Engine House and tavern
Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter and the Lemon House at the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. NPS

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

National Historic Site · Pennsylvania · National Park Service

The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

Plan your visit

Trails & hiking

Hiking

Know before you go

Phone
8148866150
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Architecture and Building · African American Heritage · Commerce · Trade · Engineering · Industry · Logging and Timber Cutting · Laborer and Worker · Military · Infantry and Militia · Social Movements · Abolition Movement · Transportation · Canals · Tunnels · Trains and Railroads · Wars and Conflicts · Mexican War · Westward Expansion · Mountains · Night Sky · Astronomy · River and Riparian · Trails

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Living History · Historic Weapons Demonstration · First Person Interpretation · Junior Ranger Program · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Engine house
    NPS
  • Lemon House
    NPS Photo
  • Stone building
    NPS
  • Tunnel
    NPS
  • Bridge
    NPS
  • Bookstore
    NPS
  • Theater
    NPS
  • Barrel
    NPS

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Guides for the trip

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12