As our country readies for next year’s 250th birthday celebration, Pennsylvania’s rich history offers travelers a wide selection of destinations, events, and attractions to discover our legacy; the stories that combine to create our shared heritage.

Nestled amidst the beautiful scenery of the Allegheny Mountains, Johnstown, and surrounding towns offer visitors a destination where the poignant story recounting the famous catastrophic flood of 1889. Combine that with the history of Pennsylvania’s shared industrial, transportation, and multi-cultural past and you have a destination alive with heritage, arts, and culture.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial Photo by Jim Cheney

Start your visit with a short drive to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, the US Park Service site commemorating the spot where the South Fork Dam failed on May 31, 1889, unleashing the torrent that claimed over 2,200 lives. In addition to the interactive exhibits and educational programs offered throughout the year, a guided “Path of the Flood” van tour where visitors learn about the events that happened in each town as well as information about the damage sustained along with stories of the lives affected. A Moment of Tranquility at the end of the tour serves as a remembrance opportunity to honor those lost.

Outdoor recreation fans may want to explore the area by spending time on the “Path of the Flood Trail,” a biking and hiking feature tracing the path the floodwaters followed as the torrential waters headed toward Johnstown. The trail passes the historic Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel ever built in the United States.

Heading into the city, the Johnstown Flood Museum operated by Heritage Johnstown is a place to discover flood artifacts as well as the place to view the film “The Johnstown Flood” which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short Subject.  The museum also offers visitors archival resources and unique events throughout the year that honor flood and local history. (Note: As work on the museum continues, visitors are encouraged to check the website and Heritage Johnstown social media for specific re-opening and operational information).

Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA Photo by Heritage Johnstown

Located in Cambria City, the city’s revitalized cultural district, the Heritage Discovery Center is a place where the past and present come together to offer visitors a blend of history and fun.  Within the center, the Johnstown Children’s Museum gives kids a chance to explore their creativity and imagination, while in other center spaces, guests can enjoy experiential exhibits about the flood, Johnstown’s transportation history, and multi-cultural roots.  The “America Through Immigrant Eyes” exhibit illustrates the experiences of immigrants who arrived between 1880 and 1914 and established the vibrant ethnic neighborhoods that shaped Johnstown.  “Forging a Nation: Johnstown Iron & Steel” is an exhibit sharing the city’s significant role in the steel industry, from its early beginnings to the present day.

In a time when most people communicate with smartphones and rely on the latest technologies. The nearby Wagner-Ritter House and Garden provides a journey back to a vastly different time and place for visitors to experience. Unlike many museum house tours highlighting grand architectural estates, this restored home reflects the life of modest, working-class people who spent their lives in “the shadow of the mills” in Johnstown’s Cambria City.

Another neighborhood attraction, The Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, celebrates the cultural diversity of the community through arts – music, dance, food, crafts, dress, and literary traditions. The Art Works facility immediately adjoins an art gallery showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Throughout the year, classes, workshops, and unique events are offered

Johnstown Inclined Plane photo by Ed Dreikorn

Take in other nearby attractions to create an itinerary that offers you a look into the area’s dynamic industrial and transportation heritage.  No visit would be complete without experiencing the Johnstown Inclined Plane, the “World’s Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane”.  The visitor’s center and waiting deck at the top of the plane offer breathtaking views of the city below.  While atop the mountain, treat yourself to “dinner with a view” and savor the delicious tastes waiting at Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant at the summit. The dining room overlooks the city where you will enjoy a delicious meal and a panoramic backdrop of the city.

Train buffs and history fans will want to travel right outside of Johnstown to enjoy a visit to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, the national park commemorating an important part of transportation history. Before the expansion of railroads, this unique system allowed canal boats to be transported over the Allegheny Mountains, providing westward-bound settlers access on their way across the state. Near the Allegheny Portage Railroad, rail fans will want to check out the Gallitzin Tunnels – the longest and highest tunnels on the Pennsylvania Railroad system.

With a blend of history and culture, visitors to Johnstown will enjoy a multifaceted destination ideal for a long weekend or family vacation.

Outdoor enthusiasts are discovering that the area is home to many opportunities for outdoor recreation including, boating, hiking, biking and so much more. The Inclined Plane Trails provide intermediate and expert mountain bikers a serious adrenalin rush while racing down the hillside. The best part is that you take the Inclined Plane back up to the top and do it again.  If a slower pace is more your style, the Kiski-Conemaugh River is a great waterway for beginner and family kayaking.

PolkaFest

The annual Johnstown PolkaFest, May 30 – June 1, kicks off the summer season, while other events throughout the year provide opportunities to discover the arts, entertainment, culture, and the region’s food. From the solemn grounds of the National Memorial to the rich culture of Cambria City, Johnstown offers a compelling story of tragedy, recovery, and an appreciation for ingenuity.