The closure of the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton due to the federal government shutdown hasn’t dampened the spirits of the Electric City Trolley Museum, which remains open to visitors. This museum, operated by Lackawanna County, is located at 300 Cliff St. and shares land with the Steamtown site.
TO LEARN MORE
● Visit the Electric City Trolley Museum’s website or Facebook page for details on open hours, trip times, and ticket prices.
● For information on the Steamtown National Historic Site, which is affected by the shutdown, check their website.
● Discover more events and attractions in Northeast Pennsylvania by visiting DiscoverNEPA.
Despite the neighboring Steamtown’s closure, an agreement between the county and the National Park Service ensures that the trolley museum continues to operate. This museum offers insights into the history of electric rail transportation in eastern Pennsylvania through its collection of trolleys and artifacts.
About the Trolley Museum and the Ride
- The museum: Located in a restored 19th-century mill complex, the museum’s interpretive center features historic exhibits, a gift shop, and restrooms. Visitors must purchase tickets for the trolley ride here, as they are not available on the cars. More information is available on the museum’s website.
- The ride: The museum offers rides on vintage trolleys from the 1920s and ’30s, providing a scenic 10-mile round trip from the Steamtown rail yard to the museum’s restoration shop near PNC Field in Moosic. The journey includes views of woods, waterways, and historic sites like the 4,747-foot-long Crown Avenue tunnel.
- Regular runs: Trolley excursions are available Thursdays through Sundays until October, with departures at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Reservations are optional.
Halloween Fest Set for Oct. 19
A special event at the museum on Oct. 19 includes art activities from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a costume contest at 12:30 p.m., and trolley rides with Melinda the Magical Witch. Ride times are 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 1:30 p.m., with reservations required by calling 570-963-6590.
Santa on the Trolley in November, December
Join Santa Claus for trolley rides on the weekends of Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, and Dec. 20-21. Rides are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Children can send letters to Santa via a special box on the trolley, and visitors can vote on Christmas trees decorated by local students. Reservations are required by calling 570-963-6590.
