World Famous Horseshoe Curve, Altoona PA

Small museum, lift no longer working. 1/2 our group couldn't go to the top. You can't see the trains without going up the 194 stairs. Those who saw the train were impressed. Train schedules are no longer posted.

Viewed on Webcam, unfortunately the funicular hasn't been fixed yet so being handicapped I can't climb the 194 steps to see the trains

They want to charge you for something that should be free. Then the incline is broken so now you are paying to walk up a whole lot of stairs. Once you finally get to the top it's beautiful.

A great place to see trains and imagine what a stunning engineering feat it was to construct in 1854, largely by hand and with horses. It was pivotal in the growth of the country and was so important to the WWII effort that the Germans sent a team to sabotage it. Gorgeous especially in the fall.

Decided to visit Horseshoe Curve as a part of a vacation to Altoona, and apparently the schedule was changed to Wednesday to Saturday and not Tuesday to Saturday on the website. What malarkey is this? I've already had a friend had a horrible experience with The Station Inn and now this? Private Owned, and yet it is a Nation Historical site? Real professional.

If you enjoy history and trains, this is a must see. There's so much beauty here. The staff is super friendly and very helpful. $8.00 to get in the museum or shop the gift shop for free.

Fabulous views, lots of picnic tables to have lunch and relax.the transportation ride was not functioning.so the steps are the other option.over 190 of them

As a dedicated railfan, the 387 mile trip from my home to the curve was well worth it. I marveled at the incredible engineering it took to create this site. The staff inside ticket/ gift shop area went above and beyond to reassure that a souvenir t shirt I wanted would be in the following morning as the size I needed was temporarily out of stock. Next morning, there was my size shirt. The whole curve is breathtaking and a must see.

1st time here.watched several trains traveling in both directions.
Counted one of 105 cars with 4 locomotives, 2 @ front, 1 in the middle, 1 on rear! Wrapped itself the whole way around the curve! Amazing!

I’m completely agree with the fellow below. Paying for a park that wasn’t even open and being told to leave before anything had the chance to come. Ridiculous, what’s the point in paying for something and not getting a service out of the money spent. Worst customer service by the lady as well. She sounds like a 24/7 miserable person. Better luck walking down the street to the junianta shop to fan there for free

Interesting museum and viewing place, but don’t expect to SEE the complete horseshoe curve. A bit of a disappointment. Forest growth obstructs the train/track view by some 60%. In the museum a display addresses the liberties taken throughout history on portraying the curve, mostly by postcard artists.

Many, many steps to climb to get to viewing area on a hill. No water fountain or bathrooms at viewing area. Some shade and benches at the top.
Bathrooms at lower level museum. Snack area type cafe here. Gift shop.

The viewing area hill incline motorized cart device was not running during my July 2023 visit. They broadcast live train radio traffic at the viewing area, much of it scratchy. Fee under $10 to enter. Limited hours, check website. Parking is free. Place could use a facelift.

I was more amazed by the water reservoirs going up the side of the mountain that I saw driving up, one pouring into the other.

They don't allow pets. Which while not always a problem. If they are contained, should not be. They don't want you to leave them in a hot car but you can't take them with you. Also no public restrooms.

This is an important location in American transportation history. It illustrates how ingenuity and creative thought can develop solutions to challenges. In this case, how to get the expanding railroad of the 1800's across the Allegheny Mtns in Pennsylvania. Horseshoe Curve NHL is a true sensory experience not to be missed.

Arrived here in the middle of the day. The place was closed. After missing the Amtrak and a few freights a lady came to open the gate late. She charged us money to access the top and said we need to pay but are not guaranteed to see a train…? Ok, Amtrak runs 42 and 43 daily, why are you not open for them to pass only for freight then you charge visitors and don’t give a guarantee to see anything? That’s theft of money in my opinion. There is an incline here and apprarantly isn’t not working (for years) now. Rude lady tells us we just have to make due with what we have.

Responding to the owners reply; the website specifies that the admission is discounted for the inoperable funicular and that is all. It also specified that due to that other railfan locations are available nearby for those unable to climb the stairs. Nowhere does it specify that you pay admission to access the park without guarantee of seeing a train pass. Verbally informing guests is not the proper way to run a business. A disclaimer needs to be written on the website and posted by admission desk.

Horseshoe Curve, the railroading mecca of the east coast. Me and my best friend visited on a Sunday and were not disappointed. 4-5 trains in one hour! A Virtual Railfan camera is also on the premises atop the hill next to the curve so you can see yourself on the video stream from your phone! Aside from the main event there's also a small museum beside the gift shop about the history and construction of horseshoe curve under the PRR, PC, Conrail, Etc. Absolutely worth the price of admission.

It was closed, no idea why, perhaps it's always closed on that day of the week. There didn't appear to be work going on. I was traversing the route of the Kittanning Path, the ancient Native American route from Frankstown to Kittanning, so wasn't all that interested in railroads.