Railroaders Memorial Museum
Explore the legacy of railroad workers through engaging exhibits and historic rolling stock, with nearby access to the iconic Horseshoe Curve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Railroaders Memorial Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the legacy of railroad workers through engaging exhibits and historic rolling stock, with nearby access to the iconic Horseshoe Curve.
"A must-visit for any age, offering an immersive dive into railroad history and engineering marvels."
🚂 Walk from Amtrak Station
The museum is an easy walk from the Altoona Amtrak station.
🎬 Catch the Films
Don't miss the short films shown hourly inside the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indoor Exhibits
Main Museum Building
Discover the lives of railroad workers through engaging displays and short films.
Outdoor Rolling Stock
Roundhouse and Yard
See historic locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses, some undergoing restoration.
Horseshoe Curve
Nearby Scenic Overlook
Experience the iconic railway engineering marvel and watch trains navigate the curve.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There by Train
Explore Beyond the Museum
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Walk from Amtrak Station
The museum is an easy walk from the Altoona Amtrak station.
🎬 Catch the Films
Don't miss the short films shown hourly inside the museum.
📸 Horseshoe Curve Views
Combine your visit with Horseshoe Curve for stunning train photography.
🍺 Support Restoration
Try the K4 dry stout to support the museum's restoration projects.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Walk from Amtrak Station
The museum is an easy walk from the Altoona Amtrak station.
🎬 Catch the Films
Don't miss the short films shown hourly inside the museum.
📸 Horseshoe Curve Views
Combine your visit with Horseshoe Curve for stunning train photography.
🍺 Support Restoration
Try the K4 dry stout to support the museum's restoration projects.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Railroaders Memorial Museum to be a worthwhile and engaging experience, particularly for train enthusiasts. While some note that the outdoor rolling stock could be in better condition and that the Horseshoe Curve's viewing can be partially obstructed, the historical exhibits and the thrill of seeing active trains are consistently praised. It's considered a solid, average train museum with a strong community connection to preservation efforts.
"I really enjoyed my recent visit to this museum. There are three indoor stories with exhibits, including a cinema that shows two short films once an hour. There are also outdoor pieces (locomotives, cars, and a caboose) at the roundhouse that you can visit. It's not nearly as big as the museum in Strasburg, but it's nice and it's definitely worth the time."
Matthew Eppley
"The museum is well-curated and offers a great view into the past of the country, Altoona, the PRR, and the men and women who built it. There's tons of rolling stock and a few locomotives, as well as tons of artifacts. If you also want to visit Horseshoe Curve you can buy a combined pass for entry to the curve and the museum and save a few bucks. The gift shop is nice and has some cool stuff. Also you can watch Amtrak and NS roll by the museum as well."
DX 14 Studios
"Just went there yesterday.The museum is three stories and has some pretty nice artifacts inside, and I learned a lot. The rolling stock outside is in pretty sad shape, and only one of the cars you were able to look inside. The roundhouse had one locomotive and a passenger car, which was in good condition. On the other side it had Trains that were in the process of being restored.
There is a second storage facility that was not open to the public and you have to view the trains through the glass windows. Inside they have a GG1 and a heavyweight passenger car. Both are beautiful, but they are in much need of repair. This is an average train museum. I wish there was more to it.
Today, I went to Horseshoe Curve. Getting there you'll see very beautiful scenery. The water reservoir is beautiful. The trees were turning their fall colors. The scenery was beautiful. A nice place to have a picnic, but this part of the museum falls short. At the top of horseshoe curve, there is one nice diesel locomotive and nice areas to have a picnic lunch, but nothing more. There's a limited view of the actual tracks because of them being blocked by the trees. The museum is a small one room display with some of the artifacts being duplicated from the actual main Altoona Museum."
Glen K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located within walking distance of the Altoona Amtrak station, making it an easy destination for train travelers.
Yes, parking is generally available for visitors driving to the museum. Specifics may vary, so it's good to check their official website or call ahead.
Absolutely! The museum is a great destination for a day trip, especially if you're arriving by train. You can easily spend several hours exploring the exhibits and nearby attractions.
Amtrak's Pennsylvanian line offers service to Altoona, providing a scenic and direct route for many visitors.
Yes, the famous Horseshoe Curve is a popular nearby attraction that many visitors combine with their museum visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Railroaders Memorial Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Admission fees apply for the museum. Check their official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons or special events.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as the HD500, which offer unique experiences. Keep an eye on their announcements for upcoming events.
The Horseshoe Curve is often considered a separate attraction, though it's closely associated with the museum. Check for combined ticket options or separate entry fees.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find three stories of exhibits detailing the lives and contributions of railroad workers, including films.
Yes, the museum features outdoor rolling stock, including locomotives, passenger cars, and a caboose, with some undergoing restoration.
Yes, the museum is considered great for all ages, offering something for both train enthusiasts and those new to railroad history.
The Horseshoe Curve is a famous railway engineering feat where trains make a 180-degree turn. It's a must-see for train fans and offers scenic views.
Some of the outdoor rolling stock is accessible, and you can look inside certain cars. The roundhouse also houses locomotives and passenger cars.
📸 📸 Photography
The Horseshoe Curve offers excellent vantage points for photographing trains, especially during peak rail traffic times.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash or tripods.
Yes, the Horseshoe Curve provides dramatic views of trains in action, making it a prime location for photographers.
Some visitors have enjoyed seeing trains at night at the Horseshoe Curve, especially when the area is lit up.
You'll likely see Norfolk Southern freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains, particularly at the Horseshoe Curve.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with the Horseshoe Curve for an even more thrilling experience. Watching trains navigate the curve can be mesmerizing for young ones. While some facilities like composting toilets might seem unusual, the overall experience is highly recommended for a fun and educational family outing.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Railfans
Pay close attention to the restoration projects and the specific types of trains you can observe, such as Norfolk Southern freight and Amtrak passenger services. The opportunity to see trains in action at the Horseshoe Curve, especially during peak times or even at night, is a major draw.
Day-Trippers from Pittsburgh
Allocate at least a few hours to fully appreciate the museum's indoor and outdoor displays. You can easily combine this with a visit to the Horseshoe Curve for a comprehensive railroad-themed day. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Curve, making it a cost-effective and memorable excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Railroaders Memorial Museum Experience
The museum also boasts an impressive collection of outdoor rolling stock. This includes historic locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses, some of which are in various stages of restoration. While not all cars are accessible for interior viewing, the sheer scale and historical significance of these pieces are captivating. The roundhouse area is particularly noteworthy, housing well-maintained locomotives and passenger cars, alongside trains undergoing crucial restoration work.
For those interested in the preservation efforts, a second, non-public storage facility houses significant pieces like a GG1 locomotive and heavyweight passenger cars. Though viewed through glass, their beauty and the ongoing need for repair are evident. This aspect highlights the continuous work involved in maintaining this vital part of railway heritage.
Exploring the Iconic Horseshoe Curve
While the Horseshoe Curve area offers picnic spots and a nice diesel locomotive, some visitors note that the view of the tracks can be partially obscured by trees. The museum's small, one-room display at the Curve may feel duplicated for those who have already visited the main museum. However, the experience of watching multiple trains, including Amtrak and Norfolk Southern, traverse the curve can be thrilling, especially at night when the area is illuminated.
Some visitors recall a time when one could walk the old railroad ties to the top, adding a sense of adventure. While a tram to the top might not always be operational, the visual spectacle of trains rounding the curve, particularly after dark, is a memorable experience for any train enthusiast. The presence of a live webcam on YouTube allows others to virtually share in the excitement.
Community Support and Restoration Projects
These restoration projects are vital for maintaining the integrity and historical accuracy of the museum's collection. By supporting these efforts, the community and visitors alike play a direct role in ensuring that these magnificent machines are preserved for future generations. The museum's commitment to restoration is evident in the ongoing work seen on some of the rolling stock.
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