Even though the incline was closed, we stopped to look since we were going to the adjacent restaurant for dinner. It was constructed as a "lifesaver" after the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889, the Incline has more than lived up to its original lifesaving purpose. I read that flood waters again swept through the Conemaugh and Stonycreek Valleys on March 17, 1936 and July 20, 1977. During both floods, the Incline carried men, women, children and vehicles to safety and help. It is one of the longest and steepest hoists in the world and one of the few transportation systems of its kind still in existence and has its place in the Guinness Book of Records as "The steepest vehicular inclined plane in the world." The incline is closed for refurbishments set to be completed in Spring 2023. We were thrilled to see a large American flag flying above the incline. The flagpole is 125 feet tall and is on the highest point above the valley. I am sure that this flag can be seen for miles. read more

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This was an enjoyable little trip up the mountain over Johnstown. Great views!! Gives you a great perspective of the city

Being a local the biggest thing about the Inclined Plane is that it is too iconic to be closed this long. It's definitely recommended to anyone when it does reopen and they might be looking to late spring or summer. read more

Excellent food. Good service. A bit pricy but, worth it. Like an upscale bar + grill.

This was just a nice little gem to go on a raised platform incline and look out over Johnstown and learn a little history.

Most beautiful place ever I would highly recommend going Food was excellent company was great read more

Other Yelpers have covered the incline well so I'm only going to add in a few points. * For a good pictorial overview take a look at Dan R.'s review. * Prices http://www.inclinedplane.org/Fares.html * Hours http://www.inclinedplane.org/Hours.html * The gift shop is complete cheese but definitely go in if for no other reason than to watch the hoisting mechanisms at work when the cars are moving. * Consider making a tax deductible donation to help keep the incline running especially considering that this year is it's 122nd year of operation. http://www.inclinedplane.org/Support.html * The restaurant concept opened last month next door to the incline. http://asiagostuscanitalian.com/ * If you're there with kids, when you get to the top take a walk up the steps by the big flag and at the top of the hill is a very nice park called "The Mound". They'll love it as it'll be a pleasant surprise and the area the park is in is quiet and peaceful. * As much as I hate to say this, because ridership is in the tank compared with a few years ago let alone the incline's heyday let's just say that at least things don't exactly get crowded. There were seven of us for the trip up and 90 minutes later there were seven on the way down. There is also currently a good bit of construction goin on by the lower entrance that makes getting into the small parking area a bit of a challenge. Johnstown may not have have a ton of things to do in the area but we liked it and this is one that should not be missed. read more

OK, I could give you all a history lesson like the review prior, but instead how about I just tell you it's breath taking? I mean the slow smooth ride down the mountain side can make it feel like you are gliding down into Johnstown. On a brisk day it's nice to have that breeze on your face. You can take in the size of the Johnstown from up top and then a few minutes later you can be walking the streets of downtown. Yes, it is impressive that it is the steepest inclined plane of it's kind, but what's more impressive is that people still use it on a daily occurrence. Up top while you are waiting for the inclined plane to arrive, look through the observation window to see how the mechanics of this massive machine works. A diagram tells you what part is what. You can watch at the huge cogs turn while pulling that car up the mountain. A small gift shop sits atop, giving you a moment to browse for that magnet you just have to have, or maybe a postcard you just might want to send to somebody. Johnstown is known for many things, and this is one of the many things you can still enjoy. read more

Cool place to get a great view of Johnstown. We drove up here to eat at Asiago's and planned on riding the lift, but changed our minds after our delicious meal. It's very beautiful, has a gift shop, interesting history, and a nice grassy area to relax, reflect, or run around. Local tip: If you're with a small group, buy a commuter pass and save some money. read more

Inclined Plane - Stop and breathe. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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A must go experience. Great for the entire family. Very inexpensive to ride. Check out the pully system inside gift shop read more

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While in Johnstown, this is a must on everyone's list. Nice slow moving ride the entire family can enjoy. Only $5.00 round-trip for adults and children are less. For those less mobile, you can even take your car on the ride for $8.00. It's open air so as long as you social distance, there is no need for this dreadful masks. read more

Inclined Plane - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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Johnstown, Pennsylvania has become known for many things, among them a reputation for its devastating floods. The largest flood in Johnstown's history occurred on May 31, 1889 when some 2,209 people lost their lives. The Cambria Iron Company began construction of the inclined railway in 1890, to carry people, horses and wagons to the new hilltop community of Westmont. On June 1, 1891 the Johnstown Inclined Plane began providing convenient transportation up Yoder Hill which had a steep 70.9% grade. On March 1, 1936 when flood waters again ran through Johnstown, the Inclined Plane proved its worth by carrying almost 4000 residents to safety. In the most recent flood to hit Johnstown on July 20, 1977, the Inclined Plane once again carried 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. This is the world's steepest, vehicular Inclined Plane. It's pretty cool and the views are not the same as in Lucerne, Switzerland, but they are neat. They do have a very tourist friendly shop at the top. All souvenirs sold here! I will review the restaurant separately, as it deserves it's own space. read more

Awesome addition to the city of Johnstown. Built after the 1889 Johnstown flood as a lifesaving device to transport people from lower to higher grounds. Yes. Some cities are known for their bridges or steak sandwiches. Johnstown us definitely known for its successive deadly and damaging floods. That makes this the most iconic structure to grace the boundaries of Johnstown today. And....its still standing and remains one of the longest and steepest "hoist" devices in the country. People cone from all over to visit this landmark. The ride itself is thrilling and great for all to experience. It Costs about 3$ for one way trip and 5$ for a roundtrip. You can also transport vehicles such as cars or bicycles to get to different levels if the city At the top is a unique gift Shop which offers snacks n beverages and of course souvenir items which represent our city. read more

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On May 31st, Johnstown had a massive flood, over 2200 people died, as a result they constructed this Inclined Plane to transport people back and forth from the downtown area, to the higher elevation to the west of the city. Once it was opened for residential development, the daily usage of the inclined plane exploded, and today it carries over 100,000 visitors a year. Easily accessable from both downtown Johnstown (route 56) and the Borough of Westmont, this attraction is well worth seeing. It has a decent visitors center, gift shop and a great observation deck up top. It is quoted as the worlds "steepest inclined vehicular plane" and only costs 4 dollars to ride up and down for a round trip. cars are a little bit extra, like around 8 dollars one way. At the top there is the City View Bar & Grill (all you can east soup and salad buffet for 8.99 p.p.). http://www.cityviewbarandgrill.com/ http://www.inclinedplane.org/ read more

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Close til 2023 for renovations but you can still drive to the top and enjoy the view. read more

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This place is definitely worth visiting. It has beautiful views and a restaurant next door. The little store area where you buy tickets has cute kid stuff and souvenirs. Inside the store they also have a glass window where you can see the motor room and the huge cable controlling the incline plane. Pretty cool! read more

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$5 for history, views and a fun ride! Built after the big flood in the 1889 - Jtown's claim to fame is the worlds steepest vehicular incline plane. Yes, you can drive your car into this steel cable car and take a very steep ride down to the city below! It mostly seems to be used by tourists, like myself, and provides an enjoyable ride/view for $5 RT for adults (free for 65 plus). The ride runs every 15 min and the top has a fantastic overview of the city, so I'd recommend starting from the bottom if you have that option. The gift shop at the top has a window into the machine room, so if you have the time you can watch the cranks and wheels whir away during one of the operations. In addition to kitch, there are some nicer souvenirs, I got a lovely incline themed Christmas tree ornament. read more

LOVED IT!!! Such a great expierence & the kids had a blast!! Not expensive at all!!! At the top is a fantastic viewing area, gift shop that has great prices! && a small little musuem to walk through with views & photos of the flood. If you climb up the stairs directly infront on everything at the top there is a field and a great playground!! We had such a great time here! its a must see!!! read more

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I grew up taking the incline plane as a fun ride with my Grandparents, whose home is still right up the road, however they are now both passed. This is a fun ride for adults and children alike, and as are most things in Johnstown, very affordable. If you can, come in summer and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. You can get a very good sense how the steel mills used to dominate the town. I'm not that old, but I can remember the river running orange from all the iron oxide run off... thankfully the water is blue green now. There is a small gift shop at the top, selling PA made touristy trinkets you really can't find anywhere else. The coal animals are cute, in a midly disturbing way. Please come patronize the oldest and steepest incline plane in the USA! read more

Wow. Stunning view and an engineering marvel to boot. We traveled there with 2 small children, and if you walk up a (pretty serious) flight of stairs at the top, there's a beautiful park with a merry-go-round. One hell of a destination. I love that since it's in the USA, they named it after the Simple Machine. I guess Funicular sounds too foreign... read more

The Johnstown Incline is a very unique opportunity to touch a piece of history that isn't available in many places around the world. This incline is one of three in PA with the other two located in Pittsburgh. Parking is conveniently located near the walk bridge to the incline and is free of charge if you are going to grab a bite to eat at the top of mountain. Plan a lunch with your trip to the City View Bar and Grill. The Club Sandwich and the Cheesesteak are both can't miss meals. The fee to climb the mountain is change compared to the unique experience. You can even take your car to the top if you like. Make sure to visit some of the National Parks in the area to add to your experience read more

This is a very unique experience. The kids really loved riding up and down the inclined plane. If you go into the little giftshop, you can buy goodies such as pressed pennies & gobs in a variety of flavors! You can also see the inner workings of the gears that raise and lower the inclined plane. There is also an ice cream shop. There is a great little park at the top of the stairs when you get off the inclined plane. If you can't handle the stairs, if you walk the sidewalk to the right you can take a gentle slope up to the park. The inclined plane runs on a schedule, so plan accordingly if you need to be back down the plane by a certain time. read more

What a crazy idea our car rode up the incline to the top. When we got off we were able to drive around to see the beautiful homes up there. read more

Inclined Plane - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

The inclined plane in Johnstown is the steepest vehicular incline in the world. Fares for people are pretty low, currently only $4 round-trip for an adult and less expensive for seniors and kids. You can even take your car up there for a bit more money. There is a visitor's center that shows interesting photos of the floods. An observation deck gives a scenic view of the city below. A gift shop offers neat souvenirs. There is also a tasty ice cream shoppe during warm weather. Operating hours vary by time of year, so be sure to check their website for their current hours. The man who operated the inclined plane from below was nice, as were the employees who worked up top. Overall, the inclined plane is one of the best activities to do in Johnstown. read more

As a reward for good marks at school, my son wanted to visit the Inclined Plane at night so he could see all of the lights and go for his first ride. We dropped in after dinner yesterday and had a great time (even on a cold winter evening)! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the facility is well cared for. The view of the motor room and the scale of the machinery inside it is impressive to both kids and adults alike. Hint: Check out motor room view from the Visitor Center side (at the entrance to Asiago's), you're able to see more. If you're visiting during days when then weather isn't the nicest, the Visitor's Center also provides a nice sheltered/heated area for you to enjoy the vista. You can tell the staff is accustomed to children with the kindness and attention they showed to my son - the inclined plane operator even rewarded my son with a patch for the good marks in school, an unexpected and very kind surprise! We look forward to coming back to see everything again during the day, including the the trails! Even if you live locally, the Inclined Plane is a fun and inexpensive way to get out and about, as well as to learn about the history of the area. read more

As a child I remember riding on this and thinking how scary it was. Now I bring my own children who absolutely love it. Being up at the observation deck allows my kids to see all the different aspects that this city has to offer. My youngest son had to ride this every time we come back. It's better at night to see the lights of the city. read more

Inclined Plane - Johnstown is truly a beautiful city. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

The observation deck makes for a good location to photograph the downtown; a mildly amusing side place to take out-of-towners

An iconic piece of history. It was a fun trip. I loved the humor of the people running it. My husband dropped his round trip ticket on the ride up and they mocked him appropriately. Apparently not even a child has done that in the last nine years. It has a cute gift shop at the top. I got a leaning mug that is adorable. read more

A must do when you are in Johnstown, PA and it only costs a couple of bucks per person.

Awesome experience! We enjoyed the round trip and it was an inexpensive activity for our family. We started at the bottom and when we got to the top, we stopped for a drink at Asiago's, then walked up to the flog pole. There's a great little park near the flag pole so we stopped there as well. The gift shop has lots of fun and unique gifts to chose from as well as snacks. My kids and I loved the whole experience of the world's steepest vehicular inclined plane. read more

Our 2 teens, husband, and I loved this "doing-instead-of-viewing" "family-together" activity. It was inexpensive, impressive, and FUN! I actually said "Wow!" several times. And at the top are stairs to a beautiful grassy park-my daughter jogged around it, just to stretch her legs. Also, the Woodmont neighborhood at top is worth driving or hiking around, due its unique beauty. read more

Its gorgeous, great view, too bad the food is mediocre and overpriced. You can go to the holiday inn (harrigans) a few blocs away and get much better food for the same cost, you just lose the breathtaking views. read more

Great place to go with family visiting from out of town or a romantic kiss at sunset.