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Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

National Historic Site · Pennsylvania

Engine House and tavern
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House at the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Photo: NPS

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
The Park Service lists no entrance fee for this site.
Phone
8148866150
Address
110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, PA 16641

About Allegheny Portage Railroad

The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

Hours

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

The Visitor Center, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Buildings are open Fridays through Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Park buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Times listed in "All Park Hours" reflect building operations.

MondaySunrise to Sunset
TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
FridaySunrise to Sunset
SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
SundaySunrise to Sunset

Changes to these hours

  • Thanksgiving Closure, Nov 26: Closed
  • Christmas Day Closure, Dec 25: Closed
  • New Year's Day Closure, Jan 1: Closed

Getting there

The park is located just off U.S. Route 22 approximately 12 miles west of Altoona and 10 miles east of Ebensburg. Take the Gallitzin Exit and turn right, following the signs. Visitors prior to 1992 accessed the park in other ways, but the Gallitzin Exit of US Route 22 is the way to access the visitor center and historic area.

Weather

The park is located in Cambria County, PA, and is at the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. Therefore, the park often takes on winter extremes. If planning on traveling from a long distance, please contact the park beforehand to ensure that the facilities are open. Please consult weather forecasts to ensure conditions are safe to travel in. Spring, summer, and fall are generally uneventful, but severe thunderstorms can occur.

Things to do

Arts and Culture, Bookstore and Park Store, Cultural Demonstrations, First Person Interpretation, Guided Tours, Hiking, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Junior Ranger Program, Living History, Museum Exhibits, Park Film, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Shopping.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Allegheny Portage Railroad ↗