Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, Pennsylvania, is one of the premier electric railway museums in the United States, operating a remarkable collection of over 50 historic streetcars and interurban cars on a 4-mile demonstration loop through the rolling countryside of Washington County in southwestern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1949 to preserve the heritage of Pittsburgh’s legendary streetcar network — once one of the most extensive in the world — the museum today operates authentic vintage electric cars from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and transit systems across the country on continuous service through the Pennsylvania farmland. Beautifully restored open-bench summer cars, Pittsburgh PCC streamliners, and vintage wooden interurban coaches provide a comprehensive survey of American electric transit history. Visitors can explore the museum’s car barns, restoration shop, and outdoor display areas while experienced docents explain the technological and social history of electric railways. The museum is particularly significant for its Pittsburgh Transit collection, preserving equipment from a city whose streetcar heritage is considered among the finest and most innovative in the world. Special events include Winter Wonderland holiday trains with illuminated display, Thomas the Tank Engine Days, and photography special events that bring additional vintage equipment to the operating line. The museum is an important cultural institution for the Pittsburgh region.