31 Best & Fun Things to Do in Altoona (PA)

Altoona is a gorgeous city in Blair County, Pennsylvania. It is the principal city of the Altoona Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) established Altoona in 1849 as the site for a shop and maintenance complex. The city’s got its name from the Latin word -“Altus,” meaning “high.”

Altoona is a historic railroad town and transportation gateway for the Pennsylvania Railroads. Here are the top things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Things to Do in Altoona

1. Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark

Horseshoe Curve was designated a national landmark in the year 1966. Since then, it has grown into an important point of interest in Altoona.

Today, more than 50 freight trains travel through the curve every day. With a length of 2,375 feet, Horseshoe Curve is a marvel that has allowed both freight and travelers to travel throughout the Alleghany Mountains.

Visitors today can stop by the visitors center for more details on the history of Horseshoe Curve and its construction, and also buy souvenirs.

The “Funicular” and a hike will take visitors to the top of the curve, which is where they can see one of the trains of the day travel by.

Address: 1300 Ninth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

2. Boyer Candy Factory Outlet

Are you an old fan searching to buy your favorite retro candy? Are you in search of the finest American candy? Are you looking for an excellent store that sells the best candies?

It would be great to visit the Boyer Candy Factory Outlet as it is an excellent destination and home to American-made finest candies.

Boyer Candy Factory Outlet offers smoothies cups, mallo cups, smoothie cups, peanut butter cups, and other gluten-free Boyer Candy; in different varieties of options from single to bulk items.

Boyer Candy is a classic American candy that produces unique candies, creamy milk chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow. If you are a fan of tasty peanut butter, you are definitely going to fall in love with the unique combinations of crunchy peanut butter and butterscotch in the great smoothie cups.

Boyer Candy Factory Outlet is the owner of the cup candy, and throughout history, it has perfected the cup candy. The delicious candy is for young & old and yet to become the favorite of anyone who hasn’t tasted the lovely sweets.

Address: 821 17th St, Altoona, PA 16601-2074

3. Railroaders Memorial Museum

One of the best fun things to do in Altoona, PA, is visiting the Railroaders Memorial Museum and it is worth adding to your checklist.

The American Railroad is considered one of the most significant contributions to the industrial revolution. It employed thousands of people within Altoona alone.

The museum has three floors of exhibitions. It is home to exhibitions that explore the life of railroad life, journey by train, the process of operating railroads, and an in-depth study of how Nazi terrorists focused their attacks on the Altoona railroad zone.

Visitors can look back at the historical neighborhoods of ethnicity and how all people of different ethnicities came together to be a part of the lifestyle of the railroad.

An exhibit devoted to railway workers’ wives shows the hard work that women put into at home.

Address: 1300 Ninth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

4. Benzel Pretzel Outlet

Benzel Pretzel Outlet is a leading pretzel manufacturer with over a hundred years of experience providing various products done with precision and care.

Benzel Pretzel Store strives to provide quality pretzel products alongside promoting sustainable practices within the manufacturing operations.

The fantastic stores strive to make their customers happy and work for the enjoyment and satisfaction of their customers. The staff in the Benzel Pretzel Outlet is friendly and helpful, and you will be warlike welcomed immediately you step into the store.

The origin of the unique store comes from an immigrant from Germany named Adolph Benzel, who stepped into Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1911. Benzel arrived in the city with a fantastic family recipe to start his pretzel bakery, and he has made a good name in the town and its surroundings.

People come from far and near to shop in the local outlet for the excellent Benzel’s products; the store provides friendly services, a fantastic product selection, and a great shopping experience.

Address: 5200 6th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602-1435

5. Lakemont Park

Located close to Peoples Natural Gas Field, Lakemont Park has been a fun attraction to the city since 1894.

Lakemont Park houses 30 attractions which include three roller coasters and three are water rides.

The remaining rides are popular in amusement parks like the swings, the tilt-a-whirl, and a Ferris-Wheel.

For an additional cost, visitors can enjoy some of the Go-Karts tracks, inflatable bounce house as well as paddle boats, and miniature golf courses.

True to the title, Lakemont Park also has ample green spaces for guests to enjoy the natural surroundings and explore trails with families.

Address:.700 Park Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

6. Altoona Community Theatre

Altoona Community Theatre has a subscription listing of more than 1,300, and a visit here is worth adding to your list of things to do in Altoona, PA.

From 1993 to the present day, Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) has been awarded numerous prizes at regional and state competitions for exceptional acting, outstanding original scripts, stage managers the award, and for the best production.

In the past, ACT has performed musicals (Mamma Mia! ) and classic productions (My Fair Lady) and classics (Romeo and Juliet), and also children’s plays (Bunnicula).

A range of four-to-six productions are performed every season, so visitors are advised to plan their visit in advance.

ACT also hosts seminars for education and training. For those who are spending season living in Altoona, ACT offers a youth and teen summer program.

Address: 1213 12th Street, Altoona, PA 16603, United States

7. Peoples Natural Gas Field

Peoples Natural Gas Field was initially referred to as”the Blair County Ballpark and is capable of seating about 7210 spectators at a time.

The stadium is only currently used by a Minor league baseball team called the Altoona Curve.

This park is rated one of the top Views in the Minors because it overlooks the Allegheny Mountains and the “Skyliner” rollercoaster at nearby Lakemont Park.

The park offers a range of seating and cost options that include Skybox seats as well as first base bleachers and a picnic pavilion.

Anyone who selects any of these picnic spots can get a full buffet without having to carry the food themselves or cleaning up.

Address: 1000 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

8. Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

If you are a lover of art, add a visit to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art to your list of things to do in Altoona, PA.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) is a vast museum that is now comprised of five satellite sites.

SAMA boasts traveling exhibits and is also home to more than 4000 works of art that are permanent. The collection comprises sculpture, drawing, painting as well as prints of international and local artists.

SAMA includes artwork from prominent artists with other artists, including Andy Warhol and Mary Cassatt.

Visitors can take part in any of the numerous annual professional development and fundraising events depending on the time of visit.

These events mix food, music, wine, and art into an unforgettable experience, such as The Art of Wine and Fashion and Blue Monday.

Address: 1210 Eleventh Avenue Altoona, PA 16601, United States

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9. Galactic Ice

Galactic Ice opened its doors to the public in June 2000, offering Altoona/Blair County area its first ice rink facility.

Galactic Ice serves as a home to Altoona Area Your Ice Hockey Association, three high school hockey programs, Penn State-Altoona hockey, and the Sitting Bulls Sled hockey.

Other Ice sports occur in Galactic Ice, such as Learn To Skake programs, curling, and figure skating. Galactic Ice hosts other exciting and fun events like birthday parties, private outings, public skating, corporate events, and more.

In Galactic Ice, there is a spacious lobby, party rooms, and an off-ice training center used by athletes for team meetings, team building, video sessions, and others.

Address: 750 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602-5980

10. Finelli’s Italian Villa

For a memorable dining experience, add a visit to Finelli’s Italian Villa to your list of things to do in Altoona, PA.

Finell’s Italian Villa is a spectacular restaurant that was built from the remains of Dutch Kitchen and opened in 1993.

Since its inception, the family has been the front-line staff for the establishment, and the owners are serving as bartenders, hosts, managers, and chefs.

The menu blends traditional Italian food and American gourmet cuisine that includes beef, fish, veal as well as chicken recipes.

Along with salads and soups, the menu is also filled with appetizers and a variety of wines.

A few appetizers include drunken mushrooms, Grandma Gallo cheese and meat board, steamed mussels, artichoke hearts that have been cooked in wine, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon, and butter.

Stop by this spectacular dining attraction to taste some of the best appetizers it has to offer.

Address: 1808 4th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

11. Leap the Dips

Leap the Dips roller coaster is a historical landmark that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.

This rollercoaster is the world’s oldest working roller coaster. It is located in Lakemont Park, and it is over 100 years old.

While it’s not offering speedy speeds, it will give you an unforgettable and thrilling experience. Go to Lakemont Park and enjoy a ride on this old wooden rollercoaster.

Address: Lakemont Park, 700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

12. Blair Country Historical Society, Inc.

The Blair County Historical Society looks at the importance of Altoona, PA, all through the past century.

In particular, the Baker’s Mansion is one of the ways that The Blair County Historical Society shows the wealth of Altoona’s citizens, like the ironmaster Elias Baker who built the mansion in 1849 for $15,000 during the golden era.

It also runs a WWII exhibition that showcases how the war impacted the city in a town that was quite like Altoona.

Visitors can also find out the reason Altoona was an important Nazi area of attack.

Another thing worth a look at could include The Baker Mansion Lecture Series, which is free to attend (though donations are suggested).

Address: 3419 Oak Lane, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

13. Harmony Horsemanship Center

Harmony Horsemanship Center is a fantastic place where horses and people visit to enrich their lives. Christine Wertz is an incredible instructor who loves horses and teaches both kids and adults how to ride them properly.

Harmony Horsemanship Center offers top-notch horsemanship training for people of all abilities and ages.

Harmony Horsemanship Center helps beginning riders build their confidence in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. The center also offers experienced and competitive riders with advanced learning opportunities that will help push their skills to greater heights. The center strives to provide a positive, progressive horsemanship experience.

You are sure to have fun with your friends or family in Harmony Horsemanship Center as it offers a safe and fun start to your child and helps build confidence with horses.

The center offers Horse and Pony Pals Camps. It is a beautiful opportunity for campers to enjoy outdoor activities and make friends while discovering and playing with horses and ponies.

The camp offers lessons like health and fitness, natural horsemanship skills, leadership, teamwork, and promotes self-confidence.

Address: 473 Golf Course Rd, Altoona, PA 16601-8200

14. Canoe Creek Limestone Kilns

Canoe Creek Limestone Kilns is an abandoned limekiln from the 20th century which belonged to Blair Limestone Company.

Blair Limestone Company is located in Canoe Creek State Park. The area is famous for its abundance of limestone.

Two kilns operating on the property of the park made fastlime for supplies to the steel and iron industry. Discover the remains of historic kilns that were located in the park.

A visit to this spectacular park is one of the best fun things to do in Altoona, PA.

Address: Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, United States

15. Mama Randazzo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant

Mama Randazzo’s is a restaurant that combines traditional Sicilian food with American pizzeria-style dishes.

The restaurant was started by the first generation with two immigrant families from various provinces of Italy.

Hot and cold subs French fries, hamburgers, and wings complete the standard American menu items, while the Italian menu offers fresh pizza, pasta, Stromboli, and calzones.

Mama Randazzo is committed to ensuring that their food is fresh. Cheese is cut and shred on a daily basis in the kitchen.

All sauces are made from olive oil, fresh plum tomatoes, and basil. Fresh coffee beans are also ground daily to make coffee that is fresh, including cappuccino, espresso, and lattes.

Customers can place orders online, at the counter, or by telephone. Mama Randazzo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant offers some of the best dining options Altoona has to offer.

Address: 1600 Broadway, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

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16. Eat’n Park

Eat’n Park restaurants are a chain of restaurants that was founded in 1949. The restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner and seek to provide fresh and healthy food all day.

In the year 2018, Eant’n Park spent $20 million on locally sourced ingredients under the FarmSource program.

Every day, fresh fruits and vegetables are chopped for meals, as well as the ever-growing salad and fruit bar.

Customers can stop by for breakfast and indulge in their bananas for French toast or breakfast and lunch combo (called smile), or they would prefer a freshly-baked salmon filet for dinner.

There are a variety of choices on the restaurant menu, and a visit here is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Altoona, PA, for a memorable dining experience.

Address: 137 Bowling Lane, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

17. Railroad City Brewing Company

Railroad City Brewing Company is in Historic Downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania; it offers a great selection of the finest handcrafted ales.

We are an artisan nano-brewery located in Altoona that offers a selection of fine ales.

Each of the beers in Railroad City Brewing Company is handcrafted in tiny batches and executed to precision. Although the products rotate, there are always at least three or four beers available in the brewery and others for more tastes.

Railroad City Brewing Company produces a continuously rotating selection of locally made ales, encompassing traditional, modern, and experimental styles. Railroad City Brewing Company opens every Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, on Friday and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

You will have the opportunity to talk with the locals in Railroad City Brewing Company and learn new things about the place; the staff is friendly and helpful. You will also get to enjoy good kinds of music in the background alongside the beautiful atmosphere.

Address: 1415 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601-3303

18. Canoe Creek State Park

With over 900 acres of land space, the park is surrounded by lush foliage, a tranquil lake, a disc golf course, hiking trails, an old twentieth-century limekiln, and an oil field.

Canoe Creek State Park offers access to an array of outdoor recreational activities, like camping, fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, picnicking, watching wildlife, and many more.

While in the park, you can explore the trails of nature with tall trees, go for an enjoyable swim at the water, attempt fishing for yourself, enjoy a picnic, and then camp in the evening.

You can spot waterfowls as well as bats, eagles, and bats while at the Canoe Creek State Park.

Other animals you can spot in this park include deer, chipmunks, squirrels, orioles, turkeys, bluebirds, and many more.

In the winter months, this park is a popular spot for skating on ice, sledding, and skiing.

The snowy winter landscape at the park is an amazing sight to see. This park is an ideal escape from the mundane routine.

Add a visit to this park to your list of things to do in Altoona, PA, if you wish to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Address: 205 Canoe Creek Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, United States

19. Quaint Corner Children’s Museum and Discovery Center

For parents with young children, A visit to Quaint Corner’s Children’s Museum and Discovery Center can provide hours of fun and education for children.

Quaint Corner is focused on helping children learn through fun activities that allow their tactile memories to be more reliable than a lecture could.

The building is divided into four floors, and every exhibit has playtime and learning time.

Starting from the 3rd floor’s stuffed animal clinic and the lower level’s climb walls, children are engaged right from the time they walk through the gates.

Quaint Corner offers several special occasions throughout the year, including a visit by Santa and birthday celebrations.

If you are not Altoona with kids, do act this attraction to your list of things to do in Altoona, PA.

Address: 2000 Union Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

20. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

The old railroad in this site was the first railway to be built in the Allegheny mountain region. The railroad was primarily a portage railroad that was operational from the 19th century until 1854.

The railroad played an important contribution in improving the accessibility of the region to other areas of the country.

The site today houses the remnants from the railway, a historical Tavern and replica engine house, a bridge made of stone, as well as a tunnel and nature trails.

It is believed that the Staple Bend Tunnel is the first tunnel built by railways that were constructed in the USA. The tunnel was used as a restaurant throughout the 1800s and was frequently visited by train passengers.

The house was renovated to ensure that it accurately portrayed the way it was viewed during the time.

You can visit the replica engine house to see the various machines, including an actual railway engine. This site is a popular tourist attraction located within Altoona and is visited by many train enthusiasts.

Address: 110 Federal Park Rd, Gallitzin, PA 16641, United States

21. Blair Country Historical Society, Inc.

Built-in the late 19th century, Baker Mansion, which is now a museum, was the former home of the Baker family until 1914.

Today, its museum is a tribute to the story of the Baker family and the local history of this county.

Exhibits featured in the museum include old furniture, china, paintings, home decor, books, piano, and many other artifacts that belong to the Baker family.

Elias Baker was an ironmaster who relocated from Altoona in 1836. He then constructed the house here in 1844.

Visit the mansion to discover the fascinating life of the elite in this area in the earlier century. Touring this museum is one of the best fun things to do in Altoona, PA, for some history time.

Address: 3419 Oak Ln, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

22. Castle Halloween Museum

Among the many spectacular museums in Altoona, PA, Castle Halloween Museum is one worth adding to your list of things to do while in the city.

Pamela Apkarian-Russell is an avid collector of Halloween costumes. She displays her collection of more than 40,000 items in the museum, which is located in a three-story 19th-century home in Altoona.

The collection includes wreaths constructed of hair of humans, games, costumes, candy jars, hairpieces, decorations, the Harry Potter-themed room, pinball machines, sculptures, voodoo-themed flags, paintings, and many other items.

To visit the museum, visitors need to make an appointment beforehand, and no more than six people are permitted for each tour.

Address: 2028 Broad Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

23. Lenny’s Classic Car Collection

One of the best things to do in Altoona, PA, for car enthusiasts is visiting the Lenny’s Classic Car Collection, and it is worth adding to your checklist.

This museum has a wide selection of antique cars, such as The 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25 Sadanca D’Ville 1950 Jaguar MK V, 1951 Bentley Mark VI, 1957 T-Bird with Birds-Nest 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante, and others.

Visit the museum and take a look at this incredible collection of vintage automobiles.

24. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Are you in search of a fun and engaging park to visit with your friends and family? Are you looking for the best year-round indoor recreational park? You would need to visit the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park as it is the perfect place you need.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is an excellent indoor playground for you and your family or friends as it features new adventures in every area of the park.

You can host your kid’s birthday party, a picnic, get-together, and other family-friendly events in the park. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park handle everything for your successful events from setup and hosting to clean up and other entertainment since they have experts who get the work done especially hosting parties for kids of any age.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park continue to be the best-chosen place for hosting excellent kids’ birthday parties for a long time. The indoor adventure park always has something for everyone to have fun, including climbing walls, basketball, obstacle courses, classic trampolines, and lots more.

It would be best if you take your kid’s birthday party to the indoor park or you visit with your friends and family to climb, bounce, play, dunk and have some fun experience.

Address: 223 Park Hills Plaza, Altoona, PA 16602

25. Valley View County Park

This is a stunning park with lush foliage, nature trails, and beautiful green lawns. It also has playing fields as well as a disc golf course and picnic areas.

Have a wonderful picnic with family and friends with stunning views, walk along the lush trails, enjoy playing disc golf or soccer, and escape the routine of your day.

It’s an ideal spot to relax and have an enjoyable day with your loved family members.

Due to its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere, this is also an extremely popular wedding spot.

Address: 301 Valley View Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

26. Mike’s Court

Mike’s Court is a spectacular place you will enjoy a fun-filled accompanied with open hours with your friends or family.

Mike’s Court is a great bar and restaurant where you are sure to be served the best quality drinks of various kinds coupled with freshly cooked and sumptuous food.

Some of the delicious foods served in Mike’s Court include Italian nachos, godfather pizza, meatball missile, roast beef salad, hot sausage, Veggie subs, and many more. Mike’s Court is a family-friendly place you will love to visit. You are sure to love their delicious food and come back for more. The staff is excellent as they offer friendly services.

Enjoy Mike’s Court signature Roast Beef Melt as it offers thinly sliced roast beef topped with melted mozzarella and American cheese topped with hot, sweet peppers.

Address: 1908 5th St, Altoona, PA 16601-4104

27. Fort Roberdeau Historic Site

The fort’s original design dated up to 18^th-century and was constructed to guard the lead mines in the region from attack by the enemy.

The site is now home to a reconstructed fort and barns, farmhouses, barracks, military, residential quarters, and many more.

Every month, re-enactors relive events that occurred in the past and were held at the site. It’s an incredible show to witness.

The park also features picnic spots and hiking trails. Discover the story of the fort by watching the reenactments, walk and explore the area and pack the perfect picnic lunch to enjoy.

Address: 383 Fort Roberdeau Rd, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

28. Myers Dutch Hill Chocolates

Are you a fan of chocolates? Are you in need of the best place to buy some delicious chocolates with your friends or family? You have to visit as they sell the best chocolates in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The great store, Myers Dutch Hill Chocolates, features excellent varieties of items to select from, and they have staff who are friendly and helpful.

There are different varieties of chocolates like cherry cordials and non-pareil (both milk and dark chocolate), milk chocolate and dark chocolate, and others.

Myers Dutch Hill Chocolates is a family-owned business with a great chocolate recipe passed down from generation to generation. The items in the store are affordable. Visit the Myers Dutch Hill Chocolates as it is worth your stop to buy incredible chocolates which will always leave a smile on your face.

This answers what to do in Altoona for a fun time, consider an addition to your bucket list of things to do in Altoona, PA.

29. Oak Spring Winery

If you like wines, one of the top things to do during your holiday in Altoona is to visit Oak Spring Winery. 

Oak Spring Winery is a family-owned vineyard and Winery featuring various local flavors. It was founded in 1987 by John & Sylvia Schraff. 

The Winery’s event room is linked to its tasting room which is perfect for parties, meeting groups, and bridal showers. 

Visiting Oak Spring Winery will guarantee you a tour of the wine-making process. The Winery also has a large gift shop with gift baskets and wine accessories. 

Oak Spring Winery offers custom-labeled wines for all events and free tasting of signature wines. 

This Winery offers wine made by professional wine artisans with a balanced flavor. 

Address: 2401 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

30. Holiday Bowl

Holiday Bowl is one of Altoona’s top-tier bowling and party facilities that was opened in 1959. 

This fun center also offers a bumper bowling program for children between 3 to 5 years and a youth bowling program for children from 6 years. 

This family-friendly bowling alley also offers babysitting services during bumper bowling and league play. 

Holiday Bowl has a game room with a pool table, air hockey, and a video arcade. In addition, it has friendly staff and provides lots of meals and drinks from its Grille. 

Address: 181 Bowling Ln, Altoona, PA 16601, United States

31. Tilt Studio Logan Valley

Tilt studios are action-filled family fun centers situated all over the country. 

Every center is 25,000 to 100,000 sq ft of indoor family fun with thrilling attractions such spin and flips zone bumper cars, black light laser tag, black light mini golf, amusement rides, laser frenzy, more than 150 arcade, virtual reality, video games, and pinball. 

Besides the fun, Tilt Studio has party rooms for birthdays, special events, gatherings, and corporate events. Their nonrigid event spaces can carry small and large crowds. 

Whether you are looking for a place to hold team-building events, adult group gatherings, special events, birthday parties, or non-profit fundraisers, Tilt Studio can host your events with packages tailored to fit your budget. 

You can challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf or mini-bowling or ride a bumper car when you visit Tilt Studio Logan Valley. 

Address: 5580 Goods Ln, Altoona, PA 16602, United States

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Plan a Trip to Altoona

The exciting and fun city in the United States of America, Altoona, Pennsylvania, welcomes visitors worldwide to experience a new, fun, and memorable adventure.

The exciting city offers delicious food, finest wines, good music, ball games, playgrounds for kids, horse training, hiking and biking, canoeing, kayaking, water splash pad for your kids, amusement parks, historical museums, arts and crafts, stores, and markets and so many others.

The places as mentioned earlier will help guide you to the best places to visit with your friends and family. Have fun in the fantastic city as it is worth your trip!