Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
PA
Park Alerts (1)
About Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final 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.
Things To Do
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Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tours
Please check back for 2026 van tour dates!
Summer Programs
Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings throughout the summer season.
Evening on the Summit
Attend an Evening on the Summit program select Tuesday evenings during the summer months.
Guided Hikes
Heritage Hikes are led by a park ranger during the summer months. The distance varies by hike. Reservations are required.
Living History Day
Living History Day is an annual event at the park!
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
Visitors to Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter can view full scale models of the mechanisms that would have originally been in all ten Engine House structures.
Available Activities
Weather
The park is located in Cambria County, PA, and is at the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. Therefore, the park often takes on winter extremes. If planning on traveling from a long distance, please contact the park beforehand to ensure that the facilities are open.
Please consult weather forecasts to ensure conditions are safe to travel in. Spring, summer, and fall are generally uneventful, but severe thunderstorms can occur.
Getting There
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.
Plan Your Visit
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Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The Visitor Center, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Buildings are open Fridays through Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Park buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Times listed in "All Park Hours" reflect building operations.
