Groups & Charters

Do you have a group of 20 or more people? The East Broad Top Railroad offers a variety of historic and unique venues and experiences for group events of all varieties and sizes. We offer a wide variety of accommodations, discounts, and activities for groups of all sizes and types! From motorcoach tours to birthday parties, from weddings to Scouting events, our dedicated and passionate staff are committed to helping you and your group experience America’s oldest operating narrow gauge railroad! Learn more below and then fill out the form at the bottom of the page, or call (814) 447-3285 to speak to our Group Sales Office to get started!

Click here to view our Group Sales Pricing and Policies Flyer (PDF).

Types of Groups

Motor Coach Groups & Tour/Travel Professionals

No visit to Central Pennsylvania or the Raystown Lake Region is complete without a stop at the East Broad Top Railroad National Historic Landmark. Whether you’re adding a memorable stop to a larger itinerary or planning a full-day destination, America’s oldest operating narrow-gauge railroad offers engaging experiences for groups of all ages and sizes.

Travel through the rolling countryside of Huntingdon County aboard our narrated one-hour scenic train rides, then step back in time with a guided visit to our remarkably preserved belt-driven machine shop—an awe-inspiring site the Smithsonian Institution has called “an incomparable national treasure.”

Groups can enhance their visit by enjoying a boxed or catered lunch at scenic Colgate Grove, or by relaxing at picnic tables behind Orbisonia Station after their train ride. For your comfort and convenience, our trains, most guided tours, gift shop, and restroom facilities are ADA accessible.

Looking to build something bigger? Our staff is happy to help craft a custom day trip or multi-day itinerary for your group. Popular options include our “Rails & Sails” package or a transportation-themed day trip combining the EBT with America’s oldest automobile museum. Please contact us to learn more.

We are proud members of the Pennsylvania Bus Association and the Maryland Motorcoach Association.

Weddings & Elopements

Celebrate your special day on the rails at America’s oldest operating narrow-gauge railroad. Nestled in the scenic beauty of the Aughwick Valley, the East Broad Top Railroad offers a wedding setting rich in history, charm, and natural elegance.

Authentically preserved steam and diesel locomotives dating back to the 1880s provide a striking and timeless backdrop, infusing your celebration with vintage character and unforgettable photo opportunities. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the East Broad Top Railroad offers a truly one-of-a-kind wedding experience—where history, romance, and scenery come together.

Family Groups and Reunions

Make memories that last a lifetime at the last original narrow-gauge railroad east of the Mississippi River. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a military or school reunion, or an outing for a retirement community, the East Broad Top Railroad offers a truly unforgettable setting.

Climb aboard a one-hour train excursion behind one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives as you travel to Colgate Grove or the community of Pogue. Visiting between May and October? Pack a lunch or pre-order a boxed meal and enjoy a relaxing 1½-hour layover at scenic Colgate Grove before the return trip.

For larger gatherings or special occasions, the EBT also offers private charter excursions, giving your group an exclusive railroading experience unlike anything else in the region.

Group photo in front of locomotive 17

School & Church Groups

Looking for a fun, educational field trip for your school or church group? You’ve come to the right place.

The East Broad Top Railroad offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience for schools, day camps, and religious groups, blending local history, industry, and culture with hands-on exploration. Students and participants can enjoy a narrated one-hour train ride and/or a guided tour at America’s oldest operating narrow-gauge railroad, all while stepping into a nationally significant historic site.

Groups can enhance their visit with a 1½-hour picnic layover at scenic Colgate Grove, or combine the train ride with additional on-site experiences tailored to your educational goals. To support classroom learning, we also offer Teacher’s Guides, a Student Activity Book, and other curriculum-friendly resources for educators.

Birthday Parties

Looking for a birthday party that’s truly unforgettable? Celebrate at the East Broad Top Railroad, where kids—especially those under age 12—can enjoy a one-of-a-kind party on the rails, with flexible add-ons to fit your celebration.

Birthday guests can charter a private caboose, coach, or even an entire train, celebrating with the guest of honor as you ride to Colgate Grove or the community of Pogue and back. Traveling to Colgate Grove? Step off the train for an optional picnic layover at a privately reserved pavilion, enjoy pizza and soft drinks, take advantage of special discounts in our gift shop, and more—all in a historic, outdoor setting.

Click here to access our 2026 Birthday Party package options (PDF).

Please note: Pricing is subject to availability. Birthday parties are not available during special event trains, including but not limited to Christmas in Coal Country, PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, Easter on the Rails, and other select events.

Train & Car Charters

Looking for a more exclusive way to ride the rails? Charter your own railcar and enjoy a private journey along the East Broad Top during one of our regularly scheduled excursions.

Reserve an entire caboose, coach, or open-air car for your group and relax together on a one-hour round-trip ride to Colgate Grove or the community of Pogue. It’s a distinctive way to celebrate, connect, or simply experience the railroad at your own pace—surrounded by history and scenic countryside.

Looking for the ultimate private experience? Charter an entire train excursion! Freight and passenger consists are available. Railcars available for use are subject to availability and mechanical schedules.

Please contact us for current pricing and availability.

Photo Sessions

Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, the East Broad Top Railroad is a true creative playground. We proudly host photo clubs, workshops, portrait sessions, and more, and have welcomed local, national, and international production teams. Our historic property has served as a backdrop for music videos and nationally aired television productions, offering a setting that’s both authentic and visually striking.

Photo charter operators looking for a distinctive location will find endless possibilities here. We offer half-day and full-day photo and video charters, providing exclusive access for immersive creative experiences.

Every photography session is fully customizable, from architectural and landscape photography to carefully coordinated locomotive and railcar movements throughout the railyard and along our mainline—allowing you to capture the exact scenes you envision.

Group Photo Charter taking photos of the train

Corporate Events

Looking for a memorable corporate outing that goes beyond the ordinary? Treat your team to a day of team-building on the rails at the East Broad Top Railroad.

Enjoy a scenic ride together in our Coach, Open Air, or Cinder Car seating, then take the experience further by stepping off the train at Colgate Grove for a catered lunch, live music, and additional group activities in a relaxed, historic setting.

Our Group Services Team is happy to help customize your outing—coordinating activities, dining options, and special touches to create the perfect employee social event. Fill out the contact form below to start planning your next team-bonding experience today.

Group Request Form