In 1849, while building a line between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Railroad erected the town of Altoona for train repair shops. By 1945, this small town tucked away in the forest-covered hills of the Allegheny Mountains housed the largest rail shop complex in the world. As a place literally built by the railroad industry, Altoona continues to celebrate its historic past through such attractions as the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, where visitors see short films, rare photographs and interactive exhibits that allow them to serve as train brakemen and engineers. Although Altoona only has one functioning train ride excursion, you’ll find an assortment of railroad tours throughout the surrounding region.
Get an up-close view of Altoona’s famed Horseshoe Curve, an engineering marvel originally built in 1854 that allowed Pennsylvania Railroad to ascend the Allegheny Mountains. The gradual yet dramatic 220-degree curve measures 2375 feet and climbs 122 feet. The still-functioning tracks are accessible via an inclined funicular from the visitor center. The town of Bellefonte, less than an hour north of Altoona, is home to Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society. Twice a year, the group hosts train tours upon restored passenger cars from the 1920s and 1940s on Halloween and Christmas-themed excursions. The fall ride provides views of colorful foliage as the train travels along sleepy Spring Creek and through the lush Bald Eagle Valley, while the December journey includes Christmas carols and stories upon the historic cars.
Make your way to Schenley, an hour and 45 minutes west of Altoona, and take a ride upon the Kiski Junction Railroad. The still-operational freight line hosts scenic trips for the public from June through October, as well as a Christmas-themed event in December. Enjoy a one-hour excursion from Schenley to Johnetta through lush forests and along the Kiski and Allegheny rivers. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board and all of the cars have tables if you want to bring your own picnic. Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad is two hours and 45 minutes northwest of Altoona. Departing from a restored 1892 station in Titusville, you’ll embark on a three-hour ride through Pennsylvania’s oil fields, with a stop at Oil Creek State Park. The park has bikes available for rent and the train can transport canoes if you want to row down Oil Creek. The rail line also hosts specialty excursions, including murder mystery dinner rides and a Peter Cottontail-themed adventure at Easter. Special events aside, train rides run on weekends from June through October, as well as on a handful of weekdays.
An hour southeast of Altoona is the Rockhill Trolley Museum, a venue that explores the world of electric trolleys. Watch as workers restore cars in repair shops or enjoy a ride upon one of the numerous operational trolleys. Ride the rails through the small town of Rockhill as the cling and clang of the trolley bell rings out. The museum offers scenic excursions on the weekends from Memorial Day through October. Two hours and 15 minutes southeast of Altoona is the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad in the city of Middletown. Take a 10-mile, one-hour train ride via the 1891 Milk and Honey Line upon 1920s-era Delaware, Lackawanna and Western coaches. Engage in family-friendly singalongs or listen to the narrated tour as it relays tales of the region. Prepared lunches can be enjoyed on the train if ordered 24 hours in advance. The excursions run from Memorial Day Weekend through late October. The line also hosts special events throughout the year, including ice cream socials and Civil War reenactments.
Tioga Central Railroad in Wellsboro is two hours and 15 minutes northeast of Altoona. The line provides an assortment of excursions via its collection of vintage 1940s and 1950s train cars, including its standard 24-mile, 90-minute trip to Hammond Lake. Take in the views of the lush countryside from the observation deck or indulge in a gourmet brunch, lunch or dinner from the elegant dining car. Additional tours include a family-friendly ice cream social or a rustic adventure from inside a caboose car. Step back in time with a visit to Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train in Ashland, two hours and 30 minutes northeast of Altoona. Take a ride inside Pioneer Tunnel, a coal mine that ceased operation in 1931, via a small steam locomotive hooked up to refurbished open mine cars. The 35-minute guided tour explains the mining process as you travel 1,800 feet into Mahanoy Mountain where temperatures average about 52 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a 30-minute train ride that runs along the outside of the mountain, where you can catch views of an underground mine fire that’s been burning since 1962.
