Visiting The Horseshoe Curve Near Altoona PA

Philadelphia, PA - Exploring the Horseshoe Curve Near the center of Altoona is a must-do activity if you are a train enthusiast. The park tucked away in the curve bowl is popular for train fans. The park includes picnic tables and a historic guard shack open year-round. If you're visiting Altoona with children, you can also visit the Railroaders Memorial Museum, which tells the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

A Journey Through History: Exploring the Horseshoe Curve Near Altoona

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania, the Horseshoe Curve is a breathtaking testament to 19th-century engineering and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in railroad history. This famous three-track railroad curve, located just a few miles west of Altoona, is a National Historic Landmark that has played a vital role in American transportation for over 170 years. A visit here offers not only incredible views of passing trains but also a deep dive into the region's rich industrial heritage.

An Engineering Marvel of the World:

Constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and completed in 1854, the Horseshoe Curve was the solution to a massive challenge: how to get trains over the steep Allegheny Mountains.

• The Construction: Over three years, a workforce of approximately 400 laborers, many of them Irish immigrants, used little more than picks, shovels, and blasting powder to carve the curve into the side of the mountain.
• The Impact: The completion of the curve was a game-changer, significantly reducing travel time between the East Coast and the Midwest. It established the PRR as the primary east-west rail route in the United States and was so crucial that it was once recognized as one of the "Eight Engineering Wonders of the World."
• World War II Significance: The curve's strategic importance was so great that it was guarded by the military during World War II and was even the target of a failed sabotage plot by Nazi spies in 1942.

The Visitor Experience:

Today, the Horseshoe Curve is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can witness the marvel of modern railroading.

• The Funicular: After purchasing a ticket at the visitor center, you can take a ride on the one-of-a-kind, single-track funicular, an inclined plane railway that ascends the mountainside to the track level.
• The Viewing Area: At the top, a beautiful park and viewing area puts you right in the center of the curve. It's a fantastic spot for train watching, as dozens of Norfolk Southern freight trains thunder through daily, often with multiple engines and over 100 cars.
• The Steps: For a more active experience, you can also climb the 194 landscaped steps that lead from the visitor center to the tracks.

Completing Your Railroad Adventure:

The Horseshoe Curve is just one part of the region's incredible railroad history. To get the full experience, be sure to visit these nearby attractions:

• The Railroaders Memorial Museum (Altoona): Located in the historic Mechanics Building of the Pennsylvania Railroad, this excellent museum tells the story of the thousands of railroad workers and their families who built and maintained the railroad. A combination ticket for both the museum and the Horseshoe Curve is available.
• The Everett Railroad Company (Hollidaysburg): Just a few miles south of Altoona, the Everett Railroad offers themed and scenic tourist train rides on a historic steam locomotive, providing a fun and interactive way to experience the golden age of rail travel.

A visit to the Horseshoe Curve is a journey into the heart of America's industrial and transportation history. The awe-inspiring sight of a massive freight train navigating the steep mountain grade, combined with the rich history of the site and the nearby museums, makes the Altoona area an essential destination for railroad enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

Sources:

• The Railroaders Memorial Museum & Horseshoe Curve (Official Website)
• National Park Service (National Historic Landmark Program)
• The Everett Railroad Company Official Website
• Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC)
• Visit Altoona (Official Tourism Website)
• Historical accounts of the Pennsylvania Railroad

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