Lake Shore Railway Museum North East
Explore a preserved collection of diesel-era locomotives and historic rail infrastructure, with live train action nearby.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more exploration time
Lake Shore Railway Museum North East
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more exploration time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a preserved collection of diesel-era locomotives and historic rail infrastructure, with live train action nearby.
"A pilgrimage for train enthusiasts, offering hands-on exploration and active rail sightings."
🚶♀️ Weekday Exploration
Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience with fewer people.
🥾 Climb Aboard!
Many locomotives and cars are open to explore inside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
GECX 6002 AC6000CW
Main grounds
A preserved GE AC6000CW, one of the most powerful diesel locomotives ever built. A true piece of modern rail history.
+5
Vintage Passenger Depot
Main building
Step back in time in the beautifully preserved passenger depot, featuring original oak woodwork and hardware.
Mainline Action Views
Adjacent to museum grounds
Watch active Norfolk Southern and CSX trains pass by on the live tracks right next to the museum. Great for photos!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekday Wonders & Weekend Crowds
Explore & Engage with Locomotives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Weekday Exploration
Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience with fewer people.
🥾 Climb Aboard!
Many locomotives and cars are open to explore inside.
📸 Train Spotting Gold
Live tracks nearby offer frequent train sightings.
⚠️ Safety First
Exercise caution when exploring older, run-down equipment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Weekday Exploration
Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience with fewer people.
🥾 Climb Aboard!
Many locomotives and cars are open to explore inside.
📸 Train Spotting Gold
Live tracks nearby offer frequent train sightings.
⚠️ Safety First
Exercise caution when exploring older, run-down equipment.
ℹ️ Limited Signage
Bring your own knowledge or ask volunteers for info.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lake Shore Railway Museum for its accessible collection of diesel-era locomotives and the unique opportunity to explore them up close. The chance to witness active train traffic on adjacent lines is a significant draw, offering great photo opportunities. However, some note the lack of informational signage and the need for facility upkeep.
"When I placed the Lake Shore Railway Museum on our "Must-Do" list on our vacation my girlfriend shook her head, but she actually was glad we stopped.
Since it was a weekday, we freely walked the grounds. There are numerous engines, passenger cars and cabooses. Being a model railroader and train enthusiast (Foamer), we spent quite a bit of time here and took many pictures.
We watched several Norfolk Southern trains pass by and waved to the Virtual Railfan camera.
If you are a model railroader or train enthusiast, it's a pilgrimage worth taking."
Michael Sakowich
"A great spot to see mainline action, inspect locomotives and cars, and explore former railroad grounds that include separate passenger and freight depots. The collection is primarily diesel-era locomotives and passenger cars with some vintage equipment mixed in. You can climb aboard many locomotives and some cars, visit the passenger depot turned museum, and walk the grounds. Volunteers are friendly and leave you alone or engage in conversation if you like. The site is a former railroad ground and wasn't altered much, giving you a more accurate feel of railroading at the expense of beautification."
Rob Warchocki
"Lots of rolling stock but only a couple of cabooses and passenger cars open. A serious lack of informational signage. The depot is in need of repair. Still a worthwhile place to go."
Stan Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in North East, Pennsylvania, conveniently situated along the interstate. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is generally available on-site, especially during weekdays.
Public transportation options to North East, PA, might be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules if you are not arriving by car. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle.
The museum is situated on former railroad grounds. Look for signs indicating the Lake Shore Railway Museum. It's often described as being in a 'quant sleepy town'.
While the museum is a primary draw, North East, PA, is a charming town. You might find local wineries or other small-town attractions. For more extensive options, Erie is a short drive away.
The museum is located near I-90. Specific directions will depend on your starting point, but it's generally straightforward to find once you're in the North East, PA area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is often unattended on weekdays, making it free to enter and explore the grounds. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them for the most current admission policies, especially for weekends or special events.
On weekdays, the museum may be unattended, allowing for free exploration. Weekend hours might differ, and it's advisable to confirm these directly with the museum.
Advance booking is typically not required, especially for weekday visits when entry is often free. For special events or group visits, it's best to inquire with the museum.
As the museum is often free on weekdays, there may not be a separate fee for children. However, always verify current policies.
Special events may have different admission requirements or hours. It's recommended to check the museum's schedule and website for any upcoming events and associated details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a collection primarily of diesel-era locomotives and passenger cars, with some vintage equipment mixed in. Notable is the preserved GE AC6000CW. +5
Yes, you can climb aboard and enter many of the locomotives and some cars. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the interiors.
The grounds are former railroad land and may not be perfectly manicured. While you can walk the grounds, accessibility inside some vintage equipment might be challenging.
According to visitor feedback, there are no restrooms onsite. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit.
The Virtual Railfan camera is a live webcam that streams footage of trains passing by. Visitors can wave to the camera, and it's a popular feature for online rail enthusiasts.
📸 📸 Photography
The area adjacent to the live tracks offers excellent opportunities for photographing passing Norfolk Southern and CSX trains, with a low fence making it accessible. +1
Absolutely! The preserved locomotives, like the GECX 6002, are prime subjects for photography. The open grounds allow for various angles.
There is no specific information regarding drone usage. It's always best to check with the museum management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any local regulations or museum policies.
The lighting will vary depending on the time of day. Weekday mornings might offer softer light, while afternoons can be brighter. The open grounds mean you'll have good natural light.
Generally, photography is encouraged, especially for enthusiasts. However, always be respectful of the property and any volunteers or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum is generally free on weekdays, it's important to supervise children closely, as some of the vintage equipment can be run-down and potentially hazardous. There are no restrooms onsite, so plan accordingly. The open grounds provide plenty of space for kids to move around while waiting for trains or exploring the exhibits.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Model Railroaders
The chance to see mainline action from the adjacent live tracks, coupled with the authentic, unaltered feel of the former railroad grounds, provides an immersive experience. Volunteers are often on hand to share their knowledge, making it a great place to learn more about the railway industry.
📸 Photography Buffs
Consider visiting on a weekday morning for softer light and fewer crowds, allowing you more freedom to compose your shots. While signage is limited, the visual appeal of the vintage equipment and the active rail lines provides ample photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the property and any volunteers present.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star of the Show: GECX 6002
+5This particular locomotive has a unique history involving a fire and subsequent rebuild by GE. It served as a 'demonstrator' or 'testbed' for GE's advanced diesel technology. Its preservation at the Lake Shore Railway Museum ensures that enthusiasts and the public can appreciate its engineering and historical significance. The AC6000CW models were known for their 6,000 horsepower output, making them beasts of the rails.
+1Visitors often express excitement about seeing this modern giant up close. Its sheer size and the story behind its preservation make it a must-see for any train enthusiast. The fact that it was built locally adds another layer of interest for those familiar with the industrial heritage of the Erie area.
A Glimpse into Railroading History
Beyond the impressive locomotives, the museum showcases various rolling stock, including cabooses and passenger cars, many of which visitors can enter. This hands-on access allows for a deeper appreciation of the scale and design of these historic machines. The volunteers at the museum are often knowledgeable and willing to share stories, enhancing the visitor experience.
While the museum might not boast extensive informational signage, its strength lies in its raw, authentic presentation. The site hasn't been overly beautified, allowing visitors to experience the grounds much as they might have been decades ago. This, combined with the opportunity to witness active mainline trains passing by, creates a dynamic and engaging visit for any railfan.
The Thrill of Live Track Action
The fence separating the museum grounds from the live tracks is noted as being quite low, making it an excellent spot for train photography. With trains passing through approximately one to two times per hour, there's a good chance to capture some exciting shots. This blend of static historical displays and live rail action is a major draw for many visitors.
For those interested in railfanning, the museum offers a dual experience: exploring the preserved giants of the past and observing the bustling present of freight transportation. It's a perfect location for enthusiasts who appreciate both the history and the ongoing evolution of the railway industry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit