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Explore East Broad Top’s historic roundhouse with the Master Mechanic on a private two-hour tour. Discover rare steam locomotives and learn about restoration efforts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure.
Explore East Broad Top’s historic roundhouse with the Master Mechanic on a private two-hour tour. Discover rare steam locomotives and learn about restoration efforts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure.
Book with East Broad Top
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by East Broad Top · Rockhill, Pennsylvania
Step into the heart of railroad history with the Master Mechanic's Tour at East Broad Top in Rockhill, Pennsylvania. This exclusive two-hour guided experience offers a unique chance to explore the EBT’s historic roundhouse, guided personally by the Master Mechanic himself. Guests gain access to rarely seen areas including the fleet of narrow-gauge steam locomotives, some of the most well-preserved in the country, and the historic bus garage. The tour highlights ongoing restoration efforts while sharing fascinating stories about the East Broad Top Railroad’s past and its role in shaping the region. Ideal for history buffs, train enthusiasts, and curious travelers, this behind-the-scenes adventure creates a deeper appreciation for vintage railroading technology and heritage. The intimate group size ensures personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos. Whether you’re visiting Rockhill or staying nearby in Altoona, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Pennsylvania’s railway legacy not accessible to the general public.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most physical abilities with light walking and standing involved.
Yes, children are welcome but should be old enough to follow safety instructions and comfortably walk the tour route.
Absolutely, photographers and videographers are encouraged to capture the historic locomotives and roundhouse.
Due to historic building features and uneven grounds, full wheelchair accessibility is limited; please contact East Broad Top for specific accommodations.
Yes, private group tours can be arranged with East Broad Top in advance by contacting their booking team.
For safety and preservation reasons, pets are not permitted during the tour.
In case of severe weather, the company will notify guests and offer rescheduling options or refunds.
East Broad Top Railroad is one of the last remaining narrow-gauge railroads in the U.S. and played a vital role in Pennsylvania’s coal industry.
The East Broad Top Foundation works to preserve the historic railroad and promote sustainable tourism that protects the local environment.
East Broad Top is a fully restored narrow-gauge railroad based in Rockhill, Pennsylvania, preserving one of the nation's most complete 3-foot gauge rail systems. The railroad operates historic steam locomotives, gasoline-electric motorcars, and vintage equipment to offer public excursions, special events, and behind-the-scenes tours. Guests can choose from scenic steam train rides, trolley rides in partnership with the Rockhill Trolley Museum, seasonal celebrations, and exclusive guided tours led by skilled staff. Historic attractions include one-hour steam train excursions, the M-3 and M-1 gasoline motorcar journeys, and specialty experiences such as the Master Mechanic's Tour and Archivist's Tour. The Master Mechanic's Tour grants visitors access to the roundhouse and rare narrow-gauge steam locomotives, while the Archivist's Tour offers a view of preserved documents and artifacts at Orbisonia Station. The property also hosts the Central Pennsylvania Ragtime & American Music Festival and seasonal events like Christmas in Coal Country. Ticketed options include general admission train and trolley combinations, boxed lunches for pickup, and festival all-access passes. Seating on several motorcar excursions is limited, and many experiences provide insider access to restoration facilities and historic collections. Interpretive staff, preservation-focused programming, and the railroad's tangible archive materials support the site's educational value. East Broad Top's commitment to restoration, public programming, and collaboration with local museums makes it a trusted destination for visitors seeking authentic narrow-gauge railroad history. Visitors can explore restoration workshops, observe ongoing repairs, and learn from volunteers and staff who maintain the historic equipment and archives through scheduled programs and seasonal demonstrations.
Book with East Broad Top