Allegheny Portage Railroad

The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains. This inclined plane railroad operated between 1834-1854 and was considered a technological wonder in its day and played a critical role in opening the interior of the United States to trade and settlement.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located in southwestern Pennsylvania approximately 12 miles west of Altoona. Today’s park covers 1249 acres. The main unit contains the Summit Level Visitor Center, the historic Lemon House, Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter, the Skew Arch Bridge, picnic area and hiking trails. The Staple Bend Tunnel unit is located approximately 4 miles east of Johnstown, PA.

DESIGNATIONS
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site – August 31, 1964

Operating Hours, Seasons
Open 7 days a week year-round, closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rest of the year, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Getting There
CAR – The park is located just off U.S. 22 approximately 12 miles west of Altoona and 10 miles east of Ebensburg. Take the Gallitzin Exit and follow the signs.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – There is no public transportation to or within the park; personal vehicles only.

Weather & Climate
During the summer, it is generally warm. Summer mornings and evenings can be cool. Winters can be very harsh with cold temperatures, high winds, and snow possible from November through March.

Accessibility
The Summit Level Visitor Center, Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter, Lemon House, boardwalk, and picnic area are all wheelchair accessible.

A wheelchair accessible boardwalk will lead you the short distance from the visitor center to the historic area of the park. On request an alternate form of transportation for people with walking difficulties may be available to access the Lemon House from the visitor center.

A wheelchair accessible boardwalk will lead you the short distance (200 meters)from the visitor center to the historic area of the park. On request an alternate form of transportation, for persons with walking difficulties, may be available to access the Lemon House from the visitor center.

A full-scale model of a stationary steam engine in engine house #6 can be viewed from a wheelchair-accessible catwalk.

Getting Around
Most Facilities are trail heads are within walking distance of the main parking lot. The picnic area can be accessed by car from the Summit/Cresson exit of U.S. Hwy 22.

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