Adventure Brief
Experience the best of Pennsylvania's ragtime scene with an All-Access pass to concerts, silent films, and a unique dinner train in Rockhill.
weekend event
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Experience the best of Pennsylvania's ragtime scene with an All-Access pass to concerts, silent films, and a unique dinner train in Rockhill.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
weekend event
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels due to mostly seated and low-impact activities
Wildlife
History
Rockhill’s East Broad Top Railroad is a National Historic Landmark, operating since the early 1900s and preserving a key part of Pennsylvania’s industrial past.
Conservation
The festival supports sustainable tourism by promoting the preservation of historic sites and encouraging eco-friendly practices among attendees.
East Broad Top
Experience the best of Pennsylvania's ragtime scene with an All-Access pass to concerts, silent films, and a unique dinner train in Rockhill.
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.
Location
Rockhill, PA
Central Pennsylvania destination
Gauge
3-foot narrow gauge
Historic narrow-gauge railroad
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Scheduled rides and special events
Archival Access
5,000+ linear feet
Extensive railroad records preserved
Book steam train rides, motorcar excursions, trolley combinations, or exclusive tours — seating and specialty tours are limited.
Arrive Early for Train Dining
Dinner train seating is limited, so plan to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy the full dining experience.
Bring Cash for Vendors
Some festival vendors may not accept cards, so carrying some cash will help with food and souvenir purchases.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be moving between venues and historic sites, so comfortable footwear is recommended for walking on uneven surfaces.
Check Weather Forecast
Weather can change quickly in this area, so dress in layers and be prepared for possible rain or cool evenings.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for moving around historic venues and outdoor festival locations.
Light jacket or sweater
Keeps you warm during cool evenings and variable weather.
fall
Portable phone charger
Ensures your devices stay powered for photos and event information.
Rain poncho or umbrella
Protects you from unexpected spring showers.
spring