Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site - Facilities

Location

Directions From Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS Take US-22 West Go approximately 17.5 miles Take the PA-271 exit toward Mundy’s Corner/Nanty Glo Keep right at the fork in the ramp and merge onto PA-271 South Go approximately 5 miles and turn left onto Mineral Point Road (PA-3030) Go approximately 2 miles and make right on Beech Hill Road and proceed over bridge Go through railroad underpass; parking lot for Staple Bend Tunnel will be located on the right. From Johnstown Flood National Memorial Take US-219 North Take the PA-53 North exit toward South Fork/Portage Turn right onto PA-53 Go approximately 1 mile to Summerhill Turn left onto Main Street and cross bridge Turn right onto Madison Street Turn left onto Jackson Street Go approximately one mile and bear left at the fork onto Mineral Point Road (PA-3030) Use caution steep hills ahead Go approximately 3.5 miles and turn left onto Beech hill Road and proceed over bridge Go through railroad underpass; parking lot for Staple Bend Tunnel will be located on the right For more information about the tunnel please call the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Visitor Center at (814) 886-6150.

Available Facilities
You can walk or ride a bicycle the two miles one-way from the parking area to the east tunnel entrance. Interpretive exhibits along the Portage Railroad historic trace and at the tunnel entrances tell the story of the tunnel and the Portage Railroad. The tunnel is open to the public but flashlights are recommend to better view the tunnel. The tunnel parking area is located just across the Little Conemaugh River from the town of Mineral Point.


MUSEUMS

Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter

Open All Year 

Location
In the historic area of the park. 50 meters from the Lemon House.

Closures
January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25.

Exhibits
The Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter was built to preserve the remains of the original building at the head of Inclined Plane 6. A full-scale model of a stationary steam engine can be viewed from a wheelchair-accessible catwalk. This building also contains interactive exhibits on the railroad"s technology.

Lemon House

Open All Year

Phone
814-886-6150

Location
Located in the historic area approximatley 200 meters from the Summit Level Visitor Center

Closures
January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25.

Exhibits
The Lemon House was a tavern located adjacent to the railroad and was a common rest and dining stop for railroad passengers. This historic tavern"s first floor has been restored to 1840 using both reproduction and period furnishings. Park visitors are able to learn more about the social and economic aspects of the railroad in the furnished tavern"s bar room, dining room, parlor, and exhibit area.


VISITOR CENTERS

Summit Level Visitor Center

Open All Year

Phone
814-886-6150

Location
Near Main Park Entrance off U.S. 22 approximately 12 miles west of Altoona and 10 miles east of Ebensburg. Take the Gallitzin Exit and follow the signs.

Closures
January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day, December 25.

Special Programs
The visitor center includes a 60-seat auditorium where 20-minute orientation film is shown.

Exhibits
The Summit Level Visitor Center contains artifacts, exhibits, and models that help tell the story of the railroad. A full-scale model of the Lafayette, a locomotive used on the Portage Railroad, is a featured attraction.

Available Facilities
A book sales area, restrooms, pay phone, and water fountain are also available at the visitor center.