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See Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
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The place
About Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission and is separate from Strasburg Rail Road. It opened in 1975 as a purpose-built railroad museum and now preserves more than 100 significant locomotives and cars associated with Pennsylvania.
The collection extends well beyond rolling stock: the museum describes more than half a million photographs and documents and nearly 20,000 smaller artifacts. Inside the 100,000-square-foot Rolling Stock Hall, period streetscape elements, station interpretation, tools, uniforms, signaling, and virtual cab views add context.
Which locomotives and cars are physically open can change daily with staffing, safety, and preservation needs. Visitors should treat equipment access as a variable bonus rather than assume every cab or car shown online will be available.
What stands out
More than 100 locomotives and cars
The state collection spans steam, diesel, electric, passenger, freight, and maintenance equipment.
A museum, not another train ride
Its purpose is preservation and interpretation; Strasburg Rail Road across the street sells the excursion.
Access alternatives
Wheelchair-lift access to select pieces and captioned virtual tours expand what visitors can experience.
Pair it with the train
Why it belongs in a Strasburg Rail Road trip
The museum is directly across PA Route 741 from Strasburg Rail Road but uses a separate entrance, parking area, ticket, and schedule. Allow 90 minutes to two hours and use designated crossings rather than treating it as part of the train station.
Before you go
Plan your visit
- Published scheduleThe museum lists Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday noon–4 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m. Confirm holiday exceptions.
- Current admissionThe official contact page lists $10 adults, $9 seniors 65+, $8 youth ages 3–11, and free admission for ages 2 and under.
- Time to allowThe museum FAQ recommends roughly 90 minutes to two hours for an average visit.
- AccessibilityMost of the main hall is accessible; wheelchairs, an elevator, sensory bags, accessible restrooms, and a lift for select equipment are available. Historic equipment varies.
- Parking and entranceUse the museum’s own lot and entrance across Route 741. Accessible spaces and a drop-off area are documented.
- FoodFood and drinks are not allowed in main exhibit areas. A vending area is available, but this is not a full restaurant.
Another railroad museum nearby
Add National Toy Train Museum
Compare full-size Pennsylvania railroad history with operating toy-train layouts and model-railroad collecting.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum part of Strasburg Rail Road?
No. It is a Commonwealth museum with separate admission, parking, hours, and management.
How long should I allow?
The museum recommends about 90 minutes to two hours for an average visit.
Can I enter every locomotive and car?
No. Open equipment varies daily with staffing, safety, condition, and preservation needs.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Most of the main hall is accessible, and the museum documents wheelchairs, an elevator, accessible restrooms, a lift for selected equipment, sensory bags, and virtual tours.
Does the museum offer train rides?
No. Strasburg Rail Road across the street is the separate excursion operator.
Trust and accuracy
Sources
Source checked 2026-08-11. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.