Plan A Field Trip

A costumed park ranger conducts a stone cutting demonstration. NPS We welcome your field trip to Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site! Field trips begin in the Summit Level Visitor Center where students can watch the 20-minute park film and explore the Visitor Center. The film provides an introduction to the story of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, Allegheny Portage Railroad, and much more! Next, students will learn how the railroad was built by watching a demonstration of stone cutting or rope making. The actual demonstration provided is weather and staff dependent. From there, students will move into the Engine House and learn about the inclined planes, steam engines, and pulley systems that hauled rail cars over the Allegheny Mountains. Model steam engines will be used to demonstrate how the full size steam engines in the Engine House worked. The tour will end at the Lemon House where students will learn about travelers on the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Programs are free for teachers, students, and chaperones. Teachers should plan at least 2 hours for the different stations. The field trip is entirely wheelchair accessible. Portions of the program are outside, so students and teachers are reminded to dress appropriately. Our picnic area, located off of Old Route 22, is available to school groups for lunch. There is a covered pavilion and picnic tables. Please contact the Chief of Interpretation for more information or to schedule a field trip.