ceremony - Color Guard & National Anthem. #26 Rolls out on the Turntable.	Turntable
10:00 AM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
10:45 AM	Walking Tour to Renaissance Park with Photo Session - Explore the Railyard, Learn Photo Tips, and visit the perfect vantage point for photos of the passing steam engine.  (approx. 90 minutes, 1 mile walking on uneven ground)	Meet at Visitor Center
10:45 AM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
11:00 AM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
11:20 AM	Track Work & Maintenance Demonstration	Back of Loco Shop
11:30 AM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
12 Noon	Junior Ranger Swearing-In Ceremony	By #6039 at Main Gate
12:15 PM	NJ Trackcar Speeder Parade & Turntable Demo	Turntable
1:15 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
1:45 PM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
2:00 PM	Mattes Street Tower Walking Tour (75 minutes, approx. 1 mile on uneven ground)	Meet at Visitor Center
2:20 PM	Track Work & Maintenance Demonstration	Back of Loco Shop
2:30 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
3:15 PM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
3:45 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)
4:00 PM	Junior Ranger Swearing-In Ceremony	By #6039 at Main Gate
4:30 PM	Turntable Demonstration- #26 Returns to the Roundhouse	Turntable
5:00 PM	Park and Railfest Closes
Ongoing Throughout the Day
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9:30 AM-4 PM	Black Diamond #353 & City of Lima Sleeper Cars Open for Visiting	Back of Shop & Track 12
9:30 AM-4 PM	NJ Trackcar Speeder Rides (break from 11:30-1:30)	Back of Shop
9:30 AM-5 PM	Pump Handcar Rides	Back of Shop
9:30 AM-5 PM	WWII Stuart Tank Rides - offered by the Iron Horse Society and Stuart Tank Memorial Association (tickets by donation)	Back of Shop
9:30 AM-5 PM	Stourbridge Lion, Model Railroad Layouts, 30 Year Rewind: Steamtown Grand Opening 30th Exhibit	Technology Museum
9:30 AM-4 PM	Timeless Treasures Special Exhibit and Pocket Watch Making Activity	Technology Museum
10 AM-1 PM 2 PM-3:30 PM	Caboose Hops	Board behind Technology Museum
10 AM-4 PM	Shop Machine Demonstrations including the Ring of Fire, King Boring Mill, Planer, and Drop Table. Demos approx. every 20 minutes.	Loco Shop
10 AM-4:30 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy (parking lot)
1 PM-3 PM	Performance - Don Shappelle and the Pick Ups - Songs of Railroaders and Coal Miners	Turntable
Electric City Trolley Museum
Trolley Museum Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m with discounted admission ($3)
Trolley Rides at 10:30, 11:30, 12:45, 2:00 & 3:00 (Tickets- $5 at Trolley Museum, board at the Excursion Platform)
Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Musicians, Roving Stilt Walker & Juggler
After Hours Special Event
7 PM - 9:30 PM	Diesel Legends After Dark Night Photo Shoot
Join the Iron Horse Society for an exclusive, after-hours Railfest 2025 night photo experience. Each evening (Friday & Saturday) features three professionally-lit scenes with legendary locomotives, rolling stock, and atmospheric effects. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance through the Iron Horse Society.

Sunday, August 31 - Railfest Programs & Activities
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9 AM	Core Complex, Eastern National Park Store, and Community Partner Tents Open	Throughout the Park
9:30 AM	Opening Ceremony - Color Guard & National Anthem. #26 Rolls out on the Turntable.	Turntable
10:00 AM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
10:45 AM	Walking Tour to Renaissance Park with Photo Session - Explore the Railyard, Learn Photo Tips, and visit the perfect vantage point for photos of the passing steam engine.  (approx. 90 minutes, 1 mile walking on uneven ground)	Meet at Visitor Center
10:45 AM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
11:00 AM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
11:20 AM	Track Work & Maintenance Demonstration	Back of Loco Shop
11:30 AM	Scranton Limited with Photo Runby (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
12 Noon	Junior Ranger Swearing-In Ceremony	By #6039 at Main Gate
12:15 PM	NJ Trackcar Speeder Parade & Turntable Demo	Turntable
1:30 PM	Scranton Limited, Radisson/Lackawanna Station tour, Photo Runby (tickets at info booth)	Board at Track 12
1:45 PM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
2:00 PM	Mattes Street Tower Walking Tour (75 minutes, approx. 1 mile on uneven ground)	Meet at Visitor Center
2:20 PM	Track Work & Maintenance Demonstration	Back of Loco Shop
2:30 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)	Board at Track 12
3:15 PM	TUG Tow Tractor Demonstration	Turntable
3:45 PM	Scranton Limited Train Ride (tickets here or at info booth)
4:00 PM	Junior Ranger Swearing-In Ceremony	By #6039 at Main Gate
4:30 PM	Turntable Demonstration- #26 Returns to the Roundhouse	Turntable
5:00 PM	Park and Railfest Closes
Ongoing Throughout the Day
Time	Program or Activity	Location
9:30 AM-4 PM	Black Diamond #353 & City of Lima Sleeper Cars Open for Visiting	Back of Shop & Track 12
9:30 AM-4 PM	NJ Trackcar Speeder Rides (break from 11:30-1:30)	Back of Shop
9:30 AM-5 PM	Pump Handcar Rides	Back of Shop
9:30 AM-5 PM	WWII Stuart Tank Rides - offered by the Iron Horse Society and Stuart Tank Memorial Association (tickets by donation)	Back of Shop
9:30 AM-5 PM	Stourbridge Lion, Model Railroad Layouts, 30 Year Rewind: Steamtown Grand Opening 30th Exhibit	Technology Museum
9:30 AM-4 PM	Timeless Treasures Special Exhibit and Pocket Watch Making Activity	Technology Museum
10 AM-1 PM 2 PM-3:30 PM	Caboose Hops	Board behind Technology Museum
10 AM-4 PM	Shop Machine Demonstrations including the Ring of Fire, King Boring Mill, Planer, and Drop Table. Demos approx. every 20 minutes.	Loco Shop
10 AM-4:30 PM	Big Boy Cab Tours	Big Boy (parking lot)
Electric City Trolley Museum
Trolley Museum Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m with discounted admission ($3)
Trolley Rides at 9:30, 10:30 & 1:30 (Tickets- $5 at Trolley Museum, board at the Excursion Platform)
Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Musicians, Roving Stilt Walker & Juggler

Ample free parking availalble at Steamtown National Historic Site (use 250 Cliff Street for GPS). Additional overflow parkng available in the county and state parking lots adjacent to the COLTS bus terminal after 4 PM on Friday and all day on Saturday & Sunday. Access from the Steamtown enttrance road (Cliff Street) and follow the Railfest Parking signs. 

Packaged snacks and drinks will be available for purchase on site at the Iron Horse Society tent just outside the Visitor Center. Picnic tables are located near the Park Store and under the shade trees near the parking lot bus shelter.

Ice Cream trucks will be located just off site at the state employee parking lot near the COLTS bus terminal on Lackawanna Ave. Access the Ice Cream through the gate at the Steamtown/Trolley Museum excursion platform.
 
A huge array of great food is just a few blocks away at the annual La Festa Italiana, a celebration of Italian-American culture and cuisine at Scranton’s Courthouse Square. A free COLTS shuttle bus will run between Railfest at Steamtown and La Festa approximately every 20 minutes from 11 AM to 6 PM all three days.

Lackawanna County Electric City Trolley Museum
La Festa Italiana
The Iron Horse Society
Stuart Tank Memorial Association
County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS)
Eastern National/ America's National Parks 
Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority
Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad
Norfolk Southern Railroad
Amtrak
Operation Lifesaver
McHugh Locomotive
RJD America #614
United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
Anthracite Railroads Historical Society
National Museum of Industrial History
New Jersey Trackcars
Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Lackawanna Chapter
Trout Unlimited, Lackawanna Valley Chapter
Scouting America
East Stroudsburg Tower Society
Moscow Station / Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society
Nicholson Heritage Association
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority
Lackawanna River Corridor Association
Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
GAR Memorial Association & Sons of Union Veterans
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Lackawanna Historical Society
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Penn State Master Gardeners
Carbondale Historical Society and D&H Transportation Museum
Railroaders Memorial Museum & Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society
GTW6039U1c's
Wayne County Historical Society
American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Bob Lippi - Model Railroader
Back Mountain Railroad Club
Wilkes University ROTC
University of Scranton ROTC