East Broad Top Railroad’s Take the Train to School Day Returns Sept. 25

For most students, going to school usually involves a car or school bus. But, this Friday, Sept. 25, students in Pennsylvania’s Southern Huntingdon County can travel via another option: steam train. East Broad Top Railroad once again partners with Southern Huntingdon County School District for Take the Train to School Day, giving local students the opportunity to travel to school aboard a railroad that has been part of their community for more than 150 years.

The program first started in 2025, after East Broad Top’s main line was restored, which made it possible for the railroad to reach Southern Huntingdon County Middle/High School. More than 300 students and chaperones participated in the inaugural event, gathering at Orbisonia Station before traveling approximately 3 miles south to the school behind East Broad Top steam locomotive No. 16.

Take the Train to School Day gives students the opportunity to experience their community’s history firsthand and see what historic preservation can make possible. East Broad Top was built in the 1870s to serve the Broad Top coal fields and communities of southern Huntingdon County. Today, restoration continues to return portions of the historic railroad to operation.

In 2025, a second event followed on Oct. 3, extending the program to students from Rockhill and Shade Gap elementary schools. This year, that event will happen Oct. 2. East Broad Top and Southern Huntingdon County School District are currently coordinating final details for the Sept. 25 event, with additional information regarding the day’s schedule provided closer to the event.