PA Counties

17 Must-See Attractions in Blair County

A collage of four images highlighting the must-see attractions in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a historic steam train with plumes of white smoke, and an engineer standing by. The top right shows a serene lake with clear reflections of autumn-tinted trees and fluffy clouds. In the bottom left, a group of reenactors in colonial military uniforms stands in formation at a fort. The bottom right picture displays the colorful and inviting entrance to DelGrosso's Amusement Park, complete with the American and park flags fluttering in the breeze.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Blair County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with counties outlined in black on a white background. Blair County is highlighted in red and is located towards the central part of the state. The map is a simple, two-dimensional graphic with no additional geographical features indicated. — Map of Pennsylvania highlighting the location of Blair County in red.

The county was formed in 1846 and is named in honor of John Blair, an early settler in the area.

Close-up of a bronze memorial plaque mounted on a stone wall, dedicated to the memory of John Blair (1766-1832). The plaque commemorates Blair as a pioneer farmer, merchant, and public servant, an advocate for good roads, and a promoter of the Pennsylvania Canal and Allegheny Portage Railroad. It highlights that he was a foremost citizen of his time in what is now Blair County, and notes that the county, formed on February 26th, 1846, was named after him. The plaque was erected by the people of Blair County in 1946. — John Blair memorial plaque at the Blair County courthouse.

The county seat is Hollidayburg, which between 1834 and 1854 served as a crucial port along the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, marking the point where the Juniata Division Canal met the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

The historic Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, is captured on a sunny day with a few clouds in the blue sky. This striking example of 19th-century architecture features a prominent clock tower with a spire, arched windows, and a mix of stone and brickwork. The courthouse is situated at a street corner, with steps leading up to a double-door entrance. There's a street sign in the foreground and a small car parked on the street beside the building. — The Blair County courthouse in Hollidaysburg.

From railroad history to unique natural landmarks, here are 17 of the best things to see and do in Blair County!

Approaching the Horseshoe Curve Visitor Center in Altoona. — The World Famous Horseshoe Curve is located in Blair County.

Simply click on the blue text links in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

Fall foliage around the lime kilns at Canoe Creek State Park. — Fall foliage around the lime kilns at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County.

1. The Horseshoe Curve

The Horseshoe Curve in Blair County was considered one of the “engineering wonders of the world” at the time of its completion in 1854.

Eastbound train descending the Horseshoe Curve.

This 2,375 foot-long curved stretch of railroad tracks allowed trains to conquer the Allegheny Mountains for the first time, by permitting a more gradual ascent/descent of those mountains.

Old sign on exhibit inside the Horseshoe Curve museum.

Today the Horseshoe Curve has both a museum/visitor center, as well as a viewing area to watch trains round the Curve itself.

A young railfan waves to a passin Norfolk Southern engineer at the Horseshoe Curve. — A young railfan waves to a passing Norfolk Southern engineer at the Horseshoe Curve.

2. The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum

The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County celebrates the lives of both railroad workers and railroading communities in central Pennsylvania.

Exterior of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County Pennsylvania. — The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County.

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.

Exhibit showing some of the various jobs performed by employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. — Exhibit showing some of the various jobs performed by employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

On the grounds surrounding the Railroaders Memorial Museum, you’ll find a number of engines and cars (“rolling stock”, in railroading terms) on display as well.

Pennsylvania Railroad engine on display outside the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.

3. Chimney Rocks Park

Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg in Blair County is home to 3 impressive scenic overlooks in a beautiful borough park setting.

Autumn in Blair County at Chimney Rocks.

Chimney Rocks Park is named for the tall, chimney-shaped limestone pillars on top of this mountain at the heart of the park.

One of the limestone chimneys at Chimney Rocks Park. — One of the limestone “chimneys” at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.

According to local legend, the flat spot on top of one of the limestone “chimneys” was called the “Chief’s Seat” and was used as a lookout by the local Native American tribal chief.

A view of the Chimney Rocks high above Hollidaysburg PA — The view from near the “Chief’s Seat” at Chimney Rocks in Blair County.

4. The Abandoned Lime Kilns at Canoe Creek State Park

The abandoned lime kilns at Canoe Creek State Park are remnants of a thriving limestone-processing facility that once operated around the clock in this now-tranquil corner of Blair County.

Lime produced here in the early 1900s was loaded onto Pennsylvania Railroad cars and shipped off to the Jones and Laughlin steel mills in Pittsburgh.

Jones and Laughlin Steel Company in PIttsburgh Pennsylvania. — Jones and Laughlin Steel Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (public domain image).

It’s hard to imagine as you stand in front of the silent lime kilns today how much smoke, noise, commotion, and back-breaking work went on in this location for the decade or so that the kilns were in operation.

Early October at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County, Pennsylvania.

5. DelGrosso’s Amusement Park

DelGrosso’s Amusement Park has been a central PA tradition for more than 100 years!

DelGrosso's Amusement Park is a free-admission park in Tipton Pennsylvania. — DelGrosso’s Amusement Park near Tipton in Blair County.

DelGrosso’s Amusement Park offers free parking, free admission, and over 30 rides, with something for everyone from little kids to adults.

Some of the rides for older kids and adults at DelGrosso's Amusement Park in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Two of the many rides for older kids and adults at the park.

Laguna Splash is a fabulous water park attached to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, for even more summer fun!

Looking out over Laguna Splash water park at DelGrosso's. — Looking out over Laguna Splash water park.

6. Fort Roberdeau

Fort Roberdeau in Blair County was built in 1778 by American colonists during the Revolutionary War, and was occupied until 1780.

Exploring Fort Roberdeau in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Fort Roberdeau in Blair County.

The fort was originally erected by General Daniel Roberdeau to protect local lead mining activities from British loyalists and their Native Americans allies.

Late winter afternoon at Fort Roberdeau in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Aerial view of Fort Roberdeau.

7. Antique Depot

Antique Depot and Flea Market is housed in a 74,000 square foot indoor facility in Duncansville, Blair County.

The parking lot at Antique Depot in Duncansville. — Antique Depot and Flea Market in Blair County

Home to nearly 200 different antique dealers and flea market vendors, you’ll find a huge variety of antiques, collectibles, and unique objects at Antique Depot.

Looking down an aisle at Antique Depot in Duncansville — Inside Antique Depot in Blair County.

8. Canoe Creek State Park

There’s a LOT more to Canoe Creek State Park than just the famous lime kilns!

One of the many boat launches at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County Pennsylvania. — One of the many boat launches at Canoe Creek State Park.

Canoe Lake, at 155 acres, is the focal point of recreation at the park.

Hiking along the Sugarloaf Trail at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Scene along the Sugarloaf Trail.

Canoe Creek State Park features 12 miles of hiking trails, providing opportunities to explore forests, fields, wetlands, historic sites, and the lakeshore.

Marsh Trail boardwalk at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Marsh Trail boardwalk along Canoe Lake.

9. Tytoona Cave

Tytoona Cave is part of a 6.8 acre Nature Preserve between the cities of Tyrone and Altoona in Blair County.

A summer afternoon at Tytoona Cave near Tyrone Pennsylvania. — A summer afternoon at the entrance to Tytoona Cave.

According to the National Speleological Society, “The first 1,000 feet of the cave are easily accessible by novices and is an excellent location to educate visitors about the cave’s geology and hydrology”.

Peering into Tytoona Cave from the entrance.

Tytoona Cave is open to visitors from 6AM to 9PM., and exploration is strictly AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Beautiful ice formations near the entrance to Tytoona Cave in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Beautiful ice formations near the entrance to Tytoona Cave.

10. The Allegheny Portage Railroad

Located on the Blair/Cambria county line, the Allegheny Portage Railroad near Altoona is one of the most historic railroading sites in Pennsylvania!

Looking up Incline Number 6 towards Engine House Number 6 at the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site near Altoona Pennsylvania. — Looking up Incline Number 6 towards Engine House Number 6 along the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

This 36 mile-long track was the first railroad built across the Allegheny Mountains, allowing for canals on the eastern and western sides of the state to be connected, cutting the travel time from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia from weeks to just days.

Drawing of how Engine House Number 6 looked during the time the Allegheny Portage Railroad was in operation. — Drawing of how Engine House Number 6 looked during the time the Allegheny Portage Railroad was in operation (public domain image).

Today, the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is maintained by the National Park Service, allowing visitors to learn about and explore first-hand the “glory days” of the Allegheny Portage Railroad near Altoona.

Allegheny Portage Railroad Visitor Center. — Visitor Center at the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site.

11. The Everett Railroad

The Everett Railroad offers captivating steam train excursions from its nostalgic station in Hollidaysburg, Blair County.

This collage features four images from a steam train excursion on the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a steam locomotive emitting plumes of smoke at the station, with the "HOLLIDAYSBURG" sign visible. The top right image displays a bright red caboose with "EVERETT RAILROAD 91517" on the side. The bottom left picture captures a line of passenger cars at the station, decorated with Christmas greenery and a festive tree in the foreground. The bottom right photo shows the train passing under a bridge, with steam enveloping the cars, creating a dynamic scene of movement and activity. — Scenes from the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg.

Each ride is a unique celebration, from the festive Santa Express in December to nearly a dozen themed events, capturing the essence of holiday and seasonal changes throughout the year.

A cheerful Santa Claus and a helper dressed as an elf are interacting with passengers inside a vintage passenger car of the Everett Railroad during a festive excursion in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The interior is decorated with garlands and wreaths for the holiday season, adding to the merry atmosphere. Passengers, some wearing Santa hats, are seated in blue seats, their attention drawn to Santa and the elf as they walk down the aisle, bringing holiday cheer to the excursion. — Santa Express excursion on the Everett Railroad.

12. The Baker Mansion

The Baker Mansion is a three-story, Greek Revival-style home built by ironmaster Elias Baker between 1844 and 1848.

Exploring the Baker Mansion in Altoona Pennsylvania — Scenes from the Baker Mansion.

Today the Baker Mansion serves as the Blair County Historical Society’s headquarters and museum, and is open to visitors May-December.

Some of the exceptional home furnishings on display inside the Baker Mansion in Altoona Pennsylvania. — Some of the exceptional home furnishings on display inside the Baker Mansion.

13. Cabbage Creek Falls

Cabbage Creek Falls is a picturesque little waterfall tucked away in Shawnee Park (not to be confused with Shawnee State Park) in Blair County.

Exploring Cabbage Creek Falls in Blair County Pennsylvania. — The author at Cabbage Creek Falls in Blair County.

Located on the outskirts of Roaring Spring, Cabbage Creek Falls is a perfect short hike for just about any age or ability level.

Hillside view of Cabbage Creek Falls in Blair County PA. — Cabbage Creek Falls at Shawnee Park near Roaring Spring.

14. Leighty’s Flea Market

Leighty’s Flea Market in Blair County is one of my favorite outdoor flea markets in all of Pennsylvania!

Exploring Leighty's Flea Market near Altoona Pennsylvania — Leighty’s Flea Market near Duncansville in Blair County.

Featuring a little bit of everything, Leighty’s Flea Market is a 29 acre goldmine for collectors of all things “vintage”, as well as a fun place to window shop and people-watch.

Leighty's Flea Market is open on Sundays from April through October. — Leighty’s Flea Market is open on Sundays from April through October.

15. Altoona-Style Pizza

Altoona-style pizza may be the most talked-about Pennsylvania culinary invention in the history of social media!

Altoona-style pizza is the pizza that broke the internet. — Altoona Sicilian pizza is one of the signature pizzas at 29th Street Pizza.

29th Street Pizza Subs & More in Altoona is one of the best places to try this uniquely local version of Sicilian/thick crust pizza.

29th Street Pizza in Altoona Pennsylvania is one of the best places to get Altoona-style pizza. — 29th Street Pizza in Altoona.

16. Holiday Lights on the Lake

Holiday Lights on the Lake is a massive drive-through Christmas light display in Altoona!

Enjoying Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Holiday Lights on the Lake.

The drive-through display features over 1 million lights illuminating more than 50 acres of Lakemont Park.

Each year, Holiday Lights on the Lake features over 1 million lights illuminating more than 50 acres of Lakemont Park in Altoona Pennsylvania. — Each year, Holiday Lights on the Lake features over 1 million lights illuminating more than 50 acres of Lakemont Park

17. I99 Antiques in Tyrone

I99 Antiques is a two-level, multivendor antique store in downtown Tyrone, Blair County.

Exploring I99 Antiques in Tyrone Pennsylvania. — I99 Antiques in Tyrone.

Even if you’re more of a looker than a collector, you’re bound to enjoy spending some time at I99 Antiques, if only to reminisce about items from your past that are now “antiques”!

Vintage Christmas decorations at I99 Antiques in Blair County Pennsylvania. — Vintage Christmas decorations at I99 Antiques.

Nearby Attractions

20 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Blair County’s neighbor to the east.

The best things to see and do in Huntingdon County PA. — Scenes from Huntingdon County.

30 Must-See Attractions in Centre County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Blair County’s neighbor to the north.

The best things to see and do in Centre County PA. — Scenes from Centre County.

17 Must-See Attractions in Cambria County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Blair County’s neighbor to the west.

The view from the Johnstown Inclined Plane in Cambria County PA — The view from the top of the Johnstown Inclined Plane in Cambria County.

25 Must-See Attractions in Bedford County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Blair County’s neighbor to the south.

A collage of four photographs showcasing attractions in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A woman stands on a wooden dock, gazing out over a calm lake reflecting autumnal trees and a bridge in the distance. Top right: The iconic Coffee Pot-shaped building with its gray walls, red accents, and a sign reading "THE COFFEE POT" against a backdrop of yellow fall foliage. Bottom left: A couple takes a selfie at a scenic overlook, with lush green hills stretching to the horizon under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Bottom right: A historic red covered bridge over a serene creek, surrounded by verdant greenery and under a partly cloudy sky. — Scenes from Bedford County.

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