Good for kids
Yes
Horseshoe Curve in Altoona
Categories
- Tourist attractionMuseumPicnic groundHistorical landmark
Location on the map
Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania, US
Amenities
Edit infoPhone: +1 814-941-7743
Site: http://www.railroadcity.org/curve
Opening hours- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday:10AM–5PM
- Thursday:10AM–5PM
- Friday:10AM–5PM
- Saturday:10AM–10PM
- Sunday:10AM–5PM
Comments (199)
Such a cute pitstop. A cute picnic area with fun history and TRAINS! Our family enjoyed a half hour lounging in the shade. We saw 4 trains in our time there.
We are traveling from Pittsburgh to Knoebels theme park in Elysburg. Decided to plan a stop on the way out and found that the Horseshoe Curve National Park was right off of Rt. 22 along the way. Im glad that we made it a point to stop. The way in along the veterans highway brings you past three reservoirs. We stopped in and walked up the stairs to take a look at some trains coming by on the Horseshoe Curve. They seem to come by about every 15 minutes. Afterwards we checked out the museum which was pretty cool as well. There wasnt too much to see in the museum but it was still worth checking out and was done well. Definitely worth stopping and seeing.
We had an amazing time here.... I definitely recommend visiting!!! The view is absolutely breathtaking!
What a fun experience!!We loved seeing the trains.It was awesome saying hello to the conductors.We spend a good chunk of time there and brought up some lunch.
Horseshoe Curve is a railroad that was carved out of the mountains in the mid-1800s to allow trains to travel through. Currently, the funicular to the top is not in operation, so visitors must walk up a couple hundred stairs to get to the top of the hill and see the train tracks. Also on site are a small indoor museum and a small gift shop.
Stunning location and engineering marvel. It opened in 1854 and opened thr expansion of railroads westward. Beautiful area for a rail road afficanado to appreciate the trains. Picnic area on top. Sadly, the incline was not in operation. Beautiful scenery
This was on the bucket list of things to do and we finally made it. It lives up to its hype. We were on the way home so we couldnt stay long and visit the museums. You need to park in the lot that is along the road and go through the ticket/gift shop to reach the site. After paying our $5.00 each, we used the bathrooms and then climbed the many, many steps. (There is no bathroom at the top, so use the one at the base of the steps.) We didnt count but certainly over a 100. The little inclined railroad was not in operation so at the moment, this site is not ADA friendly. After reaching the top, you are in a rather large area that offers views of the valley and the railroad. It is a grand view. A train had been passing when we climbed up so we waited for a bit for the next. There is no announcements about upcoming trains, so you sit until one shows up, and as this is the main line, you dont wait long. We got lucky to see trains passing. Fun place, and be sure to wave at the Virtual Railfan camera!
Went there during July of 2021, and was my first time going there and worth it. It is a little overpriced, but its fine. Brought my grandma with us. She has trouble walking up stairs, so we decided that we would take the funicular. Funicular was broken for repairs and employee said that its been broken for months. So what are they doing with the money? Aside from that, Horseshoe Curve is a must-have for a trainspotters bucketlist.
Really neat! The lift cats were under maintenance so we had to take the stairs but it was a discounted rate at $5. When you get to the top theres a nice area to have a picnic or play with the kids while the trains go by.Good for History buffs as there is also a small museum.
Perfect place for railfans to watch trains round the curve.
Enjoyable visit. Nice museum and cute gift shop. If you want to visit the museum or climb the new stairs to the curve you will need to pay admission. The railroad car that can take you to the Curve if you dont want to climb lots of steps, has been out of service for repairs. The staff estimates it will be in service mid July 2021.
My youngest son has always loved trains…since he was 2 y/o! We had a blast here! As we were climbing the stairs (and there are a lot) a train was coming! We got to the too and we watched it almost until the end and then…another train was coming in beside it! Blew our minds! We also got to watch two more trains come through and one of them coming the other way! We had so much fun! And the museum had great history about the curve. We truly enjoyed ourselves!
Awesome place to train watch and just relax. Its kinda loud tho so keep that in mind. Absolutely stunning views of the near by reserve and far of mountains. Just pay the 14 at the rail roaders museum for both admissions.
It was cold the day we were there. They did not offer us the Senoir rate, but when we asked for the discount it was given.The rode up the hill to observe the trains was not working. There are at least 150 steps to the top. Please call 1st to make sure the lift to the top is working if you cant climb that many steps.It is worth seeing if you love Trains!
Very beautiful drive to the location 👌 Reasonable pricing! Dont forget to ask about the combo pass that will also get you into the Railroad Museum in Altoona. Just be aware that you must climb at least 200 steps and it cant be accessed by wheelchair or stroller.
Great place for anyone who has an interest in trains. If you have smaller kids, bringing a frisbee or a ball might not be a bad idea to keep them occupied. One can easily spend two hours here watching the iron horses go by
So much fun to watch the trains. Some people had their chairs and food and were camped out waiting for each one to come thru. Then we went thru the history building and watched some of the videos. After that we headed in town to see the Railroad Museum. Very fun day!!
I got to go to the museum several years ago. Fantastic experience in the summer! Wanted to go back yesterday, (Saturday February 26) when they were open in the winter but it snowed so bad I could not leave my hotel unless we went south.
Cool spot to check out, especially for history buffs, train enthusiasts, etc. The incline tram up to the tracks is not currently in use, but you can still pay to go in the museum and walk to the tracks. The parking lot is also a great spot to watch the trains if youre lucky enough to be there when one comes through!
A must visit for any railfan or tourist, bring chairs and enjoy the view ! . At the moment it is stairs only just a heads up.
It is a fascinating historical landmark that was so important to the railroad. There are so many beautiful pictures to take, especially in the fall. And there are so many things to do and places to eat nearby, that it makes the perfect day trip location.
First time there and saw 4 trains in 2 hours. It was amazing to see them so close. The gift shop and museum were interesting. Cant wait to go back.
We came to horseshoe curve 10 years ago for our honeymoon... here we are with our 2 sons!
We enjoyed the Horseshoe Curve on a visit in October, 2020. Great gift shop, inexpensive admission, small but well ordered and informative museum, gorgeous autumn scenery, saw some trains on the curve, but the steep track to the top of the curve was shut down due to pandemic restrictions. Here are some photos I took.
Beautiful place. Easy to visit, great view of mountains and a distant lake. A short funicular (steep uphill railroad) takes you to the top, right in the Horseshoe Curve; trains come by fairly often so you get the full effect. Picnic facilities, restroom, gift shop and exhibits. Not far away in Altoona is the related Railroad Museum (see my separate review).
If you like trains and their history this is definitely a place to check out, the scenery is beautiful near by and its a great place to just chill and watch the trains go by.
A TRAIN LOVERS PARADISE!! Seriously, I loved this place. Im an avid train lover and every aspect of Horseshoe Curve fed that love. There is a small museum on the main level. That has allot to offer. After the museum you take a funicular to the top of the hill. That in its self was super unique. At the top there are some plaques to read. An old diesel engine on display. The ultimate excitement comes when the trains pass. They have a live intercom on the frequency of the train engineers. So you get to hear them before you see them. At times multiple trains are passing through the curve. Its quite exciting. All in all its a great place to visit if you have any interest in trains.
Each train will arrive about almost 30 minutes after the next. The view is incredible, and so is listening to the wheels of freight trains scrapping the rails as those trains carry freight around the curve.I visited this place back in October 2021 during my trip to check on Penn State Altoona. I’ll be going to college in Altoona and can’t wait for more chances to visit Horseshoe Curve. I’ll likely even bee working in Altoona, so not too far from the curve when I graduate college.
It was pretty good. They have let trees grow for years and now its becoming harder to see the trains from the park. Id much rather go under the tunnel and up to hill to watch trains.
Hopefully is soon as you arrive at The Visitor Center you will hear the cry of train horns coming down to the mountain. If youre lucky enough to catch this from the ground level it will only be but a taste of whats ahead. There is a small visitor center with bathrooms and then a larger attached Museum which is also your entry point for the inclined plane to ride up to the top of the horseshoe curve. You can also take the staircase but it is a fairly good walk up the side of the mountain. The museum does an excellent job of educating on the history of the curve and of the area. the ride in the inclined plane was smooth and only took about 2 minutes to get up to the top. Once on top of the hill you have access to tracks as well as a sweeping Vista of the surrounding area including the entry and exit points of the horseshoe curve. Plan on spending a few hours here if you are a real train fan. Seeing trains wrap themselves from one side of the mountain around you to the other side non-stop is simply amazing and a site that you cant find pretty much anywhere else in the world. On top of the hill there is also a diesel engine on display. Bring your cameras, bring some refreshments, and have a blast.
This is a must for any rail fan. Admission to Horseshoe Curve is only $5 but for slightly more you can purchase a combination ticket for the Railroad Museum in Atoona. After purchasing your ticket in the small gift shop I had to climb a set of steep stairs to the small park and viewing area. The incline railcame that usually takes visitors to the to was out of service so all visitors had to use the stairs. One at the viewing area you can sit and watch the train go by on the very busy three track rail line. I spent about 3-hours an during my visit more than 20 trains went by. The longest I had to wait between trains was about 15-minutes. As a rail fan this was a must visit for me. It was a very enjoyable visit.
I loved it. It was a really neat experience seeing something created many decades ago by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The incline was a fun way to get from the gift shop and visitor center to the curve itself. Plenty of benches at the top and places to sit. Restroom facilities available.
We took our young child here while on vacation. It rained before we were able to see a train go by, but this is a nice hidden gem. Will return and hopefully see a train go by.
Tranquil until the trains come screeching around the curve. Lovely viewing area surrounded by mountains with a view of the Altoona reservoir system. A time dependent funicular (incline) can be used to travel to viewing area which is a charming mode of transportation or good old steps if off schedule.
So awesome! Definitely worth a stop on your travels! Unique! If you can go during the week, there is more trains I was told. We were there for 40 min and saw 4 trains (Monday 11am); handicap accessible.
We decided to stop on a whim while out for a drive on a beautiful Saturday. I hadnt been here since I was a child and theyve definitely updated and expanded the experience since then. The inclined plane runs every 30 minutes, but we decided not to wait and climbed the 194 stairs. At least thats how many we were told there were. I didnt count them. I was too busy praying my legs wouldnt give out, though there are landing areas to rest if you choose - but we heard a train about half way up and I wasnt missing that sucker. Lol We got lucky and climbed to the top just in time to watch three trains maneuver the curve in 30 minutes.Beautiful spot to take some panoramic photos of the gorgeous PA mountains as well.
I frequently ride my ATV around the curve...its such a nice area to ride/visit.... I remember not having to pay to gain access to the curve...but I understand that there is a fee now ...but from where I see it.....its all good
History, great view from the top. The incline is not operational due to covid. The stairs are not for everyone, but if you go you can take a lunch and eat at the top. Trains do roll by and you can see the engineering in action.
Really enjoyed our little detour to this place. Kids loved it and had a blast getting the trains to vote their horns. Saw 4 trains go through in less than an hour.
This is a must visit if in the area and especially if you have any interest in history. Trains, railroads and all those brave, intelligent souls involved laid the groundwork and helped America become the great nation it is. Horseshoe Curve was unique and integral in connecting these regions in the Allegheny mountains and was so important that Hitler once planned its destruction as a means to cripple the United States. Youll have to visit the museum to learn more. But even if history is not your thing, this is such a beautiful place to sit and watch the trains pass by. I promise you will not be disappointed!
One of our favorite places to watch trains! Incredible view 100 feet up from the parking lot. So many trains comes through here daily.
Great place to visit & to learn about how the Horseshoe curve was built & why! If you enjoy walking and climbing stairs, there is 194 steps up! If you would rather not walk up 194 steps, there is Tram car that will take you up & back down. It cost $8.00 per adult. As for the children, I do not know the price. It is a beautiful area to visit and do some site seeing!
Ive been visiting the Horseshoe Curve for the past 40ish years whenever I visit family for the holidays. Historically interesting, and always fun to stand up top and watch the trains roll part and around you.
Loved it here. We seen 5 trains in one day, I would definitely recommend this place.
A must stop for people interested in trains, stopped along a road trip through PA and into Buffalo NY. Could do without the fee to get to the top but the stairs are not accessible from the parking lot. Was there for maybe 45 mins and saw two cargo trains and a one Amtrak train. Be sure to drive though the tunnel when leaving. Cool spot.
A great feat of engineering. As a retired train engineer, I ran many trains around that curve. It was great to get a second look at the curve from this angle. I was here for the Centennial Celebration for my first ground level view. This time was much more quiet and more visible. Although, I still prefer the view on the curve from my locomotive cab. 😂 LOL 😂
Pretty cool place to visit. We didnt go into the museum because it wasnt open yet, but really enjoyed ourselves. Its been 40 years since I was there.
A great place for young and old alike. There is a well maintained viewing area, with benches and trees for shade. You have your choice of walking up the steps or riding up in the little trolley that is there. Trains come through often and are fairly close to the viewing area. The gift/souvenir shop has lots of items and not priced too high. I had a fantastic time on my visit.
A very interesting piece of PA history. Amazing what and how this was built. The stairs heading up to the curve isnt for the weak. So if your coming to see this be prepared and plan on spending sometime up there or its not worth the hike up. This is my second time here about a decade part. It has changed since last here. There is a fee and now a museum and a store. Was a lite take back on the admission fee but it is what it is and it was important for my kids to see this horseshoe curve. Any train person will love this place.
This was a great experience! The staff was friendly. There is some benches and picnic tables but may want to think about bringing some folding chairs if you go during busier times.
Beautiful. The views were amazing.
If you are into trains.... Definitely worth a couple hours of your time to watch.... Spent 3 hours watching 4 trains go by.... The mini incline on site is pretty cool too. Amtrak passes thru here twice a day, around 1000am and 400pm
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the HSC; even in the rain! In our one visit we saw 4 trains, although the site does not guarantee that you will have the same pleasure. Regardless, its a wonderful place to spend your time. We will be returning.
Honestly I cant rate it. It was closed. Its open wensday -Sunday. Hours 11:oo am to 5:00 pm. We went on a Tuesday. We didnt do our homework first. What we did see was cool.
Funicular not working. Drain cover on top tier loose and is a tripping hazard. Saw two trains. Trees are starting to take over photo ops of reservoirs.
An awesome location however it was closed when were in the area on a Monday. It is still a fascinating spectacle!
Far more interesting than expected for a non-railroad person. It can be noisy if you are sound sensitive. I was mesmerized by watching the trains get pushed up or slowed down depending upon the direction. Its a beautiful area as well. One note, the funicular was not working at our visit, we had to climb multiple flights of stairs to get to the upper level.
If you love to watch trains this is a great place to come to. After or before you go to the curve go to the Railroafers museum youll see lots of interesting stuff
We rode amtrak thru the curve in the morning then came back in the afternoon to watch trains from the ground
Nice view but overall kind of boring
Awesome place to take your kids. Really quite a sight to see. My sone loves trains and he just had a blast.
We were lucky enough to see a freight train. Get a combine ticket with the Railroad Memorial Museum. Its well worth it.
Place is great to watch trains but if you have a hard to walking up steps I don’t recommend this place.
Every other year for 10 years we have been taking our family to Horseshoe Curve to celebrate my father-in-law who grew up just outside Altoona and was a huge train lover! This has become his memorial spot and it couldnt have been more beautiful this year!
For fans of railroads this place is a cant miss. The history here is very interesting. If you are there when the trains go by it is a sight to behold.
200 steps to the top, well worth the view and to see the trains. Would like to visit during each season!
Absolutely beautiful location!!! The train action is fantastic!!
Its a great place to interact and make friends and see trains.
Grady place to spend hours watching trains. You can also bring a picnic lunch. 194 stairs to walk up.
Great place to visit fantastic history visited while I had some spare time on business trip from uk and was free to enter as we had been to the railway museum
An awesome place to visit if you enjoy viewing trains and scenery. Our train loving son liked it so much, we visited three days in a row. I would suggest that if you have sensitive ears or a young one to take hearing protection of some kind.
Amazing place to view trains going by. Nice place to stop and spend a few hours. Went this past summer during the cicadas and it was nice and quite up there. Usually get to see two or three trains each time I go.
Beautiful park with trains constantly coming through! You have to see it toobelieve it!!
If you like railroads and railroad in, this is a place for you. There is a fabulous Railroad Museum in the town of Altoona. The horseshoe curve is a landmark piece of ingenuity
I love this place. But thats just because trains are my favorite things.
A really fun spot to visit, along with the railroaders museum.ive been here three times now. its really AWESOME.you have to see it to believe it!we were here oct 10, 2021. saw many freight trains AND an amtrak train, too. even if youre not a train fan, dont miss this amazing and beautiful stop.I think Ill go again....... and bring a picnic lunch if you go. We do!
First time Ive been here since I was a kid took my wife to see it and it was still awesome to see as an adult
Very scenic place where you can get up close to trains as they navigate the curve .
Weve been coming to Altoona as a family for about the last 30+ years. I now come with my own children. We love it. Just stopped again this weekend on our way home from Pittsburgh and arrived just in time to see a train coming down the mountain.
Very nice park and a great place to see norfolk southern trains
A really cool place to stop, especially if youre a railroad fan.
Nice place to visit and watch the trains come up over the mountain.
This is an awesome little place tuckef in the mountains. It’s a treat for sure. I will come back every time I am in town.
Museum closed during winter! Feat of civil engineering, where a 100 foot tall fill connects two hills to allow the trains to pass. You can view the trains drive the horseshoe 180 degrees around you. The trains sound like they are working very hard. I felt lucky that a couple trains came right when we arrived. I get the impression you could wait hours before one showed up. Below is the valley road, and stream, and a museum. The stream is channelized into a series of reservoirs which is also worth checking out. Like many attractions in central Pennsylvania, the paid portion of the museum and vernicular are closed during the cold months.
Just nice place to relax watch trains and view the scenery
If youre a railfan or youre interested in engineering, this is the place to be. Its also a great place for bringing the kids to watch trains or for a picnic.
Fun place for all ages, especially if you like trains.
What a neat place! Kids and I had a blast. Absolutely beautiful views during the summer!
Inexpensive admission $, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/military, dont remember if there a fee for kids. Can stay all day if you like. Long hike to the top via steps (approx 195 if I counted right) there is a mechanized ride, but its out of service right now. About a dozen picnic tables at the top. An average of 60 trains per 24 hours pass thru. Youre only about 30 yards from the passing trains. Engineers toot their horns at those attending, the kids live it!
A definite target for train buffs. Just wish the railroad would let the trees be cut along the tracks.
I have made so many trips to the Horseshoe Curve and I always have a great time every time I visit there. There are always lots of trains going through the curve every day. There is plenty of space to walk around and definitely plenty of places to sit down (benches and picnic tables). The gift shop has a great variety of stuff to buy. I also like the small museum next to where you can board the incline at with artifacts and displays. If youre looking for a place that sees a lot of train action, this is a place for you. I cant wait to back there again.
Gorgeous place to watch trains and simply relax!
Awesome place to watch trains. Gourgous views. Plan to stay awhile!
194 steps.Worth.Every.One.Cant believe I waited so long to make the pilgrimage to this 19th Century engineering marvel.Entire facility is well-kept. Ample picnic tables (bring your lunch and enjoy the action while you feast).Well-stocked gift shop.Only shortcoming I can offer is lack of restroom facilities trackside, but once the funicular is running the restrooms behind the gift shop are easily accessible.
So much fun! This hidden gem was a delight for us and our kids.
Horseshoe Curve is a amazing place to be at. They built this place years before they had any equipment like we do now a days. Ive been going here for the past ten years wit h my parents. But sadly I lost my best friend (my mom) last winter. And so going this year (2021) was kind of sad not having her there with us. But this place is amazing.
Looking forward to actually riding the incline and spending time on the lookout. We didnt have time, but it looks beautiful and fun.
Awesome Views Incredible Hiking, But whats the strange stone structure down the road?I got my munzees there to. munzee.com
Interesting! In season, theres a funicular and gift shop and concessions and washrooms.
Cool place to watch trains.
Nice place to see if you like trains
Beautiful in the fall! Trains come and go so fast you blink and you miss it.
Very disappointing, incline car to top was not working, a lot of steps to walk to get to top. Could have been better taken of with weeds growing along edges of stairs and landings. Our Timing was off, we didnt see any trains do the curve. At least admission price was discounted
Nice spot to learn about the deep history of trains in this region. If you are lucky you can watch a train go by from the overlook at the top of the stairs. Recommend bringing or buying (at the shop) earplugs as the trains can be deafeningly loud.
Lovely! As soon as we pulled in with our motorhome, for which it has nice parking, we saw three trains come through within not even 10 minutes. Had to take the steps up to the view point Park but it was well worth it!
Nice to visit.Make sure its warm so you can walk up the hill and get the best view
Very interesting place, especially for railroaders! Not sure why its totally locked up in the winter however. We found a way around the fence so we could get trackside.
We come up here atleast once a year. I love horseshoe. Its cool! I love when the train goes all the way around and you can hear it from everywhere.
Didnt open on time. Card reader was not working so cash only. $8 a person to ride to the top of a hill to see the horseshoe curve. Seemed expensive. We didnt go up to the top. The rest rooms were not very fresh.
Neat place for railfans to watch trains on a nearly 360 view. Like sitting inside a model train layout.
I really enjoyed this experience because it was unique and let me take a look back at some of Pennsylvanias history.
This was fun but should have brought the ear protection for the kiddos. It was very loud!
Always enjoyed visiting this historical site.
Went 30 years ago traveling through Pennsylvania. My wife thought I was nuts, but should have used to detours to see engineering marvels. We were lucky. Two trains met at the viewing area. If you are any kind of railfan, you have to make the pilgrimage to admire the engineering. Unless your live in CA and can go to Tehachapi.
Great place for train watchers, young and old alike. Also beautiful views and picnic tables are available. Normally you dont have to wait long for a train, but things are slower due to COVID. Currently Open Wednesday- Sunday. Ride to the top is closed so only way up is the stairs. Visitor center, bathrooms, and museum are open.social distancing is in place and masks are work indoors. $8 a person 2 and up.
I absolutely love this place this line has so many trains I might just die of foam overload. The workers there are so nice they even showed me where the exits are! How nice. Not sure why I had to exit but they said something like: “you can’t swear at the trains just because it’s not foreign power” I was like why? And they didn’t even answer. Still a wonderful place to see trains tho and I’d go there very many much more times
The curve is always worth stopping to visit. Reason 4 star and not 5 is the gift shop is nothing like it use to be. Very little horse shoe curve items. Picked over shirts, no puzzles,pictures of the curve etc. When we were last here 20yrs ago there were lots of options of qaulity items.
Railroad Horseshoe Curve National Historic LandmarkSecond visit to this Transportation Landmark. This is for Train enthusiast of all ages. Located outside Altoona, PA, on the Norfolk & Southern mainline through the Allegany Mts. See long trains rumble through at semi-regular times. Sometimes multiple trains, other times an hour or more between.Parking is below the tracks and a funicular can take you up (currently under maintenance) or take the 199 stairs to the lookout area. $5.00 per person for access to the upper level viewing park, or $7.00 per person to the museum and the viewing park.Several Railroad displays and a static original Diesel-Electric Locomotive is on display.** Virtual Railfan has an on-line camera on the upper level viewing area which broadcasts video with sound to the Internet 24-7. You can wave at the camera and possibly see yourself on one of the many VR live camera feeds or YouTube feeds.This is a MUST SEE for Railfans, and those interested in transportation History.
Great place to visit & safely watch trains. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Plenty of parking, nice gift shop, rest rooms & historical center. Cable funicular railway to take you up to the viewing area. Picnic tables & shade trees make your stay even more enjoyable along with a good amount of train traffic usually. Good value for under $10.
Happy Fourth of July at the Horseshoe Curve. 7-4-2020
Very unique experience to see trains. We saw three freight trains in one hour.
The lift is down until further notice. Steps are 195 and platform. Im disabled on crutches, fit, and made it ok. Trains come through on ave every 40 mins. Gorgeous overlook and amazing to see the trains wrap around.
Great place to watch the trains up close!
For sure one of the coolest places I’ve been to. It does cost 8 bucks to get in but is worth it if you’re gonna spend the day Railfanning. It truly is awesome to watch the trains traverse the side of the mountain in the sharp curve. There is a gift shop too if you need snacks water and souvenirs.
Its definitely an awesome spot to see trains fighting the grade. Lots of notch 8 throttle action through here. I would suggest that maybe an overhead platform be built so visitors can get overhead shots here instead of driving all the way to cassandra to get them. It would definitely be a better experience.
This was an amazing experience to see the trains go by on one side and be able to see them on the other side it is definitely a horseshoe curve. My husband took this train 65 years ago and was so happy to see it again.
One of Americas great historical sites. It reflects the strength and industry of the American worker and manufacturing. Combined with a visit to the Railroaders museum in Altoona makes a great day out.
Great view of the mountians. Trains are very frequent
Awesome place to see trains
If you like trains to this definitely a place you want to check out the world famous horseshoe curve, picnic area etc up top and a small museum down below.
Its great place for kids, they have a live scanner feed through the speakers. Just to say it is $8 to get in, due to COVID you must walk up. Great place for a beginner railfan or even a experienced!
Didnt get to go up the incline because its clear send due to COVID, but we caught a train going around the curve and it was awesome. Great place, only takes a few minutes to check out. Once its open its $8 to go up and see the track from above.
Great location for train lovers. You can see trains making a slow ride in a nearly 360 degree view. I watched from the ground because I had my mini poodle Marley with me but there is a tram that will take you up the hill so youre on level ground with the train. I believe the admission fee was $11.
I love this place. Very much worth the visit. Take rain gear just in case, but the up close and personal experience with the trains on the curve is worth the possibility of rain. The park is well equipped with picnic tables, benches and trash cans. There are stairs to climb, but most people take the funicular up and down. It costs $8 to get in, and $10 if you do the combo ticket with the museum in Altoona. Not open during the winter, so plan your visit.
Wonderful place to watch trains!
We r on vacation and went here, it does cost to see this train go, but trolly to top to watch a train go around the mt was not runnin. U could go the steps if u can handle 194 of them. U may have to wait on one to come which could b a while. Usually like 30 to 45 min apart. We got lucky and one came just as we got there, were able to get climpses of it goin thru the sharp curves from time to time, only travels at 5 mph, very curvy mtn. Cool to see
One of the best places ever. Could spend an entire day there. Pack a lunch and just watch the freight trains.
Drove halfway across the country to visit a freind and found out about this place. It was amazing with the trains roaring right next to you! It was also cheap for tickets and a really cool gift shop with great souvenirs! Loved it!
An incline is down for repairs and they would not let us walk a very basic trail only a few hundred feet to take in the view. In short place is in need of repair and I traveled 200 miles for nothing.
It was beautiful. The trees were changing color, it looked like a painting. At the top of Horse curve they should think about trimming the trees so that you could really embrace the view. We got to the top of Horse curve and we saw 3 trains going around the curve. 2 were east bound and 1 was west bound. It was amazing
Great train watching location, funicular is closed temporarily due to covid.
Wonderful little museum located deep within the horseshoe. Trains still use the bend, so if you lucky you can see it in action.
One of our favorite family locations. Never get tired of it. Also cool to stop by Tunnel Hill and watch trains from the bridge as they pass by 20 below. Kids love to feel the heat rise up from the engines.
Its a great engineering marvel and trains come by pretty frequently. I have no exception to paying the admission fee that is put towards preservation efforts.
Very nice view from the observation area and not too many people during the week when we were there. The staff are friendly and a nice gift shop.
If youre a big railfan as I am, put this on your bucket list. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. 19 trains in 6 hours. Some crossing each other at the curve. I didnt mind paying $8 to get in but I wish it be open alot longer from 9am-7 or 8pm. Beautiful view, amazed of the engineering, pain staking labor and time it took to create. You look at the locomotive its on display compared to the locomotives of today, shows in 65 years how the diesel evolution has progressed. From 1200hp to 4000-5000hp per locomotive. This will be a very frequent visit to.watch these majestic mammoths at work conquering the curves challenges.
Fun place to come if youre interested in trains or the history of railroading. We were there for about an hour and saw 3 trains.
It was definitely a fun visit! Really interesting stuff for all train buffs! The museum was a cool sight to see and it was nice to sit up by the tracks and watch trains roll by!
I love it went the train go around Horseshoe curve 😁.
I took an Amtrak train from Pittsburgh to NYC yesterday, and I came across this amazing place while riding. Definitely a beautiful sight by train. Was the coolest part of the journey. Ill have to take Amtrak from Pittsburgh more often. I usually just hop on the Greyhound to and from Pittsburgh to see my girlfriend there. The whole train ride was a LOT better, and Horseshoe Curve made it even better.
Tips: bring a blanket to sit on under the shade of trees if the tables are taken, water!, pack snacks or a lunch, make a day of it or at least make it worth your while for the amount spent. The bathrooms were open.I feel it is very expensive for a family to go and watch trains. The rail car was out of order bc covid social distancing couldnt happen so everyone (kids and elderly) had to all walk the steps. We all made it but it was not easy for some. Wish you could climb on some old train cars and take some cool pictures :/
Park was closed but you could still walk to the top.
As a railfan, it was an exciting place to visit. The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday so I wasnt able to visit to the fullest extent.
Actually, how wonderful this place. Beautiful with all water, trees, trains, sky...
There are so many beautiful landmarks in Altoona, and even though I only stayed there for a night, this landmark had to be my favorite, with the many spots to watch trains, and the people who work there were also really nice
$8 per person; under 2 is free. Nice displays and a funicular to the top. We were only there for half an hour and saw 3 trains going around the curve. First one was so long I videotaped for 11 minutes and finally gave up!! Great place to visit!!
This museum is outstanding. great information stories and experiences in railroading. You get a joint ticket for the memorial railroaders museum and make sure to check out the turn table and wheel house there. Check for the train schedule seeing that is amazing.
Very interesting. $8 and you can visit the small, but well-done museum and ride the incline plane (or walk) up to view the trains passing by. There are picnic tables and an old train up top, and the view is beautiful. There are also bathrooms and a gift shop. If you are in the area, I would highly suggest visiting, as this was one of the highlights of my familys trip to the Johnstown area.
Nice venue for train watching.
Its fun. Lots of steps, but its worth it. Great museum and store. The young lady at the desk knew her stuff. Well done.
Terrific place to railfan and see trains. Amazing scenery. Nice staff! Took a trip here in November 2017 and it was terrific!
Always a treat when a large train is passing!!!
We had a great time watching the trains. Will definitely plan a trip back.
Interesting history, somewhat out of the way and portions closed. Lots of steps so not handicapped friendly. Beautiful views.
First time there.We went the 194 steps (bc the elevator was out of order) to see several trains go around the curve.
Incline was down a d not working. Small but interesting museum.
An excellent outing with beautiful scenery. Plan for a wait because the train schedule isnt exactly precise with trains arriving as much as 45 minutes after the scheduled time. Museum management should consider adding guest WiFi at the visitors center as Verizon signal strength is virtually non-existent. I still highly recommend making the trip for any enthusiast or anyone just looking for a scenic excursion.
For $8, they have a great gift shop and museum on site. Plus you can choose to use the stairs or take the funicular. Without that, Id never have gotten my mum to the top. The man working by the incline was very friendly and pleasant to us while we waited. Its great going back and revisiting memories from the past here.
Right now the cable car to the top isnt working because of the pandemic. Also, it isnt worth paying for unless you want to see the museum. Otherwise you can get all the pictures you want from outside the center and if you are lucky you can see a train go by.
Ran into an engineer that has been running it for 43 years!! It was fantastic talking to him!
Beautiful, when I was there in 2013, I heard also up until 1981 there were four tracks and now there are three.
Really nice walk or ride the incline to view Trains going around the curve. Picnic Tables available at the top to sit and enjoy a packed lunch. The museum at ground level has a lot of videos and historical documentation about the horseshoe curve and the amazing construction of the water reservoirs of Altoona
Nice tourist attraction. The only downside was the one set of seats in the theatre area were cordoned off it looked like for awhile. The park is definitely worth the time to see as there is plenty of information on how the Horseshoe Curve was built. Very scenic area also.
Nice relaxing place to watch trains. Beautiful scenery! Safe place for little ones that love trains.
Must see stop if youre traveling through the area! Great view of the trains and my favorite field trip destination when I was in school.
It is very nice and has lots of interesting artifacts, an incline, and a beautiful views - the admission seemed high. I realize you could spend much more for other museums, or water parks, or movies. Maybe I did not spend enough time there to justify the admission. Go see for yourself and decide.
So cool. Got to see a train going up and a train going down. On top of that, the scenery is beautiful. You should go!
Beauty in history! A must see for train lovers!
Great place to go with your children try to go when you can see the train comes through well worth going
This place is amazing! It was our 1st visit here & we got to see so many Norfolk Southern trains on the 3 tracks around the horseshoe curve. We even got to see 3 trains on the tracks at the same time. There are remnants of the train derailment that happened earlier in July 2019. We met a lot of very nice & knowledgeable people visiting the Horseshoe Curve & they shared some very interesting facts & history of the area. The giftshop has some nice gifts & collectables. We plan to take our sons & their families here when they come up to visit us. We highly recommend coming here. There are picnic tables, shade trees & trash cans at the top right next to the horseshoe curve. The views are incredible!
Real neat part of modern American history that still has trains running. Theres an incline lift, a nice picnic area to watch the trains, free coffee, and admission is included if you visit the train museum in the same day.
Great time visiting and learning some of our areas history. Very relaxing, go at your own pace, check out the museum which has pictures and historical pieces. Family friendly. Definitely will return again.
The place is legit amazing, the best place to see trains that Ive been to. Except the brake echo ringing through out the curve
After a 3 plus hour trip I arrived at the Horseshoe Curve. Not wanting to walk up over 100 steps I waited a few minutes to ride up to the top. I met a nice couple who visit there often...they live close by. They told me the week before on a Thursday 24 trains came through between 11 am and 6 pm. The lady showed me the log book they had been keeping for the last five years. The day was very overcast. Unfortunately on the Monday I visited only two trains came through with railroad cars being pulled by Norfolk Southern Engines. Two sets of two MS Engines came through during the day. To be frank, I was bored. I would not have been if more trains had come through. Bring food and drinks if you plan to stay awhile; there are picnic tables scattered about. I hope to head beck in the Spring to try again.
What an amazing view and such history! It amazes me the Civil Engineering feat that they completed so long ago. Makes me proud to be a Civil Engineer!
Great place for train lovers like my son and husband wonderful scenery
I was there before it opened in the morning. But I love this place. Its beautiful.
Historic Landmark with beautiful sights. Come here ever time I visit, cannot beat the view
Very enjoyable small museum and the opportunity to see a number of trains. At least four went by while visiting and at one point trains came from either direction. Take the funicula for outstanding views.
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Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for Horseshoe Curve 2023:
Review №1
2022-02-16My family and I really enjoyed it. If you go in the middle of the summer like we did, better to go in the morning before it gets too hot. There some shade but you dont see the trains well from it. Staying to see a couple of trains, especially the long ones are a must. Like most attractions in central and western Pennsylvania, it doesnt get crowded. We spent about an hour here before moving into Altona to see the Railroaders Museum.
Review №2
2022-05-27Nice place for history and nature. I wish the incline was open but its still neat to walk to the top and see the water authority reservoir and some of the tracks. Wouldve been more organized to have an actual your guide for elementary children but it was still nice. Theres lots of wildlife if you take time to look around. Decently sized pavilion area to eat in the rain.
Review №3
2022-05-24Awesome view of an amazing engineering feat. Worth five stars but the funicular was out of order. 194 steps to the get to track level. Worth it, but I almost got heat stroke. Cute little museum.
Review №4
2022-01-25Awesome view, and really cool to stay and see the trains go around the curve. If the train is long enough you can see it on both sides of the curve at the same time! Fun for train enthusiasts!
Review №5
2022-05-08Nice museum, gift shop and viewing of the railroad tracks and valley. Funicular is down for maintenance, so many stairs to climb the hill.
Review №6
2021-10-03First time here!! Had to make it a stop while in Altoona!! We were lucky to see 3 trains travel through! Had to take the stairs up to the observation area, as the incline was not available that day. We were so lucky to be there on a gorgeous early fall day!!! Theres alot to see in the museum thats located right next to the gift shop, well have to come back to explore it more thoroughly.
Review №7
2022-05-15Grandson had a great time watching the trains going around. Hopefully they will have the lift running g soon, 192 steps up were a burden for me. YouTube live feed allowed even family member to watch us.
Review №8
2022-06-11I always enjoy watching the trains go over the curve. Its neat seeing the same train on both sides of the horseshoe at the same time.
Review №9
2022-06-02I saw this from a train whilst riding it and had to come back to visit. It was closed for memorial day but had it been open I suspect the museum would have been nice
Review №10
2021-11-28You can spend 10-15 minutes after climb up a few stairs. It takes 5 minutes to get up. The viewpoint doesn’t really allow you to look at the entire curve, you will be in the middle of the curve. When the train comes, it looks nice, but nothing much to do otherwise. Watch out for cold windy weather.