Hollidaysburg Heritage Guided Tours

Hollidaysburg Heritage Guided Tours Logo - New

Relive the Past

… as you walk the paths of Hollidaysburg’s founders

About Us

We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organization striving to share the fascinating history of the region through guided walking tours around Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Tours are managed by the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library. All proceeds benefit the Library.

Special Tour: Pumpkin Fest 2023

Oct 14

Highland Hall

It’s hard not to notice the grandeur of the historic Highland Hall complex when walking or driving down Walnut Street in Hollidaysburg. Now you have a rare opportunity to see what’s inside this stately building. As you tour Highland Hall, including an amazing gallery of photos and memorabilia, your guides take you back, starting in 1867, with talk of the building’s history, architecture, and uses over the years.

These special tours will be offered during Hollidaysburg’s Pumpkin Fest on October 14. Only 30 tickets per tour, so booking ahead is recommended!

Price: $10 / person
(Please note this tour does not include a brunch option)

Tour meets in front of
Highland Hall
517 Walnut Street

Morning
10:00 AM

Afternoon
1:00 PM

Upcoming Tours: Fall 2023

Sept 16 | Sept 30 | Oct 7 | Oct 21 | Nov 4

3 Tours Offered on Each Date

Canal Era

The Hollidaysburg community captures the essence of the dynamic history of the United States in the mid-1800’s. The development of a mighty nation through hard work, ingenuity, innovation and perseverance. The birth, growth and continuing renaissance of the community of Hollidaysburg illustrates this national phenomenon. Learn about Hollidaysburg’s great transportation hub on this detailed tour of the Canal Basin.

Historic Homes

A surprising number of Hollidaysburg homes have been standing for well over a century. Find out who built these fine homes and learn about their architectural influences. More importantly, get a glimpse into the lives and lifestyles of families inhabiting these homes, and the contributions of these important community founders. This is an outdoor walking tour; we do not enter the homes.

The Diamond & More

Why does Hollidaysburg have a diamond- shaped town center? Learn how the Diamond became the center of this pioneer town for culture, business, and lodging. Who lived along North Montgomery, the street that ends at “Sunset Hill?” Join us as we reveal facts and stories about the architecture and the families who lived and worked there. We might even be invited inside the street’s oldest residence (circa 1838) for a look around!

Illustration of US Hotel Tavern

Pre-Tour Brunch

Start your tour with an informative—and delicious!—brunch at the historic
US Hotel & Tavern

+ $16 / person

Optional, but highly recommended!

Tour Information

Admission

(Unless otherwise noted above)

Brunch + Walking Tour: $30 / person
Walking Tour Only: $14 / person

Tickets for all tours may be purchased online securely through our partner CentralPATicket.

Meeting Time & Place

Brunch + Walking Tour

11:00 AM

All Tours
meet at the
US Hotel & Tavern
401 South Juniata St

Walking Tour Only

12:15 PM

Canal Tour
meets in front of the
Reiser House Museum
101 Canal St

Historic Homes Tour
meets at the corner of
Union Ave & Allegheny St
(by the Pioneer Family statue by the Blair County Courthouse)

The Diamond & More Tour
meets at the intersection of
Allegheny St & N. Montgomery St.
in front of Copy Rite

Tour Procedures

  • Each tour session has a limit of 20 participants
  • Guides equipped with Voice Amplification Systems
  • Total walking distance estimated at no more than 1 mile
  • Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
  • In case of severe weather or extenuating circumstances, a tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. Our Facebook page will have the latest information.

Canal Basin Tours for Kids

Canal Basin Tours for Kids take place at Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg, PA and take about two hours, with 60-90 minutes of interactive instruction followed by 30 minutes of free play.

During the field trip, students will visit several tour guide stations focused on historic Hollidaysburg’s location, transportation, growth, commerce, people and daily life as they relate to Canal Basin Park and the Reiser House (museum).

Students will complete an Anticipation Guide (note-taking sheet) before, during and after the tour, which works well for fourth graders.

If you are interested, please read and complete this form:  Canal Basin Tours for Kids Form (PDF)

Contact Us

Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach us by phone, email, or on Facebook!