Father's Day Train at Steamtown — Steam, Food and Family in Scranton

At Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the Father's Day Train is a two-hour, steam-powered celebration that unwinds through the old Lackawanna Valley. The Iron Horse Society, in partnership with Bernie's Model Railroad Shop, runs the Father's Day Express on select dates in June, offering families an easygoing trip back into the age of steam. Board vintage, bus-style seats in open-window cars, breathe country air, and watch the railyard give way to tree-lined embankments and rail curves that still echo the region's railroad past. The star of the show is a nearly 100-year-old steam locomotive maintained by volunteers and shop crews; when she’s unavailable the train will be diesel powered, but the feeling of riding in authentic rolling stock remains constant. Cars accommodate up to 66 passengers each, and departures follow a fixed schedule with boarding about fifteen minutes before departure. Local vendors supply tasty bites for purchase, and Bernie's Model Railroad Shop brings family-friendly activities and model exhibits that add hands-on charm to the ride. This excursion is family-oriented and accessible in spirit, though the vintage equipment is not wheelchair accessible. Seats flip to face one another for conversation, and windows open to let in fresh air and frame the passing valley, old freight houses, and the Steamtown maintenance shops. Photographs are part of the experience—attendees agree to possible photography for promotional use—so expect candid shots of laughing kids, steam plumes, and the ironwork that built this region. Why book it? The Father's Day Train is more than a novelty ride; it connects visitors to the region’s rail heritage while supporting preservation work. For travelers staying in Scranton, it’s an easy half-day outing that carries multi-generational appeal: grandparents reminisce, kids marvel at boiler whistles, and parents can relax knowing the route is short and well-managed. It also offers a low-effort outdoor alternative to hiking or touring museums—fresh air, moving scenery, and simple pleasures. Practical notes: tickets are final unless the train doesn’t operate; the Iron Horse Society suggests arriving early to secure seating and enjoy vendor offerings before departure. The experience suits visitors seeking accessible nostalgia, light family entertainment, and a tangible link to northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial past. Whether you’re honoring a father figure or chasing a unique local event, the Father's Day Train at Steamtown folds history, food, and fellowship into two hours of memorable travel. Dates for the event are Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, with departures on Saturday at 10am and 1pm, and Sunday departures between 10am and 3:30pm. Groups are limited by car capacity, and ticketed passengers typically board about fifteen minutes prior to departure; all sales are final unless the ticketed train does not operate. Contact Iron Horse Society for details.