Explore a fascinating mix of history and heritage at the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Housed in a restored late 19th-century mill, this museum offers more than just static displays—it's an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through time.
Step inside and explore interactive exhibits showcasing the rich history of how Scranton became “The Electric City,” alongside a stunning collection of vintage trolleys that once traversed the streets of historic Scranton—some still do. Here’s what to know when visiting this iconic Scranton museum.
What to see at Scranton’s Electric City Trolley Museum
By 1887, Scranton was running the first successful electric trolley line in the United States, a legacy preserved in the museum's collection of vintage trolleys dating back to the early 1900s. These incredibly restored vehicles offer a tangible connection to a bygone era, complemented by hundreds of relics and artifacts from the trolley line’s prime.
Beyond trolleys and memorabilia, the museum is also full of interactive displays where visitors can generate electricity themselves and learn how this energy is harnessed to power transportation. Visitors to the Electric Trolley Museum can also see a typical substation once used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for trolley operation.
Another draw is to see the massive display John Oliver donated after featuring Scranton on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The display is an 18-foot-wide train set that includes The Scranton Times building, a Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour car, and other notable city landmarks.
Events and Excursions at the Electric City Trolley Museum
Throughout the year, the Electric City Trolley Museum hosts a variety of events, with trolley rides being a perennial favorite among locals and visitors alike. Starting every April and continuing until the end of October, visitors can hop aboard a 1926 or 1932 vintage trolley for a scenic journey along the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad. The journey navigates parallel to Roaring Brook, past the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces, and through the Crown Avenue Tunnel. At 4,747 feet long, it’s one of the longest interurban tunnels ever built.
Select Sundays during the summer season offer even more cultural fun—a trolley ride from Downtown Scranton to the PNC Field in Moosic, PA, where you can catch an SWB Railriders baseball game in the sun. Your ticket includes both the trolley ride and entry to the game.
And don’t miss out on their holiday and special character excursions throughout the year! Hop on the trolley for a ride alongside Santa, the Easter Bunny, and beloved characters such as Elsa from Frozen, Mario from Super Mario Bros, Arial from The Little Mermaid, and more. These themed excursions promise fun-filled memories for both kids and adults alike.
Electrifying Keepsakes
Discover a treasure trove of unique finds at the Electric City Trolley Museum gift shop. Remember your trip with awesome trolley-themed souvenirs. They also offer other cool Scranton and Electric City-themed items and Dunder Mifflin merch for The Office fans. From vintage-inspired items to modern collectibles, there's something for every visitor to cherish.
Don't Miss Out!
Whether you're a history buff, a railroad enthusiast, or simply someone looking for unique things to do in Scranton, the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum offers a little bit of everything. Conveniently located at the Steamtown National Historic Site, you can easily find the museum entrance and excursion boarding station by following the signs to Steamtown. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore!
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