Special Use Permits

Depending on the requested activity or the number of people in the group, a Special Use Permit (SUP) may be required.  Tour bus operators often require a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA).

NPS Photo

 

Special Use Permits

A Special Use Permit is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Primary concern will be given to the potential for resource damage and to anticipated disruption of normal public use.

Special Use Permits must be obtained in advance. Permit processing typically takes 30 days but could be longer for larger events that require park participation in planning or for events that require that a park monitor be present for the event.

Although most activities do not require insurance, large events do, so it pays to apply well in advance of your large event. All permits require an application and a non-refundable application fee. Depending on the type of activity, additional fees may apply.

Examples of events that require a Special Use Permit are cultural programs, picnics, festivals, wedding ceremonies, some film, still photography, and audio recording projects, static displays, etc.

Within your application, the Superintendent will look for a meaningful association between the park and the event and how the event contributes to visitor understanding of the park's significance. Conflicts with other events and park staffing are other considerations taken into account during the approval process.

Basic Permits

Basic Permits

A basic permit is required for, but is not limited to: special events, wedding ceremonies, festivals, cultural programs, contractor/public utility work, and displays. There are two types of applications we use for specific requests. For basic requests, you may apply using our short form. For any other type of request please use our long form. Instructions on how to submit these forms are listed on the application. Depending on the size and type of event, liability insurance may be required. Applications are also available by contacting the park at the contact links below.
Short Form
Long Form

First Amendment Activities

The National Park Service will authorize the use of parklands for public assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, religious activities, and other public expressions of views protected by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. All requests for similar activities by disparate applicants are treated equally. If permit criteria and requirements are met, no group wishing to lawfully assemble will be discriminated against or denied the right of assembly. A permit may be used to regulate the time, location, number of participants, use of the facilities, and number and type of equipment used to protect park resources, but not the content of the message presented.

Specific examples of activities that fall under First Amendment rules include the following:

• Distribution of printed matter
• Demonstrations
• Speechmaking
• Marching
• Religious services

Application for First Amendment Activities - Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials

Commercial Use Authorizations

A commercial use authorization is defined as any activities, services, agreements, or anything offered to park visitors and/or the general public for recreational purposes which uses park resources or is undertaken for or results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to an individual, organization, or corporation, whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under local, state, or federal law.

In Steamtown, Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are most commonly required for commercial tour operators or vendors that wishes to sell food or souvenirs during a special events. If you are a business operator and want to conduct business within the park, you are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) (36 CFR Sec. 5.3).

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are one method of authorizing commercial visitor services.

• CUAs may be issued for up to two years.
• There is no right or guarantee of renewal.
• CUAs require a $50 application fee.
• CUAs are not considered concession contracts.
• Commercial business activity is prohibited within the park unless a CUA has been granted by the park (36 CFR Sec. 5.3).

To apply, please fill out a CUA Application with as much information as possible, including dates and times of the requested event. A CUA holder must provide commercial liability insurance as part of the application. Applications are available by contacting the Special Park Use Coordinator at the contact information below. Please also note that any food being sold on NPS property requires a valid/current "ServSafe" certificate as well as a copy of a valid and current food license.

Other Federal, state, and municipal laws may be required and additional permits may be required. Event requests involving alcohol shall be determined based on the event and activities and, if permitted, additional insurance will be required.

Right of Way Permits

The National Park Service has specific Department-wide guidelines on Right of Way Permits. Please refer to the link for rules, regulations, and applications: Right-of-Way Permit (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

For Fees and payment information, please see the Payment Information section.

Filming, Still photography, and Audio Recording Permits

Lands of the United States were set aside by Congress, Executive Order, or otherwise acquired in order to conserve and protect areas of untold beauty and grandeur, historical importance, and uniqueness for future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive photo apparatus. It was the sharing of these images that led to the designation of these areas as national parks and monuments. Visitors to national parks today continue to memorialize their visits through filming, still photography, and audio recording.

Application for Special Use Permit Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (Short Form)
Application for Special Use Permit Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (Long Form)

Is a Permit Needed?

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required. 

Permit Review

All SUP and CUA requests are subject to a review process to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This review period is the opportunity for all departments to consider potential impacts and staff needs prior to permitting a special use request. Once an application is submitted, most special uses take 30 days for review. Permits could require a much longer review period, especially if the proposal is new or for a very large event, so please plan accordingly. If you have questions or concerns, contact us.

Insurance and Bonding

Insurance

Large events and commercial activities require a certificate of general liability insurance. Contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator for questions related to liability insurance.

Bonding

Large events may trigger the need for the Permittee to post a refundable performance (damage) bond. The amount of the bond will be equivalent to the estimated cost to the NPS for clean-up, repair or rehab of resources that could potentially be impacted by the permit activities. At the conclusion of the permit, the bond will be returned to the Permittee after costs of clean-up, repair, or rehabilitation are deducted.

General Rules

Limits to the area, type, duration, and scope of park use are codified in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, where general park regulations may be found, and within the Superintendent's Compendium, where park-specific regulations are posted.

In addition, specific, park-mandated use limits are listed within the conditions of the permit. Failure to abide by any of the above conditions may be grounds for a permit violation, resulting in fines, or immediate cancellation of the event.

When applying for a Special Use Permit, remember to attach maps, diagrams, script pages or storyboards to assist the park staff in evaluating your request.

First Amendment

The National Park Service will authorize the use of parklands for public assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, religious activities, and other public expressions of views protected by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. All requests for similar activities by disparate applicants are treated equally. If permit criteria and requirements are met, no group wishing to lawfully assemble will be discriminated against or denied the right of assembly. A permit may be used to regulate the time, location, number of participants, use of the facilities, and number and type of equipment used to protect park resources, but not the content of the message presented.

Specific examples of activities that fall under First Amendment rules include the following:

• Distribution of printed matter
• Demonstrations
• Speechmaking
• Marching
• Religious services

Application for First Amendment Activities - Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials

Also, review the Superintendent's Compendium for more details concerning park regulations.

Payment Information

Payments may be made on-line by credit card or electronic funds transfer at pay.gov, or in the form of a cashier’s check, money order, or personal check. Checks made payable to the "National Park Service", and all funds must be in US Dollars to the SUP Coordinator at Steamtown NHS, 150 S. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Final payment cost will be determined after we receive your permit application. Below are some of the fees you may incur.

Application Fee: $50.00. This is due when submitting your application. This fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee that you can have your event at Steamtown NHS.

Cost Recovery Fees: The National Park Service must recoup costs associated with the management of a private event. Personnel and other costs are determined by the type and scope of activity, the location, the time of day, the utilities used, the security required, and other factors. At Steamtown NHS, cost recovery fees may include employee(s) salary, utilities, track use fees, coal, equipment rental, or fuel. Each permit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be notified of an estimate of charges prior to the event, and the permittee will be billed for actual expenses at the conclusion of the permit. 

Application Information

The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner.  Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity.  Permit applications may be e-mailed to the Permits Coordinator or mailed to:

Steamtown NHS
Attn: Permits Coordinator
150 S. Washington Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503

Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee the activity has been, or will be, approved. All applicants will receive communication from the Permits Coordinator and should await further guidance.
 

Minimum Application Processing Time	Type of Permit
14 Days	Most Special Use Permits, photography/filming, commercial uses (tour operations, soliciting business, etc)
30 Days	Weddings
45 Days	Catered events or mobile food vendors (food trucks); may require additional permitting paperwork

Contact Information

Mail applications and application fee payments to:
Steamtown National Historic Site
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
150 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503-2018

For questions related to Special Use Permits or Commercial Use Authorizations, please call [phone] or send us an e-mail.

 

Group Reservations

Looking to coordinate a group trip (10 people or more) to Steamtown National Historic Site?  Send us an e-mail with some basic information to help start the planning process:

• Date of proposed visit, and any alternate options.
• Number of group members.
• Type of group (adult, youth, education, recreation, etc.).
• Activity requested.
• Contact information.

NOTE: Sending an e-mail does not automatically approve your request.

Refund Policy

When train rides are available, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is cancelled by park management (equipment malfunction, inclement weather, etc). In the event you miss your short train ride, either the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, we can put you aboard the next ride as long as its not sold out or was the last train of the day.

If you miss the train for a special event or excursion program, tickets cannot be refunded or transferred. If you miss the return ride from a special event or excursion program, you are responsible for getting transportation back to your point of origin.

 

Tickets for Train Rides

2025 Train Rides

Our focus is on expanded access to in-park operations and experiences like our 'Scranton Limited' yard shuttles. We will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live railroading and interpretive programming and will share updates when they are confirmed.

For now, there's still plenty to experience during your visit to Steamtown— we look forward to welcoming you!

Purchasing Tickets and Ticket Availability

Groups should coordinate their reservations with our Group Reservations team. An assigned coordinator will assist the group on how to best secure tickets. Requests for special reservations outside of an already-scheduled train experience will be required to submit an application through the Special Use Permit process outlined above.

Short Train Ride Tickets:
Tickets for short train rides, including the "Scranton Limited" yard shuttles are available for same-day purchase on-site at the Information Kiosk (credit or debit only).

Pricing:

• Ages 6 and older: $6.00 per person
• Ages 0–5: $1.00 per person

Tickets are valid for the entire day of purchase. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; passengers should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure to secure a seat. Operations are subject to change due to weather, mechanical issues or crew availability. Tickets can be purchased on site at the Tickets and Information Kiosk (credit or debit only).

• Beginning May 3rd, our short train rides will operate on Saturdays, and Sundays. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.

• Beginning June 6th, our short train rides will operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at the same departure times.

As the season continues, we will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live railroading and interpretive programming and will share updates when they are confirmed.

Excursions Beyond Steamtown NHS

We’re starting the season with expanded access to in-park operations and experiences like our ‘Scranton Limited’ yard shuttles. As the season continues, we will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live railroading and interpretive programming, offering even more ways for the public to engage with rail history.

At this time, excursion tickets are not available for purchase. We’ll share updates when they are confirmed.

Pricing - varies depending on the destination
Adult (ages 12-61) $25.00-$55.00;
Senior (ages 62+) $23.00-$50.00;
Youth (ages 3-11) $18.00-$33.00;
Child (ages 2 and under) $1.00.