Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site • Pennsylvania

Engine House and tavern

Engine house

Lemon House

Stone building

Tunnel

Bridge

Bookstore

Theater

Barrel

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.

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

Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
NPS

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

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

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
NPS

Skew Arch Bridge
NPS

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

The theater features a 20 minute park movie.
NPS

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

A canal boat model inside a building.

Summit Level Visitor Center

Start your visit here! Get oriented to the park, view exhibits, and watch our introductory film.

Park entrance sign with snow

Operating Hours & Seasons

Find out the hours of operation for park buildings and grounds, including holiday closures.

Engine House

Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter

Tour through the Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter, a replica of the building that housed stationary steam engines.

Colorful chairs at tables in the dining room of the Lemon House.

The Lemon House

Visitors can explore the first floor of this historic building that operated as a tavern during the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

Staple Bend Tunnel

Staple Bend Tunnel

Hike or bike to the first railroad tunnel in America!

A railroad trace with replica tracks.

Hiking and Biking

Explore nature and history on our trails!

Last updated: June 16, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

110 Federal Park Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641

Phone:

814 886-6150

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