NPS Photo Special Use PermitsA 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. Basic PermitsA 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. First Amendment ActivitiesThe 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:
Application for First Amendment Activities - Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials Commercial Use AuthorizationsA 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.
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. Right of Way PermitsThe 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) 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.
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. InsuranceLarge events and commercial activities require a certificate of general liability insurance. Contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator for questions related to liability insurance. BondingLarge 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. 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. 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:
Application for First Amendment Activities - Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials Also, review the Superintendent's Compendium for more details concerning park regulations. 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. 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
Mail applications and application fee payments to: Group ReservationsLooking 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:
NOTE: Sending an e-mail does not automatically approve your request. Refund PolicyWhen 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. Tickets for Train Rides2025 Train RidesOur 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. Purchasing Tickets and Ticket AvailabilityGroups 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: Pricing:
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).
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 NHSWe’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. |
Last updated: May 5, 2025