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Engine House and tavern

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

warningPark Closure1 warning calendar_monthMay–Jun, Sep–Octbest time schedule1 dayplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_numberFreeentry
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic SiteYour own route Plan a trip here →
Park Closure Staple Bend Tunnel Closure

Due to a rockfall, the interior of the Staple Bend Tunnel is closed. The trail is still open. From the Mineral Point Trailhead, visitors can bypass the tunnel, via a path around the right side of the tunnel structure.

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site commemorates the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains. This site played a crucial role in connecting the eastern United States with the western frontier during the 19th century, facilitating trade and travel.

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Visitors come to explore the remnants of this engineering marvel, including the historic engine house and the inclined planes. The site offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by early railroad builders and the impact of this transportation route on American history.

In pictures

Engine house
Engine house

Things to do

Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tours

Please check back for 2026 van tour dates!

Summer Programs

Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings throughout the summer season.

Evening on the Summit

Attend an Evening on the Summit program select Tuesday evenings during the summer months.

Guided Hikes

Heritage Hikes are led by a park ranger during the summer months. The distance varies by hike. Reservations ar...

Living History Day
Summer

Living History Day is an annual event at the park!

Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter
Winter/Spring

Visitors to Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter can view full scale models of the mechanisms that would have origin...

Lemon House
Winter/Spring

The Lemon House tavern, built by Sam and Jean Lemon in the early 1830s, was a stop along the Allegheny Portage...

Explore the Summit Level Visitor Center
Winter/Spring

The Visitor Center has exhibits and a 20-minute park movie that is shown upon request. The Allegheny Portage R...

Participate in the Junior Ranger program!
Winter/Spring

The Junior Ranger program is available in the Visitor Center. Ask the Ranger on duty for a booklet. The number...

Hike or bike to the Staple Bend Tunnel

The Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America, can be accessed from the trailhead on Beech Hill...

Hike the Inclines 6 to 10 Trail

The Inclines 6 to 10 Trail follows the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The hiking sections of the tra...

Summit Level Visitor Center bookstore
Winter/Spring

The bookstore at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is operated by America's National Parks and...

Practical

At a glance

Opened
1834
Open
Daily Sunrise to Sunset
Accessibility
partially accessible, some areas have steep paths
Address
110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, PA 16641
Opening hours
Daily Sunrise to Sunset
Phone
8148866150
Price
Free
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Parking is limited, arrive early for best spots.
The visitor center has exhibits and restrooms, open seasonally.
Dress for outdoor walking, trails can be uneven.
Check for guided tour availability, especially in peak season.

Photo: NPS