Things to Do in Huntingdon County, PA
Ride a historic train, explore Raystown Lake country, and discover one of Pennsylvania’s most unforgettable day trips.
Located near Raystown Lake • Family-friendly • Easy day trip from State College, Altoona, and Harrisburg
Top Things to Do at East Broad Top Railroad
Make it a full experience — rides, tours, events, and more.
Scenic Train Rides
Ride through the Pennsylvania countryside on a historic narrow-gauge railroad.
Special Events
From Easter trains to living history weekends, there’s always something happening.
Shop Tours
Step inside one of the most intact historic railroad shops in America.
Things to Do in Huntingdon County, PA
A Historic Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania is one of the most unique destinations in the state, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and family-friendly experiences.
From the scenic views of Raystown Lake to hiking trails, small-town charm, and one-of-a-kind attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do throughout the region.
At the heart of it all is the East Broad Top Railroad — a National Historic Landmark and one of the most authentic historic railroads in the country. Here, visitors can ride a historic train, explore the railroad’s working shops, and experience special events throughout the year.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family day trip, or just looking for something different to do near Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County offers something for everyone.
Things to Do Near Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is one of Pennsylvania’s top outdoor destinations, drawing visitors for boating, fishing, swimming, and relaxing lake views.
But there’s more to do beyond the water.
Just a short drive away, the East Broad Top Railroad offers a completely different experience — a chance to step back in time and ride a historic train through the countryside. It’s one of the most unique attractions near Raystown Lake and a perfect addition to any weekend trip.
Whether you spend your day on the lake or exploring the surrounding area, pairing Raystown Lake with a visit to the East Broad Top Railroad creates a memorable and well-rounded experience.
At the Lake
- Boating & marinas
- Fishing
- Swimming areas
- Picnic spots
Nearby Outdoor Activities
- Hiking trails
- State parks
- Scenic overlooks
- Camping
Other Popular Attractions in Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County is home to caves, lakes, museums, parks, trails, and historic transportation experiences that make it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. These attractions pair well with a visit to the East Broad Top Railroad and can help visitors build a memorable trip through Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.
Raystown Lake
Pennsylvania’s largest lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and scenic views, making it a favorite destination for outdoor recreation and family fun.
Lincoln Caverns
Explore beautiful underground formations on guided cave tours and discover one of Central Pennsylvania’s most fascinating natural attractions.
Trough Creek State Park
Known for its scenic hiking trails, Rainbow Falls, Balanced Rock, and beautiful mountain landscapes, Trough Creek State Park is a must-see for nature lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about visiting Huntingdon County? Here are answers to some of the most common questions from travelers planning a visit.
Huntingdon County offers a variety of attractions, including the East Broad Top Railroad, Raystown Lake, Trough Creek State Park, Lincoln Caverns, and several museums and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation, family-friendly attractions, scenic train rides, and opportunities to explore Pennsylvania’s history.
The East Broad Top Railroad is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique historic attractions and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can ride historic trains, tour the machine shop and roundhouse complex, attend special events, and experience one of America’s best-preserved historic railroads.
In addition to boating, fishing, hiking, and camping at Raystown Lake, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the East Broad Top Railroad, Lincoln Caverns, Trough Creek State Park, and the communities of Huntingdon and Orbisonia.
Families often enjoy the East Broad Top Railroad, Raystown Lake recreation areas, Lincoln Caverns, Trough Creek State Park, museums, playgrounds, and seasonal events throughout the county.
Much of Huntingdon County is within 30 to 60 minutes of State College, making it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways in Central Pennsylvania.
Yes. Many visitors combine a train ride at the East Broad Top Railroad with a visit to Raystown Lake. The attractions are within reasonable driving distance of one another and make for a memorable day trip in Central Pennsylvania.
Huntingdon County offers attractions year-round. Spring and summer are popular for train rides, boating, hiking, and outdoor recreation, while fall brings colorful foliage and seasonal events. Winter offers special railroad events and opportunities to experience the region in a quieter season.
Yes. Huntingdon County is home to several historic attractions, including the East Broad Top Railroad, museums, historic communities, and sites that tell the story of the region’s industrial and transportation heritage.
The East Broad Top Railroad is a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s best-preserved historic railroads. Visitors can ride historic trains, tour the railroad’s original shops and roundhouse complex, and experience a living piece of Pennsylvania history.
Plan Your Visit to East Broad Top Railroad
Located in Rockhill Furnace, PA — a short drive from Raystown Lake and Huntingdon.
Train Ride
Enjoy a scenic historic railroad experience through the Pennsylvania countryside.
Explore the Shops
Step inside one of America’s most remarkable railroad preservation sites and explore the historic machine shop and roundhouse complex.
Make It An Event
Plan around seasonal events, family experiences, and special weekends.
Plan ahead for the best availability on popular weekends and special events.
Your Visit to Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County offers an easy mix of outdoor adventure, family attractions, scenic beauty, and Pennsylvania history. Whether you’re spending time at Raystown Lake, exploring Lincoln Caverns, hiking Trough Creek State Park, or riding the historic East Broad Top Railroad, the area has plenty to fill a day trip or weekend getaway.