20 Things To Do In Altoona

Altoona is a charming city in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. Known for its rich railroad history and scenic beauty, it offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there are many things to do in Altoona.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a thrill seeker, you’re sure to find something that interests you in this list. From riding a historic train to So pack your bags and get ready to experience all Altoona has to offer.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

20 Things To Do In Altoona

1- Ride The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum Train

Taking a ride on the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum Train is a unique and exciting way to experience the history of railroading on a vintage diesel locomotive and passenger car along the scenic tracks of the Allegheny Mountains.

It’s operated by the museum and departs from the historic Altoona Train Station.

The train ride is a great way to experience the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains and learn about the history of railroading in the region.

It’s also a great way to experience the museum in a different way and enjoy the fresh air and nature.

Check the schedule and book your tickets in advance, as the schedule changes seasonally and the train has limited capacity.

Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum is at 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA.

2- Go Train Spotting At Horseshoe Curve

The Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is a must-see attraction and is an engineering marvel that was built in 1854 by the Pennsylvania Railroad to connect the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The curve is a three-track railroad that forms a horseshoe shape, allowing trains to navigate the steep grade of the Allegheny Mountains.

Horseshoe Curve is considered one of the most significant engineering achievements of the 19th century and played a crucial role in the region’s development.

Take a tour and learn about its history and significance through interactive exhibits, videos and guided tours.

Tours include a trip to the top of the Curve, where you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding area and watch trains pass through.

Horseshoe Curve is at 400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona, PA.

3- Become A Part Of History At Fort Roberdeau

Fort Roberdeau is a fort built during the American Revolutionary War to protect local settlers from attacks by Native Americans and Loyalists.

Tour the reconstructed fortifications, see period weapons and tools and learn about the area’s history through exhibits and guided tours.

The fort is open seasonally, typically from late spring (beginning of May) through early autumn and is at 383 Fort Roberdeau Rd, Altoona, PA.

4- Enjoy A Sweet Treat At Boyer Candy Factory

Boyer Candy Factory is a popular spot in Altoona to shop for various delicious candy treats.

The factory is known for its signature “Mallo Cups,” a creamy, marshmallow-filled cup made with real milk chocolate.

They also offer other candy treats like smoothie cups, peanut butter cups, and chocolate-covered pretzels.

While there are no in-person tours, you can watch a video showing what happens behind the scenes at the factory and learn about the process behind all the delicious treats on offer.

Boyer Candy Factory is at 821 17th St, Altoona, PA.

5- Go Ice Skating At Galactic Ice

Galactic Ice is an indoor ice-skating rink open year-round, offering various ice-skating programs for people of all ages and skill levels, including public skating sessions, figure skating classes and hockey programs.

The rink also hosts special events and parties.

It’s a great place to enjoy ice skating, whether you are an experienced skater or just starting out.

Don’t worry if you don’t own skates – you can hire them on the day.

Galactic Ice is at 750 Park Ave, Altoona, PA.

6- Ride The World’s Oldest-Surviving Roller Coaster At Lakemont Park

Lakemont Park is an amusement park with various rides, including roller coasters, go-karts and a miniature golf course.

One of the main attractions at the park is the Leap-The-Dips roller coaster, considered the world’s oldest-surviving roller coaster.

It was built in 1902, is made of wood and steel, and features a single track with two cars.

The coaster is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.

Other than rides, there are always different events at the park, so there is always something to do and see.

Lakemont Park is at 700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA.

7- Go Horseback Riding At Harmony Horsemanship Center

The Harmony Horsemanship Center is a great place to learn all about horses as they offer riding lessons, horse training and horse boarding.

The centre has a team of experienced instructors who can teach riders of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

They also offer trail rides, horse shows and other equestrian events.

If you love horses and want to learn to ride, then Harmony Horsemanship Center should be at the top of your list.

The Harmony Horsemanship Center at Golf Course Rd, Altoona, PA.

8- Encourage Your Child’s Imagination at the Quaint Corner

The Quaint Corner Children’s Discovery Center is a children’s museum offering interactive exhibits and activities designed to spark children’s curiosity and imagination.

Exhibits typically focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) education and other educational topics, crafts, science events and theatre.

The centre also offers special events, classes and camps throughout the year for kids to have fun while they learn.

Quaint Corner Children’s Discovery Center is at 2000 Union Ave, Altoona, PA.

9- See Andy Warhol’s Art At The Southern Allegheny Museum of Art

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) displays a variety of artworks and exhibits, including American and European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts.

There are several museums throughout the region, so make sure you head to the one in Altoona, as it has a permanent collection of pieces from famous artists such as Andy Warhol.

There are educational programs, such as lectures, workshops and tours on the art and history of Altoona.

Southern Alleghenies Museum is at 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA.

10- Join A Guided Tour At Baker Mansion History Museum

Baker Mansion History Museum in Altoona is a great place to visit to explore the historic and architectural significance of the region.

The Blair County Historical Society is home to the museum and offers guided tours of period-furnished rooms and historic artifacts.

The museum is open for tours Friday through Sunday (11 am to 3 pm), from May to December.

Baker Mansion History Museum at 3419 Oak Ln, Altoona, PA.

11- Drink Beer At The Railroad City Brewing Company

Located in an old train roundhouse downtown, the Railroad City Brewing Company is a great spot to unwind after exploring the sights.

The brewery has a wide variety of beers on tap, including both traditional styles and experimental creations.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with ample seating both inside and outside.

It’s open in the afternoons from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

The beers are poured at 1415 11th Ave, Altoona, PA.

12- Exert Some Energy At Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a great way to exercise and release energy while having a ball with your friends and family.

The park features a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including trampolines, obstacle courses and rock climbing walls.

There are also various attractions like dodgeball, foam pit and a warrior course for a little competition.

The park is also equipped with a café and a party room, making it perfect for birthday parties and other special events.

The park is open all seasons, but the hours vary depending on the season.

It’s a perfect place for visitors to burn off some energy, have fun and challenge themselves while trying new activities.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is at 223 Park Hills Plaza, Altoona, PA.

13- Sample Chocolate At Myers Dutch Hill Chocolates

Sampling local chocolate at Dutch Hill Chocolates is a decadent and delicious experience.

The store offers a wide selection of handcrafted chocolates, truffles and confections made with high-quality ingredients.

The chocolates come in various flavours, such as classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, as well as more unique flavours like salted caramel and hazelnut praline.

The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and always happy to make recommendations or answer questions.

Watch chocolatiers at work through the viewing window and learn about the chocolate-making process.

Dutch Hill Chocolates is at 1624 1st Ave, Altoona, PA.

14- Go Bowling At Holiday Bowl

Bowling is a fun activity for all ages and skill levels.

At Holiday Bowl, the bowling alley features a variety of lanes, automatic scoring and bumpers for the little ones.

The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with music playing and colourful lighting.

They offer a different kind of bowling experience, such as cosmic bowling and league bowling.

In addition to bowling, the alley also features an arcade with various games, a snack bar and a lounge area.

Holiday Bowl is at 181 Bowling Ln, Altoona, PA.

15- Have Some Old School Arcade Fun At Tilt Studio

Tilt Studio is a classic yet modern arcade and spending a few hours there is a great way to bond with loved ones while enjoying some fun games.

The arcade features a wide variety of games, including classic favourites like skeeball, pinball, and air hockey, as well as newer video games like racing simulators and first-person shooters.

The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with colourful lighting and the sounds of the games filling the air.

Tilt Studio also offers a variety of redemption games and a prize counter where you can exchange your tickets.

The arcade is at 5580 Goods Ln, Altoona, PA.

16- Visit The Heritage Discovery Center

The Heritage Discovery Center is a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture through exhibits.

You’ll learn everything from its Native American heritage to the industrial and transportation history which made Altoona a significant location for the nation’s development and an important part of the state of Pennsylvania.

Exhibits include photographs and interactive displays that provide an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages.

The centre hosts special events and educational programs, such as workshops, lectures and educational tours.

Heritage Discovery Center is at 1421 12th Ave, Altoona, PA.

17- Enjoy A Picnic And Hike At Chimney Rocks Park

Chimney Rocks Park is just outside Altoona and visiting this place is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty.

Its scenic views and the rocky outcroppings that look like chimneys gave this area its name and the road winds through the forested hills, providing opportunities to stop and admire the scenery.

It’s a popular spot for hiking, picnicking and photography.

Along the road, you’re likely to get the chance to spot wildlife as the area is home to various birds, mammals and reptiles.

Visiting Chimney Rocks Road is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty and escape from the city.

Chimney Rocks Park is at Chimney Rocks Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA.

18- Explore Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve Area

14 miles (22km) outside of Altoona is the unmissable Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve Area, known for its natural beauty, intricate rock formations, crystal-clear pools of water and unique geologic formations.

There are no guided tours, but you can enter the mouth of the cave and it makes for some great pictures and memories.

Expect to see formations like stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.

The cave also has a rich history, as Native Americans and early settlers used it as a source of saltpetre for gunpowder, making it an interesting cave in Pennsylvania to explore.

Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve Area is at Morrow Rd, Tyrone, PA.

19- Have Fun At DelGrosso’s Amusement Park

Visiting DelGrosso’s Amusement Park in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is a fun and exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

The park offers various rides and attractions, including roller coasters, kiddie and water rides.

There are plenty of food options and games, so you can grab a bite between rides.

The park has a traditional family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular place to spend a summer day with friends and family.

It’s open seasonally from late May to early September and generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for holidays and when there are special events.

DelGrosso’s Amusement Park is in the outskirts of Altoona at 4352 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tipton, PA.

20- Explore Nature At Cabbage Creek Falls

Cabbage Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall in Shawnee State Park, just outside of Altoona.

The park has several hiking trails that lead to the falls, which is a serene spot to enjoy the beauty of the forest.

This waterfall is popular for picnics and photography and you can go swimming and fishing in the creek. There are picnic areas and playgrounds.

With its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Shawnee State Park and Cabbage Creek Falls is a lovely escape into nature.

Be prepared for hiking on rugged terrain and keep an eye on seasonal closures due to weather conditions.

Cabbage Creek Falls is open year-round in Shawnee State Park at 132 State Park Rd, Schellsburg, PA.