
History & Heritage

You can explore the history and heritage of Blair County as you watch the trains travel by at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, witness a Revolutionary War re-enactment at Fort Roberdeau Historic Site, or take a tour through one of our Historical Mansions. All offer a front row seat to the rich past of the area.
-
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
(814) 886-6150
110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, PA 16641Visitor center, exhibits, , trail, film, historic railroad remains, Lemon House & Staple Bend Tunnel. Site open yearround. Administered by the National Park Service.
-
Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area
(814) 940-1922
Allegheny Ridge Corporation, Altoona Heritage Discovery Center, 1421-27 12th Ave., PO Box 348, Altoona, PA 16603This Heritage & Recreation Corridor Features Historic Communities Including Altoona, Johnstown, Blairsville; Interpretive Sites - Hollidaysburg Canal Basin Park & Saltsburg Canal Park; & Recreation Opportunities Including, The Lower, The 6-10, The West Penn & The Roaring Run Trails & The Kiski-Conemaugh & Juniata River Water Trail Systems.
-
Baker Mansion
(814) 942-3916
3419 Oak Lane (Off of Logan Blvd.), Altoona, PA 166031849 Greek Revival Mansion. Originally home to Ironmaster Elias Baker & his family, Now home of the Blair County Historical Society. Period rooms & Historical Exhibits. Call to verify tour hours & special events.
-
Canal Basin Park
(814) 696-4601
101 Canal Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648This Historical PA Canal Basin Park features a custom designed play structure replicating a Sectional Canal Boat & a Visitors Center located in a restored house from the Victorian period known as the Reiser House. Park hours dawn to dusk. Admission is free.
-
Fort Roberdeau Historic Site
(814) 946-0048
383 Fort Roberdeau Road, Sinking Valley-Altoona , PA 16601Reconstructed 1778 Fort in 230-acre Blair County Park. Tours, exhibits, nature trails, picnic area, gift shop & innovative educational programs. Located off I-99 at the Bellwood Exit. Open May 1-October 31, Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm.
-
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
(814) 946-0834
Kittanning Point Road and Glenwhite Road, Altoona, PA 16601One of the World's most incredible engineering feats. Ride the funicular or walk 194 beautiful landscaped steps to the tracks to view the trains. On-site Visitors Center has interpretive displays & a gift shop filled with souvenirs.
-
Mishler Theatre
(814) 944-9434 , blrartsorg@aol.com
1208 12th Avenue , Altoona, PA 16601A 1906 Beaux-Arts Theatre listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mishler is the performance venue for regional arts organizations, including Allegheny Ballet Company, Altoona Community Theatre, & Altoona Symphony Orchestra, among others.
-
Old Bedford Village
(814) 623-1156
220 Sawblade Road, Bedford, PA 15522Cross the covered bridge into picture postcard Old Bedford Village where history comes alive. Reenactments, festivals, Murder Mystery evenings. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend 9am-5pm. Closed Wednesdays. Open Sept. to Oct. Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm. Directions: from I-99 take exit 1, from PA Turnpike, take exit 69.
-
Portage Station Museum
(814) 736-9223
400 Lee Street, Portage, PA 15946The Portage Station Museum is located in a restored 1926 PA railroad station with a viewing platform to the Mainline, an HO model train display & items of local interest. Home of the Portage Area Historical Society.
-
Royer Mansion
(814) 942-3916
3909 Piney Creek Road, Williamsburg, PA 16693Home of Ironmaster Samuel Royer & family. Built in 1815. Owned & operated by the Blair County Historical Society. Tours are available by appointment & during special events. Visit website for special events schedule.
-
The Everett Railroad Co.
(814) 696-3877
424 2nd Avenue, Duncansville, PA 16635All aboard the Everett Railroad! Scenic train excursions from Hollidaysburg - visit our website for schedule. Special events, holiday trains & fun for the whole family! Come ride the rails with us!