Exploring the Lumber Heritage opens a variety of industry that lumber made possible. Our Pennsylvania lumber-built America. Learn how.
Miles Traveled
Points of interest
Days to complete
Stop #1
The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. "The Portage," opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. “The Portage,” opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
Stop #2
Visitors can walk the Stations of the Cross under arbors of wisteria, sit quietly on a bench and ponder the goodness of God in nature, or light a candle at one of the two shrines.
The Shrines and Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi are sacred grounds. Home of the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, the shrines are open to the public from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
Stop #3
At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters. Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. The varied habitats of the park make it a home for many types of wildlife, and a rest stop in the spring and fall migrations.
At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters. Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.
The varied habitats of the park make it a home for many types of wildlife, and a rest stop in the spring and fall migrations.
Stop #4
The Depot at Doolittles has experiences for all train enthusiasts. Dine-in one of the restaurant cars, enjoy the model train museum, try a microbrew in the brewery car or spend the night in style in a rail car. We are unique restaurant with 2 dining options. We have a 1950 diner set inside a beautifully restored passenger car from the 50's. We serve old classics with an updated twist. Our other dining option is farm-to-table fresh fine dining. The fine dining service is hosted in a 1913 parlor car, one of four ever made. We have an ever-changing menu seasonally. We are a BYOB establishment. COME take a ride on the crazy train and enjoy your taste of history.
A red 1949 Pullman rail car houses a diner with a 50s motif. The car was used on a high-speed railway to California. An Elvis mannequin greets guests as they enter the car and pass a vintage jukebox. Guests are encouraged to try 50s-themed old classics with an updated twist, farm-to-table menu options prepared by Executive Chef Tara Tygar.
At the back of Doolittle Station, an orange 1913 Alaska parlor car, one of four ever made, provides access to fine dining. The first-class car was made in Dayton, Ohio. Guests will find the car’s Cuban mahogany interior alluring as they pass the barber shop, porter’s pull-down bed and library on the way to their table. Enjoy the farm-to-table menu options. Menu changes seasonally. Diner car is BYOB.
The train museum features a vast collection of railroad memorabilia, including hundreds of photographs documenting local railroad history. One of the photos depicts the infamous 1893 Walter L. Main circus train wreck. The train was traveling from Houtzdale to Lewistown when it derailed along the Tyrone & Clearfield branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Stop #5
This park is in the heart of Moshannon State Forest and is almost entirely wooded offering beautiful areas of swamp meadows, pine plantations and mixed hardwoods.
The 968-acre Parker Dam State Park offers old-fashioned charm and character. A scenic lake, rustic cabins, quaint campground, and unbounded forest make Parker Dam an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.
Be sure to call ahead for a tour of the CCC Museum.
The Elk County Historical Society was founded May 21, 1964 and incorporated in 1974. We are located in Ridgway, the county seat of Elk County, in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Our organization consists of the Center House, a Victorian Era house containing Victorian style furnishings throughout and a typical Doctor’s Office; the Robinson Museum, housing our current exhibits, a book store, and the Genealogy Research Room; and Decker’s Chapel, once billed as the “Smallest Church in the U.S.A.”
Stop #7
Marienville Ranger Station - Marienville, Pennsylvania This is one of three administrative offices/visitor centers for the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. The Marienville Ranger District is the Administrative office for the southern half of the Allegheny National Forest.
Established in 1923, Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, the ANF is composed of plateau tops with elevations up to approximately 2,300 feet and valleys down to approximately 1,000 feet above sea level. The forest is approximately 517,000 acres and includes land in Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren counties in the northwestern corner of the state.
Stop #8
This park features remnants of the 2,053-foot railroad bridge (viaduct) that was a National Engineering Landmark.
The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct. The Viaduct, once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, was partially destroyed by a tornado during 2003.
Reinvented as a pedestrian walkway during 2011, visitors can stroll 600 feet out on the remaining support towers, peer miles out into the Kinzua Gorge, and gaze down through the partial glass platform at the end of the walkway.
The Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office features great views, self-guiding exhibits, and information about the surrounding area.
Stop #9
The Penn Brad Oil Museum preserves the philosophy and spirit of a historic oil community. You will experience the boom times of the world’s first billion dollar oil field.
Penn Brad Oil Museum strives to preserve the history of the Bradford Oil Field and the unique culture that developed along with it. We honor those who made it happen, including their families who supported them and those who provided goods and services.
