In the early 1850s, the massive front of the Allegheny Mountains slowed the westward advance. To overcome this obstacle, the Pennsylvania Railroad built the Horseshoe Curve — one of the eight world engineering marvels. The now-iconic railroad link opened on February 15, 1854. Over the next 150 years, the landmark became a tourist destination, a target for Nazi saboteurs, and is still a primary east-west railroad artery.
Choices
Visitors can purchase combo admission tickets, granting them access to the Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Memorial Museum in downtown Altoona. Located at 1200 9th Avenue, the Railroaders Memorial Museum offers interactive displays that include an array of artifacts, immersive environments, and life-size tableaus. Films present the colorful context of the people and lifestyles that composed Railroad City. Combo tickets can be purchased at either attraction or online.
When to go
The Horseshoe Curve is open between April and December. Witnessing the vibrant fall foliage, progressing throughout October, is recommended. Traffic on Norfolk Southern’s mainline tends to build as the week progresses, with more trains passing on Friday and Saturday. The Railroaders Memorial Museum is open all year round with limited winter hours. Please check the website for the current schedule.
Good to know
Horseshoe Curve has a visitor center and an exhibit area. Both sites also have a museum store that carries an assortment of railfan merchandise and gifts. There is an online store where similar goods can be purchased.
Worth doing
Visitors can travel to the nearby Allegheny Portage Railroad for additional context about early Pennsylvania transportation. This national historic site highlights the canal system that opened in 1834, marking the first, direct route connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Don’t miss
Twilight at the Curve — special Saturdays when the park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check the website for additional special events.
Getting there
You can visit both Horseshoe Curve and Railroaders Memorial Museum in one day. They are six miles apart. Altoona is on Interstate 99, 33 miles north of I-70/76. Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian stops daily in Altoona.
Location: 2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona, PA
Phone: 814-946-0834
Website: railroadcity.org/curve
E-mail: info@railroadcity.org
