All Aboard for the Altoona Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve

All Aboard!  Whether you are a train enthusiast, history buff, or adore antiques, the Altoona Railroaders Museum is the place to be.  We arrive at the Railroaders Museum and purchase a combo ticket (a wristband) for the Museum and Horseshoe Curve.            

Depending on your interest in the exhibits, and if you watch one or both of the films (19 and 21 minutes long), the average time spent at the Railroaders Museum Visitor Center is about 1.5 hours.  We were here longer because my hubby (a train enthusiast) had a lengthy conversation with the museum’s Curator. 

According to Wikipedia, “The Museum is dedicated to revealing, interpreting, commemorating and celebrating the significant contributions of railroaders and their families to American life and industry. The museum also operates the visitor center at Horseshoe Curve National Historic Site.”

Visitor Center

Railroad Car near Visitor Center Entrance

Clock near Visitor Center

On the main floor is the theater where two different movies are shown hourly.  One can be seen at 20 minutes past the hour and the other at 45 minutes past the hour.   We watch the movie about life in Altoona (thru the 1940's).  

The Museum has three floors with exhibits.  The Visitor Center enhances our time here with sounds of trains and the voices of those working on the railroad.  For me, one of the most interesting pieces of information I read was about a Nazi plot to sabotage Horseshoe Curve. We'll go there later but for now, we continue our tour of the Visitor Center.

We wander through the various displays that include a model train village, test & research exhibits, and stories about Altoona’s history.

Flagging the Train

Railroad Life

Testing & Research Exhibit

There is more to see than the Visitor Center.  The Harry Bennett Memorial Roundhouse honors the man who worked here from 1889 to 1921 with the last 20 years serving as master mechanic. The roundhouse provides a place for maintenance and secure storage bays for their collection of rolling stock.  

Roundhouse

Collection of Trains

Next to the Roundhouse is the working 105-foot turntable and a large collection of rolling stock. 

Turntable

Turntable

Another View of Grounds

While we are walking around the Museum grounds, we hear a train whistle (not a surprise).  We hurry over to the closest observation platform (outside the Museum property) but by the time we get there the last car is passing by us. 

We leave this deck and continue walking when we hear another train whistle.   This time we go to a different spot - it has a pedestrian bridge that goes over the railroad tracks. 

Pedestrian Walkway

On the Pedestrian Walkway

View from Pedestrian Walkway

We spend some time here watching the trains.  This train is about 150 cars long which equates to about 1.5 miles in length. 

A block from here trains begin the descent from/ascent to Horseshoe Curve depending on the direction the train is heading.  This train is heading uphill toward Horseshoe Curve.  This is a good time for us to drive to Horseshoe Curve which is a few miles west of the Visitor Center.

Train Heading for Horseshoe Curve

According to Wikipedia, “Horseshoe Curve was completed in 1854 as a way to lessen the grade to the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. It eventually replaced the time-consuming Allegheny Portage Railroad, the only other route across the mountains for large vehicles.  .The three-track curve is about 2,375 feet long and descends from an approximate elevation of 1,640 feet on the southern side to 1,600 feet on the northern.”  Horseshoe Curve was designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 13, 1966. 

Entrance Sign

We show our wristband to the staff person in the Gift Shop and enter the grounds.  There are two ways to reach the top at Horseshoe Curve.  One would be to climb the 194 steps–it’s good exercise and the only way up if the Funicular isn’t operating.

Stairs to Top

We are taking the second option – the 288’ Funicular (referring to how the system works).  The term "Funicular” is influenced by the French word meaning “used for a type of railway that is dependent upon cables (or on "cords under tension").”  Two small cars (one at the top of the hill and one at the bottom) travel up/down the slope meeting each other at the halfway mark where the tracks briefly separate. 

Incline Tracks to Top

Riding the Funicular

The Funicular runs every 30 minutes.  We gather our things (picnic lunch and an extra layer/jacket) and board the Funicular.  At the top, the grassy expanse has a long black fence along the edge to keep eager viewers a safe distance from the trains. 

At the Top

Fence-Lined Pathway at Top

There are a number of picnic tables offering a scenic place to eat lunch or have a snack but there aren't any restrooms up here (they are down by the Visitor Center).   While we wait between trains, we sit at one of the tables and eat our sub sandwiches and chips.  We are glad we brought an extra layer to wear because it is breezy up here.

One of the Picnic Tables at the Top

We stay at the top for an hour.  During that time we see three long trains pass by us.  On the average there are about 65 trains per day using these tracks.  

Long Trains

We ride the Funicular back to the Visitor Center.   It’s nearing closing time for the Visitor Center.  We look at the exhibits and watch a little of the movie showing in the theater. 

If you enjoy trains, I invite you to view my blog posts on other historic train sites/museums by clicking on the following links:      

Choo-Choose Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS

There are picnic tables at the Railroaders Museum and at the top of the hill at the Horseshoe Curve.  During our visit, the Subway near the Railroaders Museum was offering a 25% discount if you showed your ticket to the Railroaders Museum. 

Altoona (population 40,796 in 2013) has a wide variety of lodging and dining options.  Discount hotel coupon books are available at most Interstate rest areas.

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current review on dining and lodging options.  

LOCATION/CONTACT INFORMATION:  Altoona Railroaders Museum, 1300 9th Avenue, Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania (USA)

Telephone:   (814) 946-0834

Horseshoe Curve – GPS Address: 1500 Glenn White Road, Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania (USA)

Telephone:  (814) 941-7743

HOURS/FEES:  The Railroaders Museum is closed during the winter season.  Other times of the year, the Museum hours vary.  Generally, it is open daily from May through October.  The HorseshoeCurve Visitor Center is open April to October.  The facility may be closed due to weather conditions.  

Same day combo tickets (Railroaders Museum and Horseshoe Curve) cost $9-$11 per person (children under the age of 2 are admitted for free).  The entrance fee for Horseshoe Curve only is $8 per person (children under the age of 2 are admitted for free). 

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Altoona Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve, click on the “Plan Your Visit” link below: 

Plan Your visit - Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve