The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County celebrates the lives of both railroad workers and railroading communities in central Pennsylvania.
Unlike many “train museums” that focus primarily on engines and cars, the Railroaders Memorial Museum focuses primarily on the men and women who kept the engines running and the cars rolling.
Directions | Hours | Admission Fees
The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum is located at 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602.
The museum is open Wed-Sun from 9 am -3:15 pm.
Admission fees as of 2026 are: Adults (18+) – $18 | Seniors (65+) – $17 | Youth (4-17) – $15 | Under 4 – Free.
What You’ll See at the Railroaders Memorial Museum
The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum uses artifacts, film clips, and life-size dioramas to tell the story of how Altoona became known as “Railroad City” in the 1800s.
Spread out across three floors of the former Master Mechanics Building of the Pennsylvania Railroad, this historic brick structure is the last remnant of what was once the largest railroad shop complex in the world.
First Floor
The first floor of the museum deals with the history of Altoona itself, it’s role as a “company town”, and why geographically it was important for the Pennsylvania Railroad to have repair shops based in the center of the state, at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains.
The first floor is also home to an extensive gift shop (naturally!).
Second Floor
The second floor of the museum is my favorite, as it deals with the everyday life of the railroad workers and their families.
You’ll see life-size dioramas of how they worked.
How they lived.
How they played.
And how they prayed.
All sorts of railroad-themed memorabilia can be found on the second floor as well.
Third Floor
The third floor of the museum is dedicated to the Pennsylvania Railroad itself.
Here you’ll find artifacts of all sorts related to the Pennsylvania Railroad, as well as a model train exhibit.
Outside Exhibits
On the grounds surrounding the main Railroaders Memorial Museum building, you’ll find a number of engines and cars (“rolling stock”, in railroading terms) on display.
The “roundhouse” next to the museum is where repairs and restoration are performed on the museum’s rolling stock.
Related Attractions
PA’s Top Railroad-Themed Attractions | A Visitor’s Guide highlights the best train rides in Pennsylvania, railroad museums, model railroads, and historic rail sites across Pennsylvania, all based on my firsthand visits.
Nearby Attractions
23 Must-See Attractions in Blair County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.
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