Best Things To Do In Pennsylvania
Not only part of the Appalachian and Great Lakes regions but the Mid-Atlantic too, Pennsylvania certainly has lots of different sides to it. Located in the northeast of the United States, it boasts beautiful countryside and farmland, as well as some marvellous mountain ranges and a small, scenic segment of Lake Erie coastline.
While much of the state is rural, the large and lively cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have plenty of interesting tourist attractions to check out. As it played an important role in the Civil War and Revolutionary War, there are also a number of fascinating historic sites scattered about the Keystone State to visit. With everything from Amish farms and state parks to ghost towns and gardens to explore, there are plenty of things to do in Pennsylvania.
Must Do In Pennsylvania: Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania sits on 18 acres of land in the heart of the Amish countryside. More than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars are contained in the huge facility, and a walkthrough of the museum will educate any visitor on the history of American railroading.
Opened in 1975, the museum has indoor and outdoor displays, an education center, and a large library and archives. Interactive exhibits are sure to delight visitors can try a simulator on a real locomotive or peer at the underside of a 62-ton railcar. The museums restoration shop can be viewed on closed circuit television. The museum is handicap accessible and has a nice gift shop.
300 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572, Phone: 717-687-8628
What To Do In Pennsylvania: Independence Hall
Independence Hall is a World Heritage Site maintained by the National Park Service. It played a vital role in the formation of the United States, as both the American Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted here. The building dates back to 1763, and was first built as the legislative building of the province of Pennsylvania.
The Georgian red-brick building can only be toured with a ranger-led tour that lasts approximately 45 minutes. Independence Hall was the first home of the Liberty Bell, which was moved across the street in 1976 and is now housed in the Liberty Bell Center, part of the Independence Hall complex. In 1915, former U.S. President William Howard Taft made his announcement here of the formation of the League to Enforce Peace, an organization committed to establishing peace in the world. Things to do in Philadelphia
143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Phone: 215-965-2305
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Elk Country Visitor Center
Benezette
Situated on 245 acres within the heart of Pennsylvania’s elk range and within the Elk State Forest, the Elk Country Visitor Center is the premier conservation education facility in the entire eastern United States. Families visiting the center can learn about Pennsylvanias elk population through interpretive exhibits, interactive 4-D theater presentations, and exciting tours of the region to catch a glimpse of the largest elk herd in the northeastern United States.
Pennsylvania Top 20 Attractions
Pennsylvania is the perfect travel destination during a road trip as it connects the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast to the Great Lakes areas of the country.
History buffs can’t skip a trip to Philadelphia to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where our country truly began.
There is no shortage of things to do in Pennsylvania to suit all tastes and interests.
You can head to small artistic towns to explore culture, history, and natural landscapes or visit larger cities for sports, museums, and nightlife.
There are even extensive areas of undisturbed wildlife in preservation, giving you a chance to enjoy nature as it was when the colonists first arrived. Don’t skip these top 20 attractions in Pennsylvania.
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Stay In Central Pennsylvania With Triple Crown Corporation
No matter which direction you travel from Harrisburg, you never have to go far to find unusual, historical or fun things to do in Pennsylvania this weekend. Central Pennsylvanias rich, industrious past and enduring creative spirit are available for all to explore and enjoy. Many entertainment and recreational options are affordable or free and can easily become daylong experiences.
So why just visit? Make Central Pennsylvania the place you call home and have access to endless food, nightlife and recreational possibilities every day. Contact Triple Crown Corporation today and find your perfect rental.
Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
Sample award-winning wines and enjoy beautiful views when you explore the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail! These nine wineries are family-owned, and attract visitors from across the country. The land of the Lehigh Valley is extremely fertile, and is known for producing the delicious Chambourcin grape. When youre looking for cool places to visit in PA, this wine trail should certainly be on your list.
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History Arts And Outdoor Attractions Across Greater Philadelphia
Note: Greater Philadelphia is open for business and welcoming visitors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individual businesses may still require masks. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Historic homes, fascinating museums and sprawling parks await visitors to Philadelphias Countryside.
The towns in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties offer adventures for nature lovers, art appreciators and history buffs, as well as some of the best shopping on the East Coast.
Valley Forge National Historical Park and Brandywine Battlefield Park take visitors back to the days of the Revolutionary War. The expertly landscaped Chanticleer and Longwood Gardens delight guests with themed gardens and bountiful floral displays. And Elmwood Park Zoo and Sesame Place entertain kids with furry friends.
Plot out a day or weekend at Greater Philadelphias awesome attractions all located within an hour of Center City with our guide below, which is arranged alphabetically.
Note:
Discover America Through The Eyes Of An Immigrant
The Frank and Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center is home to a variety of fun experiences, including the America: Through Immigrant Eyes experience and the Johnstown Childrens Museum. Kids can explore the Johnstown regions history and culture through interactive exhibits and play.
Key Information: Admission is $9.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids and includes access to all floors of the building, including the childrens museum food nearby wheelchair accessible
Good To Know: In addition to The America: Through Immigrant Eyes experience and the Johnstown Childrens Museum, the building also houses an art gallery on the second floor and a museum about the areas steel manufacturing history.
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See Pop Art In The Andy Warhol Museum
One of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world, The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest in North America. A must-see for art lovers, this museum features thousands of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs from the iconic American artist.
Browse the museums five floors of exhibits for a fascinating look at Warhols most captivating art. Youll be immersed in all things Warhol here, as the museum admission includes all permanent and special exhibitions, daily film screenings, and daily gallery talks.
The permanent collection holds the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world. It spans his work from the 1940s through his death in 1987. Theres also a permanent film and video gallery on the fourth floor.
With its collection of 900 paintings, 2,000 works on paper, 4,000 photographs, and 100 sculptures, some of the highlights include celebrity portraits of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, as well as the famed Campbells Soup Cans. Since the museum is a global resource, youll always see something new each time you visit.
The museum is located in Pittsburgh, the place of Andy Warhols birth. Before you leave, visit the on-site Warhol Store to browse its extensive range of Warhol-inspired products, including reproduction prints, t-shirts, and gifts.
The Turkey Hill Experience
Columbia
The Turkey Hill Experience allows visitors to learn everything there is to know about dairy culture and the history of Turkey Hill® itself. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can discover the intricate details of creating Turkey Hill® ice cream and tea. Children and adults alike can even take a shot at the process themselves by milking mechanical cows or concocting their own ice cream flavor in Turkey Hills® Taste Lab.
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Things To Do In Pennsylvania: Rivers Of Steel
Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is a National Heritage Area located in southwestern Pennsylvania that focuses on the celebration, promotion, and interpretation of the steel making heritage of the region centered on Pittsburgh. The area includes the valleys of the Monongahela, Ohio, and lower Allegheny rivers. Rivers of Steel develops cultural, historical, and recreational resources in western Pennsylvania at destinations such as Pinkerton’s Landing, Carrie Blast Furnaces Nos. 6 and 7, the Bost Building, the pump house at the former US Steel Homestead Works, and the W.A. Young Foundry and Machine Shop at Rices Landing. Rivers of Steel offers to the public a variety of informative tours and events to share the evolution of the region from rough colonial settlement to “Big Steel” and the modern era.
623 E. Eighth Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120, Phone: 412-464-4020
Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA
Ride A Rollercoaster At Dorney Park
Dorney Park has rides for kids big and small. For the youngest kids, Planet Snoopys gentle rides are fun-sized just for them, while the older kids will enjoy the high-intensity thrill rides like the Talon and Thunderhawk roller coasters
Key Information: Admission is $35 food onsite plan for all-day many allergy-friendly food options disability access assistance for many rides.
Good To Know: Admission gets you into Dorney Parks Wildwater Kingdom waterpark, too!
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Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is rather fascinating as a spot in Pennsylvania, mostly because the titular poet only lived in the state for a year.
In 1843, he and his wife moved into a home in Philadelphia, where he wrote The Gold Bug and The Tell-Tale Heart.
Almost a century later, a die-hard fan of Poes purchased the home and decided to turn it into a museum.
When that fan passed away, the city of Philadelphia received it, and it became a National Historic Site.
There are three permanent exhibits and two rotating exhibits at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, each letting you look in-depth into his life, times, and career.
For literature lovers, a trip here is one of the most fun things to do in Pennsylvania!
Address: 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, United States
Frank Lloyd Wrights Fallingwater
Witness a unique home and architectural masterpiece while learning the rich history of Frank Lloyd Wrights Fallingwater. Businessman Edgar Kaufmann commissioned the home as a weekend house from Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. The house was completed two years later, and the result became Wrights most acclaimed work known as Fallingwater.
Wrights goal in designing the home was to bring man closer to nature. With impressive surroundings, including a flowing stream, varied plant life and waterfalls, Wright had plenty of inspiration. He found the site for Kaufmanns home right above a waterfall hence the name Fallingwater. Fallingwater opened to the public in 1964 and has since been .
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Enjoy Picturesque Southern Lancaster County
Enjoy Southern Lancaster County the rolling hills, the Amish culture and countryside, the attractions and things to do. There is much to see and do here.
Actually the first colonial settlement in Lancaster County was here in 1719 by Hans Herr. Today, you can tour the Hans Herr House and Museum in what is now Willow Street.
Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania
refrina / Shutterstock
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is one of the coolest places to see for locomotive enthusiasts.
Spanning 18 acres, it can be found in the Amish countryside and is home to over 100 different railroad cars and locomotives.
It contains more than 17,000 artifacts related to locomotives, including signal equipment, uniforms, artwork, tickets, tools, signs, and more.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania opened in 1975 and serves as an educational and information location, teaching others about the history of railroads in the state.
It boasts interactive exhibits such as the exploration of a railcar, locomotive simulations, and restoration shop viewing.
There is also a large archival library for perusal.
Address: 300 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579, United States
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Things To Do In South Philadelphia
South Philadelphia looks familiar even to first-time visitors, thanks to the filming of popular movies like Philadelphia, The sixth sense and Rocky franchises, as well as being home to Philadelphias major sports arenas, including Lincoln Financial Field, the home of Super Bowl LII champion Eagles. The area is also popular for its multicultural and foodie attractions, with a constant influx of new residents bringing new businesses and global energy. If youre in South Philadelphia, you cant miss these places.
What Youll Experience
Home to things weird, magical, and spooky, the Strange and Unusual Oddities Parlor also has a Halloween-themed coffee shop that brews potions and other refreshments.
Owner Josh Balz, a huge fan of the Harry Potter franchise, says the movies were his main inspiration for opening the shop.
Both the shop and cafe actually feature iconic Hogwarts objects.
If your kids and teens love Harry Potter and spooky collectibles, this could be a shop that will make them squeal.
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The Haines Shoe House
Tour a giant shoe in York for a fun, quirky experience. The Haines Shoe House, established in 1948, offers guided tours to experience five levels of the shoe-shaped house. After the tour, youll have the option to enjoy locally made ice cream or fresh-baked goods on-site.
While youre in York, you can spend the rest of the day experiencing one of the many entertainment options available. Catch a first-run flick at the Small Star Art House or at the Timeline Arcade. If youre a craft beer lover, you can test your future-seeing abilities at the Crystal Ball Brewing Company.
Philadelphia And Its Suburbs
Independence Hall The site where the Declaration of Independence was signed in July 1776 was already my top place to visit in Philadelphia. See where the United States was born and learn about the sites other fascinating history.
The Liberty Bell Located adjacent to Independence Hall , the Liberty Bell is another of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania for those wanting to experience American history.
Longwood Gardens Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square might be the most beautiful natural area in all of southeastern Pennsylvania. The gardens here feature thousands of plants, many fantastic fountains, and one of the largest conservatories in the world.
Rosenbach Museum The Rosenbach Museum might be the best-kept secret in Philly. Located on a tree-lined street in Rittenhouse Square, this museum is one of the countrys best rare book libraries featuring many one-of-a-kind books and manuscripts dating back hundreds of years.
Mercer Mile The Mercer Mile in Doylestown is comprised of three amazing concrete structures built by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century. Fonthill and the Mercer Museum were built to resemble European castles, the Moravian Pottery and Tiles Works was designed like a Spanish monastery.
Reading Terminal Market Once the ending point of the Reading Railroad , Reading Terminal Market is now filled with dozens of stalls selling delicious foods from all over the world. This is a must-visit food stop in the city.
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Walk The Riverfront At Three Rivers Heritage Trail
If youre visiting Pittsburgh, one of the top things to do in the city is to stroll the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The multi-use riverfront trail system follows the scenic banks of the three rivers, accessing some of the citys best neighborhoods and local attractions.
The 24-mile pedestrian trail runs along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, offering spectacular views of the city. Its a public route for cyclists, walkers, runners, and even rollerbladers, connecting to its parks, museums, sports stadiums, and public art.
Filled with cultural and recreational opportunities, the riverfront trail is also dotted with interpretive signs that cover a range of topics. Stop to learn more about Pennsylvanias second-largest city, with topics covering everything from prominent historical figures like Lewis and Clark to the rise of the citys industries and railroads.
There are three main sections of the Heritage Trail, the Downtown/Strip district, the North Side, and the South Side. A stroll on the North Side leads to the Andy Warhol Museum, PNC Park, Heinz Field, while the downtown section connects to Point State Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of where the three rivers converge.
Hawk Mountain One Of The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pennsylvania
If you have a passion for photography and nature as we do, then youll love Hawk Mountain. This wild bird sanctuary is about 80 miles north of Philadelphia and is one of the best Pennsylvania places for wildlife photography. Bring your telelens!
As the name suggests, this is a great spot to see a variety of hawks. Weve seen other bird species here too, including falcons, eagles, and ospreys.
28. Hawk Mountain, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pennsylvania
Along with the fabulous birdwatching opportunities, Hawk Mountain is also a gorgeous natural area. Its nestled on a ridge overlooking the Blue Mountain chain. Scattered throughout the sanctuary are several viewing sites where you can get optimal panoramic views. Some of the birds are quite personable and arent afraid to fly close to visitors! It truly is one of the most incredible things to see in PA.
Moreover, there are campgrounds and hiking trails to explore after your viewing session is over. Its also worth visiting the Natural Habitat Garden. The blooms attract all kinds of butterflies, birds, and dragonflies, and the ponds are full of turtles and frogs.
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