We’ve always loved Altoona. Nicknamed “Railroad City” for its importance in the rapid growth of the US railroad industry of the 1800s and 1900s, Altoona still has plenty to explore and enjoy for railfans (including people like us).
Even better, Altoona is just a quick drive down the highway from our home base (and rooms) in Cresson, PA. That means we’ve had the privilege of becoming familiar with everything Altoona has to offer!
Table of Contents
10 Best Things to Do In Altoona, PA
1. The Horseshoe Curve
2. Railroaders Memorial Museum
3. Boyer Candy Factory Outlet
4. Castle Halloween Museum
5. Altoona Community Theatre
6. Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
7. Oak Spring Winery
8. Fort Roberdeau
9. The Lower Trail
10. Lakemont Park
Find Seasonal Events In Altoona, PA
Where to Stay Near Altoona, PA
10 Best Things to Do In Altoona, PA
Here are some of the wonderful places we frequently recommend to our guests (and don’t forget to check out our Explore the Area page for more ideas):
1. The Horseshoe Curve
We couldn’t compile a list of our favorite spots in Altoona without starting with two of our favorite places in the world. First up: The Horseshoe Curve.
The Horseshoe Curve is a world-famous engineering marvel that’s doubled as a tourist attraction for almost its entire 170-year history. The Curve has been so critical to American transportation and history, it was even the focal point of a thwarted Nazi attack during WWII.
Today, The Horseshoe Curve remains an important economic and cultural touchstone, and it’s one of the most picturesque stopping points for railfans and train photographers. After all, it overlooks three different tracks simultaneously!
Tip: Check out our Railroad page for more insights and information about local railroading attractions.
Address: 2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-946-0834
Website: https://www.railroadcity.org/horseshoecurve
2. Railroaders Memorial Museum
The Railroaders Memorial Museum was founded in 1980 to honor the railroaders of the 19th century who founded the city in 1846. Thanks to the robust local railroad industry, Altoona’s population expanded by about 1,000 people per year between 1860 and 1930, when it peaked at around 82,000 people.
Altoona was built on the railroad’s success. And although the industry has died down in recent years, you can still feel the region’s passion for it. A great example: Its minor league baseball team (the Altoona Curve) is named after The Horseshoe Curve.
By visiting the Railroaders Memorial Museum, you’ll discover life-size dioramas of railroad workers, artifacts from years past, and immersive displays that celebrate the once-great engineering feats that powered the city.
Address: 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
Phone: 814-946-0834
Website: https://www.railroadcity.org/
3. Boyer Candy Factory Outlet
Have a sweet tooth? The Boyer Candy Factory Outlet can help you solve that!
If you’ve spent any time driving the highways through central Pennsylvania, you’ve likely seen countless billboards for Mallo Cup. This is where those signs are encouraging you to visit!
At the Boyer Candy Factory Outlet, you can buy bulk boxes of Mallo Cup (sweet milk chocolate bites with a whipped creme center), Clark Cups (chocolate peanut butter cups with a Clark bar crunch), and much, much more.
This is a great pit stop to stock up for snacks on long hikes, drives, or simply a day of railroad photography.
Address: 821 17th St, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-944-9401
Website: http://www.boyercandies.com/
4. Castle Halloween Museum
Check out any comprehensive list of Pennsylvania oddities, and you’ll stumble across Altoona’s Castle Halloween Museum—which is exactly what you’re picturing. Housed inside an enormous brick Victorian mansion, this museum is dedicated to halloween memorabilia from years past.
Take note: Tours are by appointment only, so call ahead before stopping in.
Address: 2028 Broad Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-940-1031
5. Altoona Community Theatre
Watch the arts come alive at the Altoona Community Theatre, a nonprofit organization that focuses on shows that are equally entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
The Altoona Community Theatre is housed in the beautiful (and historic) Mishler Theatre, which first opened in 1906 and is now owned and operated by the Blair County Arts Foundation.
If you’re in town, take a look at the Altoona Community Theatre calendar. Maybe you can catch a show!
Address: 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-943-4357
Website: https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/
6. Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
Believe it or not, the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art has four free admission locations in central PA, with branches in Altoona, Bedford, Johnstown, and Ligonier.
The Altoona location highlights local and national artists, especially painters and photographers who celebrated the local railroad industry. You’ll also find unique, ever-evolving installations in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery and the Paul I. Detwiler Education Center.
And be sure to check their workshop schedule! They often offer fun, educational, hands-on workshops that are appropriate for both children and adults.
Address: 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-946-4464
Website: https://www.sama-art.org/altoona
7. Oak Spring Winery
Sip your way through the flavors of Altoona at the Oak Spring Winery, where their delicate, award-winning wines are made from their local vineyard.
And don’t be surprised by their unique wines! Here, you’ll find a variety of fun, seasonal flavors, like their pumpkin spice wine, pear wine, and peach wine.
With so many different flavors available, this is a fun destination even for those who don’t traditionally enjoy sipping a glass of wine.
Address: 2401 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-946-3799
Website: https://www.oswineryaltoona.com/
8. Fort Roberdeau
Fort Roberdeau was originally constructed during the Revolutionary War in 1778. Today, it’s an opportunity to see how people lived 250 years ago—complete with actors, period costumes, and educational events.
When you’re done taking in the historical side of Fort Roberdeau, stick around for the natural elements; Fort Roberdeau is also home to hiking trails, plenty of picnic tables, and even geocaching.
Address: 383 Fort Roberdeau Rd, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-946-0048
Website: http://www.fortroberdeau.org/
9. The Lower Trail
If you love the outdoors, you’ll love the Lower Trail. Once part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal in the 1800s (which the Horseshoe Curve helped replace), the Lower Trail is now a 17-mile pathway of nearly level surface ideal for biking, jogging, hiking, and bird watching.
Visit their website to find the trailhead closest to you.
Phone: 814-832-2400
Website: https://transalleghenytrails.com/our-trails/lower-trail/
10. Lakemont Park
With its history stretching back to 1894 (when it was a trolley park), Lakemont Park is the country’s 8th oldest amusement park! While Lakemont Park is no Hershey Park (in Hershey, PA) or Kennywood (in Pittsburgh), it is a family-fun environment with a number of great attractions.
Here, you’ll find two roller coasters, go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, antique cars, basketball courts, and much, much more. Oh, and here’s the best part: It’s free admission! Walk right in, see what appeals to you, and then have some fun!
Address: 700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
Phone: 814-949-7275
Website: https://lakemontparkfun.com/
Find Seasonal Events in Altoona, PA
Explore Altoona maintains an ever-changing list of exciting upcoming events. Whether it’s the ArtsAltoona Christkindl Market during the holiday season or the ever-popular Jaffa Shrine Craft Show, Explore Altoona will keep you abreast of what’s happening in town.
Where to Stay Near Altoona, PA
As one of the 10 biggest cities in Pennsylvania (and certainly the biggest in central PA), you’ll find plenty of hotel options surrounding Altoona.
But our favorite is a no-brainer: The Station Inn! Located only 20 minutes outside of downtown Altoona, The Station Inn offers a quaint, friendly, railroad-themed atmosphere that’s as charming as it is hospitable.
Although we were founded on a love for central Pennsylvania’s once-bustling railroad industry, we’ve continued to cater to railfans and passersby alike, becoming a home away from home for families from all over the country.
Come see what makes us so special! Book your room today in preparation for your next trip to Altoona!