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Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Pennsylvania businesspeople had a huge problem in the early 1800s. With the Erie Canal construction, many people stopped trading in the area because it took too long to get Pennsylvanian products to market. While some wanted to build a canal system, the Allegheny Mountains stood in the way. Early steam locomotives did not have the power to pull a loaded train over the mountain, and building a tunnel through it was considered too risky. The solution was to build incline train tracks that relied on cables to pull trains up and over the mountains, and you can see this major accomplishment today when you visit Allegheny Portage National Historic Site. 

Where to Stay

RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is a beautiful location to explore. You will want to soak in the peacefulness of the Allegheny Mountains, so bring your RV. If you do not have one, you can easily rent one from RVshare.

RV Rentals Near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Things to Do

Things To Do Near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

There are several historical buildings you will want to see when visiting Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Reproduction furniture is used in the Lemon House to showcase what this homestead might have looked like in 1840. Workers used stone from the original railroad to construct the Skew Arch Bridge. The Staple Bend Tunnel is the third tunnel built in the United States and the first one built for trains. There are many hiking trails you will want to explore and great places to ride your bike. 

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

You can easily reach Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Take US 22 to the Gallitzin. Follow the road towards Gallitzin until you get to Tunnelhill Street. Turn right, and the site will be on your left In about 0.5 miles. 

Address

110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, Pennsylvania 16641 

Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)

There is no entry fee.

The creative solution that businesspeople came up with to get their products up over the Allegheny Mountains in the 1800s is still visible today. Using a system of ropes and chains, they pulled steam locomotives and their loads over the mountain. Later, people living nearby embraced the same creative spirit and constructed the first railroad tunnel and the huge Horseshoe Curve. Learn more about the grit and determination exhibited by these early settlers by visiting Central Pennsylvania. Bring your RV so that you can explore all the area, which also includes excellent fishing, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities. If you do not have an RV, you can rent one on RVshare.com, where wonderful people share their travel trailers and RVs with you. You will love camping in the spacious campgrounds in this area.