The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania, tells the story of the people and work behind the region’s railroad industry. You can see artifacts, worker dioramas and a historic roundhouse, then pair your visit with nearby Horseshoe Curve.
- Location: 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602.
- From Duncansville: about 5.9 miles from WYE Motor in Duncansville.
- Admission: A Railroad City combo ticket covers the museum and Horseshoe Curve when both sites are open.
- Timing: Admission ends 30 minutes before closing; confirm hours before setting out.
What the museum covers
The museum preserves stories and contributions of Central Pennsylvanians who shaped their communities, industry and nation. Its focus on railroad workers connects Altoona’s industrial history to the people whose jobs kept the region’s railroad operations running.
The museum first opened in 1980. In 1998, it moved into the Pennsylvania Railroad’s former Master Mechanic’s Building, constructed in 1882. The museum describes it as the sole surviving building of Altoona’s Machine Shops, making the building itself part of the story.
You’ll find the museum at 1200 9th Ave. If you need to confirm details before heading over, its phone number is (814) 946-0834.
Exhibits and railroad history
Displays bring railroad work to life through artifacts, immersive environments, orientation films and life-size dioramas showing workers performing tasks typical of the Altoona Shops. The scenes give context to the people and skills behind the area’s railroad history.
The Harry Bennett Memorial Roundhouse adds a larger-scale look at railroad equipment. It has a working 105-foot turntable, indoor storage bays and outdoor storage spurs used to display and interpret rolling stock. Its first section was completed in summer 2002; further funding followed in 2007 and 2010 to finish the building and house K-4 locomotive 1361.
The roundhouse also contains the Patterson Family Memorial Wall, which bears the names of about 2,500 railroad workers. Visitor amenities include a gift shop and digital database.
Hours, admission, and visit length
Admission stops 30 minutes before closing, so plan to arrive with enough time to enter before that cutoff. Hours can need confirmation; check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The Railroad City combo ticket covers the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, but it is offered only when both sites are open. Driving directions between the two sites make it easier to plan them together when the combo ticket is available.
The museum does not provide a visit-length estimate, so allow time for the exhibits and roundhouse according to your own schedule. For an additional stop focused on the area’s railroad landscape, the Horseshoe Curve visitor guide covers the landmark at 2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona.
Getting there and combining nearby stops
Set the museum as your first stop, then consider adding Horseshoe Curve if both locations are open and the combo ticket is being offered.
For a different view of Altoona’s past, you could pair a museum-focused day with a visit to the Oakland Square Historic District.
FAQs
What is the Railroaders Memorial Museum about?
It preserves stories and contributions of Central Pennsylvanians, with exhibits focused on railroad workers and the Altoona Shops.
What is the Railroad City combo ticket?
It covers admission to the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark when both sites are open.
What can you see in the Harry Bennett Memorial Roundhouse?
The roundhouse has a working turntable, storage bays and spurs for displaying rolling stock. It also houses the Patterson Family Memorial Wall.
Where is the museum?
It is at 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602.