All Aboard! Explore PA Highlights Pennsylvania’s Strong Railroad Heritage!

The Mighty Pennsylvania Railroad is another example of our state’s incredible role in the building our country; and what better place to learn about PA’s strong railroad heritage than at the epicenter of it all – the famous Horseshoe Curve in Altoona, PA.

After a ride up the small mountain in scenic Funicular Incline, visitors to the Horseshoe Curve are literally surrounded by locomotives making the “horseshoe” turn. It’s an incredible view and even more impressive engineering feat to imagine the construction of these rails literally on a mountainside.

As you travel around the entire Altoona area, it’s impossible to not to see the strong connection that residents have to PA’s railroad heritage. Whether it’s a diner built from a historic railroad car, or a railroad themed hotel where guests are invited to sit and go “train-spotting” there’s no denying that there is a strong sense of pride in our state’s history.

While we visited the area, we also learned about the Rails to Trails program where abandoned railroad corridors are converted to scenic trails where visitors can hike, bike or ride horses along the beautiful river. It’s a wonderful example of preserving history while offering something new for local residents and visitors to enjoy.
If you’re a Rail Fan or know some little engineers who are loco about locomotives, I say “All aboard for a trip to Altoona!” You won’t be disappointed.