Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, encompassing parts of Blair and Cambria counties. Situated within the Allegheny Portage Railroad Corridor, the site covers approximately 1,200 acres and preserves the historic remnants of a transportation system crucial to the region's development.

In the early 1800s, the Allegheny Portage Railroad played a vital role in transporting goods and people across the rugged Allegheny Mountains. The railroad was constructed as a series of canal basins and inclined planes, allowing canal boats to be hoisted up and over the mountains. This innovative engineering feat enabled efficient transport between Pittsburgh on the Ohio River and Harrisburg, a key connection to the eastern seaboard.

Today, visitors can explore the site and gain insights into the area's rich history. The Lemon House Visitor Center offers exhibits detailing the construction and operation of the railroad, as well as the stories of the people who lived and worked along its route. The Skew Arch Bridge, one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the United States, still stands and can be admired for its impressive craftsmanship.

Visiting the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site offers opportunities for outdoor activities as well. The park features several hiking trails that wind their way through picturesque woodlands, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Picnic areas are available for those who wish to relax and enjoy a meal in this scenic setting.

Besides the historic site itself, there are other nearby attractions to explore. The nearby Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, located in Altoona, showcases a remarkable railroad engineering achievement from the 19th century. Here, visitors can observe trains making a 360-degree turn while ascending or descending the mountains.

Overall, the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's transportation history and the challenges involved in navigating the Allegheny Mountains. Whether engaging with educational exhibits or immersing oneself in the scenic surroundings, the site provides an enriching experience for visitors.

The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is nestled within the picturesque landscapes of central Pennsylvania. Located in Cambria County, the site can be found about 12 miles southwest of the city of Altoona. Stretching along the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountains, this historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the significant role it played during the mid-19th century in overcoming the challenging topography of the Allegheny Plateau. With its strategic location between the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest, the site showcases the engineering marvel of the Portage Railroad, which facilitated the transportation of goods and passengers between the Ohio River Valley and the Atlantic Coast. Surrounded by the charming backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains, this national historic site offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of this remarkable region.

Address & Contact

110 Federal Park Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641
Driving Directions
Phone: 8148866150
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is between June and August. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 77°F to 82°F, providing comfortable weather for outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation during this period is around 4.4 inches, which is slightly lower compared to other months. Additionally, these months attract a high number of visitors, indicating that the site is popular among tourists. To enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding large crowds, plan your visit during these summer months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Hiking Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site: Night Sky Architecture and Building Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Laborer and Worker Transportation Tunnels Westward Expansion River and Riparian Trails Military African American Heritage Mountains Astronomy Infantry and Militia Wars and Conflicts Social Movements Engineering Canals Mexican War Trains and Railroads Commerce Trade Abolition Movement

Visitor Centers

Summit Level Visitor Center

Located immediately off of US Route 22 at the Gallitzin Exit, this is the best place to start your tour. The Visitor Center has a 20-minute orientation movie shown on demand, interactive exhibits, and a bookstore. The passport stamp station is also located in the Visitor Center.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Summit Level Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Econo Lodge Altoona I-99

With a stay at Econo Lodge Altoona I-99 in Altoona, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Peoples Natural Gas Field and Baker Mansion. Featured amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, microwave in a common area, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2906 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Altoona

Located in Altoona, Hampton Inn Altoona is within a 5-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 180 Charlotte Dr, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
Web: Link

Quality Inn & Suites

Located in Altoona, Quality Inn & Suites is within a 5-minute drive of Peoples Natural Gas Field and Baker Mansion. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3306 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Web: Link

Comfort Inn Duncansville - Altoona

When you stay at Comfort Inn Duncansville - Altoona in Duncansville, you'll be near the airport and within a 5-minute drive of 321 Gallery. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 130 Patchway Road, Duncansville, Pennsylvania 16635
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Altoona

When you stay at Courtyard by Marriott Altoona in Altoona, you'll be connected to the convention center, within a 5-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Altoona? This hotel has facilities measuring 815 square feet (76 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2 Convention Center Blvd, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Web: Link

Comfort Suites Altoona

When you stay at Comfort Suites Altoona in Altoona, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 140 Stroehman Rd, I-99 And Pine Croft Exit, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
Web: Link

Rodeway Inn

With a stay at Rodeway Inn in Altoona, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1500 Sterling St, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Web: Link

Altoona Grand Hotel & Conference Center

Located in Altoona, Altoona Grand Hotel & Conference Center is within a 10-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Altoona? This hotel has facilities measuring 0 square feet (0 square meters), including a conference center. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Sheraton drive, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Altoona, an IHG Hotel

When you stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Altoona, an IHG Hotel in Duncansville, you'll be in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 115 Convention Center Dr, Duncansville, Pennsylvania 16602
Web: Link

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Altoona

Located in Altoona, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Altoona is in the entertainment district, within a 5-minute drive of Peoples Natural Gas Field and Baker Mansion. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Altoona? This hotel has 1000 square feet (93 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2915 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Web: Link