Altoona, Pennsylvania: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Altoona was once home to the largest railroad shop complex in the world, employing over 16,000 workers at its peak? This fascinating railroad heritage forms the backbone of Altoona’s identity today, offering visitors a unique glimpse into America’s industrial past alongside modern attractions and natural beauty in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Altoona is conveniently located in central Pennsylvania, making it accessible by various transportation methods. The closest airports to Altoona include:

• Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO) – 19 km (12 miles) north of downtown
• University Park Airport (SCE) – 69 km (43 miles) northeast
• John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST) – 58 km (36 miles) southwest

For those driving, Altoona is accessible via Interstate 99 and sits approximately 172 km (107 miles) west of Harrisburg and 150 km (93 miles) east of Pittsburgh.

Best Time to Visit Altoona & Weather Tips

Altoona experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different perspective on the city and surrounding Blair County.

Recommended Times to Visit:

• Late Spring (May-June): Comfortable temperatures between 15-26°C (59-79°F) with blooming landscapes make this an ideal time for outdoor activities.
• Summer (July-August): Peak tourist season with temperatures averaging 18-29°C (65-84°F). Perfect for enjoying Lakemont Park and outdoor festivals.
• Fall (September-October): Spectacular foliage transforms the Allegheny Mountains, with comfortable temperatures of 10-21°C (50-70°F).

Times to Avoid:

• Winter (December-February): Temperatures often drop below freezing, ranging from -7 to 3°C (19-37°F), with occasional snowstorms that can impact travel plans.
• Early Spring (March): Often muddy with unpredictable weather patterns as winter transitions to spring.

Getting Around Locally

Navigating Altoona and Blair County is relatively straightforward with several transportation options:

• AMTRAN Bus Service: Provides public transportation throughout Altoona with routes covering major attractions and neighborhoods.
• Rental Cars: The most flexible option for exploring both the city and surrounding areas like Horseshoe Curve and Canoe Creek State Park.
• Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate in Altoona, providing convenient point-to-point transportation.
• Walking: Downtown Altoona is fairly compact, making it walkable for exploring urban attractions.

Where to Stay

Altoona offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences:

Dining & Local Cuisine

Altoona’s dining scene offers a mix of Pennsylvania classics and unique local specialties:

Must-Try Local Foods:

• Altoona-Style Pizza: A unique local creation featuring yellow cheese on top, traditionally from the Altoona Hotel (now try it at 29th Street Pizza, Subs, and More).
• Italian Cuisine: Reflecting the city’s strong Italian heritage with authentic pasta dishes and homemade sauces.
• Pennsylvania Dutch Influences: Find regional specialties like scrapple, shoofly pie, and chicken pot pie at local diners.
• Craft Beer: Sample local brews at Railroad City Brewing Company and other craft breweries throughout Blair County.

From casual family restaurants to upscale dining options, Altoona offers something for every palate and budget. Many restaurants are concentrated downtown and along Pleasant Valley Boulevard.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Historic Railroad Attractions

Altoona’s railroad heritage offers fascinating glimpses into America’s industrial past:

• Horseshoe Curve: This engineering marvel, completed in 1854, allowed trains to cross the Allegheny Mountains. The visitor center and observation deck provide excellent views of trains navigating the famous curve.
• Railroaders Memorial Museum: Explore the history of railroading in Altoona through interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and restored railcars that showcase the industry’s impact on the region.
• Everett Railroad Company: Take a scenic train ride on historic equipment, including a 1920s steam engine, through the beautiful Blair County countryside.

Family Fun

• Lakemont Park: Home to Leap-the-Dips, the oldest still-running roller coaster in the world (dating to 1902), plus other rides and a waterpark.
• DelGrosso’s Park: A family-friendly amusement park with rides, attractions, and the Laguna Splash waterpark, famous for its Italian food.
• Urban Air Adventure Park: Indoor entertainment center with trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses for all ages.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Museums & Historic Sites

• Baker Mansion: Home to the Blair County Historical Society Museum, this 1849 Greek Revival mansion houses exhibits on local history and period furnishings.
• Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art: Features rotating exhibitions of local and national artists in downtown Altoona.
• Fort Roberdeau: A reconstructed Revolutionary War-era fort offering living history demonstrations and educational programs.

Annual Events & Festivals

• Altoona First Frontier Festival: Celebrates the region’s frontier heritage with demonstrations, music, and food (June).
• Blair County Arts Festival: Features local artists, craftspeople, and performers at Penn State Altoona (May).
• Lakemont Park’s Holiday Lights on the Lake: A drive-through light display during the winter holiday season.
• DelGrosso’s Italian Food & Heritage Festival: Celebrates Italian culture with authentic food, music, and activities (Labor Day weekend).

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Parks & Natural Areas

• Canoe Creek State Park: A 958-acre park featuring a 155-acre lake, hiking trails, fishing, and remnants of historic limestone kilns.
• Chimney Rocks Park: Offers dramatic views of Hollidaysburg from unique stone formations with hiking trails of varying difficulty.
• Tytoona Cave: A unique, self-guided cave exploration opportunity northeast of Altoona (bring proper equipment and lighting).

Sports & Recreation

• Altoona Curve Baseball: Catch a Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates game at Peoples Natural Gas Field, featuring one of baseball’s most unique backdrops—a rollercoaster beyond the outfield.
• Galactic Ice: Year-round ice skating and hockey at this indoor rink.
• Slingers Throw House: Try your hand at axe throwing in this unique entertainment venue.
• Hiking: Explore numerous trails throughout Blair County, including the Lower Trail along the Juniata River.

Explore Altoona, Pennsylvania and its surrounding attractions

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Altoona is generally a safe, friendly city with a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Weather Preparedness: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially when hiking or visiting outdoor attractions.
• Railroad Safety: When visiting railroad attractions, always follow posted safety guidelines and never trespass on active railroad property.
• Local Etiquette: Altoona residents are known for their friendliness and hospitality. A simple greeting goes a long way.
• Tipping: Standard American tipping customs apply—15-20% for restaurant service, $1-2 per bag for hotel porters, and 15% for taxi drivers.

Visitor Comments About Altoona

Practical Travel Tips

• Seasonal Planning: Check event calendars when planning your visit, as many attractions have seasonal operating hours.
• Transportation: While public transportation exists, having a car is recommended for exploring attractions outside the city center.
• Local Specialties: Don’t leave without trying Gardners Candies’ famous Peanut Butter Meltaways, available at their flagship store in nearby Tyrone.
• Train Spotting: The Horseshoe Curve is most active during daylight hours. Check with the visitor center for the best viewing times.
• Multi-Attraction Visits: Consider combining your Altoona trip with visits to nearby destinations like State College (home to Penn State University) or Raystown Lake.

Your Altoona Adventure Awaits

From its fascinating railroad heritage to its beautiful natural surroundings, Altoona offers a refreshing blend of history, outdoor recreation, and family fun that makes it a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking authentic American experiences. Whether you’re watching trains navigate the famous Horseshoe Curve, riding the world’s oldest roller coaster, or exploring the scenic Allegheny Mountains, Altoona’s unique attractions and warm hospitality will leave you with lasting memories of this charming Pennsylvania city.