Tourism

What are we doing?

The whistle that welcomes each visitor signals more than a journey—it sustains a legacy. Every excursion, from the nine-mile run through the Aughwick Valley to the festive crowds at Christmas in Coal Country, strengthens the local economy, supports daily operations so donor gifts can focus on restoration, and demonstrates why this National Historic Landmark deserves to endure. At the East Broad Top, tourism and preservation are inseparable. Tourism is the engine that makes preservation possible.

Related Projects

  • Special Events & Regular Excursions
  • Landscaping & Beautification
  • Colgate Grove Picnic Grounds Enhancements
  • Directional Signage/Visitor Wayfinding Signage
  • Playground Facilities
  • Purchasing On-Track-Materials

How it all connects

3 Things From Every Excursion

Tourism at the EBT is more than welcoming guests. Each excursion, guided tour, and signature event—from a Saturday ride to Colgate Grove to a sold-out Winter Spectacular—strengthens the local economy, sustains daily operations so restoration funds are protected, and introduces this National Historic Landmark to new audiences. Recognizing these three roles is essential to understanding why tourism is central to the railroad’s future.

1 –

Fuels the Regional Economy

Visitor spending supports local restaurants, accommodations, and businesses across the region. Each year, tourism brings significant new revenue into the regional economy.

2 –

Offsets Operating Costs

Ticket and event revenue helps cover daily operating costs. This allows grants and donor gifts to directly support restoration.

3 –

Gaining Focus

Every rider, photo, and regional story builds awareness of the EBT. This visibility brings new donors, new grant opportunities, and new preservation advocates.

Naming Opportunities

New Pavilion & Playground at Colgate Grove

Colgate Grove, the turnaround point of the excursion through the Aughwick Valley, is more than a scenic stop. It is where riders picnic, families gather, and event guests spend much of their visit, making it one of the most visible places for a donor’s name on the railroad.

Pavilion At Colgate Grove

This project includes adding new covered seating, a dedicated stage and dance area for performances and special events, and installing concrete flooring for improved cleanliness, accessibility, and long-term maintenance. Together, these upgrades will create a more inviting environment for group outings, picnics, dinner trains, and educational events.

Estimated Cost: $30,000  |   Contact Our Team >

Playground Facilities

This project includes site preparation, safe surfacing, and engaging play structures that encourage active, imaginative fun. This investment will create a welcoming space where children can explore and families can relax while enjoying the unique charm and history of the East Broad Top Railroad.

Estimated Cost: $45,000  |   Contact Our Team >

Improvements & Enhancements

Preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to a historic industrial site requires careful planning to ensure that our experiences are safe, entertaining, and has a minimal impact on the railroad’s historic fabric. We’ve worked hard to enhance the railroad’s aesthetic and improve visitor services. 

These projects include…

  • Landscaping & Beautification
  • Directional Signage/Visitor Wayfinding Signage
  • Improved Restroom Facilities
donation ebt pressroom

Tourism Runs the Railroad
But It Doesn’t Restore It.

Ticket and event revenue keeps trains running, staff supported, and daily operations strong. Yet even with full trains, these funds cannot restore a century-old locomotive, rebuild a bridge, or reopen a mile of track. Tourism sustains the railroad, but your gift drives growth and restoration.