Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

National Historic Site · PA · nps.gov page

Engine House and tavern
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House at the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.Photo: NPS

The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

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News

  • Two railroad tunnels
    Evening on the Summit: Gallitzin Tunnels

    Join Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for an Evening on the Summit program about the Gallitzin Tunnels. The presentation takes place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the visitor center auditorium and is free of charge.

Photos

Engine house
Engine House 6 Exhibit ShelterPhoto: NPS
Lemon House
The Lemon House was a stop for Allegheny Portage Railroad travelers on the summit.Photo: NPS Photo
Stone building
The Summit Level Visitor Center contains exhibits, restrooms, park movie and bookstore.Photo: NPS
Tunnel
The Staple Bend Tunnel sat at the top of inclined plane 1, just a few miles from Johnstown. The Staple Bend Tunnel can be accessed by hiking or biking approximately 2 miles from the trailheadPhoto: NPS
Bridge
Skew Arch BridgePhoto: NPS
Bookstore
The Visitor Center bookstore offers a variety of items for sale.Photo: NPS
Theater
The theater features a 20 minute park movie.Photo: NPS
Barrel
Barrels and crates in the Visitor Center show items that traveled on the Main Line Canal.Photo: NPS

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.