Have You Ever Been To Pennsylvania?
There’s nothing better than exploring the world. However, it’s not always practical to hop on a plane and explore some faraway land. Fortunately, our country has many great places you can explore without actually leaving the states.
Pennsylvania happens to be at the top of our list. Whether you want to see castles, explore religious relics, or have tea in a Japanese garden, you can experience the entire world without crossing this beautiful state’s borders.
From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the Civil War reenactments in Gettysburg and the many covered bridges throughout the state, history buffs have no end to the ways to fill their time here.
Nature lovers seek the beautiful national and state parks to discover their wild side, whitewater rafting, hiking, and biking through picturesque terrain.
And some people even gravitate toward the sports scene in Pittsburgh, while others wander without a care on the winding roads of the US’s Dutch Country.
Whether you’re thirsting for tourist attractions or just a quiet weekend getaway, plan your adventures with our list of the most fantastic places to visit in Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg
As we all know, a decisive and very bloody Civil War battle took place in Gettysburg in 1863. Therefore, the town is home to an entire treasure trove of important US history.
The Gettysburg National Military Park covers a tremendous area you can explore along 40 miles of beautiful scenic roads speckled with over 1,000 monuments and cannons. If you’re looking for a fun way to see it all, jump aboard a Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tour.
And once you’ve had your fill of Civil War history, you can visit the Lincoln Train Museum and the Gettysburg Railroad Station Museum.
This is an excellent stop for families because they can take the children to see the Land of Little Horses, while foodies can taste some regional food at a few diverse venues on a Savor Gettysburg Food Tour.
Lancaster
You’ll find historic buildings and monuments comfortably co-existing with a thriving modern art scene, good museums, and great shopping and dining in this Pennsylvanian gem.
You can learn about the Amish culture on a tour of the Amish Farm and House or have some fun going on a First Friday Art Tour to explore the unique galleries, studios, small boutiques, and the many restaurants.
The entire family can enjoy the interactive displays at the North Museum of Nature and Science, and they’ll also have fun at the nearby Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park.
On a different note, gourmands can get their fill of the best this area has to offer at the Lancaster Central Market, including from the food trucks at Prince Street Park.
And for those who wish to explore a bit more, the surrounding greater Lancaster County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Harrisburg
The star of the show in this Pennsylvania city is the Capitol building and the State Museum of Pennsylvania, sitting along the Susquehanna River, surrounded by a hilly landscape and urban progress.
The museum has 4 floors of exhibits that preserve the state’s history and, as you can guess, many Civil War relics. The National Civil War Museum is another can’t-miss, with shows highlighting some of the significant battles that once took place around this area.
And to finally relax from all the sightseeing, you should stop by City Island, which is precisely what the name depicts. It’s a place for leisure activities and is home to the Harrisburg Senators baseball team.
The stretch of land that’s over a mile long between Harrisburg and Wormleysburg on the Susquehanna River is a fantastic area to walk or bike and see what the city has to offer.
Hershey
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Hershey is proudly home to America’s favorite sweet treat! And thanks to the clever ideas of chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey, the town boasts many attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Begin your visit on a high note by visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World, where the historically famous Chocolate Trolley will carry you on a tour to see how their yummy chocolate is made. You’ll get the chance to make your own chocolate bar and taste as much as you like.
You can also visit the Hershey Story interactive museum and the amusement park if you want to know more. Other fascinating museums include the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Some outdoor attractions include Hershey Gardens and Zoo America North American Wildlife Park.
Erie
If you’re looking for a more aquatic experience in Pennsylvania, the shores of Erie are one of the most popular spots in the state. It’s located on the coast, so it’s a prime spot for summer vacation or a quiet fall weekend when the flock of vacationers has flown back home.
Visit Presque Isle State Park for some picturesque hiking trails and a peninsula on the water that’s just perfect for a sunset picnic. Also, check out the Erie Maritime Museum for impressive displays showcasing Lake Erie’s history and rotating maritime exhibits.
And for some even more water fun, visit Waldameer Park, an amusement AND water park combined, with plenty of activities, especially for the kiddos. Haven’t had enough of those beautiful waters?
You can book a trip on the US Brig Niagara, a replica of a ship that was used in the War of 1812 for the Battle of Lake Erie.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a quaint historic mining town that’s located right in the heart of the Pocono Mountains.
This is the perfect place to step back in time as you walk down the main road and see some of the town’s beautifully maintained buildings and homesteads, including the 1861 Asa Packer Mansion Museum.
You can catch up on your history at the Old Jail Museum and Mauch Chunk Museum. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more on the adventurous side, you can have some ghoulish merriment on a ghost tour thanks to Walk this Way Tours.
For a different kind of experience, you can go canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking with Jim Thorpe River Adventures, or take a picturesque train ride via Lehigh Gorge State Park. Hikers should try the grueling but rewarding Glen Onoko Falls Trail.
Laurel Highlands
Visiting the Laurel Highlands region is an extraordinary way to enjoy the raw beauty of Pennsylvania, especially if you relish exploring mother nature. Ohiopyle State Park is an ultimate outdoor playground with some of the state’s best white water rafting and kayaking.
And after taking a trip down the river and a hike on the rugged trails in the park, hop on a bike to explore the Great Allegheny Passage.
Each different experience in the Laurel Highlands, from your drives on the winding western Pennsylvania roads to meals in the cafes of the tiny towns that dot the region, is surrounded by dense forests and mountains.
Your time here will be filled with sensory immersion into the scenic landscape that draws thousands of people here each year. Be sure also to visit Fallingwater, the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright home designed to take advantage of the region’s hypnotic beauty.
Suppose you stay at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort during your visit. In that case, you can indulge in a luxury resort and spa and take advantage of the dozens of outdoor recreation options on-site, from ziplining to off-road driving.
Have we convinced you of the magical wonders Pennsylvania has to offer? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for some more fantastic places to visit, our “wandering” minds have the perfect ideas! Check out: 8 Bucket List Destinations You’ll Fall in Love With
