Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains. It played a critical role in opening the interior of the United States to trade and settlement. There is a visitor center, exhibits, trail, film, historic railroad remains, Lemon House and Staple Bend Tunnel.

Alto Model Train Museum Association

The largest model train displays in the area. New Location : 1117 Ninth Avenue, Altoona. Be sure to check out the inside display at Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park during the holiday season.

Everett Railroad Company

All Aboard the Everett Railroad! Join us on one of our family-friendly excursions, including Miss PA Princess Train, Ice Cream Special and our fan-favorite the Santa Express! Interested in an adult-only evening? Then Rail and Rose`, Rails and Ales or the Bootlegger Express are for you!

Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum

Experience the thrill of monster engines emerging from the Allegheny Tunnel on Norfolk Southern’s mainline. Visit a 1942 PRR Caboose. Enjoy exhibits and videos in the museum. Open 12-4pm. Closed November-April. Free Admission.

Portage Station Museum

The Portage Station Museum is located in a restored 1926 PA railroad station with a viewing platform to the Mainline, an HO model train display and items of local interest. Home of the Portage Area Historical Society.

Railroaders Memorial Museum

The Railroaders Memorial Museum seeks to preserve the stories of Central Pennsylvania railroaders who left an imprint on their communities, industry, and nation. In 1998, the museum moved into the Pennsylvania Railroad’s former Master Mechanics Building. Constructed in 1882, the structure was used for a century of railroad operations and still stands as a stunning monument to the individuals who built it. Displays include a rich array of artifacts, immersive environments, and colorful orientation films. A Museum Store offers a wide variety of merchandise fit for any railfan or history buff! The Harry Bennett Memorial Roundhouse features a working 105-foot turntable and tracks that display the museum’s rolling stock collection. PRR K4s 1361 serves as an additional highlight. The museum hosts a multitude of programs and special events. Through volunteers and members, this non-profit organization fulfills its mission of preserving railroading heritage. Become a part of that mission today!

Tyrone Area historical Society & Museum

The Tyrone History Museum features Tyrone-related artifacts, photographs and displays. A timeline spanning 150+ years visually shows the borough’s historical significance. Museum is located in the railroad station building. Free admission. Open April-December, Wednesday and Sunday 1pm-4pm.

World-Famous Horseshoe Curve

The Railroaders Memorial Museum also operates the World-Famous Horseshoe Curve; one of the eight engineering marvels of the world. In the early 1850s, the massive front of the Allegheny Mountains, standing 2,161 feet above sea level, blocked westward advance. This obstacle culminated in the creation of the Gallitzin Tunnels and the Horseshoe Curve, both of which were dug out of near-impenetrable geographic formations. Using switchbacks, excavations, and pure innovation, engineers reduced grades and effectively conquered the mountains. To conduct these laborious endeavors, the Pennsylvania Railroad hired job-hungry Irish immigrants. The hazardous work lasted three grueling years with the rail line officially opening on February 15, 1854. The end result was nothing less than monumental. The completion of the Curve was widely celebrated and heralded throughout the state as a grand opportunity. Over the next century-and-a-half, this now-iconic railroad link became a target of Nazi spies, a tourist destination, and one of the primary east-west arteries of railroad travel in the nation. Today, visitors from around the globe trek to the World-Famous Horseshoe Curve to reflect on its incredible past and compelling scenery. The landmark includes an observation area, an exhibit hall, and a museum store. For more insight, check out the Railroaders Memorial Museum, full of fascinating artifacts and stories of the railroaders who left an imprint on their communities, industry, and nation.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains. It played a critical role in opening the interior of the United States to trade and settlement. There is a visitor center, exhibits, trail, film, historic railroad remains, Lemon House and Staple Bend Tunnel.

Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area

This Heritage and Recreation Corridor features historic communities including Altoona, Johnstown and Blairsville; Interpretive Sites : Hollidaysburg Canal Basin Park and Saltsburg Canal Park : and recreation opportunities including, the Lower, 6 to 10, the West Penn, the Roaring Run Trails and the Kiski-Conemaugh and Juniata River Water Trail Systems.

Baker Mansion

1849 Greek Revival Mansion. Originally home to Ironmaster Elias Baker and his family, now home of the Blair County Historical Society. Period rooms and historical exhibits. Call to verify tour hours and special events.

Canal Basin Park

This Historical PA Canal Basin Park features a custom-designed play structure replicating a Sectional Canal Boat and a Visitors Center located in a restored house from the Victorian period known as the Reiser House. Park hours dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Canoe Creek State Park

Enjoy a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and more! Visit one of the main features at Canoe Creek State Park, the historic Limestone Kilns and enjoy sighting woodland birds and wildflowers along the way. Nature programs, education center and guided hikes are also available.

Fort Roberdeau Historic Site

Fort Roberdeau opened in May 1778 to protect an important lead mining and smelting operation during the American Revolution. With 230-acres, Fort Roberdeau, a national historic site, features the reconstructed Revolutionary War fort, buildings and smelter, a restored 19th century farmhouse and barn, a modern multi-purpose building (White Oak Hall), Space and Time Discovery Trail, Blue Bird Nature Trail, gazebos, and picnic tables. Stop in the gift shop for a guided tour of the fort grounds. The Fort buildings are open May 1-October 31, Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm. The park grounds are open 8am-sunset year-round.

Freedom Monument

A landmark celebrating regional heritage

Historic Minsler Theatre/Blair County Arts Foundation

In sincere gratitude to the people who made this playhouse possible and with every wish for its forever grand success such were the words of Isaac Mishler more than a century ago! The Mishler Theatre stands today not only as a significant historical and architectural landmark , but also as a testament to the commitment of an entire community to preserving and protecting its rich legacy. Rising from the ashes of a devastating fire and escaping a wrecking ball that would have created a parking lot, this “gem” of a playhouse remains at the center of the community’s performing arts. The Mishler Theatre offers area residents and its visitors wonderful theatrical performances, magnificent orchestral concerts, stunning ballets, and outstanding appearances of nationally recognized performing artists. Issac Mishler’s dream of a “perfect” playhouse has been fully realized and has helped shape the cultural landscape of the region.

Portage Station Museum

The Portage Station Museum is located in a restored 1926 PA railroad station with a viewing platform to the Mainline, an HO model train display and items of local interest. Home of the Portage Area Historical Society.

Railroaders Memorial Museum

The Railroaders Memorial Museum seeks to preserve the stories of Central Pennsylvania railroaders who left an imprint on their communities, industry, and nation. In 1998, the museum moved into the Pennsylvania Railroad’s former Master Mechanics Building. Constructed in 1882, the structure was used for a century of railroad operations and still stands as a stunning monument to the individuals who built it. Displays include a rich array of artifacts, immersive environments, and colorful orientation films. A Museum Store offers a wide variety of merchandise fit for any railfan or history buff! The Harry Bennett Memorial Roundhouse features a working 105-foot turntable and tracks that display the museum’s rolling stock collection. PRR K4s 1361 serves as an additional highlight. The museum hosts a multitude of programs and special events. Through volunteers and members, this non-profit organization fulfills its mission of preserving railroading heritage. Become a part of that mission today!

Museums

Alto Model Train

The largest model train displays in the area. New Location : 1117 Ninth Avenue, Altoona. Be sure to check out the inside display at Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park during the holiday season.

Baker Mansion

1849 Greek Revival Mansion. Originally home to Ironmaster Elias Baker and his family, now home of the Blair County Historical Society. Period rooms and historical exhibits. Call to verify tour hours and special events.

Gallitzen Park Tunnels & Museum

Experience the thrill of monster engines emerging from the Allegheny Tunnel on Norfolk Southern’s mainline. Visit a 1942 PRR Caboose. Enjoy exhibits and videos in the museum. Open 12-4pm. Closed November-April. Free Admission.

Gardners Candies & ice Cream/The Gardners Candies Museum

Gardners Candies, a 125-year tradition in downtown Tyrone, features the finest homemade chocolates, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a unique candy museum.Gardners Candies was founded in 1897 by a sixteen-year-old boy named James “Pike” Gardner in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Gardners Candies grew over the years by expanding its product line to satisfy customer needs. Their stellar reputation is built upon quality products at affordable prices and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Today, Gardners Candies has 8 retail stores in Pennsylvania. Gardners Candies Stores are beautifully decorated with taste-tempting candies that some have described as “simply out of this world.”

Portage Station Museum

The Portage Station Museum is located in a restored 1926 PA railroad station with a viewing platform to the Mainline, an HO model train display and items of local interest. Home of the Portage Area Historical Society.

Quaint Corner Children’s Museum and Discovery Center

Four floors of fun for families, in a Victorian Mansion. Large indoor sandbox, science room, drama room, art room, grocery store and vet hospital. Ages 2-92. Cost $5 per person.

Railroaders Memorial Museum

The Railroaders Memorial Museum seeks to preserve the stories of Central Pennsylvania railroaders who left an imprint on their communities, industry, and nation. In 1998, the museum moved into the Pennsylvania Railroad’s former Master Mechanics Building. Constructed in 1882, the structure was used for a century of railroad operations and still stands as a stunning monument to the individuals who built it. Displays include a rich array of artifacts, immersive environments, and colorful orientation films. A Museum Store offers a wide variety of merchandise fit for any railfan or history buff! The Harry Bennett Memorial Roundhouse features a working 105-foot turntable and tracks that display the museum’s rolling stock collection. PRR K4s 1361 serves as an additional highlight. The museum hosts a multitude of programs and special events. Through volunteers and members, this non-profit organization fulfills its mission of preserving railroading heritage. Become a part of that mission today!

Royer Mansion

Home of Ironmaster Samuel Royer and family. Built in 1815. Owned and operated by the Blair County Historical Society. Tours are available by appointment and during special events. Visit their website for special events schedule.

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art brings over 7,500 works of American art to rural Pennsylvania with the nation’s longest-running museum satellite system. There are five museum facilities in the system located in the cities of Altoona, Bedford, Johnstown, Ligonier and Loretto. Each serves its distinct community by displaying everchanging exhibitions and hosting award-winning educational programs and special events. SAMA welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and levels of art and art history knowledge. Whether it is your first visit to a museum or your 50th there is something new to see here! View artworks by internally known artists like Andy Warhol and discuss fine art with local aspiring artists and legends from your community.There is no required fee to visit SAMA. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon until 4:30 p.m. Please consider making a $5 donation per visitor upon arrival to allow us to continue to bring art to our rural communities.

Swigart Antique Auto Museum

Take a trip back in time. See vintage cars including “Herbie the Love Bug” and two Tuckers. Also, emblems, license plates, bicycles, toys and more.

Tyrone Area Historical Society & Museum

The Tyrone History Museum features Tyrone-related artifacts, photographs and displays. A timeline spanning 150+ years visually shows the borough’s historical significance. Museum is located in the railroad station building. Free admission. Open April-December, Wednesday and Sunday 1pm-4pm.

World-Famous Horseshoe Curve

The Railroaders Memorial Museum also operates the World-Famous Horseshoe Curve; one of the eight engineering marvels of the world. In the early 1850s, the massive front of the Allegheny Mountains, standing 2,161 feet above sea level, blocked westward advance. This obstacle culminated in the creation of the Gallitzin Tunnels and the Horseshoe Curve, both of which were dug out of near-impenetrable geographic formations. Using switchbacks, excavations, and pure innovation, engineers reduced grades and effectively conquered the mountains. To conduct these laborious endeavors, the Pennsylvania Railroad hired job-hungry Irish immigrants. The hazardous work lasted three grueling years with the rail line officially opening on February 15, 1854. The end result was nothing less than monumental. The completion of the Curve was widely celebrated and heralded throughout the state as a grand opportunity. Over the next century-and-a-half, this now-iconic railroad link became a target of Nazi spies, a tourist destination, and one of the primary east-west arteries of railroad travel in the nation. Today, visitors from around the globe trek to the World-Famous Horseshoe Curve to reflect on its incredible past and compelling scenery. The landmark includes an observation area, an exhibit hall, and a museum store. For more insight, check out the Railroaders Memorial Museum, full of fascinating artifacts and stories of the railroaders who left an imprint on their communities, industry, and nation.