Contact Information
814-886-6150
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
110 Federal Park Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641
Accessing the Park
Since 1992, the park is accessed by taking the Gallitzin Exit of U.S. Route 22 and turning right into the park. Though there is a road and a gate adjacent, the park cannot be accessed from Old Route 22 by the Lemon House.
Regardless of which direction you are driving on U.S. Route 22, the Gallitzin Exit followed by a right turn will take drivers to the parking lot and visitor center.
RV parking is available in the upper section of the lot.
What's in the Visitor Center?
Information Desk
Upon your entrance to the Summit Level Visitor Center, a Park Ranger will greet you at the information desk and provide orientation to the site.
Park Film
The park film provides an overview of the park story and is a great place to start your visit. It is shown in the indoor 60 seat auditorium by request. The film is approximately twenty minutes. The presentation is a dramatic interpretation of what it was like to work and travel on the Portage Railroad. A fictional character, Edgar West, explains life on the canals then speaks of a change of occupation to Portage Railroad worker. He uses written accounts by writers such as Charles Dickens and local newspapers to speak of the value of the Main Line system and the thrill of faster travel.
Exhibits
Our newly updated Visitor Center includes various exhibit areas and models including a life-size replica of a canal boat, the Lafayette locomotive, and artifacts from the Portage Railroad. There are also hands on and interactive exhibits that will interest visitors of all ages. There are other exhibits on the park grounds, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter, the Lemon House, and along several park trails.
Bookstore
The park's non-profit Eastern National run bookstore carries unusual and hard to find books and souvenirs from the canal and early railroading era. Eastern National has published or reprinted books specifically related to park features or the park story. These include book relating to the Portage Railroad and Main Line Canal. Souvenir items include collectibles such as park magnets, key rings, mugs, patches, pins, decals, coal-in-a-bottle, and brass coins as well as many other fun and educational items.
