2025 Visit Johnstown Visitors Guide - Flipbook - Page 52
Cresson
A train watching hot spot!
Cresson Area Heritage Park & Railroad Observation Platform
CRESSON WORKERS helped to fuel the
Industrial Revolution. According to Sr.
Anne Frances Pulling, in her book, “Around
Cresson and the Alleghenies”, the town of
Cresson was a “hub of commerce when
the Pennsylvania Railroad established
headquarters here with a roundhouse,
machine shops and branch lines.”
Besides railroading, Cresson industries
included lumbering, coal mining, and
coke yards. Laborers resided in company
houses located within one mile of where
high society had built mansions. The
area’s natural beauty of lush greens and
mountain springs served as an escape
for the Pittsburgh elite. Several built
residences here including J&L Steel icon,
Benjamin Jones, and U.S. Steel magnate,
Andrew Carnegie. Many affluent guests,
including President Abraham Lincoln,
visited the elaborate Mountain House.
Situated on a hillside amongst several
mountain springs and private cottages,
the resort accommodated 900 affluent
guests who vacationed and made
business decisions here. Cresson is located
along the Norfolk Southern Mainline of
the former Pennsylvania Railroad, making
it a popular destination for railfans!
Cresson is located between Gallitzin and
Cassandra, two of Cambria County’s
train-watching hot spots.
CRESSON AREA HERITAGE PARK &
RAILROAD OBSERVATION PLATFORM
Located along Front St., Cresson, PA 16630 Gazebo,
N5C Caboose, and rail observation platform.
Built just for train watching, this
elevated deck is complete with a radio
scanner so railfans can keep up with
the railroad conversations. Nearly 50
trains a day, plus helper moves.
THE STATION INN
827 Front St., Cresson, PA 16630
814-886-4757 | stationinnpa.com
This popular railroad-themed Inn
overlooks the railroad main line, features
comfortable lodging, and serves a full
hot breakfast. Guests can watch trains
from the inn’s front porch! Book online!
visitjohnstownpa.com 52
