Things To Know Before You Come

Boardwalk to historic area

NPS

Train Rides
As of March 18, 2014, you are 160 years too late for a train ride, sorry! While there are models of stationary engines and locomotives there are NO train or canal rides at the park.

Walking
There is a bit of walking in order to see the park's historic area. It is approximately 200 yards (the length of two football fields) from the Visitor Center to the Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House. This is an interesting stroll through an old stone quarry that was used by the Portage Railroad workers. There are signs and displays along this route. For visitors not able to walk that distance there are Accessibility options, please ask at the park visitor center. There is NO PARKING at the Lemon House or Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter.

Weather
The Summit area is often a place of extremes. Wind is common as are temperatures much lower than those of surrounding cities. It is always prudent to dress in layers.

Pets
Pets on a 6 foot leash are welcome. They are NOT permitted in buildings and you cannot tie them to park features or facilities. Service animals, of course, are not pets and are welcome to assist their owner as needed.

 

Trash Free Park
Trash cans have been removed from the park to protect and improve the environment. Please take your trash when you leave and dispose of it properly.

This program is designed to encourage reuse and recycling practices. We all share the responsibility for managing solid waste and the park's environment. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Friendship Hill National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial participate in the "Leave no Trace" program.

The many benefits of this program include removing garbage and recycling containers and associated odors from within the park, reducing annoying pests and unsightly conditions. Eliminating the need for disposal services will also allow the parks an opportunity to make more productive use of available park resources.

 

Where to Eat
There is no food service available within Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. (The Lemon House is a museum, not a working tavern.) Snack and bottled beverages are available in the bookstore.

There are several restaurants nearby offering a variety of fare, or pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day! There is a wooded picnic area within the park as well as tables near the visitor center. There are no grills available or fires allowed near the visitor center tables.

Lodging
There are no overnight accomodation (hotels, motels, cabins, or camping areas) in the park. Lodging including railroad themed Bed and Breakfast Inns may be available in the surrounding communities of Gallitzin, Cresson, Ebensburg, Altoona, and Johnstown.

 

Research
There are very few records at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Better sources of information would be the Blair County Historical Society, the Blair County Genealogical Society, or the Pennsylvania State Archives. The staff has begun a listing of Portage workers but it is in the beginning stages. Check the brochure section of this website for other publications that may help.