Overview & Orientation
Apollo is a small river borough in southern Armstrong County, on the east bank of the Kiskiminetas River, about 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. It covers about a third of a square mile. Apollo is known for its riverfront trail, quick access to the Roaring Run Trail and its canal-era ruins, and the Drake Log Cabin, built around 1816.
Where Apollo Is
- County: Armstrong County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated in 1848, with a mayor and borough council
- Size: About 0.35 square miles, including river frontage
- ZIP code: 15613. Here is why that matters: some homes in neighboring communities also use an “Apollo, PA” mailing address. Check the municipality on the deed before assuming a home is inside Apollo Borough.
- Bordering communities: North Apollo (north), Kiskiminetas Township (east and south), and, across the Kiskiminetas River, the borough of Oklahoma in Westmoreland County
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Vandergrift | 5–10 minutes |
| New Kensington | 20–25 minutes |
| Monroeville | 30–40 minutes |
| Greensburg | 35–45 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 50–60 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 60–75 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was first known as “Warren’s Sleeping Place,” after trader Edward Warren. Settlement began around 1790, and the town was laid out in 1816. Because another Pennsylvania town was already named Warren, the community took the name Apollo, after the Greek and Roman god, when it incorporated in 1848.
The Pennsylvania Main Line Canal ran along the Kiskiminetas River in the early 1800s. By the late 1800s, the Apollo Iron & Steel Company drove the local economy. In 1895, its president, George Gibson McMurtry, hired landscape architects to design the planned town of Vandergrift for the company’s workers.
The 1936 St. Patrick’s Day Flood destroyed Apollo’s bridge and damaged or destroyed 95 homes. The Apollo Area Historical Society keeps the town’s records, photos, and stories.
Notable Landmarks
- Drake Log Cabin: A one-room log cabin on Williams Alley, built around 1816. It was restored in 1971 by the Apollo Area Historical Society, which owns it, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
- Apollo Memorial Library: Its roots go back to an 1878 reading room. The Apollo Free Library was chartered in 1908, and the historical society calls it the oldest library in Armstrong County.
- Soldiers and Sailors Hall: 631 North Second Street, where borough council meets
- Main Line Canal remnants: Stone remains of an 1820s-era canal lock along the Roaring Run Trail just south of town
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Apollo was laid out in 1816 and grew with the canal and the iron and steel industry. That means most of the borough is a compact grid of older homes within a few blocks of Warren Avenue and the riverfront.
- Older homes: Most homes date from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century
- Lot sizes: Typically smaller in-town lots
- Inventory: Because the borough is about a third of a square mile, only a handful of homes are usually for sale at once
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
Here is a practical note for buyers: Apollo sits on the Kiskiminetas River, and parts of town flooded in 1936. Before buying near the river, check the property on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask about flood insurance.
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Apollo Borough.
Schools
Public Schools
Apollo is served by the Apollo-Ridge School District. It covers about 70 square miles: Apollo, North Apollo, and Kiskiminetas Township in Armstrong County, and Young Township in Indiana County. The district office is at 1825 State Route 56 in Spring Church.
- Apollo-Ridge Elementary School
- Apollo-Ridge Middle School
- Apollo-Ridge High School
School assignments and grade configurations are listed on the district website.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana)
- Westmoreland County Community College and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Routes 56 and 66: Run together through town as Warren Avenue. PA 66 crosses the Kiskiminetas River to Oklahoma and continues toward the Westmoreland County side. Both routes follow the river north through North Apollo toward Vandergrift.
- PA Route 56 east: Toward Spring Church, home of the Apollo-Ridge district office
- PA Route 28 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike: The main routes to Pittsburgh, reached by heading west through the Allegheny Valley
Public Transit
Apollo is outside Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Allegheny County service area, and most trips are by car. Check Armstrong County’s public transportation services for regional and shared-ride options.
Walkability & Bikeability
See Walk Score for Apollo, PA for walking, transit, and bike ratings. The riverfront trail below connects downtown to the regional trail network.
Things to Do
Trails
Apollo’s Kiski Riverfront TrailA 1.5-mile trail along the Kiskiminetas River from the end of Canal Road, past downtown, to a parking lot at River Road and McCain Street in North Apollo. Some sections share the road with cars.
Roaring Run TrailA 4.8-mile rail trail that starts at 681 Canal Road on Apollo’s southern edge, with parking and restrooms at the trailhead. It follows the river past canal lock remains and Pennsylvania Railroad markers. It connects to the 1.5-mile Rock Furnace Trail, with a suspension bridge and the ruins of the Biddle Iron Furnace. Open dawn to dusk.
Both trails are part of the Trans Allegheny Trails network.
Parks & Recreation
- Owens Grove: A borough park used for community events, including summer movie nights
- Rentals: The borough rents its hall, pavilion, and gazebo. Contact the borough office.
Events
The Apollo Memorial Library’s summer reading program has hosted Movie in the Park at Owens Grove. The Apollo Area Historical Society holds meetings, tours, and programs. For current dates, check the borough events page.
Dining & Shopping
Downtown Apollo, along Warren Avenue and the plaza, has local shops, restaurants, a post office, and everyday stores. For larger grocery and retail options, Vandergrift, Leechburg, and the Route 56 and Route 66 corridors are a short drive away.
Library
The Apollo Memorial Library is at 219 North Pennsylvania Avenue. Its current building opened in 1965.
Local Services & Resources
Apollo Borough Office
405 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Apollo, PA 15613
Phone: (724) 478-4201, ext. 1
Website: apollopa.net
Council meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. (a different date in December) at Soldiers and Sailors Hall, 631 North Second Street. See the meetings page.
Utilities & Public Works
- Sewer and garbage: Billed through the borough. Payment drop boxes are in the plaza and at 809 North Warren Avenue.
- Electric: West Penn Power (FirstEnergy). Report streetlight outages to West Penn Power at 1-888-544-4877.
- Public Works: (724) 478-4201, ext. 4
- Parking: Meters in the plaza are enforced Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
See the borough FAQ for more.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Apollo Borough Police: (724) 478-4201, ext. 2
- Fire and EMS: Volunteer fire companies and regional ambulance services serve the Apollo area. Contact the borough office for current providers.
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
- Hospitals in Greensburg, Indiana, and Monroeville are within about 45 minutes
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, fence, or dumpster? Start with the borough office, which handles zoning, dumpster permits, and parking permits. Forms are on the borough forms page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Apollo, PA in?
Apollo is in Armstrong County, on the Kiskiminetas River about 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The borough of Oklahoma, across the river, is in Westmoreland County.
What school district serves Apollo?
The Apollo-Ridge School District. It operates an elementary, middle, and high school and serves Apollo, North Apollo, Kiskiminetas Township, and Young Township in Indiana County.
How did Apollo, PA get its name?
The town was originally called Warren. When it incorporated in 1848, it was renamed Apollo, after the Greek and Roman god, to avoid confusion with another Pennsylvania town named Warren.
How long is the drive from Apollo to Pittsburgh?
About 50 to 60 minutes to Downtown Pittsburgh, usually by heading west to Route 28 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Traffic varies by time of day.
What trails are near Apollo?
Apollo’s Kiski Riverfront Trail runs 1.5 miles along the river through town. The 4.8-mile Roaring Run Trail starts at 681 Canal Road on Apollo’s southern edge and connects to the Rock Furnace Trail.
What is the Drake Log Cabin?
It is a one-room log cabin built around 1816 on Williams Alley. The Apollo Area Historical Society owns it, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What types of homes are in Apollo?
Mostly older single-family homes on in-town lots, many from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. Because the borough is small, only a few homes are usually for sale at once.
Where is the Apollo borough office?
The borough office is at 405 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Apollo, PA 15613. The phone number is (724) 478-4201.
Thinking About a Move to Apollo?
Whether you are buying in Apollo or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including flood-zone checks for homes near the river. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Apollo Borough listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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