Extended Guided Tour

Rockhill, Pennsylvania

Extended Guided Tour

3 Hours • Walking Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 9

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating three-hour journey through the East Broad Top Railroad's historic shop complex. Guided by an expert, you'll explore nearly every building, experiencing the lives of craftsmen from a century ago. Witness live demonstrations of traditional techniques, immersing yourself in America's rich industrial heritage like never before.

Go beyond our regular guided tours with an in-depth look at the EBT's remarkably intact historic shop complex!

An expert guide will take you on a three-hour journey through the EBT's common-carrier era history and operation as you explore nearly every accessible building in the railroad's historic shop complex.

You'll experience a day in the life of the East Broad Top... walking in the footsteps of the storehouse clerks, blacksmiths, machinists, car repairmen, and other craftsmen who kept the EBT rolling. You'll delve into the common practices like casting, machining, and blacksmithing that drove American industry at the turn of the century in the remarkably preserved setting where that very work was performed over a century ago. You'll also enjoy a demonstration of the belt-driven machine shop in action, with the stationary steam engine and line shafts operating on compressed air!

Don't miss these unique opportunities to truly time travel through America's industrial past and discover the rich history of the East Broad Top Railroad National Historic Landmark!

Duration: Approx. 3 Hours

##Tour Overview: !Map of EBT Railyard with Freight Office, Roundhouse, Machine Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Foundry, Air Brake Shop, Electrical Shop, Car Shop, Carpenter's Shop, Storehouse and Stone House Highlighted Tour Stops:

Freight Office
Roundhouse (Stalls 1-3)
Machine Shop
Blacksmith Shop
Foundry
Historic Air Brake Shop
Electrical Shop
Carpenter's Shop
Paint Shop
Storehouse #1
Stone House

Wheelchair Accessibility Information:

Every reasonable effort is made to accommodate those with special requirements on guided shop tours. However, due to the historic nature of the facility, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact our ticket office PRIOR to booking if with any accessibility questions.

Note: Tours are three hours in duration and require long periods of walking and standing over several uneven surfaces, including gravel, grass, and train tracks.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

The tour covers multiple buildings with uneven floors; sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable.

Bring a camera

Photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the intricate details of the historic machinery and demonstrations.

Arrive early

Arriving at least 15 minutes before the tour start ensures a smooth check-in and maximizes your experience time.

Prepare for indoor and outdoor sections

Wear layers as the tour involves both indoor workshops and outdoor walking areas that can change temperature.

Local Insights

Wildlife

White-tailed deer often spotted in nearby woods
Eastern bluebirds frequent the open meadows around the railroad

History

The East Broad Top Railroad was completed in 1873 and operated until 1956, playing a vital role in coal transportation and industrial development in central Pennsylvania.

Conservation

Efforts by preservation groups maintain the historic site with environmentally friendly practices, promoting sustainable tourism and protection of local habitats.

Extended Guided Tour at East Broad Top, Rockhill PA

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview