Altoona, located in the Alleghenies region of Pennsylvania, is a beautiful vacation spot for anyone who enjoys history and the outdoors.
During your tour of this fantastic city, you’ll discover many beautiful things to do in Altoona and the neighboring Blair County.
Below are some fun things to do in Altoona, PA.
Things to Do in Altoona, PA
1. Eat’n Park Restaurant
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A chain of restaurants in Altoona called Eat’n Park was established in 1949. The eateries strive to serve you wholesome, fresh food all day long and provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Under the FarmSource program, Eant’n Park spent $20 million on locally sourced products in 2018.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are chopped daily for meals, and a salad and fruit bar is constantly expanding.
Customers can swing by and enjoy their breakfast and lunch combo (called smile) or have a freshly baked salmon filet for the evening if they choose.
The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of options, so it’s worth adding a stop here to your itinerary of things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Location: 137 Bowling Lane, Altoona, PA 16601, United States
2. Railroad City Brewing Company
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In Pennsylvania’s Historic Downtown Altoona, the Railroad City Brewing Company serves a wide variety of the best-handcrafted ales.
Every beer produced by Railroad City Brewing Company is meticulously handmade in small batches.
There are always at least three or four beers in the brewery, and additional beers are available for those who want to sample more.
The local ales produced by Railroad City Brewing Company are available in various traditional, contemporary, and experimental styles.
The Railroad City Brewing Company is open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm and from 3 pm to 10 pm.
In Railroad City Brewing Company, you may interact with the locals and find out interesting facts about the area; the staff is welcoming and accommodating. You may also listen to wonderful music in the background, along with the lovely ambiance.
Location: 1415 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601-3303
3. Canoe Creek State Park
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The park’s 900+ acres are bordered by lush vegetation, a peaceful lake, a disc golf course, hiking trails, a historic limekiln from the 20th century, and an oil field.
Numerous outdoor recreational pursuits, including camping, fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, picnics, wildlife observation, and many more, are accessible at Canoe Creek State Park.
While in the park, you can hike along trails lined with large trees, enjoy a relaxing swim in the water, try your hand at fishing, have a picnic, and then camp out for the night.
At Canoe Creek State Park, you can see eagles, bats, and waterfowl, in addition to other wildlife.
Deer, chipmunks, squirrels, orioles, turkeys, bluebirds, and many more creatures can all be seen in this park.
This park is well-liked for ice skating, sledding, and skiing in the winter.
It’s breathtaking to witness the park’s snow-covered winter scenery.
The perfect place to get away from the everyday grind is this park.
If you want to experience the area’s natural beauty, include a trip to this park on your list of things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Location: 205 Canoe Creek Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, United States
4. Quaint Corner Children’s Museum And Discovery Center
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The Children’s Museum and Discovery Center in Quaint Corner may offer young children and their parents hours of entertainment and knowledge.
With the help of engaging activities, children can learn through Quaint Corner in a way that is more dependable for their tactile memories than a lecture could be.
The structure is divided into four stories, and each exhibit offers play and educational opportunities.
Children are entertained as soon as they enter the building, starting with the stuffed animal clinic on the third story and the climbable walls on the lower level.
Quaint Corner hosts several unique events, such as Santa Claus visits and birthday parties.
If you do not have children, add this attraction to your list of things to do in Altoona.
Location: 2000 Union Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601, United States
5. Old Railroad
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The historic railroad that once ran through this location was the first to be constructed in the Allegheny mountain range.
The railroad ran from the 19th century until 1854 and was essentially a portage line.
The railroad significantly aided in increasing the region’s connectivity to other parts of the nation.
The site still has some of the railway’s remains, a model engine house, a medieval tavern, a stone bridge, a tunnel, and nature paths.
The Staple Bend Tunnel is considered the country’s first tunnel built by American railways. Throughout the 1800s, the tunnel served as a diner that travelers on trains widely used.
The house was renovated to reflect how it was appropriately perceived at the time.
You can see the different devices, including a real railroad locomotive, by going to the replica engine house.
Many train enthusiasts travel to this location, a well-known tourist destination in Altoona.
Location: 110 Federal Park Rd, Gallitzin, PA 16641, United States
6. Baker Mansion
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The Baker family lived in Baker Mansion, a museum built in the late 19th century, until 1914.
Today, the museum pays homage to the Baker family’s history as well as the regional history of this county.
The museum displays old furniture, pottery, paintings, household furnishings, books, a piano, and many other Baker family treasures.
Ironmaster Elias Baker moved away from Altoona in 1836. The home was then built here in 1844 by him.
Visit the mansion to learn about the intriguing lifestyle of the area’s wealthy in the previous century. One of the best things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania, for some historical enjoyment is to tour this museum.
Location: 3419 Oak Ln, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
8. Castle Halloween Museum
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The Castle Halloween Museum is one of the many excellent museums in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that you should include in your list of things to do while visiting the area.
The passionate Halloween costume collector Pamela Apkarian-Russell. In the museum housed in a three-story 19th-century home in Altoona, she exhibits her collection of more than 40,000 things.
The collection includes games, costumes, candy jars, hairpieces, decorations, a chamber decorated in the Harry Potter theme, pinball machines, sculptures, flags with voodoo symbols, paintings, and many other things.
Visitors must make an appointment to see the museum in advance, and each tour is limited to a maximum of six individuals.
Location: 2028 Broad Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, United States
9. A Day @The Park
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This park is breathtaking, with thick vegetation, natural pathways, and lush green grass. Additionally, it features picnic spaces, disc golf, and playing fields.
Enjoy a nice picnic with loved ones and friends while taking in the breathtaking views, stroll along the verdant pathways, play soccer or disc golf, and get away from the daily grind.
It’s the perfect place to unwind and spend the day with your cherished family members.
This location is a huge hit for weddings because of its breathtaking beauty and peaceful ambiance.
Location: 301 Valley View Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
10. Horse hoe Curve
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In 1966, it received national landmark status. It has now developed into a significant attraction in Altoona.
Over 50 freight trains pass through the bend each day nowadays. Horseshoe Curve, a feat of engineering with a length of 2,375 feet, has made it possible for people and freight to move through the Alleghany Mountains.
For more information on the history of the Horseshoe Curve and its construction and to purchase souvenirs, tourists can stop by the visitors center today.
Visitors can view one of the day’s trains passing by at the top of the curve by hiking and taking the “Funicular” up there.
Location: 1300 Ninth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
11. Boyer Candy Factory Outlet
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Are you an elderly enthusiast looking to purchase your preferred vintage candy? Are you looking for the best American sweets? Are you trying to find a top-notch shop that sells the finest candies?
The Boyer Candy Factory Outlet is a fantastic place to visit and is the source of the best sweets created in America.
Boyer Candy Factory Outlet offers a variety of gluten-free Boyer Candy, including smoothie cups, mallo cups, smoothie cups, peanut butter cups, and bulk products.
A traditional American candy company, Boyer Candy creates distinctive delicacies, smooth milk chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow.
You will undoubtedly adore the inventive pairings of crunchy peanut butter and butterscotch in the great smoothie cups if you enjoy delicious peanut butter.
The cup candy is owned by Boyer Candy Factory Outlet, which has improved over time. Anyone who hasn’t tried exquisite sweets has yet to develop a fondness for delectable candy suitable for children and adults.
Location: 821 17th St, Altoona, PA 16601-2074
12. Railroaders Memorial Museum
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Visiting the Railroaders Memorial Museum is one of the top things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and it is worthwhile to include it on your list of things to do.
One of the most important contributions to the industrial revolution is thought to be the American Railroad. Within Altoona alone, it employed thousands of workers.
The museum includes three floors of exhibitions. Some exhibits examine train travel, railroad operations, the life of a railroad worker, and how Nazi terrorists targeted the Altoona railroad zone for their attacks.
Visitors can look back at the old ethnic communities and how people of all ethnicities coexisted in the railroad industry.
Location: 1300 Ninth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
13. Benzel Pretzel Outlet
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Benzel Pretzel Outlet is a renowned pretzel producer with more than a century of experience, offering a range of goods made with accuracy and care.
The Benzel Pretzel Store aspires to offer premium pretzel products while advancing environmentally friendly manufacturing methods.
The fantastic stores work to ensure the satisfaction and enjoyment of their patrons and aim to make them happy. You will be greeted warmly and kindly by the Benzel Pretzel Outlet employees as soon as you enter the establishment.
Adolph Benzel, a German immigrant, founded the one-of-a-kind business in 1911 when he arrived in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Benzel established his pretzel bakery in the city using a fantastic family recipe and has gained a solid reputation throughout the community.
People go large distances to purchase at the neighborhood Benzel’s outlet for top-notch goods; the store offers welcoming services, a great assortment of goods, and an enjoyable shopping experience.
Location: 5200 6th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602-1435
14. Lakemont Park
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Since 1894, Lakemont Park, close to Peoples Natural Gas Field, has been a recreational destination for the community.
There are 30 attractions in Lakemont Park, including three roller coasters and three water rides.
The remaining rides, such as swings, a tilt-a-whirl, and a Ferris wheel, are shared in amusement parks.
Visitors can use some of the go-kart tracks, inflatable bounce houses, paddle boats, and miniature golf courses for an additional fee.
Keeping with its name, Lakemont Park also offers lots of green space so visitors can take in the scenery and hike pathways with their families.
Location:.700 Park Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
15. Altoona Community Theatre
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A visit to the Altoona Community Theatre should be on your list of things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as it boasts more than 1,300 subscribers.
Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) has won multiple awards at regional and state contests since 1993 for great acting, outstanding original scripts, the best stage manager, and the best production.
In the past, ACT has staged children’s plays, classic productions like My Fair Lady and Romeo and Juliet, and musicals like Mamma Mia! (Bunnicula).
Every season, a variety of four to six productions are presented; therefore, guests should schedule their trip in advance.
Additionally, ACT provides training and education workshops. ACT has a summer program for kids and teenagers who are seasonal residents of Altoona.
Location: 1213 12th Street, Altoona, PA 16603, United States
15. People’s Natural Gas Field
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The Blair County Ballpark, the original name of Peoples Natural Gas Field, can accommodate around 7210 spectators at once.
The only stadium user is the Altoona Curve, a Minor League Baseball team.
Due to its views of the neighboring “Skyliner” rollercoaster at Lakemont Park and the Allegheny Mountains, this park is considered one of the best Views in the Minors.
The park has a variety of affordable seating alternatives, such as Skybox seats, first base bleachers, and a picnic pavilion.
A full buffet is available to anyone who chooses one of these picnic areas without having to bring the food themselves or clean up afterward.
Location: 1000 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
16. Southern Allegheny Museum Of Art
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If you enjoy art, visit the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
The vast Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA), which formerly had only one location, now has five satellite locations.
The SAMA is home to more than 4000 permanent art pieces and temporary exhibitions. The collection includes works worldwide and local artists in sculpture, drawing, painting, and prints.
SAMA features works by well-known artists and other artists, such as Mary Cassatt and Andy Warhol.
Depending on the time of the visit, visitors can participate in any of the several annual professional developments and fundraising events.
Events like The Art of Wine and Fashion and Blue Monday combine food, music, wine, and art to create a unique experience.
Location: 1210 Eleventh Avenue Altoona, PA 16601, United States
17. Galactic Ice
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The first ice rink facility for the Altoona/Blair County area was made available to the public when Galactic Ice opened its doors in June 2000.
Three high school hockey teams, Penn State-Altoona hockey, the Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey, and the Altoona Area Your Ice Hockey Association, call Galactic Ice their home.
Galactic Ice also hosts learn-to-skate programs, curling, and figure skating, among other ice activities. Birthday celebrations, private outings, public skating, business events, and more are all hosted by Galactic Ice.
Athletes utilize a large lobby, party rooms, and an off-ice training facility at Galactic Ice for team meetings, team building, video sessions, and other activities.
Location: 750 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602-5980
18. Finelli’s Italian Villa
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Visit Finelli’s Italian Villa for a wonderful dining experience in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Built from the remnants of Dutch Kitchen, the magnificent restaurant Finell’s Italian Villa debuted in 1993.
Since the establishment’s beginning, the family has served as the front-line employees, and the owners work as bartenders, hostesses, managers, and chefs.
The menu combines classic Italian dishes with gourmet American fare and features beef, seafood, veal, and chicken recipes.
The menu also includes an array of wines and appetizers in addition to salads and soups.
The Grandma Gallo cheese and meat board, steamed mussels, and artichoke hearts that have been cooked in wine with parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon, and butter are a few examples of appetizers.
Visit this outstanding eating destination to sample some of its best appetizers.
Location: 1808 4th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
19. Leap The Dip Roller Coaster
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The roller coaster Leap the Dip is a historical monument from the early 20th century.
The oldest operational roller coaster in the world is this one. It is more than a century old and is situated in Lakemont Park.
Although it doesn’t deliver fast speeds, it will give you a memorable and exhilarating experience. Take a spin on this vintage wooden roller coaster at Lakemont Park.
Location: Lakemont Park, 700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
20. Blair County Historical
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The Blair County Historical Society examines Altoona, Pennsylvania’s significance over the last century.
The Blair County Historical Society uses the Baker’s Mansion to illustrate the affluence of Altoona residents like ironworker Elias Baker, who constructed the mansion in 1849 for $15,000 during the city’s golden age.
Additionally, it maintains a WWII exhibition showing how the conflict affected the city in a similar location to Altoona.
Additionally, visitors can learn why Altoona was a crucial Nazi target for attack.
Another exciting option is The Baker Mansion Lecture Series, which is open to the public but encourages donations.
Location: 3419 Oak Lane, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
21. Harmony Horsemanship Center
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The Harmony Horsemanship Center is a beautiful location where humans and horses may go to improve their lives. Christine Wertz is a fantastic instructor who teaches children and adults how to ride horses safely.
For people of all ages and skill levels, the Harmony Horsemanship Center provides excellent horsemanship instruction.
Beginning riders at Harmony Horsemanship Center get the confidence they need in a relaxed, welcoming, and safe setting.
Additionally, the center provides advanced learning possibilities for competitive and seasoned riders, which will help them enhance their skills.
The facility aims to give visitors a satisfying, advanced horsemanship experience.
Harmony Horsemanship Center offers a secure and enjoyable beginning for your youngster and provides a fun environment for you and your friends or family to enjoy.
The facility offers Camps for horses and Pony Pals. It is a beautiful chance for campers to engage in outdoor activities, meet new people, learn about and have fun with horses and ponies.
The program teaches self-confidence building, leadership, natural horsemanship, and health and fitness courses.
Location: 473 Golf Course Rd, Altoona, PA 16601-8200
22. Canoe Creek Limestone Kilns
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Blair Limestone Company owned the Canoe Creek Lime Kilns, an old lime kiln from the 20th century.
Canoe Creek State Park is home to the Blair Limestone Company. The region is well known for having an abundance of limestone.
Fastlime was produced in two active kilns on the park’s grounds for the steel and iron industries. Learn about the ruins of the past kilns in the park.
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is to visit this magnificent park.
Location: Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, United States
23. Mama Randazzo’s Restaurant
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At Mama Randazzo’s, you may get dishes inspired by American pizzerias while still enjoying authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Two immigrant families from different Italian provinces founded the first generation of restaurants.
The standard American menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, French fries, hamburgers, and wings, while the Italian menu includes fresh pizza, pasta, Stromboli, and calzones.
The goal of Mama Randazzo is to serve only fresh meals. Every day in the kitchen, cheese is chopped and shredded.
Basil, fresh plum tomatoes, and olive oil are the main ingredients in all sauces. Fresh coffee beans are also ground to make new coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso every day.
Customers can place orders over the phone, in person, or online. Some of Altoona’s top restaurants may be found at Mama Randazzo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant.
Location: 1600 Broadway, Altoona, PA 16601, United States
Conclusion
There are lots of fun activities for all ages in Altoona, so you’d have a great time, whether you’re just taking a travel tour or moving into the City.
Use this article as a guide to catch up with the best and most enjoyable things to do in Altoona, PA.