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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Altoona

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Altoona, Pennsylvania

Updated November 12, 2025
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Unusual Attractions in Altoona

Halloween face jugs.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Castle Halloween Museum

Journey through a collection of over 35,000 Halloween items from all generations.
Leap-The-Dips

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Leap-The-Dips

Behold the rickety glory of one of the oldest roller coasters still standing.
Horseshoe Curve

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Horseshoe Curve

This dramatic rail curve was once the target of a failed Nazi attack.
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Reighard's Gold Star Service Station

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Reighard's Gold Star Service Station

A full-service gas station known as the oldest in America.
View of the Baker Mansion from the Front Lawn.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Baker Mansion

Once home to a wealthy ironmaster, this 19th-century mansion now holds unique relics from Blair County's past, and perhaps the spirits of its former occupants.
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One of the coke ovens.

Gallitzin, Pennsylvania

Glenn White Coke Ovens

A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town.
6 miles from Altoona

Lilly, Pennsylvania

Cresson Sanatorium and Prison

This sanitorium-turned-asylum-turned-prison is now abandoned and a hotspot for enjoyers of the paranormal.
9 miles from Altoona
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    wants to go to Castle Halloween Museum

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    wants to go to Castle Halloween Museum

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