Steam & Excursion > Choose one: Strasburg vs EBT

My brother asked about which excursion would be better for him and two grandsons, ages 12 and 9.

I recommend EBT for a few reasons. The kids will likely enjoy the shops and trolley as well as being close to the steam locomotive.

The rides are about equal, but the trolley is a plus. The Strasburg has the Penn Railroad Museum, a big plus

Any thoughts?

Posted from Android

You can't lose with either...

Based on my experiences at both, I'd recommend the East Broad Top.

P Wrote:
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> You can't lose with either...
Maybe you could at the EBT, if these kids are not that interested, or they suddenly realize their phones are losing signal in the wilds of Orbisonia.
Nothing could be finer than to be an hour+ away from civilization with possibly rebellious pre-adolescents...
We know nothing about this pair of kids, whether they have an interest in things on rails, and possibly some mechanical curiosity?
If they are typical children of today, you may be battling short attention spans or disruptive behavior issues, so Strasburg would be better, try going to the Penna State Museum first, to hopefully set up a better understanding of the working steam and shop across the street. Strasburg's schedules and easier access to "other things" could also be of help if time or behavior issues crop up...

I have yet to make it to EBT. However I have made it to Strasburg. The ride isn’t too long, and the overstuffed chairs that moved around were super comfy. You could also do a stay at the caboose hotel down the road. We stayed at a Best Western because I didn’t know about the caboose hotel until we got there. If they are into trains there are the railroad and model railroad museums close by.

Posted from iPhone

I agree you won't go wrong with either - but around Strasburg there are more kid-friendly activities - such as the TCA toy train musem, the Choo Choo Barn, and there is a park with a corn maze and other kids activities along the line as well.  And you can take an Amish buggy ride, see an Amish house, etc.  

Good suggestions, thanks everyone

I had forgotten about the toy trains.

They may end up doing one visit now, and one in the Spring.

Posted from Android

If these kids are interested in trains and history, there is no better place than the EBT for a real world look at how railroads were integral to the smalltown and backwoods economy (jobs, transportation, deliverying goods).

If multiple activities and keeping everyone engaged is the goal while still getting a train fix, then Strasburg is better as others have written about the variety of places and activities (RRMuseum, ChooChoo Barn, Strasburg RR)  Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Dutch Wonderland, and the shopping outlets are some other options should you want to do something beyond "trains"

-Sean

EBT. And, it just gets better!

Posted from Android

Two excellent examples of preservattion, Ely and Orbsonia. Strasburg has a lot to offer but if the intent is to
see how things really worked and you don't feel like driving to CentralBF Nevada, EBT is a great choice. 

Out 

I always thought Strasburg is a little better for younger kids, but both are great.