There are enough things to do in Johnstown PA to warrant an overnight here. We dive into the must-see spots in this Southwestern PA town, most of which revolve around one of the the worst natural disasters in the USA.
The Johnstown 1889 Flood, which took the lives of 2,209 people, remains the deadliest flood and fourth deadliest Natural disaster (after the 1900 Texas hurricane, the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and 1926 Florida hurricane) in United States history.
The flood made national and international headlines, generating an unprecedented outpouring of donations from around the world. All the attention garnered $3.7 million in relief dollars.
And yet, 130-plus years later, the Johnstown Flood is barely remembered, if at all. Come to Johnstown to learn all about it, as well as other, less fraught, subjects.
Some attractions in Johnstown are not flood related. This small town boasts its own symphony orchestra and is home to the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown branch, rendering it rather well-rounded. Read on as we flood you with ideas for a short – but intriguing – getaway.
Need more ideas for a PA weekend with your honey? Check out the Mavens Best Romantic Getaways in PA post.
Where Is Johnstown PA?
Nestled in the scenic Conemaugh Valley, the City of Johnstown Pennsylvania is situated in Cambria County, in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania. Set within the scenic Allegheny Mountains, the city is approximately 70 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Things To Do In Johnstown PA
VISIT: Johnstown Flood National Memorial
In the late 1880s, Johnstown was a prosperous mill town. Factory owners bought large Victorian homes and their pampered progeny paddled, hunted, and fished on and around Lake Conemaugh – a body of water buttressed by a dam that was suffering from decades of neglect.
Fourteen miles from town, the Johnstown Flood National Memorial is situated at the location of the South Fork Dam that finally crumbled after days of rain, on May 31, 1889, sending tons of water – with a force compared to that of Niagara Falls – downstream, taking out everything in its path.
In 1965, David McCullough interviewed Victor Heiser, one of the last survivors of the flood, who recounted his terrifying race against death. Heiser managed to find his way to the roof of a floating barn and hung on for dear life.
You can hear his voice and see a diorama of the horrifying scene bursting from the walls of the Visitor’s Center. It will give you chills.
VISIT: Johnstown Flood Museum
See the 28-minute 1990 Academy Award winning documentary, The Johnstown Flood, in the town where it happened – at the Johnstown Flood Museum.
Located in the Carnegie Library, the museum houses artifacts and heartbreaking photos from what would come to be known in the International and National press as “The Valley of Death.”
By the time the violent surge of water hit downtown Johnstown, the crest of the wave measured 37 feet high. The flood took 2,209 lives – one out of every ten of the town’s population. Survivors and rescue workers called out to the world for “coffins of all sizes,” and the newly formed Red Cross, led by Clara Barton, arrived on June 5th.
Remnants of the flood are on display in this two-story museum. Included are morgue books, a pop bottle filled with flood water, stereoscopic photos of the flood’s aftermath, and copies of New York Times covers. In fact, the flood made the NY Times front page for nine days running.
There’s a photo of seven Fern children with their parents – all lost except for the mother. And the most famous image of all – the Schultz House – a massive tree piercing its top window. The Schultz House was so famous, in fact, it drew sightseers who’d straddle the tree for photo ops. Some things haven’t changed much.
VISIT: Grandview Cemetery
Pay your respects to the men, women, and children who died in the 1889 Flood on a walking tour of Grandview Cemetery. A stated 777 unknown victims are buried here.
VISIT: Heritage Discovery Center
Discover the impact of the steel industry and immigrants who made Johnstown what it is today, at the Heritage Discovery Center.
According to its website, “The first-floor exhibit of the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, America: Through Immigrant Eyes, tells a national story in a local context. It captures the imaginations of visitors through its innovative use of interactive media. Rather than simply looking at artifacts, you’ll actually experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of immigrants’ daily lives, and come away with a more complete understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of these Americans in the making.”
DO: Steel City Axe
How good are your axe-throwing skills? Find out at the local family-owned Steel City Axe, invoking Johnstown’s past as a steel town. The tag line, “Come and throw your troubles away!”
RIDE: Johnstown Inclined Plane
* FYI – The Johnstown Inclined Plane is closed until further notice for rehabilitation. Check website for updates and information on reopening date. The gift and ice-cream shop at the top has been open since July 3, 2024, however.
There’s nothing like a devastating flood to kick transportation technology into high gear. Built one year after Johnstown’s greatest disaster, and opened in 1891 as an escape route should another flood hit, the Johnstown Inclined Plane – a counterbalance funicular – remains the steepest vehicular incline in the world.
It initially transported horses and wagons up the steep mountain, and can now haul automobiles as well as humans. Once transporting over a million people a year, nowadays, the Inclined Plane takes 100,000 locals and visitors yearly up the mountain.
Going along for the ride is highly recommended, if only for the view from the top.
EVENT: First Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial
First and foremost, you gotta ask why a hockey and performing arts stadium is called the First Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial. Is there a museum inside or does it sit next to monuments to the local war dead? Not exactly. The answer is simple, yet a bit disturbing. The arena was built on the site of the Union Cemetery, Johnstown’s first cemetery. (One would hope that the Union dead were re-interred elsewhere at that time). Check out a hockey game or other planned event – like ZZ Top on the ’24 line-up.
Where to Eat and Stay in Johnstown PA
EAT: Asiago’s Tuscan Italian
*Even though the Inclined Plane is closed for renovation, Asiago’s remains open.
At the top of the Inclined Plane, Asiago’s Tuscan Italian is the most dramatically set establishment in Johnstown, with good food to boot. Peek into the funicular’s engine-gear room before being seated, and if possible, ask for a window table with panoramic views of the town and valley below.
When the Inclined Plane opens up again, you’ll feel vibrations from the train cars as you dine on pasta and flatbreads and lovely signature Pistachio Glazed Salmon Salad.
EAT: Locals Recommend
The Fifth Eatery and Ale House for burgers, Boulevard Grill for New American, Flood City Cafe for Breakfast and Brunch.
STAY: Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express
“Friendly, friendly, friendly,” and “Top Notch Service,” guest gush. The perfect overnight for a Western PA road trip.
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We still remember the Johnstown flood. Every time we purchase alcohol in the state of Pennsylvania the Johnstown Flood Tax is a good reminder.