Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
The park is located just off U.S. Route 22 approximately 12 miles west of Altoona and 10 miles east of Ebensburg. Take the Gallitzin Exit and turn right, following the signs. Visitors prior to 1992 accessed the park in other ways, but the Gallitzin Exit of US Route 22 is the way to access the visitor center and historic area.
- Arts and Culture
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Hands-On
- Hiking
- Living History
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- First Person Interpretation
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Architecture and Building
- African American Heritage
- Commerce
- Trade
- Engineering
- Enslavement
- Industry
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Laborer and Worker
- Military
- Infantry and Militia
- Presidents
- Social Movements
- Abolition Movement
- Transportation
- Canals
- Trains and Railroads
- Tragic Events
- Murders
- Wars and Conflicts
- Mexican War
- Mountains
- Night Sky
- Astronomy
- River and Riparian
- Trails
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House at the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
Lemon House tavern
The Lemon House was a stop for Allegheny Portage Railroad travelers on the summit.
Summit Level Visitor Center
The Summit Level Visitor Center contains exhibits, restrooms, park movie and bookstore.
Boardwalk to the historic area
The boardwalk takes you to the historic area at the park
Staple Bend Tunnel
The Staple Bend Tunnel sat at the top of inclined plane 1, just a few miles from Johnstown. The Staple Bend Tunnel can be accessed by hiking or biking approximately 2 miles from the trailhead
Skew Arch Bridge
Skew Arch Bridge
The Visitor Center bookstore offers a variety of items for sale.
The Visitor Center bookstore offers a variety of items for sale.
The theater features a 20 minute park movie.
The theater features a 20 minute park movie.
Barrels and crates in the Visitor Center show items that traveled on the Main Line Canal.
Barrels and crates in the Visitor Center show items that traveled on the Main Line Canal.