Media & Press

Explore Altoona

We are extremely pleased that you are interested in Explore Altoona, Blair County!

Located within the heart of Pennsylvania’s Alleghenies, our destination offers a distinctive variety of authentic visitor experiences from classic family fun, extensive railroading history and heritage, to an expanding performing and visual arts scene, all of this within outstanding outdoor recreational green spaces.

Classic family fun includes America’s only Italian-themed water park and the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster, Leap the Dips, all in the hometown of the iconic original Slinky. Unique experiences also include America’s only interactive Railroaders Museum, the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark – one of the eight engineering marvels in the world – as well as the westernmost Revolutionary War site. Stellar year-round outdoor experiences include Pennsylvania’s highest skiable mountain and a portion of the recently federally designated September 11th National Memorial Trail, a 1,300-mile on and off-road trail system linking the three 9/11 sites.

Experience Altoona

Contact us to check out impressive one-of-a-kind experiences, unique story ideas, and Altoona-centric tourism statistics we believe will enhance the significance of your story.

In addition, we offer a rather extensive photo library and a growing video library which is available for your use.

For more information, or to schedule a press visit, contact Mark Ickes, Executive Director, at 814-943-4183 or at mickes@explorealtoona.com

Altoona is centrally located within the Mid Atlantic region within the heart of central Pennsylvania’s Alleghenies along Interstate 99 equidistant between Interstate 80 and the PA Turnpike/Interstate 76.

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