Starting operations in 1963, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is the oldest trolley museum in Pennsylvania. It offers a short trolley ride on which you can enjoy the clang of the gong and the rumble of steel wheels on the rails as the surge of electricity speeds a historic trolley along the line. Part of the 4-mile round trip is over the track of the original interurban route to Pittsburgh.
Choices
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has an extensive collection (almost 50) of restored and operational trolleys, several of which are used on operating days. Your admission includes a short guided tour and unlimited trolley rides.
When to go
The museum is open daily in June, July, and August; however, with a few exceptions, there are no trolleys or tours on Mondays. It is also open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during April and May and then from September through December. Special events, many aimed at children, take place throughout the year.
Good to know
One of the museum’s restored structures is the Richfol shelter, where you can board the trolley. It was a stop in Canonsburg on the original Washington interurban trolley line. It was then moved to a farm, where it became a school bus stop, before being brought to the museum in 1982 and restored. The Museum expects to open its expansive East Campus in Summer 2023. This will include a 21,000-square-foot Welcome and Education Center that will include interactive STEAM exhibits like an enhanced trolley operator simulator and a large museum store. Check the museum’s website for updates.
Worth doing
Washington is home to a craft distillery, the Washington Winery, and Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which conducts harness racing year-round. You can also take in a Washington Wild Things baseball game at Wild Things Park.
Don’t miss
Be sure to view the 12-minute introductory video that presents an overview of the trolley era and the museum. The visitor center includes a pictorial exhibit about trolleys and interactive activities for kids including a small trolley.
Getting there
About 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, the museum is a short distance from Interstate 79. Take either Exit 40 or Exit 41. From the exit, follow N. Main Street to Museum Road, turn left, and go a half-mile to the museum. It’s very close to Interstate 70 and State Route 19 as well.
Location: 1 Museum Road, Washington, PA
Phone: 724-228-9256
Website: pa-trolley.org
E-mail: Form on website
