allegheny-portage-railroad | PA | Find park

Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House at the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter

The Lemon House was a stop for Allegheny Portage Railroad travelers on the summit.

The Summit Level Visitor Center contains exhibits, restrooms, park movie and bookstore.

The boardwalk takes you to the historic area at the park

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

The Visitor Center bookstore offers a variety of items for sale.

The theater features a 20 minute park movie.

Barrels and crates in the Visitor Center show items that traveled on the Main Line Canal.

Physical Address:

110 Federal Park Road

Gallitzin, PA 16641

Mailing Address:

110 Federal Park Road

Gallitzin, PA 16641

contact-details

Phone Number: 8148866150 Voice

Email Address: alpo_interpretation@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Historic Site

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Winter Hours: Beginning December 1, 2024, 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. and will resume daily operations on May 1, 2025. 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.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving Closure (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Christmas Day Closure (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day Closure (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

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.