Last updated: November 2, 2023
Thing to Do
Explore the Summit Level Visitor Center
NPS
The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
The Allegheny Portage Railroad, part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, was the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains.
The different sections of the Visitor Center:
Desk and store
The park bookstore is located near the Visitor Center entrance doors.
The front desk scene is made to look like a 19th century shipping office. Park staff is available at the desk to provide information.
Innovation
Learn about the different pieces of the Main Line Canal and how the Allegheny Portage Railroad fits into the system as a whole.
A model, made by park volunteer Fred Connacher, shows the elements on site at the Summit Level including the Lemon House, Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Skew Arch Bridge.
Technology of Travel, 1820-1860
Several models, from sectional canal boats to passenger cars, show the canal boats and railroad cars used on the Main Line Canal. Mr. Connacher also made many of these models.
A full scale model of the LaFayette shows what a steam engine would have looked like. This particular model was on display at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Immersive Canal Boat
Come aboard a section canal boat! You can experience what the crew section of a canal boat would have been like. Visitors can walk onto the stern of the boat and turn the rudder, which would have helped to steer the canal boat. You may also hear from sounds from the canal in the form of mules and music!
Conduit for Commerce, Travel and Escape
This section provides information on the people and places associated with this transportation system. Many enslaved persons used the Main Line Canal to freedom. Philadelphia had an important part to play in the Underground Railroad. Visitors can learn about Jacob Green, who escaped from a plantation in Virginia and used the Allegheny Portage Railroad to aid him on his journey.
Barrels and crates
All around the canal boat and placed in various other places around the Visitor Center, are crates and barrels showing the different items that were shipped on the Main Line Canal.
The Allegheny Portage Railroad, part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, was the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains.
The different sections of the Visitor Center:
Desk and store
The park bookstore is located near the Visitor Center entrance doors.
The front desk scene is made to look like a 19th century shipping office. Park staff is available at the desk to provide information.
Innovation
Learn about the different pieces of the Main Line Canal and how the Allegheny Portage Railroad fits into the system as a whole.
A model, made by park volunteer Fred Connacher, shows the elements on site at the Summit Level including the Lemon House, Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Skew Arch Bridge.
Technology of Travel, 1820-1860
Several models, from sectional canal boats to passenger cars, show the canal boats and railroad cars used on the Main Line Canal. Mr. Connacher also made many of these models.
A full scale model of the LaFayette shows what a steam engine would have looked like. This particular model was on display at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Immersive Canal Boat
Come aboard a section canal boat! You can experience what the crew section of a canal boat would have been like. Visitors can walk onto the stern of the boat and turn the rudder, which would have helped to steer the canal boat. You may also hear from sounds from the canal in the form of mules and music!
Conduit for Commerce, Travel and Escape
This section provides information on the people and places associated with this transportation system. Many enslaved persons used the Main Line Canal to freedom. Philadelphia had an important part to play in the Underground Railroad. Visitors can learn about Jacob Green, who escaped from a plantation in Virginia and used the Allegheny Portage Railroad to aid him on his journey.
Barrels and crates
All around the canal boat and placed in various other places around the Visitor Center, are crates and barrels showing the different items that were shipped on the Main Line Canal.
Details
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed in any public building or office except for service animals.
Pets are permitted in areas not designated closed to pets provided they are restrained on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.
Pet excrement must be removed from picnic areas, trails, and areas of heavy public use.
More information on pets can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.
Pets are permitted in areas not designated closed to pets provided they are restrained on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.
Pet excrement must be removed from picnic areas, trails, and areas of heavy public use.
More information on pets can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.
Activity Fee
No
There are no fees for entrance at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Accessibility Information
There are designated accessible parking spots in the parking lot.
The Visitor Center is one level.
The Summit Level Visitor Center, restrooms, and water fountain are handicap accessible.
Headsets providing details about the different sections of the Visitor Center are available at the front desk.
The park movie is captioned, with captions visible during every showing.
Braille versions of the park brochure are available at the Visitor Center desk.
A wheel chair and motorized skooter are available upon request.
Service animals are welcome.
The Visitor Center is one level.
The Summit Level Visitor Center, restrooms, and water fountain are handicap accessible.
Headsets providing details about the different sections of the Visitor Center are available at the front desk.
The park movie is captioned, with captions visible during every showing.
Braille versions of the park brochure are available at the Visitor Center desk.
A wheel chair and motorized skooter are available upon request.
Service animals are welcome.