Location: Altoona
Top Things to do in Altoona
- 1. Peoples Natural Gas Field
- 2. Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
- 3. Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
- 4. Boyer Candy Factory Outlet
- 5. Benzel Pretzel Outlet
- 6. Fort Roberdeau
- 7. Reighard's Gas Station - one of the oldest Gas Stations in America
- 8. Lakemont Park
- 9. Castle Halloween Museum
- 10. Galactic Ice
10 Things to Do in Altoona That You Shouldn't Miss
Altoona is a city in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the principal city of the Altoona Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The population was 46,320 at the time of the 2010 Census, making it the eleventh most populous city in Pennsylvania. The Altoona MSA includes all of Blair County and was recorded as having a population of 127,089 at the 2010 Census, around 100,000 of whom live within a 5-mile (8.0 km) radius of the Altoona city center according to U.S. Census ZIP Code population data. This includes the adjacent boroughs of Hollidaysburg and Duncansville, adjacent townships of Logan, Allegheny, Blair, Frankstown, Antis, and Tyrone, as well as nearby boroughs of Bellwood and Newry.
Restaurants in Altoona
1. Peoples Natural Gas Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By GregoryBH13 - Bozeman, MT
If you're a baseball fan or are just looking for a great experience outdoors with friends, family or kids don't miss a ball game here! Super family friendly and lots of exciting entertainment besides the game to amuse the little ones in between innings! Very tasty snacks, food and treats available at the concession stands and a great selection of cold beers for those who enjoy a cold one or two at the ball park! "Go Curve!"
2. Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
A museum celebrating the history of the railroad in industrial America.
Reviewed By Mango A - Puerto Rico
Great museum. We loved seeing all the train and rail industry history. If you plan to go to the horseshoe curve, it is good to know that he wheels of the trains screech loudly as they go around the curve, so I recommend bringing earmuffs for little ones others who are sensitive to loud noises.
3. Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 439 reviews
An unusual construction of rail-building that enabled trains to move westward.
Reviewed By Justin W - York, Pennsylvania
In just 40 minutes four trains came by. When we arrived one was completing its turn and heading away. Soon two trains came by, one going each direction. A third came by before closing. The trains have to move slowly so you get lots of time to see them and they were blowing their horns. All were freight trains. The viewing area is a small grass strip with benches in the center of the curve with an observation deck that overlooks the water below. It doesn't encircle the curve but you can get within of the trains (don't walk on the tracks). However this small area is very spacious. There's even a caboose on display. The only thing I didn't like was the cable car only runs every 30 minutes. However a staircase helps if you're willing to climb them. We used the cable car to go up and staircase to come down.
4. Boyer Candy Factory Outlet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Erich S
The factory outlet is a trip down memory lane for iconic local candy. The offerings are always sweet and always delicious. However, this being a factory outlet the price points are not in line with that. Yes there are imperfects, but they are sold in such quantities that it is not worthwhile. They should use the store to reflect that it truly is a factory outlet rather than just saying so.
5. Benzel Pretzel Outlet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Steelcityguy - Pittsburgh
I have stopped here on more than on occasion. The selection of pretzels along with the prices is great, though keep in mind debit/credit cards are foreign to them and aren't accepted. They also carry Martins Chips though they are made along route 30 between York and Gettysburg.
My only complaint is that the people working in the pretzel outlet could at least make an attempt to be pleasant. But then...... as you walk in from the parking lot the company signs state the outlet hours and also states that they close "promptly" at 5. They should change it to read, "if your reading this at 4:50 pm don't even think about going into the outlet store". If you are in the area and have a snack fix then by all means stop. Personally, it's close by but I would take Unique or Sturgis any day but I don't get to Reading all that often.
6. Fort Roberdeau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Reviewer6SJ7 - Pennsylvania
Best to go when they have one of their many annual events - check their website. Personnel well-versed in a rich history of the area and the fort. May be hard to find, but check your GPS or app if unsure. BTW, one review said it was "Fake". The fort was reconstructed as a special Bicentennial project in 1976, and they not only make no secret of it, they tell you that as part of the fort's story.
7. Reighard's Gas Station - one of the oldest Gas Stations in America
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By DeeS9348 - Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Proclaimed to be the oldest Gas Station in America - Another one claims to be too... It doesn't matter - if you are in the area - STOP, it's neat! Still clean your windshield and pump your gas
8. Lakemont Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 186 reviews
The eighth oldest park in the United States.
Reviewed By Ashley C - west virginia
This park is good for a family with young kids and it's nice for a cheap activity but when I was younger it was so much nicer than it is now. Some of the rides need some work, like the Skyliner. However, the Leap the Dips coaster is one of the oldest roller coasters in the country
9. Castle Halloween Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By dsrdsr1 - Waldorf, MD
Unbelievable collection of (mostly) Halloween objects but also included are a Harry Potter and Night before Xmas room. The Halloween Queen herself, Pamela E. Apkarian-Russell, gives an interesting and very fun tour. If your headed to Altoona, PA get reservations and make a stop there.
10. Galactic Ice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Ashleigh C - LaVale, Maryland
Galactic Ice is a place I highly recommend ice skating at if you are in the Altoona area, it is opened year round and it is reasonable. They have a schedual of times when they have open skate to the public, but still that shouldn't put a stop to going there. It is awesome and the people there are very nice. One day Steamer (Curve Mascot) came by to ice skate and he is a very good skater.
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