Things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Altoona was founded in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad specifically as a location for locomotive shops, rather than evolving from an earlier settlement.
- The city's topography was so challenging that the Horseshoe Curve was built as a creative solution to maintain a manageable grade for steam engines climbing the mountains.
- Altoona is home to the Altoona Curve, a Minor League Baseball team whose identity is a direct tribute to the city's iconic railroad engineering feature.
- During the peak of the steam era, the Altoona Works were the largest railroad repair and construction facilities in the world.
About Altoona, Pennsylvania
Altoona is a Pennsylvania rail hub defined by its steep mountain terrain and profound industrial legacy. The city remains globally significant for the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, an engineering feat designed to conquer the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can explore the region's mechanical soul at the Railroaders Memorial Museum or appreciate regional culture at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. The urban landscape also features the historic architecture of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, serving as a reminder of the area’s 19th-century growth.
Highlights of Altoona, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Observe modern freight trains navigating a massive curved rail incline that remains a marvel of 19th-century civil engineering.
Museums
Examine the lives of the workers and the machinery that sustained the massive Pennsylvania Railroad industrial complex.
Temples
Admire the intricate stained glass and Romanesque architecture of this prominent downtown house of worship.
Amusement parks
Experience family-oriented recreation at an amusement park that has served the region for over a century.
Historical places
Discover the well-preserved 19th-century commercial and residential buildings located in the neighboring historic borough of Hollidaysburg.
Museums
View rotating collections of fine art housed within a regional institution dedicated to promoting local and national creative talent.
Venues
Catch a professional Minor League Baseball game at a stadium specifically designed to mimic the local rail theme.
Top things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania
The 45 highest-rated places in Altoona, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
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Amusement parks
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park is a family-owned destination in Tipton, Pennsylvania, known for...
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Beaches and ponds
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Altoona, Pennsylvania on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Altoona, Pennsylvania
Late spring through early autumn, as the Allegheny Mountains offer favorable outdoor conditions and the foliage provides significant scenery.
2 days, allowing sufficient time to tour the railroad heritage sites and local historic districts.
A rental car is highly recommended for navigating the hilly terrain and reaching historical sites spread across the surrounding mountain landscape.
Staying near the downtown area provides proximity to local museums, while the nearby borough of Hollidaysburg offers a quieter, historic atmosphere.
Altoona is considered a budget-to-mid-range destination with affordable dining and modest lodging options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 45 curated attractions in and around Altoona, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Altoona, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 12 places to explore.
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