Explore Unique History
As the home of both the western-most Revolutionary War site in America in addition to one of the eight engineering marvels of the world, Blair County, Pennsylvania holds a unique sense of place historically and geographically. Visit America’s only interactive railroaders' museum, the only Greek Temple-style home in Pennsylvania, Baker Mansion, or the World Famous Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. Explore the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, or the National Historic Landmark Chimney Rocks, which offers one of the best views with a wide-open valley, rolling green hills, and a historic county seat all together on a single canvas.
The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
As America’s only interactive railroaders museum, the Railroaders Memorial Museum houses three floors of exhibits and tells the story of hardworking railroaders who built the city of Altoona and influenced the nation’s commerce beyond the Alleghenies. The museum seeks to preserve this historical, technical, and cultural fabric of Pennsylvania railroaders and the communities they built by remembering and interpreting their legacy. Exhibits include artifacts, interactive environments, and immersive tableaus. Films present colorful context of the people and lifestyles that composed this city's railroading community. The museum is housed within the magnificently restored original Master Mechanics Building of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
Known as one of the eight engineering marvels of the world, the World Famous Horseshoe Curve offers a one-of-a-kind geographic sense of place; it is the only location in which one can view trains traversing a mountainside in the shape of a horseshoe! The Gallitzin Tunnels and the Horseshoe Curve were dug out of near-impenetrable geographic formations. Using switchbacks, excavations, and pure innovation, engineers conquered the mountains, a monumental feat in 1854. Today, the Horseshoe Curve, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, consists of a small museum depicting the laborious efforts of 400 Irish immigrants. Most importantly, the observation area at the top offers a recently completed enhanced viewshed to observe trains traversing the mountainside.
Historical Fun for the Whole Family
Please view the World Famous Horseshoe Curve’s live stream above. There are also plenty of additional railfan sites for great viewing and unique photography opportunities across Blair County! The public can see the train tracks at the bridges on 7th, 8th, and 17th Streets in downtown Altoona. The 8th Street bridge in the Juniata neighborhood of the city also provides a nice view of the Altoona Shops. Additional sites for these experiences exist at the Station Medical Center downtown, Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg, the Gallitzin Tunnels in Gallitzin, and the newly developed Rail Park in downtown Tyrone adjacent to the Tyrone History Museum, housed within a reconstructed vintage-style train depot.
Baker Mansion History Museum
Fort Roberdeau
Chimney Rocks
The 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 Mainline Canal. “The Portage,” opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Today this National Historic Site, administered by the National Park Service, covers 1,249 acres, including the historic Lemon House, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter, the Skew Arch Bridge, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
The only Greek Temple style home in Pennsylvania, the luxurious Baker Mansion showcases original furnishings and décor of the 1850s. Built by Ironmaster Elias Baker, the beautifully restored home is also a museum featuring special exhibits such as the Italian immigrant story and the life of Victorian domestic servants in American homes. Explore the beautiful grounds, shop the unique local gifts, and enjoy live summer entertainment as well as numerous other seasonal events.
This 230-acre Blair County park houses a reconstructed 1778 fort which is the western-most Revolutionary War site in America. The park offers unique nature trails, a picnic area, tours, exhibits, and innovative educational programs and special events. The fort was built to protect a lead mining and smelting operation during the American Revolution. The fort and park are located in scenic Sinking Valley, one of the richest agricultural regions in the state.
This unusual formation of limestone sits precariously on a bluff above Hollidaysburg, the County Seat. Those who choose to reach the top will get one of the best views in the county: a wide open valley, rolling green hills, and an historic town all together on a single canvas. The trail leading to this vantage point is a steep, but short climb through a semi-wooded area. Along the way are flat resting points with benches for a more leisurely ascent to the top. Chimney Rocks is a family friendly outdoor spot for enjoyment and exploration.
Come Visit and Stay in Altoona, PA!
With many newer and several award-winning hotels, Altoona offers a multitude of lodging choices.
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Marketing Greater Blair County as a Premier Visitor Destination, Offering a Positive Experience and Fostering Economic Development.
