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Take the Holiday Express to Moscow at Steamtown National Historic Site

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By Jim Burnett - October 17th, 2009
Steam train

The line from Scranton to Moscow is built with a 1.8% grade, a tough climb for a train. The steam engines need a lot of power to get the train started up this hill, which begins in the Steamtown Yard, where this photo was taken. NPS photo by Ken Ganz.

Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA, will offer the popular “Holiday Express” steam-powered excursions to Moscow on three days in November and December. This trip to Moscow and back will only take about three hours, and reservations are required.

Excursions on the "Holiday Express" will depart the Steamtown NHS boarding platform at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 27, Saturday, November 28, and Saturday, December 5, 2009. The destination for the 26-mile round-trip is the restored passenger and freight stations in Moscow, Pennsylvania. The trips are scheduled to return to the starting point in Scranton at 2:00 p.m.

Members of the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will provide fun activities at Moscow, along with songs and stories. According to the park,

This popular, family-friendly event costs only $16.00 for ages 17 and older and $10.00 for children ages 1-16. Children 12 months and younger require a "no-charge" ticket.

Reservations are required and are now being accepted. Excursion reservations may be made by phoning (570) 340-5204 daily, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the special holiday excursions, the "Scranton Limited" short rain rides will continue operating Wednesdays through Sundays until Saturday, December 5.

These 30-minute train rides depart from the Core Complex boarding area at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 2:15 p.m., operating with a historic diesel locomotive on Wednesdays. There is a $3.00 charge for this ride, all ages 6 and older, in addition to the daily Park Entrance Fee.

The Park Entrance Fee at Steamtown NHS is just $6.00 per adult, ages 17 and older. Children under age 16, accompanied by an adult, are admitted to the Park at no cost. The Entrance Fee includes parking and access to the outdoor grounds, the museum complex, walking tours, and the Park movie, "Steel and Steam."

Steamtown National Historic Site is located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. From I-81 follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then, follow the signs to the main entrance at Lackawanna and Cliff Avenues.

Additional Park information may be obtained by calling (570) 340-5200 or toll free (888) 693-9391 during business hours, or by visiting the Steamtown NHS web site. The 2010 excursion schedule for the park is now available online.

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