Electric City Trolley Museum | Scranton

The Electric City Trolley Museum, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a unique attraction dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of electric railways, especially trolleys, in the region. It offers visitors an immersive experience into the golden age of trolley transportation with a variety of historical artifacts, operational vintage trolley cars, and scenic trolley excursions.

Location and Setting

The museum is situated at 300 Cliff Street in Scranton, on the grounds of the Steamtown National Historic Site. It is housed in a restored late 19th-century mill building, which itself adds historical ambiance to the visit. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.

Museum Collection

The museum’s collection includes over 25 vintage trolley and interurban cars, primarily from Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia region but also from Scranton and surrounding areas. Many of these vehicles have been carefully restored, while others are in various stages of restoration. The collection represents the evolution of electric trolley design from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century.

Notable vehicles include:

Car #76: A 1926 "Center Door" car built by J.G. Brill for the Philadelphia and West Chester Traction Company, reflecting the classic design of the era.

Car #505: A 1929 Electromobile originally from Scranton Transit, currently being restored.

Car #46: A 1902 Philadelphia & Western car, illustrating early 20th-century trolley technology.

These and other vehicles are key pieces for understanding the electric railway systems that once played a vital role in regional transportation.

Trolley Excursions

One of the museum’s major draws is its operational trolley excursions, which run along a historic segment of the former Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad, also known as the Laurel Line. The trolley ride lets visitors experience a working electric railway through scenic landscapes and historic infrastructure.

Route Highlights: The excursion travels through the Crown Avenue Tunnel, which is nearly 4,747 feet long and is one of the longest interurban tunnels ever built in the United States.

Schedule: Excursions typically run Thursday through Sunday, with departures at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM. Special event trips, like rides to baseball games, occur occasionally and may require advance reservations.

Tickets: Must be purchased in advance at the museum; tickets are not sold onboard the trolleys.

This hands-on experience allows visitors to connect directly with the region’s transit heritage, riding on authentic historic trolley cars.

Museum Experience and Exhibits

Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of electric railways in northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. The displays include photographs, maps, tools, and artifacts related to trolley construction and operation. The museum staff and volunteers provide knowledgeable interpretation, enriching the visitor experience.

Contact Information

Address: 300 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503

Phone: (570) 963-6590

Summary

The Electric City Trolley Museum offers a well-rounded, hands-on historical experience highlighting the role of electric trolley transportation in Pennsylvania’s history. Through a combination of museum exhibits, vehicle preservation, and live trolley rides on historic tracks, it provides educational value and a nostalgic journey into early 20th-century transit. It’s an excellent destination for families, history buffs, rail enthusiasts, and tourists looking for an engaging cultural attraction in Scranton.