PRR E8A's at AR Tower: In it's heydey, AR Tower directed the turning of helpers on the loop track. Helper locomotives would push a train up the mountain from Altoona, and take the loop track to return to Altoona. Here, the Railfest excursion behind two restored Pennsylvania Railroad E8A's takes the loop track in order to return to Altoona. It will shortly enter the New Portage Tunnel.
PRR E8A's at AR Tower

Horseshoe Curve: World-Famous Horseshoe Curve features a museum, park, and a funicular tram ride. The Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum is just ten minutes from The Curve.
Horseshoe Curve

Cassandra Railroad Overlook: The Cassandra railfan bridge is an excellent location to enjoy the railroad activity, just 8.3 miles west off of PA Route 53.
Cassandra Railroad Overlook

Jackson Street Overpass: Norfolk Southern helper engines pass under Jackson Street. Just out of view to the right is the Gallitzin Tunnels Museum & Park. Note that cutouts in the fence allow for photography of passing trains.
Jackson Street Overpass

Helpers at Jackson Street: Two Norfolk Southern helper locomotives push train 13N upgrade towards the summit at Cresson. This view can be had from the east end of Park property.
Helpers at Jackson Street

Location

The Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum are located roughly midway between Altoona and Johnstown on US Route 22. Take the Gallitzin Exit (12 miles West of Altoona, 10 miles East of Ebensburg) and follow Tunnel Signs to the Park.

Nearby attractions include:

Although Allegheny Mountain Magic is no longer an active group, the people involved remain active in their respective areas – still promoting the “top” of the Allegheny Mountain – the Route 53 Corridor, where there are ideal train watching spots, historical sites, and great dining & lodging destinations.  This region is an ideal vacation spot – to get away and enjoy the hospitality of small towns.  Information is available at Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum.   Many of the Blue Allegheny Mountain Magic signs remain in place.  

Allegheny Mountain Magic Sites along the Route 53 Corridor

Updated July 12, 2015

Gallitzin

Farmers' Market

Shuey's Creek Bottom Farm
Parking Lot across from S & T Bank
701 Main Street
Sundays  11am - 5pm until October 25th
PA SFMNP and FMNP Vouchers Accepted

Iron Horse Bar & Grille

606 Jackson Street
Tuesday - Saturday  4pm - 11pm
Sunday - September through March - noon until 11pm
Closed Mondays
814-886-8955

Mazz's Pizza Plus

Corner of Chestnut & Forest Streets
Sunday - Thursday  -  11am - 11pm
Friday & Saturday - 11am - Midnight
814-886-2282

Midway Cafe

Corner of Donoughe & St. Thomas Streets
SPECIALS DAILY - Monday through Friday - lunch & dinner
Saturday - Off the Menu
Closed Sundays
814-886-2141

One Stop Groceries & Gas

Corner of Chestnut & Main Streets
PIZZA, SANDWICHES, SALADS, ETC.
Monday - Friday - 5am - 10pm
Saturday - 7am - 10pm
Sunday - 7am - 9pm
814-886-7360

The Wine Cellar

338 W. Chestnut Street
"Fine Dining"
Wednesday - Saturday - 4pm - 9pm
814-886-8053
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR WEEKENDS

Cresson

Cresson Area Heritage Park / RR Observation Platform

The Station Inn B&B

Front Street, Cresson, PA
814-886-4757

Lilly

Three great railfanning spots:

  • Over Bridge St. Bridge
  • Carney’s Crossing
  • Lilly Borough Parkyard

For more info, call (814) 886-4564

Cassandra

Cassandra Railroad Overlook

See and feel the power of the engines as they travel beneath you!
Deepest mountain cuts on the mainline!

The Overlook Motel

814-736-4880
E-mail: flycassandra1@aol.com

Portage

Station Museum and Theatre

400 Lee St., Portage, PA 15946
814-736-9223

Open Wed 1-4 pm; Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm
Closed Jan & Feb.

Other Area Attractions

 

Gallitzin Area Tourist Council
Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum
DeGol Plaza
411 Convent Street, Suite 20
Gallitzin, PA 16641-1295

Phone: (814) 886-8871
Fax: (814) 886-6811
Email: gallitzintunnels@gmail.com

Proud to be part of the Path of Progress
Members of Allegheny Mountain Magic

J. Alex Lang Productions