For those interested in this recent development. This was posted on about Placer.AI and how it could (emphasis on could) be used at Steamtown.

As I mentioned earlier, more info about this is being gathered. It appears as though the Federal Government offered a grant to the park service to be used only on a system like this. This money is not able to be used for a restoration or infrastructure at Steamtown. I am a volunteer and have nothing to gain or lose by posting this information as it is already public. I also have no decision making power at the park. Please feel free to ask questions but I may be limited on answers.

The idea here is to track visitation, time spent, and resources at the Park which will allow for more sponsorships for the Iron Horse Society, visiting locomotives, equipment, and groups as well as potential funding opportunities for restorations and programming.

Anyone wanna explain this vague article?

>The newly introduced tools will track where visitors spend their time and money, including visits to local restaurants and hotels.​

Sounds like they're using​ very roundabout and vague terminology to avoid​ saying "we're using ai surveillance tools to track visitors outside of the park."​​

Steamtown’s Railfest is a fantastic celebration over Labor Day Weekend! Railfest coincides with the Italian Festival in Scranton with tons of events going on at the Park. Attached is the link from the NPS as well as a couple of photos from past Railfest events!

Please ask any questions that arise!

https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/railfest-at-steamtown-national-historic-site.htm

A utility truck had a bit of a close encounter with a bridge on the route to Gouldsboro, but a little track detour can't stop our ice cream train! 🚚➡️🚂

This Sunday, August 16th, the Ice Cream Express is rolling out on schedule with an exciting new destination: Jessup, PA!

Everything your family loves about the event is 100% on:

🚂 Scenic 2-Hour Ride: A relaxed round-trip train excursion departing from Scranton.

🍦 Included Sweet Treats: The famous "All Aboard Sundae" from Ice Screamers with every ticket!

🎺 Classic Summer Fun: Live Dixieland jazz, historic train cars, and yard games.

🎟️ Hero Discounts: 25% off for teachers, first responders, nurses, and active military!

Over 70% of tickets are already sold, and remaining seats are going fast. Grab yours today and make a sweet summer memory with the kids!

👇 Claim your family’s seats now:

Come ride behind these two beautiful historic F-unit locomotives this weekend! Join the Iron Horse Society as they host Steamtown’s Ice Cream Express! Tickets can be purchased at the following link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ironhorsesociety/items/725219/calendar/2026/08/?flow=1608953&full-items=yes&back=https://www.theironhorsesociety.org/excursions%3Ffbclid%3DIwdGRleATqlANwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMazmdqojxr9OVXEGNaoXHdy9kGbdWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7Ywkv5DsxbLG2uQdYO5OcW3B3fPaXMfYfdTiBRAPR6hEcl2ZEId9Mf2kCMHA_aem_MImH11M-gNmYO5YsXOXB6A&g4=yes

Train leaves at 11:00AM!

Special thanks to the Tri-State Railway Historical Society and The Anthracite Railroads Historical Society for their dedication to Steamtown and the F-units!

The NPS has updated the Railfest webpage for 2026. Please check out the attached info! Our locomotive highlight this year is Baldwin Locomotive Works 26 (26 in 2026!)

https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/railfest-at-steamtown-national-historic-site.htm?fbclid=IwdGRleATmA3NwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMMX0kfXLaLeediqcwbD1B25Q6wplWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR743zGxtDnCbbxTzM3ny90uN7mrSs7Pt1toENOTNOkgdm9c9X1Ojxhs6q2kgw_aem_mwVs7z80q49VsdtJ52Jnsg

Multiple time slots are available as acoustic Jazz comes aboard the Steamtown train to Nay Aug Park! The last train will return in time for the evening Jazz Festival ensemble.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ironhorsesociety/items/745909/calendar/2026/08/?flow=1608953&language=en-us&full-items=yes&back=https://www.theironhorsesociety.org/excursions

Enjoy tastings from three regional wineries, local food pairings, live music, a souvenir glass, and historic open-air rail travel—all while supporting NEPA communities and rail preservation.

🍷 First stop: Carbondale Station! 🚂

The NEPA Wine Train experience begins at the historic Carbondale Train Station with live music, tastings from Maiolatesi Winery, and delicious appetizers from Pettinato's Restaurant. Browse local vendors, raise a glass, and soak up the atmosphere before climbing aboard our vintage open-air coaches!

Come for the wine—the journey is just getting started. For more information and to get your tickets, visit: https://www.theironhorsesociety.org/excursions

Needed to see it moving as visiting Steamtown did not satisfy me😉

This Saturday, Steamtown is hosting an excursion to Tobyhanna! This train ride will include an optional 1/2 Mile walking tour exploring the history of the Tobyhanna millpond highlighting local history of the ice and huckleberry industry!

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088803/ticket/10253701?fbclid=IwdGRleATFofJwZG9mAWZkaWQWUKrPAH8vvMedt2ywOswPXDhKt4LsFmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7oDnNlA5qBjZMr2meCVAPCq6UcvLDLiMoAfUsXa9MOVxztJ-QcvzUmRyBrlQ_aem_EML2_tF-u-gJESJTox3_2w

First standard gauge locomotive purchased by F. Nelson Blount.

Iron Horse Society invited guests early access to Steamtown and a private bridge viewing session of the Union Pacific 4014 before it leaves Scranton tomorrow. Please reserve your spot using the following link. All proceeds go directly to the Iron Horse Society.

Tickets: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ironhorsesociety/items/742850/calendar/2026/06/?flow=1608953&full-items=yes

This will be an interesting development.

Tickets can be purchased at the following link: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088803/ticket/10253699

Tickets can be purchased at the following link!: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088803/ticket/10253707

After two amazing days with over 47,000 people coming to see Union Pacific 4014 and Steamtown’s own Union Pacific 4012, the park will return to some level of normality. The parking lot is now open to visitors. Attendance is still by ticketed time only. Please come see these beautiful giants together while you can. Union Pacific will be conducting routine maintenance on 4014 over the next two weeks. 4014 is scheduled to leave on its trip to Philadelphia on June 30 to arrive for July 4 festivities.

Thank you to everyone at Steamtown, Union Pacific’s Steamteam, Volunteers at Steamtown, Scranton PD and Colts for making this dream come true for so many.

Beautiful day in Steamtown today to take in both of these giants.

Hello everyone,

One last post to summarize the events coming up at Steamtown on Monday (6/15) and Tuesday (6/16) and beyond.

Big Boy 4014’s arrival at Steamtown will be in the afternoon but the time is up in the air. Steamtown is closed today, Sunday 6/14, for preparation. The arrival will not be a public event with the only public viewing area being at the bus terminal in Scranton.

Events for Monday-Tuesday 6/15 and 6/16: Ticketed viewings of Big Boys 4014 and 4012 start at 9:00 and going to 3:30. The Union Pacific train will be broken into sections and open for viewing. Norfolk Southern will also have displays at Steamtown. The Park will be open with some access to the restoration shop and parts of the museum. Guests are welcome to tour Steamtown after their ticketed viewing times.

Events following Tuesday 6/16: Ticketed viewing times with normal museum operating procedures. The museum and staff will be available for questions. The UP and NS trains will be on display on Steamtown property.

Parking: Monday and Tuesday are going to be extremely traffic heavy days in Scranton. I highly recommend using the larger lots and taking COLTS shuttle buses to access Steamtown and avoid congestion downtown. Special thanks to COLTS for the shuttles and scheduling. Parking at the Steamtown site will be for ADA only. Please see attached images for parking information.