The Rockhill Trolley Museum runs on the right of way of the former Shade Gap branch of the East Broad Top Railroad. The museum features a collection of historic trolleys, interurbans, and subway cars. Admission includes a 3-mile round-trip ride from the Meadow Street platform to Blacklog Narrows, with the option of a carbarn and shop tour to view the current restoration project. Try the “Run-A-Trolley” program for an added fare.
Choices
The Rockhill Trolley Museum includes a diverse collection of traction equipment, a total of 23 vehicles ranging from wooden trolleys to a high-speed wooden interurban, special snow fighting equipment, a high-speed Bullet car, the Liberty Liner, and one of the first modern light rail vehicles.
When to go
The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through October, with holiday events in November, December, and Easter. Special weekends for particular trolleys are also scheduled throughout the year. Check the website or Facebook page for the latest schedule.
Good to know
The nearest concentration of stores, restaurants, and lodging is in Huntingdon and Breezewood. Raystown Lake, a recreational lake and resort, is nearby. The Swigart antique car museum, the nation’s oldest auto museum, is in Huntingdon. Football games at State College, Pa., create a regional demand for hotels.
Worth doing
The Winter Spectacular is held the weekend before Presidents Day and the Fall Spectacular is on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. The Spectaculars feature extra cars in operation and on display. Memberships are available; volunteers are always welcome.
Don’t miss
The East Broad Top Railroad discharges passengers near the trolley boarding platform. The Friends of the East Broad Top have a museum in Robertsdale and do regular restoration and work sessions at Rockhill Furnace.
Getting there
Rockhill Furnace/Orbisonia is just off State Route 522 on State Route 994, about 30 minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the Fort Littleton exit and Mount Union (junction with U.S. 22).
Location: 430 Meadow Street, Rockhill, PA
Phone: 610-428-7200 (weekdays) or 814-447-9576 (weekends)
Website: rockhilltrolley.org
E-mail: info@rockhilltrolley.org
