Ehrenfeld Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania.
1. World Famous Horseshoe Curve
HISTORIC RAILWAY MARVEL
The World Famous Horseshoe Curve is a National Historic Landmark that features an impressive curved section of railroad track built in the mid-19th century. Visitors can watch trains navigate the unique horseshoe-shaped curve from an observation deck while learning about its historical significance to American railroading. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits detailing the engineering achievement and its impact on transportation history.
2. Little Conemaugh River
SCENIC WATERWAY PATH
The Little Conemaugh River flows through Ehrenfeld, offering scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. The waterway has historical significance connected to the industrial heritage of the region and played a role in the development of local communities. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, photography, and peaceful walks along sections of the river.
3. Johnstown Flood Museum
TRAGIC HISTORY PRESERVED
The Johnstown Flood Museum commemorates the devastating 1889 disaster that claimed over 2,200 lives when a dam collapsed. The museum features exhibits with photographs, artifacts, and an award-winning documentary that brings the tragic events to life for visitors. Interactive displays explain the engineering failures, relief efforts, and lasting impact the flood had on American disaster response and regulations.
4. Johnstown Inclined Plane
STEEPEST VEHICULAR INCLINE
The Johnstown Inclined Plane is the steepest vehicular inclined plane in the world, originally built in 1891 after the famous Johnstown Flood. The funicular railway carries passengers and vehicles up a 71.9% grade offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding valley. Visitors can enjoy the observation deck at the top and learn about how this engineering marvel helped save lives during subsequent flooding events.
5. Heritage Discovery Center
IMMIGRATION AND INDUSTRY
The Heritage Discovery Center explores the rich cultural history of immigration and industry in the Johnstown region. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience the journey of immigrants who came to work in the area's coal mines and steel mills. The museum features a steel-making theater, ethnic heritage displays, and the Johnstown Children's Museum on the upper floor.
6. Grandview Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown is the final resting place for many victims of the 1889 Johnstown Flood, featuring the Flood Memorial. The historic cemetery offers beautiful views of the valley and contains notable architectural monuments and gravesites. Visitors can take self-guided tours to learn about local history and pay respects at the Plot of the Unknown, where many unidentified flood victims were buried.
7. Ghost Town Trail
RAILS TO TRAILS PATH
The Ghost Town Trail is a 46-mile rail trail that passes near Ehrenfeld and through former coal mining communities that have since disappeared. The scenic trail offers hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing opportunities while connecting visitors to the area's industrial past. Historical markers along the route provide information about the abandoned mining towns that give the trail its evocative name.
8. South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club
FLOOD HISTORY SITE
The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club was once the exclusive retreat for wealthy industrialists whose dam failed in 1889, causing the Johnstown Flood. Today, the restored clubhouse and a few remaining cottages serve as a historical site where visitors can learn about the club members and their connection to the disaster. The site provides insight into the lifestyle of America's industrial elite in the late 19th century and the consequences of their actions.
9. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site preserves America's first railroad portage system that hauled canal boats over the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can explore the Engine House Visitor Center with exhibits explaining how this engineering marvel helped open trade routes to the west in the 1830s. The site features the restored Lemon House tavern, hiking trails, and reconstructed railroad features including an inclined plane.
10. Gallitzin Tunnels Park and Museum
RAILROAD ENGINEERING FEAT
Gallitzin Tunnels Park and Museum showcases the impressive railroad tunnels that have been in continuous use since the 1850s. The site features an observation deck where visitors can watch modern trains pass through these historic engineering achievements. The museum houses railroad artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the construction and significance of these tunnels to America's transportation network.
11. Rock Run Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Rock Run Recreation Area offers over 140 miles of trails for ATV riders, motorcyclists, and mountain bikers near Ehrenfeld. The sprawling outdoor recreation area features diverse terrain including wooded trails, open fields, and challenging hill climbs for all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks throughout the 6,000-acre property.
12. Prince Gallitzin State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Prince Gallitzin State Park centers around the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, offering extensive water-based recreation near Ehrenfeld. The park features boating, fishing, swimming, and camping opportunities with modern facilities and rental options. Visitors can explore 32 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats, observe wildlife, or enjoy winter activities including ice fishing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
13. Seldom Seen Tourist Coal Mine
UNDERGROUND MINING EXPERIENCE
Seldom Seen Tourist Coal Mine offers visitors the chance to descend into an authentic coal mine that operated from the 1870s until 1959. Guided tours take visitors through the underground passages where they learn about mining techniques, equipment, and the challenging lives of coal miners. The site includes a museum with mining artifacts and exhibits explaining the importance of coal mining to the region's development.
14. Cambria County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTURE
The Cambria County Courthouse is an impressive Beaux-Arts style building constructed in 1880 that serves as both a working courthouse and architectural landmark. The building features a stunning rotunda, ornate interior details, and a prominent dome visible throughout the town of Ebensburg. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance and craftsmanship of this structure that represents the county seat just a short drive from Ehrenfeld.
15. Duman Lake County Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Duman Lake County Park offers a serene 209-acre recreational area with a 20-acre lake as its centerpiece. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, picnicking, and hiking along scenic trails that wind through woodlands and open fields. The park features modern facilities including pavilions, playgrounds, and sports fields making it ideal for family outings and community gatherings.