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.
Quick Facts
Location & Map
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located in Pennsylvania.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Summer Programs
Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings throughout the summer season.
Living History Day
Living History Day is an annual event at the park!
Guided Hikes
Heritage Hikes are led by a park ranger during the summer months. The distance varies by hike. Reservations are required.
Evening on the Summit
Attend an Evening on the Summit program select Tuesday evenings during the summer months.
Evening on the Summit programs vary from talks/presentations to musical performances.
Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tours
Please check back for 2026 van tour dates!
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…
Visitor Centers
Summit Level Visitor Center
Located immediately off of US Route 22 at the Gallitzin Exit, this is the best place to start your tour. The Visitor Center has a…
Hours: The Visitor Center, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Buildings are open Fridays through Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weather permitting, park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Park buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Times listed in "All Park Hours" reflect building operations.
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