PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2018 | Page 5

Trains
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Visit: http://www.lgsry.com
Phone: [phone]
Nestled in the historic town of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic
Railway offers day train trips along the Lehigh River and into the
Lehigh Gorge State Park from May through December. Cyclists can
transport their bicycles to the park on the train’s gondola car and
ride along a scenic, eight-mile trail back into town. Train trips cover
approximately 16 miles and take about 70 minutes during non-fall
months. October train excursions are roughly 45 minutes due to
increased popularity & demand.
Visitors who really wish to see all of the fall colors the valley has
to offer can take the Hometown High Bridge train tour during the
month of October. Sight-seekers who board this 30-mile, two-hour
trip will pass two large lakes and witness the view from the 1,168-foot
long Hometown High Bridge, which stands 160 feet above the Little
Schuylkill River.
New Hope and Ivyland Railroad
Visit: http://www.newhoperailroad.com
Phone: [phone]
Located about 35 miles northeast of Philadelphia in Bucks County,
the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad offers historic and restored
train cars from the early 1900s which travel tracks originally laid by
the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad in 1891. On-board narrators
provide detail and color about the passing farmlands, bridges and
historical buildings. A traditional excursion on the railway will
take approximately 45 minutes but longer routes are occasionally
available.
The railroad offers a variety of trips throughout the year, including a
murder mystery train as well as a Sunday brunch excursion which
includes a gourmet meal. Two of the railroad’s most-popular trips are
the North Pole Express and Santa’s Steam Spectacular, where Santa
Claus and his helpers visit with children aboard the train as roaming
musicians perform Christmas carols.
Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad
Visit: http://www.octrr.org
Phone: [phone]
In 1982, two groups inquired about acquiring a 13-mile stretch of the
train tracks near Titusville. One group wanted the rails for recreational
purposes while the other was interested in continuing a freight
connection for the town’s industry. These organizations merged,
purchased the tracks and the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad was
created. Since its first run in 1986 the railroad has had nearly 700,000
passengers climb aboard its vintage railcars.
The three-hour excursions take passengers through the valley
where oil was discovered, with narrators documenting the 150-year
history of the region and its assets. The railroad also boasts the only
remaining railway Post Office car in operation, giving passengers the
opportunity to mail postcards or letters directly from the train.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Visit: http://rrmuseumpa.org
Phone: [phone]
Railroad enthusiasts who are camping in Pennsylvania Dutch
country will want to make their way to this Strasburg museum,
which documents the Commonwealth’s storied railroading heritage.
This facility currently has over 100 locomotives and rolling stock
on display as well as a collection of roughly 500,000 artifacts and
materials – including uniforms, signs, tools, signaling equipment and
other historical pieces. From massive steam-powered locomotives to
delicate china used in dining cars, this Smithsonian-affiliated facility
will satisfy your every interest in railroading history.
Strasburg Rail Road
Visit: http://www.strasburgrailroad.com
Phone: [phone]
After visiting the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, climb aboard the
oldest short-line railroad in the United States.
The Strasburg Railroad was founded in 1832 and celebrated the
185th anniversary of its charter last year. As improved highway
transportation and reduced railroad reliance, the Strasburg system
was acquired and transformed into a tourist railroad in 1958.
Encompassing four-and-a-half miles of track, this train is one of
Lancaster’s most popular attractions and received a state historical
marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
in 2011.
Passengers will enjoy a 45-minute excursion through Amish farm
country on restored train cars powered by a steam locomotive.
Narrators provide history and context about the trains as well as the
passing scenery throughout the trip.
Automobiles
AACA Museum Inc.
Visit: http://www.aacamuseum.org
Phone: [phone]
If you’re a car fanatic you’ll want to venture to Hershey – home to one
of the world’s sweetest automobile collections.
The Antique Automobile Club of America’s Museum is a 70,000
square-foot facility displaying roughly 100 vehicles and regularly
rotates its massive inventory – much of which has been donated by
AACA members. In addition to viewing a wide variety of vehicles,
from 19th century vehicles to a 1948 Tucker Torpedo, visitors can
an also learn about the history of the infamous highway Route 66,
which originally stretched from Chicago to California and was one of
America’s original highways.
This Smithsonian-affiliate museum also contains an impressive
display of roughly 30 buses and motorcycles to complement its car
collection.
5. EXPLORE PA 2018