Explore Altoona for a host of adventures
Even though the first day of summer isn’t until June 21, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the season.
As we remember those who served in the military and our loved ones who are no longer with us, we’re also making plans for warmer weather.
Many families will grill this weekend and spend time outside, beautifying their outdoor living spaces and enjoying fellowship with family and friends.
Summer plans are bound to be the topic of conversation as the school year winds down and a busy time for travel begins.
With gas prices being what they are, many families are opting to stay close to home. Day trips are easier, too, for families with small children.
I was pondering this while working on an advertising campaign for Explore Altoona. Altoona is in Blair County, Pa., about two hours from Hagerstown. A popular destination for families, the area promotes itself as a small destination offering big adventures.
It felt like a series of déjà vu moments as I wrote scripts for five videos, with topics about the area’s various offerings — outdoor recreation, family fun, railroads, history/heritage and cultural and performing arts.
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For many years, we traveled to Altoona for an annual trip with friends. The kids still talk about the fun they had at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park. We’d start the day with go-karts and amusement rides. Under the afternoon sun, we’d cool off on water slides, in wave pools and under the famous Roman Splash bucket.
The bucket, raised high above the wading pool, fills with water until it gets top-heavy and tips over, drenching all those brave enough to wait for the event.
Close by, Lakemont Park offers mini-golf, go-karts, paddle boats and a classic wooden roller coaster. Baseball fans can catch the Altoona Curves, Class AA Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, in action.
Prefer being close to nature? Experience Canoe Creek State Park's limestone kiln remnants, providing the backdrop for a 155-acre lake. Fish, float and paddle along Juniata River Water Trail’s 142 miles of waterways.
Railroad buffs can tour Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum to see artifacts, immersive environments and life-size dioramas. Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is a fascinating engineering feat. Visitors can ride the funicular and view trains. Visit Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for exhibits and historic railroad remains.
Enjoy history? Find adventure forged in the American Revolution at Fort Roberdeau, which was built to protect the area’s lead mining operation. Explore and hike near the reconstructed fort.
View the night sky through high-tech telescopes at Mountain Lion Observatory. See historical exhibits and beautiful grounds at Baker Mansion, a Greek Temple-style home.
It’s nice to take a little trip, even if it’s just for a day. Perhaps we can invite Blair County residents to visit our area and experience all we have to offer, too.
Lisa Tedrick Prejean writes a weekly column for The Herald-Mail. Send an email to her at lprejean@localiq.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lisa_Prejean.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Explore Altoona for a host of adventures
