The museum holds the extensive collection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad, once the largest publicly traded corporation in the world.
It features a rare EMD E7 diesel locomotive, one of the most iconic passenger engines in American history.
The collection includes the 'Reuben Wells,' an 1858 locomotive built to conquer the steep grades of the Madison Incline in Indiana.
Many of the locomotives in the collection are designated as National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks.
The museum site houses an authentic 1890s-era railroad station moved and restored to showcase typical transit architecture.
Exhibits include the 'Chesapeake and Ohio 2-10-4,' a massive steam engine weighing approximately 500,000 pounds.
The museum actively conducts 'Behind the Scenes' tours where visitors can view the specialized equipment used in ongoing heavy-duty restoration projects.
A significant portion of the collection was donated by the Penn Central and Conrail corporations during the 1970s.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the United States. Located in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country, the museum features over 100 locomotives and railcars dating from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century. The centerpiece is Rolling Stock Hall, an expansive indoor exhibit space that allows visitors to walk among massive steam and diesel engines. The collection includes rare examples of experimental locomotives, passenger cars, and freight equipment. Visitors can inspect the mechanics of various engines and view restored rail stations and signal towers on the premises. Extensive archival materials and personal artifacts provide historical context for the impact of railroads on Pennsylvania's industrial development. The museum maintains an active restoration shop, offering periodic glimpses into the conservation of heavy rail machinery.
The elevated catwalks inside Rolling Stock Hall provide a wide-angle vantage point for capturing multiple locomotive profiles simultaneously.
Check the museum's events calendar for scheduled 'Steam Up' days when the facility demonstrates historic engines in operation.
Walk across the street to the Strasburg Rail Road to view active steam train excursions departing frequently throughout the day.
Utilize the outdoor courtyard exhibits during clear weather for better lighting and photography angles.
Do not rush through the indoor Rolling Stock Hall; many of the smaller, easily overlooked interpretive plaques in the corners contain the most interesting historical context.
Closed on Mondays during the winter season; occasionally closes for special private events or maintenance, so check the website before visiting.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain and gravel paths in the outdoor yard; climbing on exhibit equipment is strictly prohibited.
