SCRANTON, Pa. – As Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) in Scranton prepares to host a historic East Coast visit from Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the country’s largest operating steam locomotive, the park and City officials have announced key transportation, parking, and safety plans for residents and rail fans.
“We are ready to showcase Scranton as a world-class city with multiple once-in-a-lifetime events this summer,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “The Big Boy’s arrival next week kicks off a series of celebrations in conjunction with America250 and our own 160th birthday. Excitement continues to build for our World Cup Fan Zone events on Courthouse Square beginning the weekend of July 4, and we have tributes to our veterans planned into the fall. We’re excited for visitors from around the world to come to Scranton for these events and to enjoy our small businesses and restaurants. Special thanks to the Scranton Police and Scranton Fire Departments for all of their hard work and coordination that will keep residents and guests safe as we all come together to celebrate.”
Event logistics
Steamtown NHS is closed Sun., June 14, to prepare for the visit of Big Boy No. 4014.
Advanced reservations are required during the Big Boy No. 4014 visit, June 15-30. Tickets may be available up to time of entry, until maximum park capacity is reached. Visit nps.gov/steamtown for all information regarding park access and to check ticket availability.
Steamtown NHS will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through June 30 for this event. Guests may enter Steamtown up to 30 minutes prior to their reservation time, or after scheduled reservations.
Big Boy No. 4014’s arrival is Scranton is particularly special as it reunites the locomotive with Big Boy No. 4012, part of Steamtown’s permanent display. Big Boy No. 4014 will remain on display at Steamtown from June 17 to 30 while Union completes servicing on the locomotive. Both Big Boys will remain on view side-by-side and visitors will be able to get closeup views of both throughout that time.
Entrance and safety
Visitors will enter and exit Steamtown NHS through pedestrian gates directly behind the Lackawanna Transit Center, 30 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton. Guests should have either a printed copy of their ticket or a digital copy on their cell phone readily available. Steamtown anticipates tens of thousands of visitors for this event, and visitors should be prepared for possible delays, to wait for entry, and to anticipate potential inclement weather including heat and rain.
Steamtown is an active working railyard with many different types of walking surfaces, switches, rails, and other potential tripping hazards. Locomotives and other rolling stock may have pieces that protrude that may be sharp or hot to the touch from sun exposure. Visitors are advised to use care for themselves and children in their care around any railroad equipment.
Scranton is collaborating with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to display signage along Interstate 81 advising drivers and other guests of potential traffic delays entering downtown. Additionally, the City is working strategically with crews working on the expansive streetscape project to minimize traffic disruptions created by the progress downtown.
Parking and shuttle service
Paid parking will be available throughout downtown Scranton, including metered street parking and parking at the following garages and lots:
• Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave.
• Adams and Mulberry Garage, 425 Adams Ave.
• Casey Garage, 101 Adams Avenue
• Connell Garage, 117 N. Washington Ave.
• Electric City Garage, 300 Biden St.
• Forum Garage, 230 Franklin Ave.
• Jefferson Street parking lot, 321 Jefferson Ave. (cash only)
• Linden Street Garage, 417 Linden St.
• Medallion Garage, 140 Adams Ave.
Visit scrantonpaparking.com for details on parking rates and other information.
Free parking with complementary shuttle service to and from Steamtown will be available at:
• Scranton High School, 63 Mike Munchak Way
• West Scranton High School, 1201 Luzerne St.
• PNC Field at 235 Montage Mountain Rd.
Courtesy shuttles are expected to begin at 8 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.
Shuttle pick-up for the Scranton and West Scranton High School routes is planned at Franklin Avenue, across from the PA CareerLink at 135 Franklin Ave., and pick-up for PNC Field is planned in front of the Marketplace at Steamtown along Lackawanna Avenue. Drop-off for both shuttles will be on Mifflin Avenue.
Public transportation
In the event passengers are unable to board the dedicated shuttle service, numerous COLTS fixed-route buses operate throughout Lackawanna County and provide connections to the Lackawanna Transit Center.
The Lackawanna Transit Center serves as the hub of the COLTS system, allowing passengers to transfer between routes and reach destinations throughout the county.
The current one-way fare on COLTS fixed-route service is $1.75. A Day Pass is available for $4.00, allowing unlimited rides for the day.
Passengers are encouraged to download the myStop® mobile app, which provides real-time bus tracking, arrival predictions, route information, and trip-planning assistance.
Real-time information is also available through the COLTS website and myStop platform, allowing passengers to monitor bus locations and service updates before traveling.
Accessible parking
A limited number of handicap-accessible parking for placarded vehicles will be available in designated areas of the Steamtown NHS parking lot. Vehicles should enter via the 350 Cliff Street park entrance and have their placards clearly visible. No other vehicles will be allowed past the park entrance gate on Cliff Street. The route from the parking area to the Big Boy No. 4014 and No. 4012 viewing areas and throughout the park’s museum facilities are accessible for wheelchairs.
Additional information
For additional details on this historic event, please visit
nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/big-boy-reunion-at-steamtown-2026.htm.
For details on dining and shopping in Scranton and beyond, please visit the Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau online at visitnepa.org.
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ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Scranton and Steamtown NHS set
key details for Big Boy locomotive reunion | Press Release
Last modified: June 9, 2026
