Attractions and Places To See around Altoona - Top 14

Altoona is rich in history, particularly its railroad heritage. Key historical sites include the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, an engineering marvel where you can watch trains navigate the Allegheny Mountains. You can also visit the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, which preserves the remnants of the first railroad to cross the mountains, and the Railroaders Memorial Museum in downtown Altoona, celebrating the region's pivotal role as a railroad hub.

For natural beauty and outdoor activities, consider Canoe Creek State Park, featuring Canoe Lake for boating and fishing, and trails like the Limestone Trail. Chimney Rocks Park offers unique stone pillars and panoramic views of Hollidaysburg. You can also explore Tytoona Cave, a unique cavern with an underground stream, or the Brush Mountain Preserve, an important oak-hickory forest overlooking Altoona.

Yes, Altoona offers several family-friendly options. Lakemont Park & Island Waterpark is home to Leap-The-Dips, the world's oldest operating wooden roller coaster, and other attractions. Nearby, DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash provides rides and a waterpark. For younger children, the Quaint Corner Children's Museum and Discovery Center offers educational entertainment. You can also catch a minor league baseball game at Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve.

The Altoona area, nestled in the Alleghenies, offers diverse hiking opportunities. You can find easy trails like the River Prairie Trail or Putnam Trail, as well as moderate options such as the Chippewa River and Putnam Trail Loop. For more detailed information and routes, explore the Hiking around Altoona guide.

For scenic vistas, Chimney Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg provides dramatic cliffs and fantastic panoramic views of downtown. The Brush Mountain Preserve, overlooking Altoona, also offers expansive views of the surrounding oak-hickory forest and the Central Appalachians. Additionally, the viewing platform at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark offers a unique perspective of trains traversing the mountains.

Beyond its railroad history, Altoona has several cultural sites. The Baker Mansion, operated by the Blair County Historical Society, offers a glimpse into the city's past. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is an architecturally significant building with stunning stained-glass windows. You can also visit the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) for rotating exhibits or enjoy a performance at the historic Mishler Theatre.

Yes, the area around Altoona is well-suited for cycling. Many attractions are connected by trails, such as the Chippewa River Bridge, which is part of the Chippewa River State Trail, providing an alternative route for bikers. You can find various routes, from easy loops like the Putnam Park Loop to moderate options, by checking the Cycling around Altoona guide.

The Allegheny Mountains region around Altoona is generally best for outdoor activities from spring through fall. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while summer is ideal for water activities at Canoe Creek State Park and amusement parks. Fall offers spectacular foliage for hiking and scenic drives. Winter can be beautiful for snow-related activities, but some attractions may have reduced hours or be inaccessible.

Absolutely. The Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is a prime example, a 19th-century engineering feat that allowed trains to cross the Allegheny Mountains. Another significant site is the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, which showcases the innovative system of inclined planes and railways that formed the first railroad to cross the mountains.

Yes, several spots are ideal for a break. 3 Ponds Park is a natural area with small ponds and trails, perfect for a picnic or a rest. Phoenix Park also offers excellent facilities, including shaded benches with great views of the rivers and cityscape, making it a good stop during a ride.

Beyond the major railroad sites, you can explore Fort Roberdeau, a recreated Revolutionary War fort offering a historical experience in a rural setting. Additionally, Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg provides insight into the region's history along the Pennsylvania Canal and Allegheny Portage Railroad, featuring recreations of locks and informative signage.

Yes, you can catch a minor league baseball game at Peoples Natural Gas Field, which is home to the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It offers a lively atmosphere with a unique backdrop of a rollercoaster beyond the outfield fence.