LaVale Toll Gate House
A preserved historic toll house offering a glimpse into past travel, complete with original features and a charming picnic area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience the interior and history
LaVale Toll Gate House
Best Time
Experience the interior and history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A preserved historic toll house offering a glimpse into past travel, complete with original features and a charming picnic area.
"A nice historic site, fairly well-kept with authentic touches and informative signage."
Check Hours Before Visiting
Interior access varies; confirm tour times or open hours to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy the Picnic Area
A lovely spot for a break with tables and a pavilion, perfect for a quick meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Toll House Exterior
Admire the well-kept white facade with charming green trim, imagining life in a bygone era.
Original Toll Collection Posts
See the concrete posts that once guided traffic, a tangible link to the past.
Informative Signage
Read about historical toll costs and learn about the site's significance.
Picnic Grove
Enjoy a peaceful break in the shaded picnic area with tables and a pavilion.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Hours Before Visiting
Interior access varies; confirm tour times or open hours to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy the Picnic Area
A lovely spot for a break with tables and a pavilion, perfect for a quick meal.
Appreciate the Details
Note the original toll posts and informative signs for a glimpse into the past.
Photography Spot
Charming architecture makes it a great location for senior or other photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Hours Before Visiting
Interior access varies; confirm tour times or open hours to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy the Picnic Area
A lovely spot for a break with tables and a pavilion, perfect for a quick meal.
Appreciate the Details
Note the original toll posts and informative signs for a glimpse into the past.
Photography Spot
Charming architecture makes it a great location for senior or other photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the LaVale Toll Gate House a charming and well-maintained historic site, appreciating the preserved exterior, original toll posts, and informative signage. While the picnic area is a pleasant amenity, the inconsistent accessibility of the interior and comfort stations can be a drawback for some.
"Very nice historic site, that is fairly well-kept. The authentic touches inside the building (only seen through the window) appear correct for the time period. The signage on the building listing toll costs are very interesting and informative taking you back to a different time.
There is a nice little picnic grove above the tollhouse with tables and a pavilion. Also some parking is available just below the picnic area. There is a brick comfort station featuring Mens and Womens, but the doors were locked at this Sunday's visit. There were no hours that this visitor noted showing times when the bathrooms or tollhouse were open to get inside. Further, no limit on use of picnic area was posted visibly. I would have liked to learn more about this space in person, but it seems Google, etc are your best sources of information. (I kept hoping a Keebler elf would pop out from one of the Tollhouse doors 😉)"
NANCY T
"Living in the past 🕰️
While on our summer trip, we made a stop at the Lavale Toll Gate House. They were not open to tour, but we did get a chance to walk around the outside. It is always so much fun checking out these places from the past, imagining what it was like to live during that time. We live very close to a few toll houses between Uniontown and Washington and it was really neat to come across another one.
It was painted white and had some lovely contrasting green trim and shutters. A perfect place to snap senior pictures or any others on the property.
One thing that’s very cool about this specific toll house is the fact that the tolls are actually still up, well, at least the concrete pieces on either side of the road. The toll houses that are near where we live do not have those pieces so that was really nice to come across. It led to the feeling of those times.
There was a pavilion just above on the property for picnics, bushes and flowers planted added to the charm of this roadside attraction.
Good for kids. Worth the stop 😊
*Wheelchair accessible parking lot and entrance."
Dede King
"Easy enough place to find off Alt 40 with plenty of signage. It was slightly disappointing not to be able to enter the building despite signs claiming you could"
Paul Lunger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The LaVale Toll Gate House is easily found off Alt 40 with clear signage. It's a convenient stop for those traveling along this route.
Yes, there is parking available just below the picnic area, making it accessible for visitors.
The parking lot and entrance are noted as wheelchair accessible, ensuring broader access for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required to view the exterior and grounds. However, if tours are offered, there might be a fee or donation requested. It's best to check in advance.
Operating hours can vary, and the interior may not always be open for viewing. Some visitors have noted disappointment when signs indicated access but the building was locked. Checking for specific tour times is recommended.
Tours are sometimes available and are highly praised by visitors who have experienced them. If you have the opportunity, it's strongly recommended to take a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the site.
The LaVale Toll Gate House historically operated on a cash-only basis and does not accept EZPass, as it's a historical site rather than an active toll road.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the well-preserved historic toll house, original toll collection posts, informative signage detailing historical toll costs, and a pleasant picnic grove.
Yes, there is a nice picnic grove above the tollhouse with tables and a pavilion, offering a good spot for a break.
Visitors have reported that the brick comfort station doors were locked during their Sunday visit, suggesting they may not always be accessible.
Yes, it's considered a good stop for kids, offering a glimpse into the past and a pleasant picnic area.
Absolutely! The charming architecture and historical elements make it a perfect place to snap photos, including senior pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance and Preservation
Beyond the structure itself, the original concrete toll posts flanking the road are a significant feature. Unlike some other toll houses where these markers are gone, their presence at LaVale reinforces the historical context and helps visitors visualize the actual toll collection process. This attention to detail contributes to the site's authenticity and educational value. The surrounding landscape, with bushes and flowers planted, adds to the charm and makes it a pleasant roadside attraction.
Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Accessibility is a consideration, with wheelchair accessible parking and entrance noted, which is a significant plus. However, a common point of feedback is the inconsistent accessibility of the interior. While signs might suggest entry, visitors have sometimes found the doors locked, leading to disappointment. The comfort station doors have also been reported as locked on occasion. This inconsistency means it's wise to manage expectations and confirm any interior access or tour availability beforehand.
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