1st Day: Today we will travel to Johnstown, PA. Johnstown has become known for many things, among them a reputation for its devastating floods. After the largest flood in their history, construction of an inclined railway began which would carry people, horses and wagons to the new hilltop community of Westmont. The Johnstown Inclined Plane, the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane, began providing convenient transportation up Yoder Hill which had a steep 70.9% grade. In times of potential flooding, the Inclined Plane carries people to the safety of higher ground, as well as carrying boats, emergency personnel and equipment down to the valley to aid in rescue operations. Unfortunately, the train is currently being rehabilitated and isn't scheduled to open to the public again until Spring of 2023. On our way to Johnstown, we will stop in Quecreek and visit the Quecreek Rescue Sight where 9 miners were trapped for 77 hours 240 feet below ground. Miraculously, all 9 were rescued.
2nd Day: Get ready for the Horseshoe Curve Train Adventure today. We’ll board the Amtrak train and ride from Johnstown to Altoona, passing through the Gallitzin Tunnel and around the world famous Horseshoe Curve, said to be one of the world’s most incredible engineering feats. Our coach will meet us upon arrival in Altoona and we’ll head to the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Climb aboard and journey back to the days when Rail was King. The Museum features three floors of displays that take visitors through the history of railroading in Altoona and how it effected the city, including many interactive exhibits. Next, we’ll visit the Boyer Candy Factory Outlet where you can find all of your favorite Boyer Candy. Mallo Cups, Smoothie Cups, Peanut Butter Cups, and their Triple Twist Pretzels!! After lunch in the area, we’ll head out to the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. Enjoy watching trains travel through the curve. There is also a Visitor’s Center with descriptive displays and exhibits that will help you better appreciate the work involved in building such a marvel. We’ll return to the train station later this afternoon for a return train ride to Johnstown. Evening is free. (CB)
3rd Day: On May 31, 1889, a neglected dam and a phenomenal storm led to a catastrophe in which 2,209 people died. It’s a story of great tragedy, but also of triumphant recovery. We will visit the Johnstown Flood Museum to find out more about this shocking episode in American history. Enjoy an Academy-Award-winning documentary, artifacts and exhibits that re-create the Johnstown Flood. Our next stop is the Flight 93 National Memorial. On Tuesday morning, Sep- tember 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted. Established by President George W. Bush, the Memorial is a serene place of remembrance and honor. We continue home after our visit to the Flight 93 Memorial, arriving approximately 10:30 PM. (CB)
Special Notice: Balance is due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 30 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.