Discovering Reading's Rich Railroad History: A Historic Journey Through the 'Reading' of the Monopoly Board

The Reading Railroad wasn't just a square on a board game—it was once one of America's largest corporations and a driving force behind Pennsylvania's industrial revolution. As someone who's explored historical sites across three continents, I can honestly say Reading's railroad legacy stands among the most fascinating industrial heritage stories I've encountered.

My journey began at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg (just outside Reading proper), where I spent hours marveling at the meticulously preserved locomotives, vintage photographs, and interactive exhibits. The museum volunteers—many former railroad workers themselves—share stories that bring this iron giant back to life. Their passion is contagious, and I found myself imagining the thundering locomotives that once connected coal regions to major cities.

For the best experience, I recommend bringing a pair of comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring both indoor exhibits and outdoor train yards. The museum grounds are more extensive than they first appear!

You know my travel style by now—I can't visit a new city without exploring it on a segway! Reading's downtown area is perfectly suited for this fun mode of transportation, with its mix of historic architecture and wide sidewalks. I booked a tour with Reading Segway Tours, which offers a specialized 'Railroad Empire' route tracing key historical sites connected to the Reading Railroad's influence on the city.

Gliding past the magnificent Franklin Street Station (built in 1929) and the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society, our guide pointed out architectural details I would have completely missed on my own. The segway experience provided the perfect balance of efficiency and enjoyment—covering significant ground while still allowing for immersive stops at important landmarks.

If you're planning to document your journey, I highly recommend bringing a phone gimbal to capture smooth video while riding. My footage from the segway tour became an instant hit with my nephews back home, who finally made the connection between their Monopoly board and this real-life city!

Families with young children will absolutely adore the Reading Public Museum's model railroad exhibit. As someone who's witnessed healing through play in pediatric settings, I was impressed by how this interactive display captivates children while sneakily teaching them about local history and industrial development.

The miniature recreation of Reading during the railroad's heyday features incredible attention to detail—tiny passengers waiting on platforms, minuscule workers loading coal, and of course, meticulously crafted model trains chugging through the landscape. The push-button controls that allow kids to activate different parts of the display are always a hit!

After exploring the railroad exhibit, the museum's adjacent arboretum provides a perfect setting for children to burn off energy while parents rest their feet. I brought along my trusty picnic blanket and enjoyed a peaceful lunch watching families play among the trees and gardens.

The museum's gift shop offers affordable railroad-themed souvenirs, including mini Monopoly sets and train whistles (parents, consider yourselves warned about the latter!).

One of Reading's most unusual attractions—and my personal favorite—is the Pagoda, an unexpected Japanese-style structure perched atop Mt. Penn overlooking the city. What's the railroad connection? This quirky landmark was built in 1908 by William Witman, a Reading Railroad contractor, as an attempt to beautify the mountain after his quarrying operations scarred the landscape.

Reaching the Pagoda requires a short drive up the mountainside (there are also hiking trails for the adventurous), but the panoramic views of Reading and the Schuylkill River Valley are absolutely worth it. On clear days, you can trace the path of the old railroad lines cutting through the landscape below—a perspective that helps you appreciate the geographic importance of Reading's location to its railroad success.

Inside, the Pagoda houses historical exhibits about both the building itself and the Reading Railroad. The observation deck offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially at sunset. I always travel with my compact binoculars which proved perfect for spotting distant landmarks our guide pointed out, including former railroad buildings now repurposed for modern use.

You know I can't visit a new city without checking out at least one mall! The Berkshire Mall offers a welcome climate-controlled respite if you're visiting during Pennsylvania's hot summers or chilly winters. While primarily a modern shopping center, the mall houses several stores with railroad-themed merchandise and local history books.

My find of the trip was a locally-owned shop called 'Reading Memories' that sells affordable railroad memorabilia, vintage-style Monopoly boards, and Reading Railroad collectibles. The owner, a former railroad employee, shares fascinating stories if you show genuine interest in the history.

For families, the mall's food court provides budget-friendly dining options, and there's a small play area with—you guessed it—a train theme! I picked up several gifts here, including a custom Reading Railroad Monopoly board that became an instant hit with my game-loving friends back in Sydney.

Don't miss the historical photo display near the mall's south entrance, which shows the transformation of the area from railroad-dominated industrial center to the commercial hub it is today.