Altoona Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Altoona, a charming city nestled in the heart of the Pennsylvania region in the United States, offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural experiences. With its rich heritage and picturesque landscapes, Altoona is a haven for those seeking an authentic and memorable travel experience.

History buffs will find themselves enchanted by the city's storied past. A visit to the Railroaders Memorial Museum is a must, where the fascinating exhibits showcase Altoona's pivotal role in the development of the railroad industry. Explore the exhibits that highlight the craftsmanship and innovation behind the construction of the famous Horseshoe Curve, a marvel of engineering that continues to captivate visitors to this day.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the stunning landscapes that surround Altoona. Journey to the nearby Canoe Creek State Park, where lush forests, tranquil lakes, and picturesque hiking trails await. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you spot a variety of wildlife, go fishing in the pristine waters, or simply relax amidst the serene surroundings.

For a taste of the city's vibrant cultural scene, head to downtown Altoona. Here, you'll find an array of charming boutiques, art galleries, and eclectic dining establishments. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets adorned with colorful murals, showcasing the city's commitment to creativity and community spirit. Indulge in the local cuisine, where you can savor mouthwatering dishes ranging from traditional American fare to globally-inspired culinary creations.

Sports enthusiasts will find themselves at home in Altoona, as the city is home to the Altoona Curve baseball team. Catch a thrilling game at the iconic Peoples Natural Gas Field, where the atmosphere is electric and the excitement is palpable.

Moreover, Altoona's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. Venture out to the picturesque countryside, where you can embark on scenic drives, visit charming small towns, or partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or kayaking.

Alternative names: Founded: 1849 (175 years ago)Population: 45.3 thous.Area: 9.79 mi²Elevation: 1168 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°29'37"N, 78°24'6"W

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PennsylvaniaUnited States

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Altoona Top Attractions

Altoona Attractions - What to See and Explore

Altoona offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Horseshoe Curve, Peoples Natural Gas Field, Railroaders Memorial Museum, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Horseshoe Curve
Horseshoe Curve
Nestled in the scenic ridges of Blair County, Pennsylvania, the Horseshoe Curve is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century railroad construction. Not merely a piece of track but a historic landmark, Horseshoe Curve was completed in 1854...
Arenas and stadiums • Baseball • Sport
Peoples Natural Gas Field
Peoples Natural Gas Field is a 7,210-seat baseball-only stadium in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that opened in 1999. It is the home ballpark of the Double-A Northeast Altoona Curve Minor League Baseball team.
Museum • History museum • Reportedly haunted
Railroaders Memorial Museum
The Railroaders Memorial Museum is a railroad museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The museum focuses on the history of railroad workers and railroad communities in central Pennsylvania, particularly Altoona, the Altoona Works, and the greater Pittsburgh area.

Church • Neo-renaissance architecture
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is a Roman Catholic cathedral located at One Cathedral Square in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It is within the boundaries of the Downtown Altoona Historic District, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Park • Theme park • Water park
Lakemont Park
Lakemont Park, located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, houses the world's oldest-surviving roller coaster, the Leap-The-Dips. On June 19, 1996, the roller coaster was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks by the National Park Service.
Museum • Park • History museum
Baker Mansion
The Baker Mansion is a historic home located at Altoona in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was built between 1844 and 1848, and is a three-story, dressed stone building in the Greek Revival style. The front facade is five bays wide and features six fluted Ionic order columns.
Synagogue • Columbia Park
Temple Beth Israel
Temple Beth Israel is a Reform synagogue located at 3004 Union Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It was found in 1874 as the Orthodox Ahavath Achim. The congregation moved to adopt Reform liturgy in 1877. In 1890 the congregation reorganized and was renamed Mountain City Hebrew Reformed Congregation.
40°30'30"N • 78°24'27"W
Quaint Corner Children's Museum
Museum • Children's museum
Museum
Fort Roberdeau
Fort Roberdeau, also known as The Lead Mine Fort, is a historic fort located in Tyrone Township outside Altoona, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1778, during the American Revolution and was occupied until 1780.
Neighbourhood • Logantown
Downtown Altoona Historic District
Downtown Altoona Historic District is a national historic district located at Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania. The district includes 240 contributing buildings in the central business district and surrounding residential areas of Altoona.
Museum • Art museum
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is an art museum with five locations in southwestern Pennsylvania in the United States. It is headquartered at Saint Francis University in Loretto, where it was founded in 1976.
Concerts and shows • Reportedly haunted • Theater
Mishler Theatre
The Mishler Theatre is a Beaux-Arts stage and movie theater located at 1208 Twelfth Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
40°31'1"N • 78°24'9"W
Penn Alto Building
The Penn Alto Building is a landmark building located in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States. The building is nine stories high and has a partial tenth floor penthouse. The name of the building remains the same, even though its usage has changed over time.
Church • Downtown Altoona
Altoona Alliance Church
Altoona Alliance Church is a mid-sized church associated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance located in Altoona, Pennsylvania Founded in 1891 by Rev. Frederick Senft, who would one day go on to become president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Romanesque architecture • Downtown Altoona
Central Trust Company Buildings
Central Trust Company Buildings are two historic commercial buildings located at Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania. They are two five-story buildings connected by a stair and elevator tower. The buildings measure 130 by 120 feet.
40°29'32"N • 78°24'26"W
Allegheny Furnace
Allegheny Furnace is a historic iron furnace located at Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania, USA. The furnace was built in 1811, with alterations and additions built in 1847 and 1852. The furnace went out of blast in 1817 and was not revived until 1835. It used charcoal as fuel until it was converted to coke in the 1860s.
Temple • Entertainment • Sport
Jaffa Shrine
The Jaffa Shrine Center is a 3,200-seat multipurpose arena located in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania. The current Shrine Center, headquarters to the Jaffa Shriners, was built in 1930, opening on September 25 of that year. It was the largest convention center in Blair County until the Blair County Convention Center was built.
Neighbourhood • Italianate architecture • Colonial revival architecture
Broad Avenue Historic District
Broad Avenue Historic District is a national historic district located at Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania. The district includes 140 contributing buildings in a residential area of Altoona.

Day trips

Altoona – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Altoona, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Beaver Stadium (State College), Penn's Cave (Centre Hall), Bryce Jordan Center (State College).

36 milesNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Beaver Stadium, State College
Beaver Stadium is an outdoor college football stadium in the eastern United States, located on the campus of Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.
49 milesNE
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Penn's Cave, Centre Hall
Penn's Cave House is a historic structure, once used as a hotel from 1885 until 1919. It is located on the property of Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park at Gregg Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania.
36 milesNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Bryce Jordan Center, State College
The Bryce Jordan Center is a 15,261-seat multi-purpose arena in University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, on the University Park campus of the Pennsylvania State University.
36 milesNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Pegula Ice Arena, State College
The Pegula Ice Arena is a 6,014-seat multi-purpose arena in University Park, Pennsylvania on the campus of Penn State University. The facility is located on the corner of Curtin Road and University Drive near the Bryce Jordan Center.
30 milesSW
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport
Cambria County War Memorial Arena, Johnstown
The Cambria County War Memorial Arena is a 4,001-seat multi-purpose arena in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, that is managed by SMG Entertainment. It was built in 1950, for the Johnstown Jets of the Eastern Hockey League. The arena was built on the site of the Union Cemetery, Johnstown's first cemetery.