National Historic Site · PA
The National Park Service lists 16 things to do at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. 16 have no extra fee, 14 need no reservation, and 10 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
Travel back in time with a park ranger on a free van tour of the historic route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. This tour follows the entire route of the Portage Railroad from the canal basin in Hollidaysburg to the canal basin in Johnstown.
Reservation required
Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Visitors to Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter can view full scale models of the mechanisms that would have originally been in all ten Engine House structures.
Year-round
Attend an Evening on the Summit program select Tuesday evenings during the summer months.
Pets allowed
The Visitor Center has exhibits and a 20-minute park movie that is shown upon request. The Allegheny Portage Railroad, part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, was the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains.
Year-round
Heritage Hikes are led by a park ranger during the summer months. The distance varies by hike. Reservations are required.
Reservation required Pets allowed
At the bottom of the boardwalk at Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter, visitors are walking along the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. This section is the highest point that the Allegheny Portage Railroad crossed the Allegheny Mountains.
Pets allowed
Advertisement
The Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America, can be accessed from the trailhead on Beech Hill Road in Mineral Point. Visitors can hike or bike approximately two miles each way to the 901 foot long tunnel following the old railroad bed.
Pets allowed
The Inclines 6 to 10 Trail follows the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The hiking sections of the trail are located on or near the original route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.
Pets allowed
The Lemon House tavern, built by Sam and Jean Lemon in the early 1830s, was a stop along the Allegheny Portage Railroad for travelers to rest and eat.
Year-round
This all day, family-friendly, living history event is free and has programs and demonstrations to offer visitors of all ages.
Summer Pets allowed
The Junior Ranger program is available in the Visitor Center. Ask the Ranger on duty for a booklet. The number of activities required is based on age. Upon completion of the booklet, participants will earn a Junior Ranger badge!
Year-round Pets allowed
Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings throughout the summer season.
Pets allowed
The bookstore at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is operated by America's National Parks and is located in the Visitor Center.
Year-round
Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Enjoy lunch in our picnic area! Many picnic tables are available for use. Some are covered by a pavilion. Shade trees provide nice coverage on a hot, sunny day.
Pets allowed
The Skew Arch Bridge is an original feature of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. It is the only road bridge that was built along the path of the railroad.
Year-round Pets allowed
The park movie is 20 minutes in length and is shown upon request in the Visitor Center theater during the building's hours of operation.
Year-round
Theater
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Allegheny Portage Railroad. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Advertisement
