Rail enthusiasts and history lovers have another reason to add Pennsylvania to their travel plans. The East Broad Top Railroad has been named one of the nation’s top scenic train experiences, earning third place in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Scenic Train Ride.
The recognition places the historic railroad among some of the most celebrated heritage railways in the United States and highlights its growing popularity with visitors seeking authentic travel experiences rooted in American history.
Located in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania, the East Broad Top Railroad is far more than a scenic attraction. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, it is widely regarded as one of the country’s most intact industrial heritage sites, preserving a remarkable chapter of America’s railroad and mining history.
The annual USA TODAY 10Best competition begins with nominations selected by a panel of travel experts and editors before opening the final rankings to public voting. After four weeks of voting, the East Broad Top Railroad secured a spot among the nation’s elite scenic rail journeys.
Railroad officials credited the achievement to the dedication of supporters, volunteers, staff members, and visitors who rallied behind the attraction throughout the competition.
The recognition comes at a time when heritage tourism continues to gain momentum across the United States. Travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences that combine history, culture, and outdoor adventure, making scenic railroads particularly appealing destinations.
Visitors to the East Broad Top Railroad can step aboard meticulously restored historic trains that travel through the picturesque countryside of Huntingdon County. The experience offers more than beautiful views; it provides a rare glimpse into a narrow-gauge railroad system that once played a vital role in the region’s industrial development.
In addition to train rides, guests can explore guided tours of historic shops, maintenance facilities, and preserved railroad structures that showcase how rail transportation shaped communities throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The railroad’s preservation efforts have attracted national attention in recent years, with restoration projects helping bring historic locomotives and railcars back to life. Those efforts have transformed the site into a living museum where visitors can experience railroad history firsthand.
Railroad officials also extended congratulations to fellow winners in this year’s rankings, including the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, two other iconic rail experiences known for their spectacular scenery and historic significance.
As the 2026 travel season continues, the East Broad Top Railroad hopes the national recognition will introduce even more travelers to one of Pennsylvania’s most unique attractions and help preserve its remarkable legacy for future generations.