National railroad historic site

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

About 7.5 road mi

A free National Park Service site preserving the inclined-plane railroad that carried passengers, freight, and sectional canal boats across the Allegheny Mountains.

The place

About Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site preserves the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains. Part of Pennsylvania’s Main Line Canal system, it used ten inclined planes and stationary engines to move railcars—and sometimes sectional canal boats—between Hollidaysburg and Johnstown.

The Summit Level Visitor Center explains the system with models, a full-scale LaFayette locomotive reproduction, an immersive canal-boat section, a 20-minute park film, and ranger information. Nearby resources include the Lemon House, Engine House No. 6 exhibit shelter, Skew Arch Bridge, picnic area, and trails.

This is a historic-site visit, not an operating train ride. Some outdoor routes follow sloped or uneven historic terrain, so the National Park Service’s detailed mobility guide is more reliable than a blanket accessibility badge.

What stands out

Summit Level Visitor Center

Models, an immersive canal-boat section, exhibits, and a full-scale LaFayette reproduction explain the portage system.

Engine House No. 6 and Lemon House

Surviving and reconstructed summit features place visitors inside the machinery and travel landscape.

Skew Arch Bridge and trails

Outdoor routes connect engineering remains, historic grades, and a mountain environment.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Everett Railroad trip

The national historic site is about eight road miles from Horseshoe Curve and explains the transportation system the Pennsylvania Railroad replaced. Pairing them shows two different engineering answers to the same mountain barrier: inclined planes and canal boats first, then a conventional railroad curve and tunnels.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • BuildingsThe Visitor Center, Engine House No. 6 shelter, and Lemon House are open Friday–Tuesday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; they are closed Wednesday, Thursday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
  • GroundsPark grounds and trails are open daily, year-round, sunrise to sunset, weather permitting.
  • AdmissionThere is no entrance fee and no reservation is required for the standard visitor-center experience.
  • Visitor centerExpect exhibits, models, a canal-boat section, bookstore, ranger desk, and park film.
  • AccessibilityThe one-level visitor center, restrooms, and exhibits have published access features. Outdoor routes include slopes, traffic crossings, uneven pavement, and historic terrain; wheelchairs and a motorized scooter may be requested.
  • PetsLeashed pets are allowed on grounds but not inside public buildings. Service animals may go anywhere visitors are permitted.

See the later main line

Add Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum

Watch present-day trains where the Pennsylvania Railroad pierced the mountain.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride a train at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site?

No operating visitor train is advertised. The site preserves and interprets the historic inclined-plane railroad.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The National Park Service publishes free admission for the historic site.

Is the visitor center open every day?

No. Buildings are closed Wednesday and Thursday plus Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Grounds remain open sunrise to sunset, weather permitting.

How accessible is the site?

The visitor center has published accessible features, but outdoor routes vary. Read the NPS mobility guide and call ahead if slopes, uneven surfaces, or mobility-device support will determine the visit.

Are pets allowed?

Leashed pets are allowed on park grounds but not in public buildings. Service animals are permitted wherever visitors may go.

Do I need a reservation?

No reservation is required for the standard Summit Level Visitor Center experience.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.