Horseshoe Curve: Planning an Altoona Visit

Horseshoe Curve is an engineering landmark that helped trains cross the Allegheny Escarpment without using the Portage Railroad’s incline planes. The curve opened to regular through rail traffic on February 15, 1854, and became a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

The American Society of Civil Engineers describes the curve as having a 1.8 percent grade. Its scale is part of the story: the arc was built as a working railroad route, not simply as a viewing feature.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum owns and operates the landmark. It acquired Horseshoe Curve in the early 1990s from the City of Altoona and Conrail to operate the visitor center and observation park.

The site brings together outdoor observation areas and a small museum, so you can pair a view of the railroad with context about the landmark. Orientation films add another way to learn about the curve, while the gift shop is part of the visitor facilities.

Horseshoe Curve does not offer train rides. The operator says you can view the curve from an Amtrak train, but at the landmark itself the focus is on the visitor center and observation areas.

The operator also identifies public train-viewing locations elsewhere in Blair County, including bridges on 7th, 8th and 17th Streets, Canal Basin Park and the Gallitzin Tunnels. The 8th Street Bridge in Juniata provides a view of the Altoona Shops. These are separate viewing locations, not parts of the Horseshoe Curve site.

Operating hours and access arrangements should be confirmed with the Railroaders Memorial Museum before you set out. The operator directs visitors to check its Facebook page or call the site at (814) 946-0834, extension 2101; check the official site before you go.

The entrance address is 2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona, PA 16601. Admission stops 45 minutes before closing, and the gift shop is open until 4:00 p.m., according to the operator. The operator does not state a specific admission fee amount.

Access to the grounds is prohibited when the site is closed. The operator’s information also describes the funicular as subject to operating limits: standard operation is weekends only, it does not run during inclement weather, and UTV transport is available Wednesday through Friday and on weekends if the funicular is unavailable.

Rates are discounted when both the funicular and UTV are unavailable. Confirm current transport and access arrangements directly before visiting.

For practical planning, ask the site about parking, stairs or trail conditions, and step-free access. The operator’s information does not establish those details for the landmark itself. Its mention of elevators on the 10th Avenue Expressway Pedestrian Bridge refers to that separate bridge, not to accessibility at Horseshoe Curve.

Use the visitor entrance address to plan your drive from Duncansville, and confirm current access details with the operator before leaving. The route is a car excursion from the Duncansville area, but no specific driving time or distance is provided here, so use a current map for directions.

If you are arranging more than one railroad stop, the Duncansville-to-Altoona driving guide can help you plan the broader trip between those communities.

Does Horseshoe Curve offer train rides?

No. The operator says the attraction does not offer train rides; Amtrak passengers can view the curve from a train.

Who operates Horseshoe Curve?

The Railroaders Memorial Museum owns and operates the National Historic Landmark.

Where is the visitor entrance?

The entrance is at 2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona, PA 16601.