EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S INDUSTRIAL PAST
The East Broad Top Railroad 150th Anniversary Celebration
All aboard this immersive, historical experience!
From the Industrial Revolution, the first automobiles and the turn of the millennium, the East Broad Top Railroad has proudly witnessed 150 years of American history as the nation’s oldest narrow-gauge railroad. A National Historic Landmark since 1964, the East Broad Top is an immersive historical site and unparalleled preservation undertaking.
To celebrate, we have so many fun opportunities to experience the East Broad Top and learn more about its fascinating history. Whether you’re a die-hard railfan, have a train enthusiast in the family, want to remember the “good old days” of industrialism or are just curious about American history, you’ll walk away from your trip with a whole new perspective on our industrial past.
With inclusive ticket options and group rates for parties of 20 or more, you can bring the whole family for a fun-filled day on the railroad! Our regular operating season is from May – October, so book your trip today.
Discover What We Have in Store
Take a Train Ride Into the Past
Covering nine miles of restored track, this scenic hour-long excursion takes passengers through the rural Pennsylvania countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling hills, the farms and forests — once a hub of industry, now a hub of history! Classes of service include an enclosed coach, open-air cars or ride like the train crew on the caboose.
An Immersive, Historical Experience
There’s a lot that goes into running the only operational narrow-gauge railroad in the United States. That’s why East Broad Top is dedicated to its restoration — and why it has its own facilities to maintain the equipment. On our shop tours, visitors can take an inside and up-close look at what it takes to get a locomotive on the rails. The one-hour tour gives visitors an overview of the railroad’s history and the preservation process that kept it in the remarkable condition it’s in today.
Explore History From a Vintage Trolley
East Broad Top Railroad proudly partners with the Rockhill Trolley Museum, giving guests the opportunity to explore the past just like early 20th century natives! Passengers will experience Pennsylvania from a three-mile roundtrip ride on one of the museum’s 21 electric trolleys and can also explore the shop where trolleys go through the restoration process. When planning your visit to East Broad Top, be sure to include a trolley ride in your ticket purchase!
Events You Won’t Want to Miss
The East Broad Top Railroad and the Rockhill Trolley Museum host a variety of events to experience! Holiday excursions, photography sessions, living history, family events… you name it, we love to celebrate it. Check out this season’s line-up and start planning your trip:
Enjoy a scenic train ride, an Easter egg hunt, a vintage trolley ride and a visit from the Easter Bunny!
Be immersed in America’s war history through an authentic reenactment and storytelling.
Orbisonia/Rockhill Homecoming Celebration
There’s more than just locomotives here! Learn about the evolution of agricultural history through displays and demonstrations of hit-and-miss engines, tractors and more.
September 17
Experience an antique fire truck show and eat on the benefit dinner train! To honor their hard work, first responders will receive a discount.
FEBT Fall Reunion
Join us for a weekend of special train excursions, history lectures, tours and more!
October 22, 23, 29, 30
Put on your Halloween costume and join Charlie Brown and Snoopy on the Great Pumpkin Patch Express! Ride the train, play games, pick the perfect pumpkin and more!
Celebrate Christmas with a holiday train and trolley ride and meet Santa Claus! You also won’t want to miss out on some EBT holiday shopping.
A longtime tradition at East Broad Top, attendees experience the magic of the railroad in winter. From unique excursions to rare equipment to photography opportunities and specialty tours, this is the best family winter wonderland weekend.
Continued Restoration of a Historic Landmark
The EBT Foundation strives to preserve and operate the East Broad Top as a steam-powered railroad, to educate the public about the role of railroads in local and national history and to promote local and regional tourism and economic growth.
And, since February 2020, this mission has been carried out with astonishing progress by passionate and knowledgeable individuals.
The Foundation plans to power the railroad by East Broad Top’s own historic steam locomotives and restore the EBT shop and facilities back to their original operating condition. Not only will this benefit railfans and visitors, but also historians and scholars through cataloging, digitizing and preserving the knowledge and historical material at the East Broad Top. Through these efforts, the EBT Foundation hopes to preserve the railroad for another 150 years, or more, educating generations to come about this important segment in American history.
As with any restoration effort, the EBT Foundation cannot do it alone. Thanks to the Friends of the East Broad Top for their continued support and belief in our mission. If you believe in our vision for a preserved and operating historic landmark, consider making a donation or explore our volunteer opportunities to keep history alive.
Plan a Full Getaway in the Raystown Lake Region
With so many ways to enjoy Huntingdon County, you’ll want to stay the entire weekend! After your visit to East Broad Top, there are many other attractions to explore and unique places to stay. Take a look at what else Rockhill Furnace and the surrounding area have to offer.
Take a Deep Dive Into History
In an area as rich with historic and natural amenities as Huntingdon County, there is always something to discover. Visit America’s oldest antique automobile collection, take a peek into agricultural and industrial history with guided tours, hear the unique stories of coal miners who moved from their ancestral homes to make a life at the East Broad Top, learn about how firebrick played an important role in furnace manufacturing, take a peek into antique agricultural methods and more. All a short drive from the East Broad Top, you’ll come back again and again to explore the full breadth of our heritage. Check out the full list of our museums and heritage sites here.
Lodge in Style in Huntingdon County
Our rich heritage extends even into our lodging options! Enjoy a private stay at Grandma’s Corner, an Airbnb property with views of the railroad. For outdoor lovers, spending a night at Airydale Retreats gives you a unique approach to glamping while still enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. If you prefer a luxury option, then staying at the beautiful Victorian Gage Mansion Bed & Breakfast is just your cup of tea. Explore these options and many more here.
Breathe in the Beauty of Pennsylvania