weird places to visit in pa

Weird Pennsylvania: Your guide to the weirdest spots in the state

• Published: May. 17, 2021, 5:01 a.m.
• Marcus Schneck | [email protected]

Beyond the immortalized battlefields, museums of science and historic collections, Pennsylvania also is home to an amazing array of weird and wacky sites and attractions. Here’s a look at 23 of those special places.

The goal of Castle Halloween curator and owner Pamela Apkarian Russell – The Halloween Queen – is to research and collect everything she finds that reflects the “magic, mystery and marvels in Halloween” and related areas, like the Salem Witch Trials and Stonehenge. (Marcus Schneck photo)

Castle Halloween, Altoona

Decades of Halloween and decades of research/collecting have come together in more than 36,000 artifacts of the Oct. 31 holiday spilling – literally spilling – out of the Loudon Mansion along a residential street in Altoona. The Castle Halloween Museum was moved from West Virginia to Altoona a few years ago, the entire collection of everything from rare, Halloween-themed pinball machines to some of the earliest Halloween costumes to every decoration, novelty and food in memory. As possibly the largest Halloween collection anywhere, Castle Halloween regularly loans out parts of itself to far-flung exhibits and programs. Learn more in this previous PennLive.com article .

This is all that is left at the crossroads of Centralia. There are fewer than 21 residents left as state crews tear more buildings that bring Centralia closer to being a ghost town, April 15, 2001. (The Patriot-News) Harrisburg Patriot-News

The one-time thriving coal town saw its history and legacy change dramatically in 1962 when a trash fire near an abandoned strip mine ignited what was left of the coal seam beneath the town. That fire never stopped spreading and, as it did, released noxious gas and opened sinkholes. Eventually, the town became uninhabitable, with the population shrinking from more than 1,000 residents in 1980 to 63 by 1990. Pennsylvania condemned the borough in 1992, and 10 years after that the postal service discontinued the town’s zip code. In October 2013 officials reached an agreement with the last seven residents to live out their lives there. Learn more in this previous PennLive.com story .

Civil War Tails, Gettysburg

The Civil War Tails at Homestead Diorama Museum LLC has several dioramas of Civil War battles, including Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. What makes this museum truly quirky, however, are the miniature cats that have taken the place of its soldiers. Learn more at https://civilwartails.com .

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, Allenwood

A zoo focused entirely on reptiles and amphibians – everything from tiny poison-arrow frogs to giant crocodilians and Komodo dragons – Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland offers close-up looks at some of the less-cuddly members of the animal kingdom. Daily feedings of various animals are featured. Learn more at https://reptiland.com/

The Coffee Pot building in Bedford. (Jeff Kubina photo)

The Coffee Pot, Bedford

The Coffee Pot is a structure that’s shaped like a coffee pot with a spout and handle. David Berton Koontz built the structure in 1927 to attract customers to his service station along the Lincoln Highway and U.S. 30. An example of programmatic architecture, the structure was bought for $1 by the Bedford County Fair Association and moved across the street to the Bedford County Fairgrounds by the Lincoln Highway Heritage Park Corridor in 2004.

Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor is a Stonehenge, of sorts, in Pennsylvania.

Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor

The Columcille Megalith Park has several standing stones in what its website described as “a park rooted in Celtic spirituality and inspired by the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland.” It’s meant as a place that welcomes anyone seeking renewal and transformation. Learn more at http://www.columcille.org/index.html .

Coudersport Ice Mine, Coudersport

Ice forms in the mine just outside of Coudersport in early April and continues to do so as the weather warms up, according to previous reporting by PennLive. It only begins to melt in September, and there’s only a residual amount left during winter. Despite that, the mine has never been used to harvest ice. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/gary.buchsen .

Gravity Hill, New Paris

The laws of physics appear to be suspended at Gravity Hill, where your car seems to roll uphill and water flows. On the roadway, you’ll find the indicators for “GH Start” and “GH Finish.” Don’t let the fact that it’s an optical illusion get in the way of your amazement. Learn more at https://www.gravityhill.com .

The Haines Shoe House, at 197 Shoe House Rd., in Hellam Township, York County, was built by Mahlon Haines, the 'Shoe Wizard,' in 1948. It was bought by Melanie and Jeff Schmuck on February, 2015. The couple are opening Mellie's Makery, selling ice cream and tasty treats on March 20, 2015, from a shop in the back heel of the house. Every window in the home is decorated with a stained glass shoe. March 18, 2015 Dan Gleiter | [email protected] PENNLIVE.COM PENNLIVE.COM

Haines Shoe House, York

Today an ice cream shop, the shoe-shaped building has been a sight-seeing stop for decades. Commissioned by Mahlon Haines in 1948 as an advertising gimmick for his business. It has since served as a residence for several people. There’s a surprising amount of space for a building with such an interesting space, with five levels, three bedrooms and two full baths. The ground level of the house features the bakery and ice cream parlor. Learn more at https://www.hainesshoehouse.com .

Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum and Candy Shop founder had collected elephants for decades. (Janet Pickel, PennLive.com/2009)

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium, Orrtanna

‘”Mister Ed” Gotwalt and wife Pat launched Mister Ed’s: The Areas Most Unusual General Store in 1975 about 2 miles from the current location of the museum and emporium, which since 2014 has been owned and operated by granddaughter Nicole and husband Isaac. The original Mister Ed’s enjoyed much success as a community gathering place where locals would come for food and fellowship at the snack bar and to see curiosities, like a small elephant collection. Gotwalt re-invented Mister Ed’s as an elephant museum and candy emporium at its current location in 1983. On July 5, 2010, the store caught fire. More than 2,000 elephant statues, toys, figurines and more were lost. But, within two weeks, a temporary store was set up in a 400-square-foot trailer in the parking lot and a “Save the Elephants” cleaning event was organized. The new store and museum opened on February 5, 2011, and today houses more than 12,000 pachyderm figurines, circus souvenirs, political paraphernalia, toys and more. Learn more at https://mistereds.com .

The Mutter Museum displays a plethora of eerie medical memorabilia.

Mutter Museum, Philadelphia

Home to bones, organs and cabinets of skulls, the Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia is an exploration of anatomy and medical history. The items in its collection range from 7th century to 2014 and include pieces of Albert Einstein’s brain, the Soap Lady and a giant megacolon. Learn more at www.muttermuseum.org .

The Pagoda along Skyline Drive overlooking the city of Reading, Pa. (2006 photo by Chris Knight, The Patriot-News) PN

The Pagoda, Reading

Towering 620 feet above Reading on Mount Penn, the Pagoda stands 7 stories high on a 28-by-50-foot base. Commissioned in 1906 at a cost of $50,000 by William Witman Sr. to cover his stone quarry, the Pagoda was completed in 1908. It was originally intended to be a luxury resort, but due to the bank foreclosure and the denial of a liquor license, Witman never opened it. By 1910 the Pagoda and the surrounding 10 acres were deeded to local business owners Jonathon Julia (Bell) Mould. On April 21, 1911, they sold the Pagoda to the city for $1. Learn more at http://www.readingpagoda.com/home.html .

Penny Rock in Salt Springs State Park. (Marcus Schneck photo)

Penny Rock, Montrose

Along a trail in Salt Springs State Park stands a boulder packed with manually inserted pennies. Legend holds that good luck will follow those that hammer a penny into the rock but will abandon anyone who removes a penny from the rock. Learn more at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/SaltSpringsStatePark/Pages/default.aspx .

Fans watch Punxsutawney Phil in his burrow at the Public Library in Punxsutawney, Pa., as Groundhog Day festivities have already started, Feb. 1, 2019. Mark Pynes | [email protected]

Phil’s Burrow, Punxsutawney

Groundhog Day may be over, but you can still visit Punxsutawney Phil all year round at his burrow in Barclay Square. He likes to sleep toward the back of the manmade burrow. Learn more at https://www.groundhog.org/Attractions?id=39 .

Little Baby's Ice Cream is the home of Pizza Ice Cream, one of its unusual flavors. Here it is served as the Frankford Ave. Taco -- with three baby scoops on top of a pizza slice from Pizza Brain, which shares a building with Little Baby's. The shop also has locations in West Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Julia Hatmaker | [email protected] HAR HAR

The Pizza Brain, Philadelphia

A bucket-list stop for all pizza lovers, The Pizza Brain is home to the world’s first pizza culture museum and shop. According to Guinness World Records, the eatery holds the largest collection of pizza-related items in the world, with more than 550 artifacts in rotation. Pizza Brain educates foodies about the cultural impact of the famed Italian import while serving up gas oven-fired pies. Learn more at www.pizzabrain.org .

Playthings Etc., Butler

With more than 3,000 toys in stock, Playthings Etc. warrants a visit based on its huge selection of classic to futuristic science kits, hobby products and educational toys. It makes its way into our look at weird places by existing in a building shaped like a steel stealth bomber. Learn more at https://www.playthings-etc.com .

Pymatuning Reservoir Spillway, Linesville

Known as the place “where the ducks walk on the fish,” the spillway at Pymatuning Reservoir has long been a popular tourist attraction, with visitors buying tons of loaves of old bread to feed the huge number of carp. Equally large numbers of ducks gathered for the free hand-outs, often walking on the carp in their dashes for the bread. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Linesville-Spillway-191690847543460 .

Randy Gilson poses outside his home, Randyland, in Pittsburgh, on Jan. 21, 2021. Gilson, an eccentric folk artist, purchased the house in a high-crime in the city and began re-imagining his neighborhood. He know calls it the "happiest place on earth. (Sally Maxson/York Daily Record via AP) AP

Randyland, Pittsburgh

Randyland is one of Pittsburgh’s most colorful and Instagrammable landmarks and offers unique insight into the mind of its artist and owner, Randy Gilson. Randyland welcomes visitors to explore the public art displays in and around the property. Learn more at https://www.randy.land .

Ringing Rocks Park, Upper Black Eddy

Ringing Rocks Park is the most famous of Pennsylvania fields of igneous rock. The 10-foot rock piles produce variously pitched ringing sounds when hit with hammers or other rocks. The 128-acre park also features picnicking, hiking and nature areas and a picturesque waterfall. Learn more at https://buckscounty.org/government/ParksandRecreation/Parks/RingingRocks .

Monument Square in Lewistown. (Marcus Schneck photo)

Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument, Lewistown

The only piece of President Abraham Lincoln’s tomb to ever leave Springfield, Illinois, came to Lewistown in 1890 during a remodeling project. It was released in recognition of the fact that the Logan Guard from Mifflin County were some of the first volunteers to answer President Lincoln’s call for troops to defend the Union in 1861. The 14-by-24-inch granite block was incorporated into the monument that still stands today. Learn more at https://www.lewistownsquare.com/square.html .

The Stoogeum, Ambler

North America’s only permanent tribute to the comedy of Moe, Larry, and Curley (and Shemp, Joe and Curly Joe), The Stoogeum houses more than 100,000 pieces of Stooge-themed memorabilia – like pinball machines and breakfast cereal – and personal items, such as Shemp Howard’s discharge papers and Larry Fine’s driver’s license. Learn more at https://stoogeum.com .

On a hill just east of Pittsburgh sits one of the strangest houses in Pennsylvania. Trundle Manoris home to The Secret Society of Odd Acquisition. (File Photo)

Trundle Manor, Swissvale

Trundle Manor bills itself as “the most unusual tourist trap in the world meets the most bizarre private collection on public display.” Every room of the place is packed with oddities like animals in jars of alcohol, old taxidermy, bizarre gizmos, antiquated medical tools, strange weaponry and the likes. Learn more at http://trundlemanor.com .

A replica of the object that witnesses said fell from the sky near Kecksburg stands across the street from the fire company in the small southwestern Pennsylvania town. (Marcus Schneck photo)

UFO Memorial, Kecksburg

On the night of Dec. 9, 1965, thousands of people in six U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, saw a fireball racing across the sky. Witnesses claimed it landed in the woods of Kecksburg, a village southeast of Pittsburgh, according to previous reporting by PennLive. Before the U.S. Army cordoned the site off to the public, witnesses reported finding an acorn-shaped object that was the size of a Volkswagon Beetle. Officials said it was a meteor, though some speculate that it might have been an alien spacecraft or a Soviet space probe. Learn more at https://kecksburgvfd.com/ufo-festival-events-2 .

So, what do you think? What bits of weirdness out there in Pennsylvania did I miss? What additional sites of weird Pennsylvania should be included in future looks at subject? Let me know at [email protected] .

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Pennsylvania (PA) » 23 Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania

23 Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, the “Keystone State”, is one of the original 13 colonies. As rich in history as it is diverse terrain, wide-open farmland, forests and mountains, it is a great vacation destination. Well-known landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are only a fraction of the patriotic charm of Pennsylvania. There are scores of lesser-known attractions that manage to complete the rich culture of the state. Check out the array of hidden gems, from burning ghost towns to Victorian-era museums, and be prepared to fall in love with Pennsylvania.

We’ve put together a list of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania just for you. Enjoy!

1. The Rose Gardens, Allentown

The Malcom W. Gross Memorial Rose Gardens are located in Allentown. The old-fashioned gardens are filled with flowers and ponds and known for their All American Rose Selections. It is a perfect place for outdoor recreational activities like walking and biking all year round.

Get some exercise and walk the scenic 1.3 mile loop through the gardens, or take your bike if you prefer. Take some photos of the rose garden pavilions and enjoy the sounds of the chirping birds. Most flowers are in full bloom in the summer, but there are plenty of photos to be taken all year in this pristine natural environment. Appreciate a relaxing afternoon at the rose gardens.

2. Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor

Originally established in 1978, the Columcille Park is a land full of folklore and myth in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania. Originally inspired by the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland, this park remains connected to Celtic spirituality and is a peaceful place perfect for meditation or to get off the beaten for a while to think.

The name “Columcille” is inspired by the Gaelic phrase “Casa Colum”, or Home of the Dove, which is the name of the small house first opened here in 1975 by William Cohea Jr. It operated as a resting place along the side of the road for tired sinners and reluctant saints alike. The peace of this place soothes each visitor with its open space created to welcome people of all faiths and traditions. The Appalachian backdrop offers beautiful lush scenery fused with the tranquility of the Celtic buildings to make this a delightful place to visit.

3. Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh

The Mattress Factory is located in Pittsburgh, and was originally just a warehouse shared by artists and intellectuals who lived together and hosted art exhibits. It was converted into a non-profit organization and in 1982 it opened its first exhibition of installation art. The museum is now known for its artist residency program and unique exhibitions.

Stop in to enjoy this contemporary art museum. There are a few different gallery locations, so check out what exhibitions are offered at each before you go. There are also educational programs sponsored through the Mattress Factory, such as community workshops and artists talks. Stop by to listen to one if you’re interested.

4. Martin Guitar Factory and Museum, Nazareth

Located in Nazareth, the Martin Guitar Factory and Museum is a music haven that brings together music history, culture and craftsmanship under one roof. It houses a large collection of historical instruments and other music memorabilia that tell the Martin brand story. Stop in if you’re a guitarist or music lover, there is plenty here to fascinate you.

There are over 200 vintage instruments on display at the center, some from artists like Johnny Cash and Elvis! Take a public guided tour of the factory to understand how the guitars are brought to life – over 300 separate steps is required to complete just 1 Martin guitar! Check out the museum and center when you’re stopping through Nazareth; it’s a true musical gem.

5. Joe’s Bar, Ligonier

Joe’s Bar is located in Ligonier, and is an authentically unique bar experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.  This unassuming bar has a treasure trove of exotic animals inside, all beautifully preserved and on display in the bar such as the glass cases of animals like preserved giraffes and even an elephant’s head!

There are also stools of elephant’s feet, which is just pretty awesome. Especially interesting during the “Fort Days” celebration in Ligonier, stop by any time for a beer and free show. If you’re in the mood for an interesting night, stop in for a drink and see if you can figure out the scenes on display of posed costumed squirrels (hint, one of them looks like Robin Hood).

6. Trundle Manor, Swissvale

Trundle Manor was built in 1910 and is located in Swissvale. It’s a bit of an assortment of odds and ends that culminate in a classic roadside attraction that is a bit of a blast from the past. It’s an especially ideal place for those who have a taste for the weird and enjoy being a little creeped out.

Just to highlight a few of the curiosities housed here, get ready to experience antique taxidermy, sadistic out of use medical devices, coffins, Steampunk creations, and many other things your twisted mind might not be able to imagine. Don’t miss out on Trundle Manor, a veritable mecca for the bizarre and one of the more unusual gems that Pennsylvania has to offer.

7. Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville

Lehigh Valley Zoo is located in Schnecksville and encompasses 29 acres inside the Trexler Nature Preserve. Founded originally in 1906 by Harry Trexler, the preserve was founded to help protect bison, elk and deer. He left the land to the county upon his death.

The zoo was founded in 1974 and includes petting exhibits with exotic animals from Africa and Asia. It participates in the Species Survival Plans for African penguins, mongoose lemur and the scimitar-horned oryx. Stop by and contribute towards animal conservation and to learn more about exotic species like the dwarf crocodile or Mexican wolf. The natural preserve provides the perfect backdrop for a zoo focused on animal conservation.

8. Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Doylestown

Fonthill Castle was home to the American archeologist Henry Mercer. It was built between 1908 and 1912, and boasts 44 rooms and over 200 windows. Come visit this early example of poured-in concrete architecture, built by Mercer himself and includes the built-in furniture in the house as well. This technique reflects the height of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Now a museum, the Mercer Museum at Fonthill Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of only three structures built by Mercer, the property is also home to another unique structure, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. This complex is an excellently preserved architectural work of art and contains objects from Mercer’s collection that represent everyday life in the pre-industrial age. Enrich your mind with this cultural outing, ideal for design buffs.

9. Clemente Museum, Pittsburgh

The Roberto Clemente Museum is located in Pittsburgh and highlights an important part of Pennsylvania sports history. It is a private museum honoring Roberto Clemente and has been open since 2007, supported largely by the Clemente family who wanted to preserve the memory of this impressive athlete who also broke racial divisions in the world of professional baseball.

Roberto Clemente was a professional baseball player from Puerto Rico and was the first Latin American to be admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He tragically suffered an early demise in a plane crash in 1972 while en route to aid earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This museum preserves his impressive story and features memorabilia from his family and baseball career. An important figure in American history as well, this museum is unique and worth an afternoon if you’re a baseball fan or civil rights history buff.

10. Benezette

Benezette is an unincorporated community in Elk County, located off Route 555. Pennsylvania is home to the largest roaming elk herd in that part of the U.S., some of which can be seen in Benezzete, which is a popular viewing area and provides different viewing options depending on your preference.

Come out here to see these majestic creatures in real life. You will never forget this extraordinary experience that is hard to find outside of Pennsylvania. Rent a cabin in the heart of Elk County, and take a local sleigh or wagon ride through Elk County! Don’t miss out on the Elk County Elk Farm for some elk steak.

11. Penn’s Cave, Centre Hall

Located in Gregg Township, Centre County, the extensive property is comprised of seven buildings and its highlight: Penn’s Cave. The house is called Penn’s Cave House and is used as a private residence and office for the tours of the property and cave. The entire complex is on the National Register of Historic Places and is an intriguing place if you have some time during your Pennsylvania trip.

Penn’s Cave is around 1,300 feet in length, with a roof that rises 55 feet about the surface of the stream. Take a boat tour through the limestone cavern, or tour the wildlife park located on the grounds outside the cave.  Be sure to stop in at the Visitors Center to tour the historic buildings and learn more about the nature and geology before you leave. The complex is one of those hidden nature gems awaiting your discovery in rural Pennsylvania.

12. Frick Art and Historical Center, Pittsburgh

The Frick Art and Historical Center is located in Pittsburg, and is a collection of museums and historical buildings centered around the nineteenth-century Frick family residence which spans 5.5 acres. It is focused on the life of Henry Clay Frick, an industrialist and art collector who lives from 1849-1919.

Visit this beautiful mansion and grounds. Admission is free, leaving you to enjoy the large collection of works by Jean-François Millet, European paintings and Renaissance and Baroque bronzes. The museum also displays historic automobiles and boasts beautiful green grounds and gardens that are perfect for a walk. Admire the architecture of the old house and surrounding buildings and enjoy brushing up on your Renaissance art and learning a bit about the historical Frick family.

13. Johnstown Flood Museum, Johnstown

The Johnstown Flood Museum is located in Johnstown Pennsylvania in the Cambria Public Library Building. This museum tells the story of an almost-forgotten event in Pennsylvania history: the rupture of a dam in 1889 above the city that drowned over 2,000 people and effectively destroyed the city.

Stop by to learn more about this tragic moment in Pennsylvania’s history. There are exhibits that include artifacts, a wall of debris and other remnants of the fatal flood. Also shown is the Academy Award winning documentary, the Johnstown Flood, by Charles Guggenheim. Not your usual tourist destination, the Johnstown Flood Museum is a way to get to know state history and familiarize yourself more with Pennsylvania.

14. Buttermilk Falls, New Florence

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is located in Shunk, Indiana County, and contains some of the highest waterfalls in Pennsylvania. It is also locally known as the former home of Fred McFeely, the grandfather of Fred Rogers, from the famous PBS series “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood”.  You can still view their home foundation and swimming area.

Spend a day at the park and enjoy the lush greenery. There is a beautiful walk through scenic woodland, which takes you to the 45 foot waterfalls. Remember to bring your camera to capture the views of these impressive falls. Enjoy this quiet park and the unique plant and animal communities here in this tranquil corner of Pennsylvania.

15. The Coffee Pot, Bedford

The Coffee Pot is a curious structure located in Bedford, Pennsylvania. It is not an actual coffee shop, but rather it is built in the shape of a coffee pot! The Coffee Pot was a classic American roadside attraction during its glory days as a lunch stand and was designed and built by David Koontz back in 1927. It was almost destroyed in the 1990s, but Bedford realized that they had a true gem on their hands and restored it to its former glory instead.

If you find yourself in Bedford, check out this example of novelty architecture from a classic era in American road trip history.  It is now a museum for the Bedford Fair, and is an excellent place to stop and stretch your legs. There are signs along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor to make sure that you don’t miss it. Pay homage to the old roadside attractions of years gone by and snap a photo of this unique landmark.

16. Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton

Ricketts Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres and thus occupies a part of 3 counties: Columbia, Luzerne and Sullivan counties. It is a National Natural Landmark because of its old-growth forest and 24 waterfalls. Formerly inhabited by the Iroquois until the French and Indian War, it was converted into a state park centuries later in 1944.

Add Ricketts Glen State Park to your list of destinations. Hunting and trapping are available seasonally in a section of the park, which has common game animals like the black bear of white-tailed deer. You can also fish at Lake Jean or take out canoes or kayaks to explore. Make it a natural retreat holiday and stay at a cabin or campground so you can further explore the ancient forest trails and visit all the falls.

17. Tara, Clark

This is a perfect hotel destination for anyone who has read or watched Gone with the Wind. The design of the hotel, Tara, was inspired by the movie representation of the well-known plantation. Pay them a visit if you’re an avid fan or for some southern hospitality – the Tara Country Inn fully embodies the essence of the Old South.

Put your feet up and treat yourself to a gourmet meal during your stay. The inn also offers a guided tour for those interested in the history, and you’ll feel pampered in this luxurious environment. Treat yourself to a spa day, you’ve earned the days off!

18. Mutter Museum, Philadelphia

The Mutter Museum is a medical museum located in Center City, Philadelphia. It was originally donated by Dr. Thomas Mutter in 1858 for medical research and education, and is now open to the public as a museum dedicated to medical history. Don’t miss out on this fascinating gem of a museum!

After an afternoon at the Mutter Museum, you’ll have a new appreciation for how far medical practices have come in the past few centuries. There are many exhibits of out-of-date medical equipment, wax models, medical oddities and over 3,000 osteological specimens. Check out the Mutter American Giant, the tallest Huma skeleton on exhibit in North America. There are also preserved tumors and cysts on display for the non-squeamish visitors!

19. Centralia

Centralia is an old mining town in Pennsylvania that has been almost completely abandoned in the last twenty years for an unusual reason – it has been on fire for over 50 years! The town set a fire in 1962 to burn out a landfill, not realized that it was connected to an old strip-mine with a maze of underground tunnels filled with coal! They have never been able to extinguish the underground fire that started raging, which continues to go unchecked to this day.

If you’re brave enough to visit, you’ll see the ground has opened up to let out some of the fumes from the fire. There are holes where driveways used to be, and the ground on Highway 61 is hot to the touch. There are only a few remaining holdout town residents, the rest is a maze of abandoned buildings. Take care while you’re there, but do go see this curious smoky ghost town – they say there is enough coal there to burn for another 200 years. You’ll feel like you have landed in the Twilight Zone.

20. The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks

Located in Bucks County, Ringing Rocks Park is filled with boulders that actually make music when struck with a hammer. The first concert was performed by J.J. Ott in 1890, who had gotten the rocks from a boulder field nearby. Studies have been performed in an attempt to understand why these rocks produce sounds that mimic music, but the reason continues to elude scientists.

Come out here to try it yourself: you can bring your hammers and put on your very own concert! The rock field stretches across 7 acres of woods, and can be as deep as 10 feet in boulders! You’ll have to search the field though – only 1/3 of the rocks ring. A fun activity for those with a strong sense of balance and some patience, enjoy a unique musical experience out here in rural Pennsylvania.

21. The Seven Gates of Hell

An old town myth in Hellam Township claims that this community is home to seven remote gates which connect you to the entrance to Hell if opened in the correct order. The town itself seems charmingly harmless, boasting forestry, lakes, wildlife and a quaint downtown area.  Different variations of the tale abound, ranging from criminally insane inmates burning to death in an asylum fire with their souls trapped in a series of gates, or an insane doctor that built a series of gates leading into the deepest reaches of the forest.

Regardless of whether these gates existed ever, the town itself is quite charming and a good place to visit for a day. Go exploring for the gates of hell if you dare, if only to appreciate the lush nature surrounding Hellam. Just be sure to respect the town and its inhabitants as they have been subjected to some nuisances because of the myth and don’t take kindly to people trespassing on private property off of Trout Run Road, where the gates are purported to be located.

22. Wagner Free Institute of Science

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is located in Philadelphia. This natural history museum was founded in 1855 by William Wagner, a gentlemen scientist who was a revolutionary of the time and offered free educational courses to those who wanted to learn about natural science, even permitting women to attend.

Visit the museum and appreciate the quest for knowledge that led to its birth. The museums ongoing mission is free public education in science, as established in the charter written by William Wagner.  Besides free courses the museum offers free field trips for schools and groups, evening lectures, open houses, and a range of special programs. The museum includes specimens found on Wagner-sponsored expeditions as well as specimens collected by William Wagner and later curators and scientists, such as Joseph Leidy, whose 1880s arrangement of the museum is still in place.

It’s a trip back in time to a classic Victorian science museum so enjoy experiencing this historic Pennsylvania gem.

23. Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike

The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike is a stretch of 13 miles of road on the Pennsylvania Turnpike that stopped being used when a more modern road was opened in 1968. The original road traversed seven tunnels, including those at Blue Mountain and Laurel Hill. The tunnels cut through each mountain in a single lane tunnel, which caused the traffic and prompted construction of the bypass that put part of this road out of commission.

Today this abandoned stretch of road is a slightly eerie but fun place to visit. While officially closed to the public, part of it is used as a bike path for cyclists and accessible to pedestrians. The tunnels also still stand even though they have been neglected, and are a nice hike for those who have no intention of biking along the Pike2Bike path. There are a few different hikes between the tunnels for you to choose from, and as you walk, you’ll feel like you survived some sort of apocalypse the way nature has taken back the road. Rays Hill Tunnel is one of the better sections of this hidden gem to explore if you have the time!

23 Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania:

• The Rose Gardens, Allentown
• Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor
• Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh
• Martin Guitar Factory and Museum, Nazareth
• Joe’s Bar, Ligonier
• Trundle Manor, Swissvale
• Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville
• Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Doylestown
• Clemente Museum, Pittsburgh
• Penn’s Cave, Centre Hall
• Frick Art and Historical Center, Pittsburgh
• Johnstown Flood Museum, Johnstown
• Buttermilk Falls, New Florence
• The Coffee Pot, Bedford
• Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton
• Tara, Clark
• Mutter Museum, Philadelphia
• The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks
• The Seven Gates of Hell
• Wagner Free Institute of Science
• Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike

NEXTpittsburgh

Celebrating 10 years of NEXT

10 unusual small towns to visit in Western Pennsylvania

All have at least one thing in common — a walkable core with main streets that invite you to get out of the car.

Mars, Butler County

Ohiopyle, Fayette County

Butler, Butler County

Saxonburg, Butler County

Zelienople, Butler County

Harmony, Butler County

Ligonier, Westmoreland County

Beaver, Beaver County

Leechburg, Armstrong County

Ambridge, Beaver County

Michael machosky.

Michael Machosky is a writer and journalist with 18 years of experience writing about everything from development news, food and film to art, travel, books and music. He lives in Greenfield with his wife, Shaunna, and 10-year old son.

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Here Are The 10 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Pennsylvania

Christi is from Allentown and currently lives and goes to school in Pittsburgh.

More by this Author

Day trips are simply the best, but after a while, the typical destinations might start to get old. How many times can you go to the zoo before it starts to get stale? The last time I went, the giraffes greeted me by name and I knew I had been there one too many times. Lucky for us, there are tons of strange and unique places to visit! Here are some of the weird places in Pennsylvania to visit.

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What would you add to this list of weird places in Pennsylvania? Share in the comments below.

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More to Explore

Weird places in pennsylvania.

What are some of the best roadside attractions in Pennsylvania?

Roadside attractions are always fascinating and unusual spots to visit or to stop and take pictures. The Homestead in Gettysburg is a large house filled with detailed dioramas featuring Civil War scenes. Whether or not you are a history buff, this is a fascinating attraction to stop and spend some time at. Another interesting attraction is the PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Meadville which features sculptures made from, as you probably already guessed, road signs! It’s incredible to see what local art students created with old signs.

What hidden gems can I visit in Pennsylvania?

We don’t want to visit the same places over and over now, do we? In search of hidden gems, we have found several around the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Trundle Manor in Swissvale is just about as bizarre as a museum can get. Containing a bewildering array of strange and macabre items, the owners enthusiastically give tours to guests in what’s sure to be one of the most unique experiences you’ll have. If you love zoos but don’t like the crowds of the larger ones, head to the lesser-known Lehigh Valley Zoo which spans an area of 29 acres and is home to almost 300 animals from around the world. Bring the kids and spend a memorable day here!

What are some of the most unique towns to visit in Pennsylvania?

 Lilitz is a picture-perfect, charming town that you have to see and experience for yourself. Stroll around the quaint historic downtown area shops including the very first pretzel bakery in the country! For a more remote location, head to Benezette which has approximately 200 residents and is filled with natural beauty. But what makes this town so unique is the population of elk that live here. Visit the Elk Country Visitor Center to learn more about these majestic animals and hike the trails to view them in their natural habitat.

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Featured Addresses

50 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Pennsylvania

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 20, 2021  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, was one of the 13 original colonies of America.

It was named by King James II by combining the Latin word for “woodland”, “Sylvania”, and the surname of Admiral Sir William Penn.

It achieved statehood in 1787 and is a notable area to visit for history buffs thanks to its many significant roles in time.

It is here that the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Liberty Bell first tolled, and it is also home to sites that were central in the American Revolutionary War and American Civil War.

Naturally, all this history means that Pennsylvania is packed with exciting attractions.

From sprawling gardens to ornate feats of architecture and from historical buildings and museums to art galleries and institutes, there’s no shortage of places that you can visit.

There’s even a healthy mix of cheap and free things to do.

So, where to first?

To help you decide, here is our travel guide for 50 fun things to do and places to visit in Pennsylvania!

Table of Contents

1. Eastern State Penitentiary

MISHELLA / Shutterstock

The Eastern State Penitentiary is an eerie structure that resembles a castle but held a very different purpose.

An amalgamation of the old and the new, it is a prison and boasts stone construction, fortress-like archways and corridors, industrial-style simplistic watchtowers, and formerly “hi-tech” fixings.

It was built in the year 1829 and closed in 1971, and as of its last days, it was one of America’s leading facilities of its kind.

Before the creation of the Eastern State Penitentiary, most prisons had actually been akin to commercial spots.

There was little order in them, with corrupt officers, prostitutes, lots of alcohol, and a high rate of prisoner death before sentencing.

The Eastern State Penitentiary was designed to combat these “trends”, made by the Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons.

The building was one of the world’s most expensive buildings in its time, with an $800,000 price tag.

In its day, the Eastern State Penitentiary was very much a technological marvel.

It had private toilets for prisoners before the President had more than a chamber pot, and there were private exercise spaces, three filling and large daily meals, and beautiful skylights in rooms.

It sounded like a paradise, but that was only on the surface.

Prisoners were not allowed to interact with any other prisoners or speak to any guards.

They exercised, ate, and read the only allowed book – the Bible – alone.

Guards wore shoe covers to keep the entire complex incredibly quiet, creating complete silence and solitude.

The hopeless solitary confinement of the Eastern State Penitentiary would drive many of its prisoners insane.

Its separate prison system and overcrowding would eventually lead to this confinement system being overturned, returning to the “New York System” of incarceration, where social interaction was allowed once more.

Its modernity made it ideal for housing those such as Al Capone (who received a lavish cell) and Willie Sutton.

The Eastern State Penitentiary closed down in 1971 and was narrowly saved for destruction following years of abandonment.

It reopened in 1994 and has become one of Pennsylvania’s famous landmarks, providing tours to interested visitors.

Whether for the historical value, photography opportunities, or macabre exploration, it’s one of the things to do in Pennsylvania you shouldn’t miss.

Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

2. Andy Warhol Museum

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Andy Warhol, the one-and-only famous artist who was a prominent influence in the world of Pop Art, was born in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania.

The Andy Warhol Museum pays tribute to his long and illustrious career and life, spanning from his birth to his latter years, up until his passing in 1987.

It is the largest in the country that is dedicated to a single artist.

At the Andy Warhol Museum, you’ll gain insight into the artist and his many pieces, including famous works like Tomato Soup Cans and his portraits of Elvis and Marilyn.

Exhibits are dedicated to his life and times.

The museum covers seven floors and houses a large permanent collection featuring his works and an archive packed with relevant documents to the great artist.

Don’t forget to pop into the Factory portion of the Andy Warhol Museum.

Here, you’ll get to learn and try some of Warhol’s own personal techniques for his art.

Art educators lead the way, allowing you to try making acetate collages, silk screenings, and drawings with blotted lines.

Concerts, film screenings, performances, live entertainment, and lectures are also held here.

For art lovers and curious tourists alike, this is one of Pennsylvania’s top 10 hotspots.

Address: 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

3. Fallingwater

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Fallingwater ‘s unique name is a product of its actual appearance.

Known also as the Kaufmann Residence, it is chiefly recognized as one of the finest private homes designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright – and one of his best designs overall!

It was built in 1935 and features a structure that protrudes over a waterfall in Pennsylvania’s Fayette County, where it sits on Bear Run in the Steward Township as one of the most loved Pennsylvania attractions and vacation places .

Fallingwater cost $155,000 to build.

It mixes the wonders of the natural world with delightful organic architecture in order to create a seamless harmony between the house and the environment surrounding it.

Inside, furnishings are made from walnut wood that cost $4,500 in total.

As soon as it was built, Fallingwater was an architectural icon and was featured in many publications and magazines.

In 1966, it was determined a National Historic Landmark, and in 1991, it was considered the greatest work of American architecture by the American Institute of Architecture.

For a time, the gorgeous Fallingwater home was lived in by the Kauffman family as their summer home.

But the ceiling had over 50 different leaks which Wright refused to fix, telling them to simply put a bucket under the leaks – which now, as an open public attraction since 1964, is advice that those who manage the home follow!

The home is the only major work by Wright that is open for the public, and it boasts many original features and components.

The Kauffmans filled Fallingwater with art pieces and collections of artifacts that remain on display for visitors till now.

Folk crafts, sculptures, and even designer furniture make up the overall aesthetic.

You’ll find a cast-iron Buddha head dating as far back as 906, an 8th-century sculpture of Parvati the Hindu fertility goddess, a Madonna from 1420 of Austrian-Bohemian style, unique ceramics and sculptures, and collections of art by Picasso and Diego Rivera.

Works from Mexico, Africa, and other cultures adorn the house, providing many sights to see on your visit.

Address: 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, United States

4. Hersheypark

George Sheldon / Shutterstock

Hersheypark is a fun amusement park packed with activities that will amuse people of all ages.

It is located in the famous Pennsylvania town of Hershey , which, as its name may suggest, is very closely related to the popular Hershey’s brand of chocolate.

Spanning 90 acres, Hersheypark is the main attraction of the town.

It was originally built as a recreational site for works of Hershey’s in 1906, but it eventually expanded – and continues to expand!

Among the things to see and do in Hersheypark are a train, Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coasters, a water park, bumper cars, a zoo, an observation tower, midway games, video arcades, and an amphitheater with live entertainment acts.

There are over 70 total attractions here as well as restaurants catering to people of all preferences.

For an exciting day in Pennsylvania, you can’t go wrong with Hersheypark!

Address: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, United States

5. Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is a natural choice for what to do in the state.

Spanning 45 acres of land, it is home to multiple tourist destinations within as well as several active government buildings.

It features a huge dome styled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome, which was built here in 1906 and rests on top of the main complex, where it weighs 52 million pounds.

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex’s main building is made from Vermont granite and features a huge part of bronze double doors.

Tours inside are available but have to be pre-scheduled.

The gorgeous architecture of the whole area is worth seeing and exploring, and the grounds house many memorials and museums, including the state’s War Veterans Memorial Fountain and the Soldier’s Grove Quadrangle.

Address: 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, United States

6. Gettysburg National Military Park

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The Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania is the site where, in 1863, the American Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg took place, taking 51,000 lives approximately in its three-day rage.

Today, it is adamant that visitors never forget those lives, with monuments and markers throughout the location, totaling hundreds, to provide educational information to guests.

Among the best spots to check out at the Gettysburg National Military Park are Cemetery Ridge, where Union lines stood on the last two days, Oak Ridge, which is where the first day’s battle occurred, and Seminary Ridge, where Confederate lines stood on the last two days.

You can also head to the Park Museum and Visitor Center, where you can view one of America’s largest collection of Civil War weapons, uniforms, and personal items in the Rosensteel collection.

There are also programs, events, horseback trails, and reenactments that make this one of the most interesting places to visit in PA for history lovers.

Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States

7. Mütter Museum

Mütter Museum

Mütter Museum is situated within the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is definitely among the state’s most fascinating places to visit.

It is a medical museum that opened in 1858 and is a haven of strange, wondrous, curious, and stomach-turning medical displays, body parts, anatomical oddities, and other things weird and gory.

There are many fun things you’ll spot on display at the Mütter Museum, though most of them are more bizarrely fascinating.

For example, there are the bones of Harry Eastlack, who passed away due to a very rare disorder called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva.

The disorder caused his bones to fuse together when his body’s soft connective tissue ossified, freezing him in an unmoving state.

Another example is the Soap Lady, which is a corpse from the 1800s that was exhumed due to the very weird waxy substance that was produced when it started decomposing.

There is also the skeleton of North America’s tallest man to ever live, preserved human fetuses, a collection of 2,000 items removed from the throats of patients from the Chevalier Jackson Foreign Body Collection, extremely detailed wax models, conjoined twin skeletons, a piece from the vertebra of John Wilkes Booth, and a plaster cast of famous Siamese Twins Eng and Chang Bunker.

But the most loved part of the Mütter Museum is a collection of 46 microscope slides that each contain silvers from Albert Einstein’s brain.

Einstein had wanted to be cremated, but pathologist Thomas Harvey saved his brain from the ashes.

After a long fight to keep it, scientists were able to examine it.

In the 1980s, it became clear that Einstein’s brain had a unique structure that may have contributed to or been a result of his genius.

Now, these slides are, in themselves, one of the state’s biggest tourist draws.

Address: 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States

8. Valley Forge National Historic Park

Delmas Lehman / Shutterstock

Valley Forge National Historic Park of Pennsylvania are a symbol of the sacrifices, successes, suffering, and ultimate victory of the American Revolutionary War.

It is here that the Continental Army bundled up for the winter of 1777 to 1778, where they lived in crude cabins made of logs after British troops destroyed their center for supplies.

Soldiers here were casualties, with 2,000 or so of them struggling from poor conditions, hunger, and disease.

Despite the wind chills, they lived, rested, and tried to survive from December to June.

George Washington’s own house remains here, available to tour, a reminiscent glimpse into the past.

The Valley Forge National Historic Park spans 3,500 acres and boasts multiple tours, a National Memorial Arch, plenty of recreational trails and spaces, and facilities like restrooms and a canteen.

For locals and tourists alike, exploring and sightseeing here is one of the lovely things to do in PA.

Address: 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406, United States

9. Phipps Conservatory

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Phipps Conservatory is a large complex in Schenley Park of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It spans 15 acres and is a part of the National Register of Historic Places, with 14 rooms within the main conservatory building.

The space was donated to Pittsburgh in 1893 by Henry Phipps, a real estate and steel magnate who built it as a present for the city.

The Phipps Conservatory’s main goal is to educate guests and provide a fun experience for all visitors.

It boasts 23 gardens such as the rooftop edible garden, children’s garden, and Japanese garden, a Center for Sustainable Landscapes, and of course, the conservatory glasshouse, made in a Victorian style.

The 14 rooms of the Phipps Conservatory glasshouse are packed with all sorts of exotic plants.

This includes spices, orchids, palm trees, tropical fruits, ferns, bonsai, and even a Desert Room boasting cacti and a Tropical Forest Conservatory that feels like it’s a world away from the state.

Themed flower shows, special events, and a beautiful chandelier all add to the experience, making this one of the chief places to visit in Pennsylvania for nature-lovers!

Address: 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States

10. Philadelphia Museum of Art

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The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to one of the country’s best and biggest art collections, and it’s also iconic in Pennsylvania thanks to its front steps’ feature in the Rocky movies.

More than 227,000 pieces of art rest here, from American to European to Asian art, making it one of the world’s most important artistic institutions.

Permanent collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art include very varied works of art, including costumes, Asian ceramics, decorative arts, American colonial furniture, paintings, photographs, fashion, prints, armor, drawings, textiles, and a sculpture garden outdoors.

Great artists such as Cézanne, Dali, Chagall, Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Matisse have works here.

As one of Pennsylvania’s most attractive points of interest for art aficionados, you’ll be pleased to know that the Philadelphia Museum of Art features work from the times of French Impressionism, the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, and even the present day.

Don’t miss a trip here if you can help it!

Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

11. Rodin Museum

Travel Bug / Shutterstock

The Rodin Museum sits between two prestigious buildings: the Free Library of Philadelphia and the aforementioned Philadelphia Museum of Art, yet another one of this Pennsylvania city’s tourist places.

It is much more specific than the larger Museum of Art, focused only on the exhibition of the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin.

Opened in 1929, it is the biggest collection of his works outside of Paris and was a gift from a philanthropist named Jules Mastbaum.

The Rodin Museum is a beautifully designed building in the Beaux-Arts style, fringed all around by formal French gardens that hold more fun and insightful sculptures by Rodin.

The sculpture right outside of the museum is the incredibly famous work, The Thinker, and visiting to see that in itself is one of the things to do in Pennsylvania.

Inside the Rodin Museum, close to 150 different sculptures representing many different points of Rodin’s life and career are on display.

This includes bronzes, plasters, marbles, prints, and even works in progress.

The museum is managed by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is a must-see for fans and curious tourists alike.

Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

12. Mount Moriah Cemetery

Jordan Molz / Shutterstock

Mount Moriah Cemetery has a long history and was almost a forgotten, destroyed portion of Pennsylvania, but following some rescuing, it has become one of Southwest Philadelphia ‘s best unusual spots for sightseeing.

The cemetery originally opened in 1855, boasting gothic mausoleums, a regal and ornate entrance in a Romanesque brick style, and an eventual expansion of 400 acres of land to become the biggest burial site in Pennsylvania.

Interestingly, no one actually owns the cemetery, which is part of why it became abandoned and forgotten.

For a time, it seemed that Mount Moriah Cemetery would simply be reclaimed by nature, as the headstones and monuments within fell and overgrowth overtook even the wealthiest Victorian graves.

That’s when the Friends Of Mount Moriah, a local non-profit group, stepped in to help.

With years of work, more than half of the cemetery has been cleared up and is reopened for eager eyes and fun, if sobering, exploration.

Address: 6201 Kingsessing Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142, United States

13. Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell

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One of the biggest and most known Pennsylvania attractions is probably Independence National Historical Park and its accompanying Liberty Bell.

An incredibly historic location, it is here in the park that the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the table that George Washington used is still on-site for visitors to ogle.

It is also a World Heritage Site.

The central feature of Independence National Historical Park is Independence Hall, a Georgian building of red brick available for ranger-led tours.

The structure was Pennsylvania’s first legislative building and was built in 1763.

Across the street, the Liberty Bell Center and its famous crack rest, two tons in weight, after its ringing in 1776 to celebrate Independence.

Beyond there, you’ll find Independence Mall, which extends north and has since 1948.

It lays out trails to Carpenter’s Hall, Old City Hall, and Congress Hall, among other historic buildings lining the cobblestone roads.

Address: Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

14. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

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If you’re choosing the best things to see in the state of Pennsylvania, you simply must take in the stunning site seeing opportunity that is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens .

The gardens are a nonprofit group, a folk ark center, and a gallery for the works of Isaiah Zagar, a famous mosaicist, on the site of his biggest public installation of art.

In the late 1960s, Zagar began focusing his efforts on beautifying the neighborhood of South Street after moving here with his wife.

The couple helped revive the area by buying and refurbishing buildings that were falling apart, using vibrant mosaics to color the walls and bring life to them.

The first building they did this with was the Eyes Gallery, which remains open and doing well now.

Zagar’s work on the Magic Gardens began in 1994, using a vacant lot that was close to his studio.

For 14 years, he excavated grottos and tunnels, sculptured walls in layers, added grouting and tiling and perfected 3,000 square feet of space.

A mix of found objects, community contributions, and more cover half a block in Pennsylvania with bright hues, textures, and tiles of all sorts.

The labyrinth of the gardens is packed with sculptures, handmade art, and other objects, and it’s no wonder that the Magic Gardens are not a permanent art institution hosting live entertainment and public workshops run by the man himself, Zagar!

Address: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

15. Cave of Kelpius

Johnson, Steven L. , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Cave of Kelpius sits in Fairmount Park of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the unusual places to see in one of the most beautiful states in the US .

It is an enhanced cave of sorts, fitted into a hillside, its one entrance marked by a stone frame.

It is here that it is thought that the first mystic cult in America lived in the 17th century.

Supposedly, the cave was settled by Johannes Kelpius, a scholar and mystic, with his 40 all-male followers in 1694.

He believed that the world would come to an end that year due to his interpretation of the Book of Revelation.

They were known as The Society of the Woman of the Wilderness, after a passage in Revelation where a woman ran to hide from the end of the world in the wilderness.

They were also called, simply, the Hermits of the Wissahickon, which lends itself to the name of the area: Hermit’s Glen, marked in present-day Pennsylvania by the road Hermit Lane.

In the Cave of Kelpius, the group practiced astronomy and used the space to meet and as an observatory.

They remained there even after the world did not end, and they continued to study the skies, make music and art, and even help the community.

In 1708, Kelpius died, and the group largely disbanded, with many remaining in the area to serve as lawyers and doctors.

The cave is largely demolished now, with only the stone structure outside remaining, but it’s a fascinating visit steeped in history.

Address: 777-795 Hermit Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128, United States

16. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

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The Carnegie Museum of Natural History was founded in 1896 by the titular Andrew Carnegie, an industrialist and local of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It was here that housed the scientists that discovered the first fossils of the Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur.

It’s a fun spot and one of the coolest places to visit in PA with family.

Throughout the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, you’ll see exhibits of minerals, fossils, gems, animals, and more.

The museum’s pride is housing the planet’s biggest Jurassic dinosaur collection, including the first Tyrannosaurus rex specimen and the only juvenile Apatosaurus fossils.

While dinosaurs are the main draw, topics such as archeology, herpetology, and zoology are also covered.

Address: 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States

17. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

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The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden sits close to the base of Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill River.

It is a hidden gem among tourist attractions, but one of the country’s best examples of genuine Japanese design from centuries ago.

The name “Shofuso” roughly means “Pine Breeze Villa” and was made as part of a House in the Garden exhibit for the Museum of Modern Art.

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden was made by Junzō Yoshimura, an architect, who built it in Japan in 1953.

It was sent and assembled in New York the following year, given to America as a gift from Japan.

For a while, the Museum of Modern Art held onto it, and then the exhibition closed and it was moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1958.

The house of the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is designed following shoin-zukuri architecture and proportions.

It is meant to resemble a temple guest house, boasting a kitchen, tea room, and bath and topped with a roof of hinoki bark that had to be specially requested from the National Forestry Agency of Japan.

The gardens, on the other hand, are host to a tea garden, courtyard garden, koi pond, and a little island.

Vandalism and abandonment left the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in disrepair for years.

Famous Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju helped refurbish it in 2007, donating 20 murals to the grounds.

Now, the place is very much perked up, and it’s one of the greatest tourist attractions in the state.

Address: Lansdowne Dr &, Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States

18. Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is a public market in the downtown area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Since 1893, it has housed more than a hundred merchants operating out of the former train shed of Reading Terminal, and it became a National Historic Landmark in 1995.

Visiting Reading Terminal Market is one of the top things to do in PA, especially if you’re looking to experience local life on a deeper level.

Baked goods, home-cooked meals, cultural food, crafts, artisanal cheese, ice cream, homemade chocolate, books and cookbooks, canned preserves, meats and fish, fresh produce, kitchen supplies, candy, clothing, jewelry, and more are all sold here on an almost daily basis.

Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

19. Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle

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The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle are near to each other and are closely related, making them the best places to visit in Pennsylvania back-to-back.

Fonthill Castle was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer, a famous collector, tile maker, and archaeologist.

He planned the house completely, from the exterior to each interior room, which he sketched and imagined himself.

Fonthill Castle was finished in 1912 and is made completely from poured concrete, somehow ornate and somehow impossible to categorize from an architectural standpoint.

The use of pure concrete was due to Mercer’s fear of fires, which developed after he lost some medieval armor that he was storing while building the museum to the Great Boston Fire.

People made fun of him – but he demonstrated the effectiveness of such construction by building a huge bonfire on an upper terrace and allowing it to rage, high enough for all residents of the surrounding Doylestown to see.

Mercer was a little “mad”, though – or at least extremely eccentric, especially for the surrounding Pennsylvania town.

Despite his personal loathing for “false taste” and “ugliness”, Fonthill Castle is extremely strangely built and reflects a style and reason that only he truly understands.

32 stairs, 8 bedrooms, roof pitch, vaulted ceilings, and unpainted walls… it makes for quite the sight!

Meanwhile, Mercer Museum nearby houses all sorts of “average American” tools used from the 18th to 19th centuries.

Watchmakers’ gears, tortoiseshell comb makers’ supplies, whalers’ boats, butchers’ instruments, a fake vampire hunting kit, and more.

The museum is also made from pure concrete and houses 55 exhibit rooms that each concentrate on different trades from pre-industrial times, such as farming, metalsmithing, milling, woodworking, and sewing tools.

There are also strange objects like unorthodox fire engines, a whaleboat, gallows, and stove plates.

The museum was opened in 1916 and has since included the addition of a children’s room on the highest floor.

Address: 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, United States

20. Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is one of the most fun places to go if you have children, nicknamed a Kingdom for Kids and situated in Lancaster , Pennsylvania.

It is a 48-acre amusement park and has been opened since 1963, earning – over time – a reputation as one of the world’s greatest children’s theme parks.

There are more than 30 rides in Pennsylvania’s Dutch Wonderland, including roller coasters, slides, castles, a themed water park called Duke’s Lagoon, and live performances and shows that will delight and amuse!

There are plenty of activities to keep kids occupied this weekend, so bring your little ones along.

Address: 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602, United States

21. The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park

Eric Dale / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for musical things to do in Pennsylvania, bring your own hammers and come to The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park.

It was first “discovered” in 1890 when J. J. Ott performed for the Buckwampum Historical Society with a concert where he used a unique instrument: stones, struck with a hammer to make clear bell tones!

The rocks had been taken from Upper Black Eddy in Pennsylvania, or what is known now as Ringing Rocks Park .

The field of rock spans 7 acres and is more than 10 feet deep with these rocks.

Tests by scientists in 1965 revealed that all the rocks here ring at different tones, even if those tones are ones that human ears can’t hear.

As for why they ring, that’s a mystery that’s still unsolved.

Even stranger, the rocks lose their musical ability once removed from the rest!

Address: Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, United States

22. Trundle Manor: House of Oddities

Trundle Manor

Trundle Manor: House of Oddities is a must-do in Pennsylvania if you’re a fan of the strange, and it’s a top option for creepy destinations.

On the outside, it looks like a typical Pittsburgh house, resting on Swissvale, though upon approach the presence of coffins on the porch alerts passersby to the unusual.

In Trundle Manor, you’ll find an eclectic and macabre collection of artifacts and items.

Vintage taxidermy of strange amalgamated creatures like the pigeon shark and rat bird, many dead things in jars, and rusty weaponry are only a few examples of the many collected objects.

Antique medical devices, coffins, art, Steampunk sculptures, animal skulls, gas masks, and many more cover the exhibition rooms!

Trundle Manor is an artist’s residence and the home of Anton Miriello and Rachel Rech.

In order to tour, you have to call and make an appointment in advance for your trip to Pennsylvania.

The extra “hassle”, however, is worth it!

There is no admission fee, but a donation of some kind is required in any form – cash, alcohol, snacks, or even your own donatable oddity.

Address: 7724 Juniata St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, United States

Want to experience more thrill and excitement? Why not check out Erie and Hershey? If you do plan the trip, here are some fun things to do in Erie, PA , and some of the best things to do in Hershey, PA ! 

23. Bicycle Heaven

Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock

Bicycle Heaven is a working bicycle shop and the biggest bicycle museum in the world, making it one of the more unorthodox famous places in Pennsylvania.

It’s a fun spot for cyclists but is a great place to explore regardless of your cycling endeavors.

It is a two-floor building filled with artifacts, memorabilia, and of course, bicycles.

Boasting more than 4,000 collectible and vintage bikes, Bicycle Heaven is very much what its name suggests.

Famous bicycles, like those used in Pee-Wee Herman’s show and A Beautiful mind, are on display, as well as themed bikes like bobblehead, Beatles, and Elvis bikes.

There are also rare bikes like Bowden Spacelanders, a Columbia Double Eagle, and an 1863 Boneshaker.

As far as Pennsylvania attractions go, Bicycle Heaven is doubly attractive because it offers rentable and purchasable bikes, as well as bike repair.

It is open every day of the week and run by a family.

Address: 1800 Preble Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, United States

24. Penn’s Cave

sarahtarno / flickr

Penn’s Cave is situated in Pennsylvania’s Gregg Township and is a subterranean waterway in an inlet of Lake Nitanee that stretches a quarter of a mile.

It is filled with things to see and is a large property with a 55-foot roof and seven buildings.

The limestone cavern is on the National Register of Historic Places and is highlighted by Penn’s Cave House, which is an office for tours and a private residence.

Boats are the best way to explore, and they bring you through the long cave to see ornate formations of limestone, the working farm with cattle, a wildlife park, a bat colony, the historic buildings, and the geology and natural flora and fauna.

Penn’s Cave opened in Pennsylvania in 1885 as a show cave and features formations with grand names like Angel’s Wing, the Statue of Liberty, and Garden of the Gods.

Address: 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, United States

25. The Franklin Institute and The Foucault Pendulum

Kelleher Photography / Shutterstock

The Franklin Institute is a highly popular science museum that is one of the chief centers for Pennsylvania’s scientific education and research.

It is the site of a National Memorial for Benjamin Franklin, a wide range of fun permanent exhibits that dig into many different realms of scientific topics, and a number of fascinating and exciting temporary exhibits.

But even if science museums aren’t your ideal choice for what to do in Pennsylvania, you should stop by the Franklin Institute to view the Foucault Pendulum .

It is a massive four-story creation that hangs in the institute’s ceiling, where it has been for 80 years.

Believe it or not, such structures were once trendy to have in science museums!

The first pendulum of this kind was made by Léon Foucault in 1851, who constructed a 67-foot heavy pendulum and hung it from a ceiling over a circular protractor.

The device would appear to swing in a circle throughout the day, but it was not, itself, moving – it was the earth’s rotation beneath it that moved.

This was Foucault’s elegant method of providing that the Earth rotates on its axis.

Now, the Foucault Pendulum of the Franklin Institute is a great way to view the experiment for yourself.

It took 11 people to install and hangs from a wire of 85 feet!

The orb swings approximately every 20 minutes, taking 10 seconds to swing back and forth, knocking over pegs around a circle as it goes.

Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States

26. Longwood Gardens

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

The Longwood Gardens is one of the very best institutions for horticulture in Pennsylvania and, in fact, the entire country.

It covers more than 1,077 acres of land in Brandywine Creek Valley and welcomes more than a million visitors annually.

It’s one of the vacation spots you’ll need to spend this weekend in to even barely explore – it’s that large!

The Longwood Gardens began their life in 1700 as a Quaker farm.

A century later, it became an arboretum, and then became a (still publicly open) private residence in 1906, with artifacts and structures made or brought in inspired by the World Fair.

Attractions include a giant pipe organ with 10,010 pipes, the King of the Conservatory Encephalartos woodii plant that is extinct in nature, and a Waterlily Display that boasts nine pools of different water-based flora.

There are more than 11,000 species of flora in the 20 outdoor gardens of the Longwood Gardens, and 5,500 species or so inside the conservatory.

Greenhouses and other collections boast themes like The Orangery, the Palm House, the Orchid House, and Acacia Passage, and there are numerous exotic plants from South Africa and Australia, too.

Many activities are held at the Longwood Gardens throughout the year.

Seasonal events and displays, special performances, workshops, lectures, courses, and a tuition-free horticultural degree are all available.

It’s truly one of the greatest places to visit in PA for nature lovers.

Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, United States

27. Wharton Esherick Museum

Wharton Esherick Museum

The Wharton Esherick Museum is a celebration of the works and career of the titular Wharton Esherick, who was a design artist and sculptor with significant influence in the Studio Furniture Movement of the 20th century.

The museum covers 12 acres of land and is set within what was once the hilltop studio of the artist himself.

The museum has also earned the honor of becoming one of Pennsylvania’s National Historic Landmarks for Architecture.

Esherick worked with wood and created all sorts of architectural and furniture designs that used natural, flowing styles in a beautiful aesthetic.

He built the house here in this secluded location over the course of 40 years, beginning his work in 1926 in the woods of Pennsylvania.

In that time, he would add details and furnishings based on his current style, ranging from the rougher roots of Arts and Crafts to the smooth Modernist designs that would become his hallmark.

On the site, you can see his workshop and garage, his studio, and many of his works.

He found a lot of stuff to do with his craft and his prolificness shows!

Address: 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern, PA 19355, United States

28. Philadelphia Zoo

Kate Iniakina / Shutterstock

The Philadelphia Zoo should be on your list of what to see in Pennsylvania because it’s America’s oldest zoo!

It is home to over 1,300 individual animals, including many that are endangered or rare, housed across 42 acres in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Zoo’s selection of animals includes lizards, lions, primates, tigers, camels, horses, ponies, lorikeets, and more.

Unique and fun activities, like the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, make for an exciting time.

The Zoo 360 attraction is incredibly popular, and it features mesh elevated walkways where animals walk above your head!

Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States

29. The Barnes Foundation

LI SEN / Shutterstock

The Barnes Foundation is an impeccable art gallery founded in 1922 by the titular Albert Barnes.

A chemist whose fortune came from drug development, Barnes fell in love with art and spent much of his wealth collecting art pieces that are now on display here.

The gallery is designed in such a way that it feels more like a wealthy Pennsylvania home than a museum or art collection, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania for art lovers.

The Barnes Foundation features works by greats like Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Cezanne, Rubes, El Greco, Rubens, Picasso, and Manet, with works spanning Impressionist, Modernist, African art, and many other styles.

The eclectic collection is arranged in Barnes’ personal “wall ensembles” method.

Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

30. State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Museum of Pennsylvania ‘s main goal is the preservation of the history and culture of the state.

It is also called the William Penn Memorial Museum thanks to the fact that it houses a large statue of the man in its main hall.

Located on North Street of Harrisburg, it’s one of the chief points of interest to head to if you want to gain more insight into the state.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania spans four floors and houses over three million exhibited items.

These objects and artifacts cover many different topics, including the Civil War, fossils, dioramas and art, and state history from prehistoric times till now.

There is also a planetarium that puts on shows like Solar Superstorms, Dynamic Earth, and Grossology and You.

Address: 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, United States

31. Indian Echo Caverns

Amy R. Gillung / Shutterstock

The Indian Echo Caverns are pretty much the definition of things to do in Pennsylvania, a tourist trap hotspot that is crowded and packed with oversold commercialization.

However, it’s also a fun visit even despite this, and the limestone caves are beautiful enough to warrant a trip while you’re in Pennsylvania.

The story of the Indian Echo Caverns is pretty interesting, and it has lived many lives.

It began as a shelter and storage site for Susquehannock Indians, a spot for French fur trappers to hide out, and eventually a beautiful location for commodification as a tourist draw.

Though it’s a little transparent in its intentions, the caverns are among the state’s most scenic places and there’s a reason they’ve survived World War II and the Great Depression to live on in popularity today!

Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036, United States

Looking to visit Lancaster and Philadelphia? If you do plan the trip, here are some fun things to do in Lancaster, PA , and here’s what to do in Philadelphia !

32. Sight and Sound Theatres

Sight and Sound Theatres

Sight and Sound Theatres have a few branches across America, and the one in Pennsylvania is a must-see.

It is a Christian theater company that has the sole goal of telling tales from the Bible on stage in colorful plays filled with costumes, sets, and special effects.

More than one million annual visitors to Pennsylvania come to visit the Sight and Sound Theatres, and it has earned the nickname “Christian Broadway”.

The inspiration plays and musicals tell all sorts of Biblical stories, bringing expensive and highly detailed sets and costumes with trained animals, delightful music, and a huge 300-foot stage with 2,000 audience seats.

Address: 300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, United States

33. The Hershey Story

The Hershey Story , as its name suggests, is a fun museum dedicated to telling the story of Hershey’s chocolates and its founder, Milton Hershey.

It’s one of the many Pennsylvania attractions dedicated to the company and is an inspiring, family-friendly glimpse into the rise, struggles, and successes of Hershey himself.

At The Hershey Story, you’ll see all sorts of exhibits, including many interactive displays, that feature tales of Hershey, the story of chocolate and its history, and even a Chocolate Lab where you can make your own chocolate.

Don’t forget to try some of the available chocolate taste tests, featuring sweet treats from Pennsylvania, America, and the world!

Address: 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033, United States

34. Susquehanna Art Museum

Susquehanna Art Museum

The Susquehanna Art Museum is the only dedicated art museum in central Pennsylvania.

It opened in 1989 and was founded by art educators, showcasing works by local and international artists alike.

There are many things to see in the Susquehanna Art Museum, with exhibits like Towards A New/Old Architecture, Found in Translation, The Edgeless Divide, Quilts 20/20, and works by Bearden and Picasso.

The museum moved to a new location in 2015 and has been thriving ever since – a perfect stop on your site seeing adventures!

Address: 1401 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102, United States

35. 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

36. Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area of Pennsylvania concentrates on promoting, celebrating, and informing others about Pittsburgh’s heritage of steel-making.

The large area spans many valleys and rivers and is a fun option among places to visit in PA, especially if you love industrial history.

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area was created in 1988 to preserve the region’s legacy and culture – along with all the complex emotions that come with it, from sentiment to anger and from fear to hopelessness.

The nonprofit group that grew from here would go on to tell the stories of those who worked in the steel industry and all that industry’s details – the good, the bad, and the ugly alike.

Address: 623 E 8th Ave, Homestead, PA 15120, United States

37. Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art

Schnapf , CC By 4.0 , via Wikipedia

The Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art was created to protect the historic value of Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania from industrial development that would alter the landscape and devastate the character and water supplies of the area.

In 1967, local residents purchased the land and turned it into Brandywine Conservancy.

Since its early days, it has grown to protect over 64,500 acres of the state and beyond from development, continuing to preach and advocate for responsible and sustainable land use.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art was opened in 1971 then opened and grew into one of the state’s most reputable tourist attractions.

It seeks genuine American art from the local region and houses an incredible and high-quality collection of such works, including ones by Pyle, the Wyeths, Durand, West, Harnett, Chalfant, Stuart, Richards, Harberle, Pippin, and more.

Going sightseeing along the conservancy’s land and then popping in to visit the museum is a fantastic way to see many great vacation spots at once.

Address: 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, United States

38. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

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Lake Tobias Wildlife Park was established in 1965 by J. R. Tobias, who created the park as a retirement hobby.

From that humble origin, it has grown into one of the famous landmarks of things to do in PA!

Though Tobias’ passions lay in animals and agriculture, he wound up opting for more practical career paths instead.

Serendipitously, the skills he gained in his career allowed him to put his knowledge to use and construct the park himself!

Today, six of Tobias’ children and one of his grandchildren run the Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Pennsylvania, which attracts an impressive 180,000 annual guests.

There are lots of activities you and your family can take part in here, including rides in open-air safari vehicles, numerous themed facilities and exhibits for different animals, a 500-gallon aquarium, and more.

Address: 760 Tobias Rd, Halifax, PA 17032, United States

39. Chanticleer

Bo Shen / Shutterstock

As the Garden Capital of Pennsylvania and America, Philadelphia has its fair share of places of interest related to gardens and gardening.

Chanticleer , a pleasure garden, is one of them.

It dates back to the early years of the 20th century when the land was purchased by the Rosengarten family as their estate.

The botanical gardens, spanning 48 acres, would become prominent in Pennsylvania as a public attraction and one of the state’s beautiful places.

“Chanticleer” is French for “rooster”, and you’ll see lots of rooster motifs and designed around Chanticleer.

With large lawns, a pond, multiple gardens, and forested areas, you’ll be able to spot flora such as black-eyed Susans, ornamental grass, and daisies, as well as fauna like goldfinches, green herons, wrens, and hummingbirds.

Plants from all over the world are arranged throughout Chanticleer, allowing you to immerse yourself in a mix of local and exotic flora.

Address: 786 Church Rd, Wayne, PA 19087, United States

40. Lackawanna Coal Mine

bulletproofsoul67 / flickr

The Lackawanna Coal Mine was once a working coal mine, and it has a dark history that sets a moody tone over this portion of Scranton , Pennsylvania.

Miners here faced awful conditions in passageways and tunnels, with children and adults all working here in deplorable, dangerous, and potentially deadly states.

Tours of the Lackawanna Coal Mine bring you down into the Clark coal vein.

You’ll learn about anthracite mining, then move onto other veins that can teach you about fault rooms, the fire boss, small vein work, ventilation and air doors, exits, nippers, and more.

The mine itself closed in 1966 and was reopened as a museum in 1978, where it is now one of Pennsylvania’s places to go.

Address: Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504, United States

41. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

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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 Poe’s 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

42. National Civil War Museum

karenfoleyphotography / Shutterstock

For history nerds, a trip to the National Civil War Museum in Pennsylvania is a must-do.

It is dedicated to telling the tale of the American Civil War with the use of 24,000 items and artifacts housed across two floors and 17 galleries.

The National Civil War Museum tells the story of the war in as objective a manner as possible, and as a Smithsonian affiliate, you know it does the job well.

The galleries begin the tale of the Civil War in 1850, projecting the tensions that led up to the war in 1861, and all the way up to 1876, to showcase the aftermath that followed the war’s end in 1865.

Address: 1 Lincoln Cir, Harrisburg, PA 17103, United States

43. Wagner Free Institute of Science

Wagner Free Institute of Science

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is one of the main Pennsylvania attractions for genuine scientific learning and study, offering lectures and classes that are among the free things to do in Pennsylvania.

The tradition of such lessons began with William Wagner himself, who conducted free informal science lessons out of his home.

Wagner’s classes grew so popular that he opened the Wagner Free Institute of Science in order to expand.

Within, natural history collections belonging to the man were displayed, and Wager’s lessons continued.

When he passed away, his legacy was carried on by Joseph Leidy, a biologist, who expanded on the research available and perpetuated Wagner’s belief that education should be accessible to all.

Address: 1700 W Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121, United States

44. Flight 93 National Memorial

Kathy D. Reasor / Shutterstock

The Flight 93 National Memorial was created to pay respects to the brave passengers and crew of United Flight 93, one of the hijacked planes on September 11, 2001.

Four terrorists of Al-Qaeda got onboard with the goal of crashing the plane into the Capitol building, but the crew thwarted them and diverted the plane into a hill in Pennsylvania.

There were no survivors on the plane, but greater tragedy was averted thanks to their selfless courage.

The Flight 93 National Memorial is one of the key things to see to get the whole story of the day, with interactive information, a walking path, a memorial wall, and even phone calls made by passengers to their loved ones back home as the plane went down.

It’s a sobering experience and is also one of the state’s free things to do, charging no admission fee.

Address: 6424 Lincoln Hwy, Stoystown, PA 15563, United States

Will you be traveling to Pittsburgh and Scranton? If you do plan the trip don’t miss out on some exciting and fun activities! Here’s what to do in Pittsburgh and some fun things to do in Scranton, PA ! 

45. King of Prussia Mall

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for what to do in the state of Pennsylvania to shop till you drop, the King of Prussia Mall – which is America’s second-largest – is a great stop this weekend.

More than 400 restaurants, boutiques, and shops fill the interior, which measures more than 2.6 million square feet in size.

The iconic King of Prussia Mall features a mix of local shops and common large retailers, such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bloomingdales, Lord and Taylor, and Macy’s.

There is also an iFLY skydiving center and a United Artists Theatres branch for further enjoyment.

Address: 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406, United States

46. Randyland

Paul Sableman / flickr

Randyland feels like a world away from Pennsylvania, an art museum created by neighborhood renovator and artist Randy Gilson, a local of Pittsburgh.

This neighborhood corner is Gilson’s own labor of love, made vibrant and enticing with psychedelic design and recycled art.

His work, both in this place itself and over the whole neighborhood, helped to bring Central Northside back to life.

At Randyland, you’ll see all sorts of brightly painted objects and scattered by thoughtfully arranged items.

Lawn furniture lies mismatched, and figures of pink flamingos, plastic dinosaurs, and mannequins are staggered throughout the grounds.

Giant banana plants, garden flora, and found ephemera – made and collected by Gilson and other similarly motivated creators – have made this one of the most uniquely beautiful places to visit in PA, and the fact that it’s one of its free things to do certainly adds to that appeal!

Address: 1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

47. Eisenhower National Historic Site

The Eisenhower National Historic Site was the location of the farm and house of 34th United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, next to the Gettysburg Battlefield, wrapping two Pennsylvania tourist attractions in one place.

The house itself was a weekend and vacation home for the President and his wife, and they retired here in 1961.

In 1967, they donated the property to the government.

The peaceful atmosphere of the Eisenhower National Historic Site evokes the same calm that the President and his wife enjoyed on their breaks.

Tours and talks teach you about the place, bringing you through the house, farm, gardens, putting green, barns, skeet range, and teahouse while telling you about Secret Service Operations and World War II.

Address: 243 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States

48. The Weeping Glass

The Weeping Glass

If you’re looking for more strange things to do in PA, why not pop into The Weeping Glass ?

It is a shop selling unusual collections of bizarre and macabre curiosities and can be found in Allentown, where it is packed with a dark and dreary atmosphere and many oddities.

The Weeping Glass houses fascinating objects, art pieces, and weird things from across the world beyond Pennsylvania.

Animal bones and pieces, taxidermy, strange glass-preserved items, antiques, and weird art are just some of the offerings.

There is also a special event called the Midnight Death Parlor that happens monthly, where a performer tells a dark, spooky tale while the audience eats curated snacks and sips themed cocktails.

You can also take part in taxidermy classes or have your fortune told via Tarot!

Address: 817 E Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, United States

49. Steamtown National Historic Site

The Steamtown National Historic Site is a museum dedicated to the history of steam railroad innovation, transportation, and the people behind it.

It is situated in an old train yard in the downtown area of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and houses the collection of New Jersey seafood magnate F. Nelson Blount.

The Steamtown National Historic Site feels alive and well with the firebox, hot steam, and bells and whistles as one-ton drive rods push train wheels and vibrate the ground, chuffing out of smokestacks.

You can relive the fantastic 1920s era of steam trains and visit interactive displays, a theater, a working roundhouse, a repair shop, and even archives.

This is one of the only places to visit in Pennsylvania for locomotive enthusiasts!

Address: 350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

50. Presque Isle State Park

If you’re looking for more relaxing and free things to do in the state of Pennsylvania, one of the relevant points of interest is Presque Isle State Park .

Situated on a peninsula on Presque Isle Bay, it boasts many different hiking trails and a whopping 11 miles of beach space on 3,200 acres of land.

There are plenty of activities to take part in at Presque Isle State Park.

You can sunbathe, swim, fly kites, collect sea glass, or attend live performances, concerts, and events.

There is also the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the park’s entrance, which provides information on local ecosystems and history and provides a 75-foot observation deck to use for great views.

Address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, United States

Start Planning  Your Trip To Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a wonderful state that is perfect for a vacation thanks to its highly varied attractions and the many hats that it has worn and continues to wear.

This travel guide should help you find all the places you want to visit in the lovely Keystone State!

Happy travels.

35 Fun & Quirky Things to Do in the Poconos (That Aren’t the Usual Tourist Traps)

by Nicole Etolen | May 10, 2018 | Travel , Featured , Poconos | 8 comments

Looking for things to do in the Poconos that aren’t the usual tourist sites? I’ve got you covered!

As an almost life-long resident of the Poconos in Pennsylvania, I thought I’d found pretty much every exciting thing to do in my area. Boy, was I wrong! I spent a few hours trying to find something interesting to do this spring. I discovered so many new places to explore and rediscovered some old favorites!

Whether you’re a lifelong resident like me, a weekend tourist, or planing your very first Poconos vacation, check out these 35 “off the beaten path” places to explore in and around the Poconos!

2021 Update: Some readers have mentioned that Eddie’s Toy Museum below has since closed down. With the pandemic, others may either be currently or permanently closed as well. I’m in the process of updating this to reflect that.

Offbeat Things to Do in the Poconos

While “offbeat” and “quirky” are definitely subjective, I tried to fill this list of things to do in the Poconos with things that you wouldn’t typically consider right away. Everyone goes to the ski resorts in the winter or one of the many Poconos water parks (I think we’re up to like 5 and counting now) in the summer. They gamble or catch live music at the casino, or hit the Crossing Outlets for shopping.

I’m not going to tell you about things you’ve probably seen on a million and one Pocono entertainment guides. Instead, you’ll find a huge variety of activities for just about every interest, from weird little museums to less crowded parks to funky little places to grab a yummy pie!

Top 20 Things to Do in the Poconos

1. the frazetta art museum.

141 Museum Ln, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301 USA

Growing up in the Poconos, Frank Frazetta was just a guy who owned a super creepy costume shop. I didn’t realize he was a world-famous fantasy artist until I was at a co-worker’s house in Maine. I saw a cool painting on her wall and was surprised when I saw the artist’s name. Frank Frazetta passed away a few years ago, but his son turned part of his family home into a museum dedicated to his life work.

I haven’t been to it yet, but I’ve heard great things about it! The museum is open Thurs-Sun, 10am-4pm. According to their website, it  is “home to the largest and most comprehensive collections of works by Frank Frazetta.” They don’t charge a specific entrance fee, but ask for a suggested donation of $15. Visit their  Website

2. Eddie’s Toy Museum – SADLY, PERMANENTLY CLOSED NOW

1 Fenner Ave, Sciota, Pennsylvania 18354 USA

Think you’re the ultimate toy collector? Think again! At Eddie’s Toy Museum, you’ll find the world’s largest toy collection of its kind. With over 18,000 pieces in 42 displays, you’ll find everything from dolls and trucks to Pez dispensers and more! Nascar fans will love checking out the Nascar part of the museum featurign over 8,000 pieces from the Marcis to Earnhardt era,

The museum is closed on Mondays and all major holidays, but the rest of the year is fair game! There doesn’t appear to be a Facebook page or official site, but visit this  Website  to learn more.

3. Columcille Megalith Park

2155 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013 USA

You don’t have to travel to England to find a taste of Celtic spirituality! Just head up to Bangor to the Columcille Megalith Park! I had no idea this place existed, but my husband used to take weather shots for the news from it. The park was inspired by the Isle of Iona, said to be the spot where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Although it is inspired by the Celtic religion, it’s meant to be a place for people of all faiths to find a little peace and tranquility.

The megalith stones come from a shale pit down the road from the park. They were once trapped in the layers of shale, and geologists say they were in the mud 400 million years ago. The cores are said to be at least a billion years old! The park is open from dawn to dusk every day and is free to enter. Visit the  Website  to learn more.

4. Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center

88 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301-2827 USA

The Pocono Cinema has gone through a few different names, hands, and changes since it first opened way back in 1884. Back then, it was a vaudeville theater and opera house. In 1913, it was converted to a movie theater- the first one in Monroe County to showing “moving pictures.” Throughout the 40s and 50s, it was THE place to be in the Poconos. It closed down in 1986 and stayed closed for ten years.

Over the last 20 years, it’s gone back and forth between a couple of owners, and closed down at least one. Now, it’s been reopened as not just a theater, but a cultural center. The theater shows new releases as well as special runs of older movies. For example, right now you can see Ready Player One, then stick around to see The Death of Stalin. You can also grab a coffee or quick lunch in the cafe before your movie! Visit their new Website  for movie show times and more information.

5. Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History and McMunn Planetarium

2021 Status: Closed until further notice due to COVID-19

Normal St. and Ransberry Ave., East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301 USA

Add this to the list of things to do in the Poconos that I had no idea existed! I used to live a few blocks from the college and now live about 5 minutes away, yet I had no clue that they had a museum of wildlife. I knew about the planetarium but didn’t know it was open to the public.

Admission is super reasonable, just $6 for adults, and that includes both the museum and the planetarium. The museum exhibits showcase a variety of animals native to the Poconos as well as exhibits with wildlife and insects from around the world. Visit the Website  for more hours because it’s closed during Spring finals and certain events at the college.

6.  Jayne Mansfield’s Grave

Fairview Cemetery, South Main St., Pen Argyl, PA

Jayne Mansfield, the iconic pinup girl (and first woman to have a nude scene in a movie) of the 50s and 60s died tragically on Jun 29, 1967. While some of the rumors surrounding her death proved untrue (she wasn’t actually decapitated), she was horrifically killed in a car accident. Although she has a tombstone in a cemetery in Hollywood, she’s actually buried in Pen Argyl, PA.

I visited her grave many years ago when I was going through my graveyard fascination phase. It’s not hard to find. Go into the west entrance and take the left road. Keep going until you see her heart-shaped tombstone. Really, you can’t miss it.

7. Stroud Mansion

900 Main Street  Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Stroud Mansion is one of those places that I passed at least a few times a week for decades but never actually visited until recently. When Jake was a Cub Scout, we took the boys on a field trip to the mansion. The historic home was build in 1795 and housed the founding family of the area.

The entire house is a museum dedicated to the history of the area. It’s really neat inside! There are 12 rooms, each meticulously restored to showcase the different eras that the Stroud family lived there through. For example, the dining room is pure Victorian, while the cellar kitchen takes you back to the colonial age. It also has a weapons room and an antique toy room.

I found it a lot more intriguing than I thought I would, although I’ll be honest and tell you that Jake’s interest ebbed and flowed throughout the tour. Visit their  Website  for hours and details.

8. Quiet Valley Farm

2021 Status: Opening as usual for the season in May, social distancing precautions required.

1000 Turkey Hill Rd, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360 USA

Quiet Valley Farm is one of those places where every child who goes to school in the Poconos will visit at least once! Jake’s elementary school took them practically every year, and I’ve taken him a few times, so he kind of got tired of it.

I highly recommend going when they have one of their major events. In the spring, they have a couple of Farm Animal Frolic events to celebrate the birth of the new animals. During the summer, they have events nearly every weekend. In the fall, I love the Fall Harvest Festival (the pic above is from that event a few years ago).If you can plan your Poconos getaway around that time, you’ll be in for a real treat!

Parking is kind of a nightmare. Not so much because it’s hard to find, but because you have to hike up to the farm either on a small path through the woods or a longer walk up the road. They do have some closer handicapped parking spots. Check out the  Website  for more details.

9. Stonehedge Gardens

51 Dairy Rd, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252 USA

Okay, note that the place is called StoneHEDGE, not Henge! Two totally different things. I thought it was like a little Poconos version of the mystical England stones. If you’re looking for something like that, see #3 on this list!

Even though it’s not quite what I thought it was, Stonehedge Gardens is still a place that thrives to offer a peaceful nurturing environment for all. It features over seven acres of gardens, from perennials to shade gardens to butterfly gardens. The gardens themselves are surrounded by 20 more acres of woods and trails. While I believe there is an admission fee to the gardens, the woods and trails are open to the public and free year-round, from noon to dusk. Check out the Website  for more info.

10. Village Farmer & Bakery

52 Broad St, Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania 18327 USA

We have quite a few farmer’s markets in the Poconos, but most of them seem to be open during the oddest hours. Like, once a month during retrograde from 9 am to noon Alternate Universe Time. Okay, so maybe not that bad, but it seems like whenever I want to go to a farmer’s market, they’re closed!

The Village Farmer & Bakery isn’t exactly a traditional farmer’s market because it’s run by a single family versus hosting a bunch of different farmers, but it’s still a fabulous place to get fresh local fruits and veggies! They also sell a ton of different types of pies (like 30 varieties) and serve breakfast all day as well as lunch.

They’re open from 8 am to 8 pm every day. While the weekend BBQs are neat, I actually suggest going during the week instead. I stopped there on a Saturday and got a little overwhelmed by the line. I don’t do well with long lines, so I left and went back during the week instead. It’s a lot calmer! Check out their Website to see their menu.

11. Callie’s Candy Kitchen

Route 390, Mountainhome, PA 18342

One of my all-time favorite places in the Poconos, Callie’s Candy Kitchen has been around longer than my mom has been alive! The 63-year-old family-run business draws a huge crowd on weekends and around the holidays, but it’s pretty quiet on weekends and off-season.

The Candy Kitchen was started when the Callies were just 19-year-old newlyweds! It originally opened in Bangor in 1952, but moved to its Mountainhome location in 1972. The shop is filled to the brim with pretty much every type of candy you can imagine! It also includes a museum that celebrates the life of Harry and Carol Callie as well as the history of candy making.

If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, head up the road to Callie’s Pretzel Factory instead. I remember when it opened in 1985! They have the best soft pretzels ever, as well as a ton of other salty snacks. The stores are open 10 am to 5 pm every day. Visit their Website  to learn more (and to order candy if you’re out of state!).

12. The Toy Soldier Museum

5459 Paradise Valley Rd, Cresco, Pennsylvania 18326 USA

Not too far from Callie’s you’ll find the Toy Soldier Museum! Tucked away on eight acres and featuring over 35,000 figures on display, this is the perfect place to appease your inner child! As you wander through the two-story building, you’ll see historically accurate dioramas depicting everything from famous battles throughout history to royal coronations to ancient Egyptian mummification rites! Each display was meticulously hand-built by renowned historian James Hillestad.  Website

13. Holley Ross Pottery

167 Route 191, La Anna, PA 18326

If you’re looking for unique tableware or deeply discounted pottery, you’ll love Holley Ross! They have everything from Fiesta dinnerware to Robinson Ransbottom Pottery stoneware, plus garden decor, gifts, and more, all at fabulous prices. Some of their items are up to 70% off retail prices! They also make their own pottery right on site and offer demonstrations every Tues-Sat at 11am during their main season. The factory showroom is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 to 5:30, and Sundays from 1-5:30 from May 1st through mid-December, and by chance or appointment the rest of the year.

While you shop, your kids can explore the free on-site woodland park. I was terrified of the swinging bridge as a kid, but the rest of the park is pretty neat! After you finish shopping, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park!  Website

14. Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours

1 Manor Dr, Pocono Manor, PA 18349

Want to see what it’s like to ride on a dog sled? You don’t have to go all the way to Alaska, just head to Pocono Manor Resort and Spa! Get up close and personal with beautiful rescued Huskies, ride on the back of the sled, or learn how to mush it yourself!

The Arctic Paws Dog Sled is only open seasonally, so it’s closed during the spring, summer, and fall. They reopen on December 1st. Visit the  Website  for hours and details.

15.  Lakota Wolf Preserve

89 Mt Pleasant Rd, Columbia, New Jersey 07832 USA

Okay, so the Lakota Wolf Preserve isn’t quite IN the Poconos, but it’s just a quick drive over the bridge into NJ, so it might as well be part of the Poconos! I’ve never been there but I’m dying to go. We were supposed to go with Jake’s Cub Scout den one year, but I couldn’t get a ride and I don’t drive on the highway.

The Lakota Wolf Preserve is just what it sounds like. It’s a unique chance to see these incredible animals up close and learn about their way of life. You will need to check their  Website  to find out when they’re open for Wolf Tours. That is the only way you can see the animals! They have two tours a day on the weekend. While you don’t need to call ahead, you’ll want to get there about 45 minutes early to register and get ready for the tour. During the week, you’ll need to make an appointment to visit. The fee is $15 for adults and they only take cash or checks.

16. Pocono Snake and Animal Farm

424 Seven Bridge Rd, E. Stroudsburg PA 18301

Even if you don’t like snakes, there’s a lot to see at the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm! I took Jake there a few years ago with some friends and was surprised at how neat it was! This is one of those places that you always see off the side of the road (it’s right along business route 209, near the Dairy Queen) but always forget about when you’re trying to think of things to do in the Poconos.

Kids can bottle-feed little goats, pigs, and deer, or hand-feed silly monkeys. The place has been family-owned for over 30 years now. It’s inexpensive at just $8.50 for adults. Check out their  Website  for times and more info.

17. Boulder Field

Hickory Run State Park

If you love weird geological formations and want to spend the day outdoors, head to Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park. This National Natural Landmark has been the same for pretty much 20,000 years! It’s a relic leftover from the last ice age. Once your done gazing across the field of flat rocks, spend a little time hiking around the rest of the park! Check the  Website  for details.

18. Pocono Environmental Education Center

538 Emery Rd, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania 18328 USA

The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is a really neat place for nature lovers! My son’s gone there many times with his class for field trips. They have tons of different types of tours every weekend, or you can just hit the hiking trails and explore on your own. With 12 trails to choose from, there’s something for everyone.  Website

19. The Columns Museum

608 Broad Street, Milford, Pennsylvania 18337 USA

Milford is a really neat town full of historical places. The Columns Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Pike County and the surrounding area. Exhibits include Lincoln’s Flag, World War II posters, and more. Admission is $5 for adults. Check the  Website  for times.

A word of advice, though: drive exactly the speed limit through Milford. That town pretty much runs on the money they make pulling people over, and they WILL pull you over if you go over the limit. You’ll notice as you pull into town everyone slows down to 25 right away, and no one goes faster than the posted limit by even a mile or two!

20. Sculpted Ice Works Factory Tour and Natural Ice Harvest Museum (Seasonal)

311 Purdytown Tpke, Lakeville, Pennsylvania 18438 USA

If you’re visiting during the winter, the Sculpted Ice Works Factory & Museum is really neat! Learn how people got ice before we had freezers and, if you’re lucky, check out an ice sculptor at work! Don’t worry, while the ice is cold, the rooms that you tour aren’t! Check the  Website  for the dates and times that they’re open.

15 More Unique Places to Visit in the Poconos

21. Grey Towers National Historic Site: 151 Grey Towers Dr, Milford, Pennsylvania 18337 USA  Website

22. Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary: 18 Church Rd, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-2792  Website

23. Houdini Museum: 1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508-1822  Website

24. Resica Falls: Off 402 in East Stroudsburg, PA  Website

25. Promised Land State Park: Along PA Route 390 in Greentown PA  Website

26. The Old Jail Museum: 128 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229  Website

27. House of Candles: 3371 Route 715, Henryville, Pa 18332  Website

28. Copper Kettle & Eighty Four Country Store: 101 Creamery Rd, Greentown, PA 18426-9413  Website

29. Everhart Museum of Natural History: 1901 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510-2390  Website

30. The Olde Engine Works: 62 N 3rd St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360-2452  Website

31. Blue Ridge Winery: 239 Blue Ridge Road Saylorsburg Pennsylvania 18353  Website

32. Circle Drive-In: 1911 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Dickson City, PA 18508-1145  Website

33. Ritter’s Cider Mill: 117 Wimmer’s Road, Mt. Cobb, PA 18436  Website

34. Casino Theater: 1403 Pocono Boulevard, Route 611, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania 18344 USA  Website

35. Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary: 37 Suydam Dr Honesdale, White Mills, Pennsylvania 18428 USA  Website

If you can think of any other quirky, fun, or off the beaten path places in the Poconos to visit, let me know! I’m always looking for new things to do here!

Eddie’s Toy Museum is permanently closed.

Thank you for your list!

My family & I visited a cool store called, “Strange and Unudual.”

They sell scary, cool things & even set your coffee & chocolate on fire!

My mistake🤦‍♀️

It’s called, “ The Strange and Unusual” store.

My husband and I just came back from the Frazetta Art Museum. (10/22/2020) The son and daughter-in-law of the artist conducted the tour and then let us explore the art work on our own. They were very informative and seeing the progression of his work was very interesting. WELL WORTH THE TRIP!

I really love this website it gives the info if u need it.

Oh wow good for u guys

This is a great list. Thanks for sharing

This is very nice, indeed.

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The Ultimate PA Bucket List: 101 Things to Do in Pennsylvania Before You Die

Over the past ten years traveling PA, I’ve shared over 1,200 amazing places throughout all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. And, truthfully, in my experience, those places are just the tip of the iceberg. There are truly many amazing things to do in Pennsylvania.

To help you narrow things down a bit, I decided to put together the ultimate Pennsylvania bucket list. These are the 101 things to do in Pennsylvania before you die. No matter where you live in the state or what your interest is, you’re sure to find something great to do on this list.

You can use the links below to jump to the various regions of Pennsylvania, which are listed below, roughly east to west. Of course, you can also browse our Pennsylvania travel map to find even more things to do near where you live or are traveling, or scroll down to check out our PA bucket list below!

Philly and its Suburbs  |  Lehigh Valley  |  The Poconos  |  Northeastern Pennsylvania  |  Susquehanna Region  |  PA Dutch Country  |  The Alleghenies  |  Pennsylvania Wilds  |  Laurel Highlands  |  Pittsburgh and its Suburbs  |  Great Lakes Region

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 site’s other fascinating history.

The Liberty Bell – Located adjacent to Independence Hall (and originally housed in its bell tower), 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 country’s 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 (his home) 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 (of Monopoly fame), Reading (pronounced “Redding”) 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.

Christ Church   – Christ Church might be the most historic church in the country. It was where many of our Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, worshipped during their time in Philly.

Ringing Rocks County Park – Located in northern Bucks County, Ringing Rocks County Park is one of the oddest places in Pennsylvania. When you tap the rocks of this boulder field with a hammer, they ring like a church bell. There are also other nearby ringing rocks fields at Stony Garden and Ringing Rocks Park .

Eastern State Penitentiary  – A prison from 1829-1971, Eastern State Penitentiary is now a tourist site that allows visitors to learn about its history. Much of the prison has been left in a state of ruin, which makes the building both unique and very creepy.

Valley Forge National Historical Park  – The story of Valley Forge is one of the most well-known stories of the Revolutionary War. Here Continental Soldiers under the command of George Washington spent a harsh winter that both decimated them and prepared them for the long war ahead.

Philadelphia Museum of Art – The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the country’s best art museums and showcases everything from Ancient Asian art to 20th-century American works. Also, don’t miss the chance to run up the famous Rocky Steps that lead to this great museum.

Simeone Automobile Museum – The Simeone Automobile Museum is one of the region’s best antique car museums. The museum focuses on the history of auto racing throughout the world, giving this museum a unique theme relative to other automobile museums in PA.

Philadelphia City Hall Observation Deck  – From 1894-1908, Philadelphia City Hall was the tallest habitable building in the world. Go to the top of this historic building and visit the observation deck just below the feet of William Penn. This deck offers great panoramic views of the city 500 feet below.

Washington Crossing Historic Park  – Washington Crossing Historic Park is located along the Delaware River north of Philly. This is the spot where Washington and his army famously crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. Don’t miss their annual Christmas day reenactment.

Mütter Museum  – The Mütter Museum is the collection of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and features some of the most unusual medical oddities in the world. Take a stroll and see human skulls, slices of Einstein’s brain, and many more disturbing, but fascinating pieces.

Wanamaker Organ  – The Wanamaker Organ is located inside a Center City Philadelphia Macy’s and is the world’s largest, still-functioning pipe organ in the world. Concerts are offered six days a week throughout the year.

Glencairn Museum  – The Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn is a castle-like building that is home to one of the greatest collections of religious artifacts in the country. Explore the history of religion dating back millennia and from various cultures throughout the world.

Barnes Museum – The Barnes Museum is another great art museum in Philadelphia. Once a private collection in the city suburbs, it’s now located in downtown Philly. It focuses on works by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modernist artists.

American Treasure Tour  – The American Treasure Tour is a massive collection of American antiques and kitsch items. Take a ride through the museum on their tram to see the highlights of this fantastic collection.

Brandywine River Museum of Art  – The Brandywine River Museum near Chadds Ford offers visitors the chance to see the works of the Wyeth family, along with other artists that were prominent in the Brandywine School. The museum has an especially large collection of works by Andrew Wyeth.

Mummers Parade – The Mummers Parade is the oldest folk parade in the country and dates back to 1901 (though the tradition dates back much further). Watch as a variety of costumed performers parade down the streets of Philadelphia on New Year’s Day performing a variety of shows to delight the crowd.

Laurel Hill Cemetery  – Laurel Hill Cemetery is one of the only cemeteries in the country on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to many important graves including a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a well-known Civil War general, and a Baseball Hall of Famer.

Monk’s Cafe – Monk’s Cafe might not be the best place to eat in Philadelphia, but it is one of the best bars in the country. Monk’s features a fantastic selection of imported Belgian beers, many of which are incredibly rare and some that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. Outside of breweries, this might be the best place in Pennsylvania to have a beer. Wharton Esherick Museum – If Dr. Seuss came to Pennsylvania, he’d feel right at home here. The museum is the home and workshop of artist Wharton Esherick and offers visitors the chance to learn about his life and art. It’s filled with pieces designed by Esherick and placed much as he would have had them during his life.

The Lehigh Valley

Hoover-Mason Trestle – Walk along an elevated rail line that once took supplies to workers at the Bethlehem Steel plant in Bethlehem, PA. This walkway offers a close-up look at what remains of the impressive blast furnaces.

C.F. Martin Guitars Factory Tour  – C.F. Martin Guitars are not only some of the best in the world, but many are still handmade in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Visitors can take a free tour of this factory and watch as workers make these beautiful instruments.

Mack Trucks Historical Museum  – Located inside the company’s former testing facility, the Mack Trucks Historical Museum is home to dozens of Mack Trucks dating back to the very earliest years of the company. Free tours give visitors a chance to explore these vintage trucks and learn about the company’s history.

National Museum of Industrial History  – Opened in the summer of 2016 inside an old Bethlehem Steel building, the National Museum of Industrial History tells the story of America’s industrial past, with a special focus on the industries that shaped the region. National Canal Museum  – The National Canal Museum near Easton is home to a fun interactive museum, and the only canal boat ride in Pennsylvania. Take a ride on their recreated canal boat which is pulled along a historic canal by mules.

The Poconos

Raymondskill Falls  – Raymondskill Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. The three drops here total approximately 150 feet, making the total height of this waterfall more than Niagara Falls in New York.

The Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park – The boulder field at Hickory Run State Park is one of the most impressive in Pennsylvania and is a National Natural Landmark. Take a walk out onto this beautiful boulder field and explore its many nooks and crannies. 

Downtown Jim Thorpe – Despite its unusual name, Jim Thorpe is a great town to visit in Pennsylvania. Nestled in the mountains, this community almost appears like it should be in Switzerland instead of PA. Explore the many shops and museums of this great small town.

Bushkill Falls – While calling it the “Niagara of Pennsylvania” is a bit of a stretch, there’s no denying that Bushkill Falls is home to several impressive waterfalls and one of the most beautiful places to visit in PA. Walk the boardwalk and trails through this park to see their eight waterfalls.

Glen Onoko – The short, but challenging hike through Glen Onoko near Jim Thorpe isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful destinations in Pennsylvania. Explore the three named waterfalls here, along with the many other beautiful cascades as you walk through this scenic gorge. (Note that this spot is currently closed, but is left here in hopes that it will open again soon.)

Dorflinger Factory Museum – The Dorflinger Factory Museum is home to an incredible collection of Dorflinger Glass, including some of the most beautiful pieces of glass I’ve ever seen. This incredible beautiful glass was made in the factory turned museum, and offers visitors a great look at this historic company. Dingmans Falls  – Dingmans Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania and is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Take a walk down the boardwalk to this great site. Don’t miss Silverthread Falls, another impressive waterfall along the path.

Northeastern Pennsylvania

Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park – The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park might be the best hike in all of Pennsylvania. With 21 named waterfalls along this 7.2-mile trail, you’ll be stopping every few minutes to take in the beauty of another impressive sight.

Steamtown National Historic Site  – Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton showcases the history of the railroad in northeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the country. They feature many historic train engines and offer excursions through the area.

Tunkhannock Viaduct  – The Tunkhannock Viaduct (also known as the Nicholson Bridge) spans the Tunkhannock Creek Valley north of Scranton. The impressive bridge, which was once the largest concrete structure in the world, is made even more impressive as it dwarfs the town below it.

Lackawanna Coal Mine  – Journey underground into a former coal mine near Scranton at the Lackawanna Coal Mine. Visitors ride into this old mine and are given tours by former miners anxious to show you what life was like underground. Houdini Museum – Scranton’s Houdini Museum showcases many items from the life of Harry Houdini, one of the greatest escape artists in history. The highlight, however, is the fantastic and semi-private magic show that’s put on by two of the world’s highest ranked magicians.

The Susquehanna Region

Little League World Series – The Little League World Series is held every August in South Williamsport, PA. This free event draws the best youth baseball players from all over the world to compete to see which team is the best. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the tournament on national television.

Knoebel’s Amusement Park  – Knoebel’s Amusement Park is the largest, free-admission amusement park in the United States. Stroll their beautiful grounds and either pay for only the rides you want to go on or get a day pass good for nearly all of the attractions.

McIntyre Wild Area – Hidden away in northern Lycoming County, the McIntyre Wild Area is home to Rock Run , often called the most beautiful stream in Pennsylvania. Several of its tributaries (notably Miners Run and Hounds Run ) are home to hidden waterfalls that require hiking directly up the creek to see.

Yuengling Brewery Tour  – Yuengling is America’s oldest brewery and has been producing beer since 1829 with only a short break for Prohibition. Today, visitors can tour their historic Pottsville brewery to learn how this classic American beer is produced. Bowman’s Field – Bowman’s Field, officially known as BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman’s Field, is located in Williamsport. First opened in 1926, it’s the second oldest professional baseball field in the country. During the summer, it is home to the Williamsport Crosscutters, the Single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Pennsylvania State Capitol – The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg might be the most impressive state capitol building in the country. Built in the early 20th century, this building is beautiful both inside and outside. Free guided tours are offered, but visitors can also look around on their own.

Gettysburg National Military Park  – The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and was a major turning point in the conflict. Today, visitors can tour this important battlefield to learn more about its story and impact.

Wheatland – Wheatland was the Lancaster home of President James Buchanan. Buchanan lived in this home before, during, and after his presidency, and many of his possessions are still in the home.

Koziar’s Christmas Village  – Koziar’s Christmas Village is located in rural Berks County and is one of the most impressive light displays in the region. More than a million lights brighten the cold nights on this working farm from early November through early January.

Lancaster County Covered Bridges  – Lancaster County is home to more historic covered bridges (29) than any other county in Pennsylvania. Take a ride through the countryside to see a few of these great pieces of history. We have guides to the southwestern bridges, the northwestern bridges, and the northeastern bridges.

Reading Pagoda  – Originally constructed to be part of a hotel, the Reading Pagoda now sits alone atop Mount Penn overlooking downtown Reading. This very authentic Japanese pagoda has great views of the city below from both inside and out. Lancaster Amish County  – While nearly every county in Pennsylvania is home to a population of Amish, nowhere in the state has more than Lancaster County. Places like Intercourse are popular destinations to see this unique religious sect. Another great option is a seasonal mud sale.

The Alleghenies

Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion – One of the most surprising things to do in Pennsylvania, the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion features a collection of artifacts from around the world that has to be seen to be believed. The highlight, however, is the chapel from the Columbus family castle in Spain.

Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike – In the late 1960s, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was rerouted, creating a 13-mile stretch of roadway that was essentially abandoned. Today, visitors can walk or bike this historic roadway and even pass through two abandoned tunnels that are each nearly a mile long.

Swigart Museum  – Considered the oldest automobile museum in the world, the Swigart Museum has an incredibly long history of collecting cars. Visitors to their Huntingdon museum can see a portion of their collection of incredibly rare and one-of-a-kind cars.

Johnstown Incline  – The Johnstown Incline takes people and cars from downtown Johnstown and into the hills above the city. As the world’s steepest incline that takes cars, a ride offers the chance to see Johnstown from above.

Horseshoe Curve  – The Horseshoe Curve near Altoona is one of the greatest feats of engineering in U.S. history. It was this curve that allowed trains to conquer the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can visit the viewing platform and watch trains pass through this historic curve.

Hawn’s Overlook – There are many amazing overlooks in Pennsylvania, but few are as great as the view from Hawn’s Overlook. This vista offers an expansive view over Raystown Lake and is a great place to catch the sunset over the lake.

Penn’s Cave  – The only all-water cavern in Pennsylvania, a visit into Penn’s Cave requires a boat ride along the subterranean lake. After exploring this beautiful underground world, make sure to tour their wildlife park and try your hand at their maze.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial  – The Johnstown Flood National Memorial tells the story of the 1889 Johnstown Flood which killed more than 2.200 people. Learn about the devastating impact of this flood and see the historic club that was responsible for the failed dam. Gravity Hill  – While there are others around the state, the Gravity Hill in Bedford County is well worth taking the time to see. Marvel as your car appears to roll uphill along this country road. Is it an optical illusion or a distortion in the earth’s gravity? You decide.

The Pennsylvania Wilds

Kinzua Bridge  – Ever since the Kinzua Bridge was completed, it’s been a popular attraction. However, what was once the world’s longest and tallest railroad bridge now lies half destroyed in the valley below. Today, visitors come to this state park to see the power of nature and the great view from what remains of the bridge.

Foxburg Country Club  – The Foxburg Country Club in Clarion County is the oldest, continually-operating golf course in the United States. While it only has nine holes, it offers visitors a chance to play an incredibly historic course. Don’t miss the American Golf Hall of Fame which is also on the grounds.

Cherry Springs State Park  – Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County is home to the darkest night skies on the east coast. That makes this park the perfect place to go stargazing. Several fields have been set up to help ensure both professionals and amateurs have a chance to see the brilliant sky.

Groundhog Day – If there’s one event that’s synonymous with Pennsylvania, it has to be Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. This quirky tradition dates back to 1886 and should be experienced at least once. You can also visit Gobbler’s Knob at any time during the year to see the site.

Bilger’s Rocks – There are many outcroppings around Pennsylvania, but few are as fun to explore as Clearfield County’s Bilger’s Rocks. Climb through the nooks and crannies between the rocks and look for some of the decades-old rock carvings.

Leonard Harrison State Park – On the eastern edge of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Leonard Harrison State Park should be on every Pennsylvania bucket list. Enjoy sweeping views of this impressive gorge and hike down the Turkey Path to see several great waterfalls.

Elk Country Visitor Center  – The Elk Country Visitor Center is the focal point for viewing Pennsylvania’s growing elk herd. These reintroduced animals can be found around the land surrounding the visitor center and are a beautiful sight that’s not to be missed.

Austin Dam  – The ruins of Austin Dam are one of the most remote sites on this list, but it’s worth taking the time to visit. A dam disaster here in 1911 killed 78 people and destroyed the surrounding communities. Today, the ruins of the dam can be explored by curious visitors.

Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub – Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield is home to some of the world’s largest hamburger eating challenges. Come and try to conquer the two, three, six, fifteen, or even twenty-five-pound burger challenges. Finish a burger challenge and get your picture on the wall.

Marion Brooks Natural Area  – Located within the Quehanna Wild Area, the Marion Brooks Natural Area is home to a beautiful strand of white birch trees. In addition to these beautiful and rare (in PA) trees, the area is home to one of the best hikes in the state.

Forest Cathedral at Cook Forest State Park – Cook Forest State Park is home to the Forest Cathedral, one of the largest and most beautiful strands of old-growth forest remaining in Pennsylvania. Hike through these towering giants and imagine what PA used to look like before the lumber industry.

Pine Creek Rail Trail  – The Pine Creek Rail Trail might be the most beautiful bike ride in Pennsylvania, especially the upper third that passes through the PA Grand Canyon. This relatively flat rail trail is perfect for bikers of all ages and experience levels. Scripture Rocks Heritage Park – Located in the woods surrounding Brookville are hundreds of rocks inscribed with the religious beliefs and mutterings of an early 20th-century preacher and eccentric. The largest collection of these rocks can be found at Scripture Rocks Heritage Park.

The Laurel Highlands

Fallingwater – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is one of the world’s most iconic homes and one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania. Built above a waterfall in southwestern Pennsylvania, this home is open for tours for those wanting to experience its beauty and architectural majesty.

Flight 93 National Memorial  – The Flight 93 National Memorial honors the life, legacy, and sacrifice of those who died on United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Visit to see the crash site and learn about those who died on this fateful flight.

Laurel Caverns  – Pennsylvania is home to several beautiful show caves, but none are larger than Laurel Caverns. There are several miles of caves, and visitors can take a guided tour, go spelunking, or even go repelling inside the caverns.

Ohiopyle State Park  – Ohiopyle State Park is one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania . Visitors can explore the many great waterfalls here, most notably Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls . There are also several great vistas and some of the best white water rafting in PA .

Fort Necessity National Battlefield  – Fort Necessity National Battlefield preserves the sites where a young George Washington and his troops fired the first shots of the French and Indian War. This is a great spot to learn about this little-known war and its effect on U.S. history.

Idlewild and SoakZone  – Idlewild and SoakZone near Ligonier has been named the best amusement park for kids in the country for the last eight consecutive years. Young kids will especially enjoy the section of the park devoted to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Great Allegheny Passage  – The Great Allegheny Passage travels 150 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, but the majority of its miles are in the Laurel Highlands. This biking trail is perfect for long-distance rides and features incredible beauty and history.

Pittsburgh and its Suburbs

Mount Washington  – There might be no better urban vista in the world than the view of downtown Pittsburgh from the top of Mount Washington. Combine your visit with a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline or Monongahela Incline to have the full bucket list experience.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter – Meadowcroft Rockshelter is the oldest known site of human habitation in North America, with a history dating back 16,000 years. While there, also visit the recreated 19th-century town and 16th-century Native American village.

St. Anthony’s Chapel  – St. Anthony’s Chapel in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood is home to the second largest collection of Catholic relics in the world (only the Vatican has more). Whether you are religious or not, this is a fascinating collection to see.

Andy Warhol Museum – Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum is the largest, single-artist museum in North America and one of our favorite things to do in PA. The seven-story museum features pieces of art ranging from throughout Warhol’s life and features his many styles of expression.

Bayernhof Museum  – Located in a home just outside of downtown Pittsburgh, the Bayernhof Museum is home to one of Pennsylvania’s best collections of self-playing instruments. Explore this collection and listen to the many working instruments while touring the home.

McConnell’s Mill Covered Bridge  – McConnell’s Mill Covered Bridge is located in the state park of the same name and is one of the most beautiful covered bridges in Pennsylvania. The bridge crosses Slippery Rock Creek and is located adjacent to its namesake mill which is open for tours during the warmer months of the year. 

Cathedral of Learning  – The Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus is the second tallest university building in the world. The first-floor Commons room looks like a setting for a Harry Potter film. The nearly two-dozen Nationality Rooms showcase the history of cultures that influenced the development of the city.

Jimmy Stewart Museum  – Actor Jimmy Stewart grew up in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and his hometown has a museum dedicated to tell the story of his life, films, and legacy. A visit to the museum will help you better appreciate this legendary actor.

PNC Park  – PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is widely considered the best ballpark in baseball. Even if you aren’t a Pirates fan, taking in a game here is a great experience. You can even tour the stadium for a behind-the-scenes look.

Bicycle Heaven  – Bicycle Heaven is the world’s largest collection of bicycles and is completely free to tour. Check out the many rare and impressive bikes in their collection, and don’t miss the Groovy Cranky Panky Sprocket Room.

Carrie Furnace – Carrie Furnace is nearly all that remains of the once massive Homestead Steel Works. Abandoned for many years, visitors today can tour the furnace with former steelworkers to learn what life was like inside a working steel mill.

Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art – While they are technically two separate museums, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art are connected and have only one admission ticket. Visit these two museums for some of the best collections in Pennsylvania.

National Aviary  – The largest aviary in the country, the National Aviary in Pittsburgh is a great destination for bird lovers. Come to see the many birds on display, including penguins, but don’t miss the aviary’s popular sloth. Randyland  – There might be nowhere in Pennsylvania more colorful or that exudes more joy than Randyland. The work of artist Randy Gilson, Randyland must be seen to be fully appreciated. Make sure to say hi to Randy when you visit.

The Great Lakes Region

Presque Isle State Park  – Presque Isle State Park in Erie is PA’s most visited state park and offers 13 beaches along Lake Erie. The park is also home to miles of hiking trails and is a great place to go kayaking and fishing.

Drake Well Museum – The site of the world’s first purposefully-dug oil well, the Drake Well Museum tells the story of the beginning of this influential worldwide history.

PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden  – the PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden in Meadville is a 1200-foot-long mural made entirely of used road signs. It showcases the history and culture of northwestern Pennsylvania.

DeBence Antique Music World  – DeBence Antique Music World is home to over 100 antique, self-playing musical instruments. With nearly every instrument in the building working, it offers a great chance to hear these rare instruments play.

Daffin’s Chocolate Kingdom – Purported to be the largest candy store in the world (it’s not), Daffin’s Chocolate Kingdom in Sharon is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. The store is also home to several very large chocolate carvings including a 400-pound chocolate turtle.

What spots would make your list of the best things to do in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments section below.

If you liked this article, you’ll also want to read the One Place to Visit in Each of Pennsylvania’s 67 Counties , 53 Facts About Pennsylvania That You Probably Didn’t Know , the best Airbnbs in PA , and the Seven Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania .

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More great places to visit in Pennsylvania

Learning the History of Railroading at Steamtown National Historic Site

Our Top 10 Pennsylvania Travel Photos of 2017

Sampling Delicious Beers at Victory Brewing Company in Southeastern PA

Visiting Stone Mountain Hawk Watch in Rothrock State Forest

Explore the many regions of pennsylvania.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

18 thoughts on “The Ultimate PA Bucket List: 101 Things to Do in Pennsylvania Before You Die”

Shhh – Still one of the best kept secrets in Pennsylvania. Kinzua Dam, Rimrock and Jake’s Rocks in Warren County in the PA Wilds.

Definitely great spots. I had to leave off some fantastic destinations to get this list down to 101.

Centralia, Pa

I thought about including Centralia, but since there’s a bit of question as to whether or not Graffiti Highway is officially off-limits or not, I decided against it.

Roadside America. A can’t miss stop in Dutch Country.

Sadly, Roadside America is no more.

I have been to 29 of these places. I think Mount Davis only because it is the highest point in PA . Hyner View also.

Dear Jim, I would appreciate it , if you would please include in your descriptions of sites to visit,

If it is accessible to handicapped folks. I would like to visit Penn’s cave but I see many steps. Is there another access?

Thank you for your time and talents and the gifts you give by sharing your trips. Sincerely yours, Terry Ann

Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t typically talk about handicapped accessibility since it can vary from person to person. I think it’s best to contact the site directly and discuss it with them. To your question, though, I don’t believe there is a handicapped-accessible access area for Penn’s Cave.

Hi. This is a great list, but can you edit it to include DeBence’s is in Franklin, Venango County? Thanks.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve visited DeBence’s in Franklin and quite enjoyed it. Unfortunately, when trying to narrow down the hundreds (if not thousands) of great things to do in PA down to 101, some great spots have to be cut. Keep in mind that this is just one person’s opinion, so your personal list might vary.

I was surprised to not see the Asa Packer museum in Jim Thorpe. Went there a few years back and it was very impressive.

The Gates House in York

The Erie Maritime Museum, especially when Niagara is in port.

Hawk Mountain in Eckville and the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania in Lititz are both great places to visit

HMMM you don’t mention “Chocolatetown, USA….that is Hershey!!!!!!

Don’t forget Kennywood Amusement Park near Pittsburgh.

We just visited the Pennsylvania grand canyon. the horse drawn buggie ride was the best. Wellsboro is beautiful. Never Knew Pennsylvania was so beautiful. If I were to return. I would definitely stay in town. we have visited Jim Thorp very interesting area and Bedford was great. Do not look for the big blue swimming hole in wellsboro. I am told it is a hike and you need your hikking boots. ratlle snakes and copper heads. The grand canyon would really be beautiful in the fall.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

15 Unique Places In Pennsylvania Perfect For Mature Travelers

Robin O'Neal Smith

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• Outdoor Activities
• Pennsylvania
• United States

Pennsylvania is known for its history, heritage, and delicious food. It also has some very unique places to visit and experience. I bet you will find them fascinating. Let’s take a trip across the state and look at some of these interesting destinations that draw tourists to Pennsylvania.

Note: My visit to Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park was hosted by the site, and AAA Buggy Rides sponsored my Amish Buggy Ride. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

1. Kinzua Bridge Skywalk

Mount jewett.

The Kinzua Bridge was the largest (2,053 feet long) and tallest (301 feet high) bridge in the world upon its completion in 1882 and known by many as the eighth wonder of the world. Trains used this viaduct to cross the 300-foot valley below. In 2003, a tornado whipped through the valley and destroyed 60 percent of the bridge, leaving it a mangled mess.

Today, at Kinzua Bridge State Park , visitors can walk on the 300-foot restored portion of the bridge to an observation deck, providing picturesque views of the Kinzua Creek Valley and the wreckage left from the tornado below. Visitors are permitted to hike down to the remains of the bridge, which are still lying where they fell.

The bridge and Skywalk are mostly flat with solid surfaces. There is also another hiking trail along the railroad bed that is flat and easy walking. The hike down to the wreckage is a challenging hike requiring balance and sturdy shoes.

Plan to spend an hour or so if just visiting the Skywalk. If you plan to hike the trails, schedule at least half a day at this site.

Robin O’Neal Smith

2. Drake Oil Well

Pennsylvania is known for many things, but I bet you didn’t know it had the world’s first commercial oil well. Pennsylvania is home to the birthplace of the oil industry. Called the Valley that Changed the World, Oil Creek State Park and the site of that first commercial oil well located in Titusville.

In 1859, the first purposely drilled well hunting for oil was dug. Just south of this is McClintock Well 1 , a well dug in 1861 that struck oil at 600+ feet below the surface. It produced 175 barrels of oil per day.

What makes Drake Oil Well so unique is that it was the first and continues to produce oil, making it the world’s oldest continually producing oil well.

The well is run regularly throughout the year. The oil produced is sold to help with the costs of preserving the site.

The park is mostly flat and easily walked. Parking is close. There are remnants of the first wells and drilling equipment to view around the park.

An hour or two at this park is enough to see everything.

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

3. Fallingwater

This site is unique in how the iconic home of Frank Lloyd Wright sits over a Pennsylvania waterfall.

Fallingwater is one of 24 Unesco World Heritage sites in the United States. There are only two in Pennsylvania.

It is one of those places you have to see at least once in your lifetime. I’ve been fortunate to get to visit it multiple times.

Located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern, Pennsylvania, just 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, it was designed in 1935 as a residence and summer home.

It is open as a museum that includes a gift shop and a cafe.

Self-guided and guided tours are available, and reservations are required. Tickets for both are available online. Most of the walking is on flat surfaces unless you choose to hike in the 5,100 acres surrounding Fallingwater.

I would allow a minimum of two hours for this visit.

4. Mount Davis

This treasure is about an hour from my home, and I had never visited until recently. You can stand at the highest point in the state of Pennsylvania when you visit Mount Davis .

It is a beautiful nature park with numerous hiking trails. It holds the record for being the highest point in Pennsylvania, and there are also historical markers and stories about the area.

You can climb an observation tower, which is several stories high with lots of steps, but the view is worth the climb as you look out over the area.

Most of the hiking is flat, but it is not paved.

Allow an hour for this visit and longer if you plan to take some of the hiking trails.

Pro Tip: Be aware it is cooler and windy there. You might need a light jacket. I was there in summer, and it was about 15 degrees cooler there than our previous stop and there was a brisk wind.

5. Horseshoe Curve

If you are a railroad fan or an engineering junkie, you will adore Horseshoe Curve . It is a dramatic horseshoe-shaped railroad curve, one of the world’s most incredible engineering feats, situated at the top of a steep hill near Altoona in the Allegheny Mountains. The best views are from atop the mountain. Pennsylvania Railroad workers overcame the challenge of crossing the mountain by installing rail tracks through this rough terrain.

There are many steps, 194 to be exact, that lead up to the top, or you can ride the funicular (incline is closed during COVID) for a view of this engineering wonder.

This is a nice place to relax and watch the trains go by and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Plan to spend an hour or so here. If you are a train lover, you might want to spend the whole afternoon.

6. Gravity Hill

I recently visited this phenomenon that is about 45 minutes from my home. I had often heard of Gravity Hill but never actually experienced it till July 2020.

The theory of this experience is that gravity will make your car move uphill. There is a spray-painted marker on the road that indicates where to start. When you put your car in neutral, your car will start going uphill by gravity. I didn’t think this could possibly happen, but I have tried it, and it works. I have even turned the car around and tried it in the opposite direction, and it still worked.

About a mile down the road, there is another spot where it happens. There are poles along the road, and if you find the one that has the number 69 on it and put your car in neutral gear, you will experience your vehicle moving uphill on its own.

Both of these experiences are quite a thrill when trying to steer as gravity moves your car uphill backward.

Gravity Hill in Bedford County is relatively easy to find if you know where you are going, but it is out in the country on a back road. The directions are on the Bedford County Visitors Bureau Gravity Hill page .

Allow about an hour for this experience, including travel time to the site. Experience it, turn around, do it again, and then get back to the main road.

Pro Tip: Don’t try this in an RV or if hauling a trailer. There is not sufficient room to turn around after the experience. Make sure there isn’t traffic coming either way before trying this.

Brad Crisswell

7. Coffee Pot

Located along the historic Lincoln Highway just west of Bedford, the Koontz Coffee Pot still stands. Built in 1927 by David Koontz as a lunch spot, this 18- by 22-foot coffee pot now resides near the Bedford County Fairgrounds.

Over the years, the Coffee Pot never served as a coffee shop. That said, visitors can walk around this unique site, and it is a great photo opportunity.

The Coffee Pot address is 108 Telegraph Rd, Bedford, PA 15522. This is a quick half-hour stop.

Neal Michael Smith

8. Abandoned Turnpike Tunnel

As you travel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Breezewood, just a few hundred yards to the side is one of the most unique attractions, the Abandoned PA Turnpike Tunnel .

When the PA Turnpike was built, it was a four-lane highway but only had single-lane tunnels, which created a backup. In 1968 traffic was rerouted to go over the mountains, leaving this area abandoned.

The 13-mile stretch of turnpike was given to the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy. The goal was to turn the abandoned turnpike into an official biking and walking trail. But that has never happened.

The site is officially closed to visitors, but the signs indicate you are permitted to be on the property at your own risk. You can walk or bike the abandoned turnpike and go through the two-mile-long tunnels and explore this strange site.

It can be accessed near Breezewood and in Fulton County. It is mostly flat pavement, but you will find broken pavement in places. I suggest sturdy sneakers for this site.

Depending on how far you wish to walk and how fast you walk, plan to spend one to four hours at this site.

Pro Tip: Be sure to take a flashlight with you, it is very dark.

9. Balance Rock

Trough creek state park.

This unique location is part of the Trough Creek State Park near Raystown Lake. You can spend a whole weekend at Raystown Lake . The Balanced Rock is a precariously perched boulder on the edge of a steep cliff. A geological wonder, you keep thinking it will fall over the cliff any second.

The trail to Balanced Rock is a short, steep hiking trail rated difficult. If you wear suitable footwear you should not have a problem. I’ve hiked it many times with older individuals and had no issues.

Allow two hours for this visit, longer if you plan to do additional hiking.

10. Isett Heritage Museum

Stepping back in time is easy when you visit the Isett Heritage Museum . A unique museum, they have selected over 40,000 items to display. They date back to the 1800s up to the present. Everything from toys to machines, cars, hardware, and so much more.

They have things that I remembered from my childhood visiting my grandparents’ farm (old milk cans and ringer washer machines, and items I enjoyed from my teen years (jukeboxes and typewriters.) It was a happy experience to reminisce about many of the things there.

There is considerable walking involved in multiple buildings, but it is an easy walk, and on flat cement-type surfaces and is wheelchair accessible.

Allow at least two to three hours for this visit.

11. Penn’s Cave And Wildlife Park

Centre hall.

This cavern is perfect for the 50+ traveler. Penn’s Cave is the only all-water cavern in Pennsylvania. It is located in Centre Hall and is one of nine show caves in the state. You go through the cave in a boat, so no worrying about sliding on the rocks and falling. But you do have a steep incline and some steps to get down to the boat dock.

Boats take visitors through Penn’s Cave, which runs underneath a working farm. The ride through the cavern is about a quarter-mile in length and lasts about 45 to 50 minutes.

A tour guide sitting at the front of the boat guides it through the cavern stopping along the way to point out cleverly named magnificent rock formations and provides a bit of fascinating history about the cave and the geology of the area.

If this unique boat-based tour of Penn’s Cave isn’t enough to make you want to visit, there is also a wildlife park and maze.

The wildlife park tour takes place via bus with minimal walking at one stop. The animals are housed in huge natural habitat enclosures. Many of the animals graze near the bus. Dangerous animals, like the wolves, are housed in giant enclosures that keep them separate from visitors but allow for exceptional viewing.

The 5,000-square-foot maze at Penn’s Cave sits directly behind the gift shop and was one of my favorite parts of my visit. This maze is as much fun for adults as it is for kids, and the paneled walls allow them to change the maze from time to time. This involves walking on flat level cement and up some steps.

This is definitely unique and worth a half-day visit.

Pro Tip: Take a light jacket. It is chilly when going through the cavern.

12. Amish Buggy Ride

The Amish have settlements in few states, and Pennsylvania is one of them. An Amish Buggy ride is a unique experience and an opportunity to learn about the Amish lifestyle and history.

I recently experienced this unique activity and highly recommend it to everyone.

There are a variety of tours offered in Lancaster by different vendors.

Our tour was with AAA Buggy Rides , and they have knowledgeable guides that are either Amish or have family in the Amish community. They also take excellent care of their horses who pull the buggies. Their tours start at convenient locations and last anywhere from 35 to 90 minutes.

There is one significant step into the buggy. Other than that, you are sitting and enjoying the ride.

13. Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia.

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia opened in 1829 and was considered state-of-the-art and a model for future correctional facilities. It was operational until 1970 when it was replaced with a newer, modern prison.

For nearly two decades, it was abandoned and then opened again in 1988 for limited tours. Sitting in the middle of the city, it appears almost like a massive, haunted castle. The prison has been preserved and is a fascinating place to visit.

I recommend taking the self-guided tour that includes headphones and provides the story of the prison. This tour allows you to move at your own pace and spend extra time in the areas of most interest. You can even see where Al Capone’s cell was.

In the fall of 2020, they will begin offering night tours that allow you to explore the prison cell blocks and yards with moonlight shining through the overhead skylights. There will also be large-screen projections on the walls of the penitentiary.

Most of the walking is on flat cement surfaces. The basic tour route includes ADA compliant ramps, but some areas are not accessible.

They have recently made some upgrades, and their hours are changing due to COVID, so check the website before visiting.

Tickets are available online for purchase. Plan to spend several hours if you intend to do the entire tour.

14. Mutter Museum

Do you like odd and strange things? If so, the Mutter Museum might be something you will enjoy. It is definitely unique. The entire museum is made up of a variety of medical tools and pathological and anatomical preserved specimens.

Most people find it either fascinating and educational or extremely gross. My husband and I enjoyed the visit. Certainly not something you would consider dull or ordinary.

The area is flat and easy to walk. I would plan to spend several hours at this unique museum.

Jim Bogosian / Shutterstock

15. Ringing Rocks Park

Bucks county.

Ringing Rocks Park is the place to go if you want to take out your frustrations!

Bring your hammer and an hour or two, and you can have a great time banging the rocks to make a ringing sound on seven acres of land. Ringing Rocks County Park in Bucks County is located on an isolated hillside overlooking the Delaware River.

No one knows why the rocks ring in this area. They make a metallic sound when the hammer hits the rock.

The trail to the Boulder Field is flat, and you only walk a few hundred yards on the trail. The rocks in the field are plentiful, and you need to be surefooted and have a good sense of balance if you plan to explore the area.

When you are on the trail to the field, you come to a fork in the road. Take the fork to the right, and you will also see an added treat, a waterfall, High Falls. (These falls are sometimes dry in summer and fall if there hasn’t been much rain.)

Located in northern Bucks County, the park’s entrance has a small sign next to the parking lot entrance. It is easy to miss, and it’s not always identifiable on phone maps. The park has no formal address but can be located using GPS coordinates 40.559916, -75.128538.

Aside from the seven acres of ringing rocks, there are some picnic tables and a sign marking the trail entrance. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the park is free. I would plan to spend at least an hour at this park.

Tip: Don’t forget your hammer.

There you have it,15 unique, one-of-a-kind places to visit in Pennsylvania. Each provides a different experience for you to enjoy. Once you have experienced these great options, here are 15 more unique places in Pennsylvania perfect for mature travelers .

Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. A young baby boomer, Robin and her husband have traveled throughout North America, many of the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. She loves cruising and inspiring others to live their dreams of travel. Follow her travels on her personal site where she discusses travel, food, and more!

Protect Your Trip »

37 fun things to do in pennsylvania, according to a local.

From Hersheypark to the Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania has some of the country's most iconic attractions.

37 Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Gettysburg National Military Park

Exploring battlefields at Gettysburg, catching a stunning Philadelphia sunset and witnessing a groundhog's weather prediction in Punxsutawney are just a few of the many things to do in the Keystone State.

You probably know the chocolate-inspired town of Hershey is located in Pennsylvania, and you might know a thing or two about Pennsylvania Amish Country. But did you know you can see Albert Einstein's brain on display in Philadelphia, or that you can visit an International Dark Sky Park in the northern part of the state?

Better still, many of the best things to do in Pennsylvania are free. It doesn't cost anything to listen to sonorous rocks ring with the strike of a hammer in Bucks County, attend the nation's largest free-admission music festival in Bethlehem or explore the whimsy of Randyland in Pittsburgh.

Cue the "Rocky" theme song and read on to discover the most fun things to do in Pennsylvania.

The "Rocky" Statue and Steps

J. Smith | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Get your picture with the "Rocky" statue, originally created for a scene in "Rocky III," before lacing up and running the 72 stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just like Rocky Balboa did in the first film. Once you get to the top, turn around and catch your breath while you take in the views of Independence Mall in Center City. If you really want to go the distance, sign up for the Rocky Run, which includes a 5K, 10K, and the 13.1 Italian Stallion Challenge hosted in the city each fall.

Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Courtesy of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts

Milton S. Hershey established his famous chocolate company in 1894, but he didn't stop there. He used his fortune to build Hersheypark, ZooAmerica, The Hotel Hershey and its chocolate-themed spa, Milton Hershey School for underprivileged children, and other local attractions. (It's no wonder the town is named for him.) While you can't tour the original chocolate factory, you can learn about it on a free indoor ride – in a Hershey's Kiss-shaped car – at Hershey's Chocolate World or on a visit to The Hershey Story museum.

There's more to Hershey than chocolate, though – that's why it's one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania . See a concert at Hersheypark Stadium, try a falconry experience and sip craft beer at Tröegs Independent Brewing. There are so many things to do in Hershey that it's worth a weekend (or more) to enjoy it all.

Explore Gettysburg National Military Park

In 1863, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought in Gettysburg. Today, visitors can explore the storied battlefields at Gettysburg National Military Park via a variety of guided tours . Plan to spend a day or two here so you can explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, where you'll find the impressive Gettysburg Cyclorama: a large oil-on-canvas painting that depicts the final Confederate assault, considered a turning point in the war. Be sure to also check out the newly opened World War II American Experience museum, among other local attractions .

Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Courtesy of Jin Wu

In 1995, a man named Randy Gilman purchased a series of rundown buildings in the North Side of Pittsburgh and turned them into eye-popping art installations. Known as Randyland, the eclectic project has not only revamped the space but also helped to breathe new life into the area that surrounds it. The photo-worthy attraction is free to visit (though donations are welcomed), and Gilman himself will likely be on-site to greet you – Randyland is also his home.

Address: 1501 Arch St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Carnegie Science Museum

Courtesy of Carnegie Science Center

One of the most-visited attractions in Pittsburgh , the Carnegie Science Museum is especially fun for those interested in space exploration. Opened in late 2022, the exhibit "Mars: The Next Giant Leap" provides visitors with a realistic look at what life on this planet might look like while also covering important issues like sustainability and climate change. The adjacent Buhl Planetarium and Observatory is also a highlight, with a variety of shows and experiences that transport guests to outer space. Other exhibits and experiences at the Carnegie Science Museum include "Vikings: Warriors of the North Sea," with more than 140 Viking artifacts; "Robot Hall of Fame"; and "Bricksburgh," where kids of all ages will enjoy hands-on building fun.

There are three other Carnegie museums in Pittsburgh as well: the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and The Andy Warhol Museum.

Address: 1 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol's famous artwork is on display throughout this five-floor museum in Pittsburgh, the late artist's hometown. Expect to see his famous consumer product paintings of Campbell's soup cans and Coke; celebrity portraits including Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe; and even work from Warhol's mother, Julia Warhola, who also had an eye for art.

The museum also features rotating exhibits and special events including art workshops for kids and theater performances. Previous patrons say you'll learn a lot of little-known facts about Warhol during your visit. For instance, did you know he was a collector, putting together more than 600 time capsules in the latter part of his life?

Address: 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Eat all you can at a smorgasbord

Eating at Shady Maple Smorgasbord is a rite of passage in Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of Amish Country, this all-you-can-eat buffet offers a variety of hearty options, including meat-carving stations and an extensive selection of desserts. Pennsylvanians say the restaurant lives up to the hype, and that even though there's often a wait – particularly on weekends – it doesn't take long to get in. Perhaps less legendary but equally delicious is the nearby Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, also in Lancaster County.

Address: 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl, PA 17519

Dutch Wonderland

Courtesy of Dutch Wonderland

If you have young kids, a visit to Dutch Wonderland should be on your list of things to do in Pennsylvania. This "Kingdom for Kids" became an instant classic when it opened in 1963, offering local families a place to play together. Today it offers more than two dozen year-round attractions, with rides and shows geared toward families with children ages 12 and younger. Located in Lancaster, the park offers (tame) roller coasters, a water play area, parades and dining venues. Kids especially dig Exploration Island, where they encounter 20-plus lifelike dinosaurs. Sixty years since its opening, the amusement park continues to receive rave reviews from families in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

Address: 2249 E. Lincoln Highway, Lancaster, PA 17602

[Read: The Top Water Parks in Pennsylvania .]

The Cartoon Network Hotel

Courtesy of The Cartoon Network Hotel

The one-of-a-kind Cartoon Network Hotel is located right next to Dutch Wonderland and within easy striking distance of other Lancaster attractions . The playful hotel features themed guest rooms and suites including a Powerpuff Girls Dream Suite. Suites sleep six or eight people and are equipped with kitchenettes, dining areas and living spaces, while guest rooms can accommodate up to two or four people (depending which one you choose). The hotel is also home to a restaurant, a coffee shop and an arcade – plus an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a hot tub, slide, splash pad and concessions. Recent guests say their groups – especially the kids – loved the hotel.

Address: 2285 E. Lincoln Highway, Lancaster, PA 17602

Independence Hall

J. Fusco | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

At Independence Hall in Philadelphia , you can take a free guided tour to stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. You can also see surviving copies of both documents at the "Great Essentials" exhibit, take a "bell-fie" with the famous Liberty Bell, and get the same cancellation on your postal stamp that Ben Franklin used when he was postmaster.

Address: 520 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

[Read: The Top Philadelphia Tours .]

Stroll through Valley Forge National Historical Park

Getty Images

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington's Continental Army camped out in Valley Forge, where they rested, trained and emerged a fighting force. The former encampment, now known as Valley Forge National Historic Park, features several historic monuments and memorials, as well as original buildings, including Washington's Headquarters, from that time. Take a ranger-led tour of the park or explore on your own – there are myriad hiking and biking trails and places to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Address: 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Eastern State Penitentiary

M. Fischetti | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

This hauntingly abandoned prison-turned-attraction is a must-visit in Philadelphia . Considered the world's first true penitentiary (a prison for those convicted of serious crimes), Eastern State Penitentiary remains a Gothic masterpiece, with vaulted, sky-lit cells and a Jewish synagogue. Its most notorious inmate, Al Capone, spent his first prison sentence here, and his cell is one of the prison's many interesting exhibits. Past visitors say the Eastern State Penitentiary is better than Alcatraz in San Francisco . Visit at Halloween for an extra spooky experience.

Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Now an award-winning artist, Isaiah Zagar started mosaicking as a form of therapy to cope with mental struggles in his late 20s. His project, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, aims to heal and inspire others through the power of art. Spend an afternoon getting lost in this whimsical maze of mosaics and sculptures. You can explore on your own, or opt for a guided tour, available on select days. No matter how you experience the Magic Gardens, you won't be disappointed.

Address: 1020 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

Duquesne Incline

Like other funiculars constructed in the 19th century, the Duquesne Incline (along with its sister, the Monongahela Incline) was built to transport cargo and people up and down Pittsburgh's Mount Washington in the 1800s. Today it's still used as a mode of transportation, but is more so a popular tourist attraction and ride, especially since it affords some of the best views of Pittsburgh's skyline, including the confluence of three rivers. The view is especially breathtaking at night.

Address: 1197 W. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Bushkill Falls

Otherwise known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls encompasses 300 breathtaking acres in the Pocono Mountains . Wooded trails, bridges and walkways take visitors past eight cascading waterfalls; on the roughly 2-mile Red Trail, you can see all of the waterfalls at once. Bushkill Falls also offers play areas, fishing opportunities and dining options, and it's open April to November, weather permitting. As you're planning your visit, note that there are a lot of stairs to navigate.

Address: 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324

Hit the rocks at Ringing Rocks County Park

Courtesy of Visit Bucks County

Bring a hammer or two to Ringing Rocks County Park in Upper Black Eddy. When struck, the park's boulders ring like a bell. It's unclear why the sonorous rocks (their technical name) ring, though one geologist theory is that the rocks were under high pressure when they formed, leaving them resistant to breakage. Located in Bucks County, Ringing Rocks County Park is a scenic spot to go for a hike or bike ride (and see the area's largest waterfall) before enjoying a picnic lunch. Wear sturdy shoes for your visit since you'll be climbing across a field of rocks.

Address: Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972

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Sesame Place

Courtesy of Sesame Place

The first "Sesame Street"-themed park in the U.S. is located in Langhorne, about 25 miles northeast of Philly, and features pint-sized rides like Big Bird's Tour Bus, the Flying Cookie Jars and the Sunny Day Carousel. There are also water attractions, live shows, parades and character meet-and-greet experiences to enjoy (including dining with Elmo). Visit during one of the park's seasonal events, such as The Count's Halloween Spooktacular or A Very Furry Christmas Celebration, for a special experience. Park patrons recommend visiting later in the day to avoid long lines.

Address: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047

Catch a show at the Bucks County Playhouse

Courtesy of Bucks County Playhouse

Just 70 miles southwest of New York City , the Bucks County Playhouse hosts a variety of musicals and plays. Broadway greats including Grace Kelly, Dick Van Dyke, Bob Fosse, Liza Minelli and Audra McDonald have all performed on its stage. Book tickets to an upcoming show and enjoy dinner at the on-site Deck Restaurant and Bar or another one of New Hope's lovely waterfront restaurants along the Delaware River. The charming town of New Hope alone is worth a visit, especially for those seeking a romantic getaway in Pennsylvania .

Address: 70 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle

Courtesy of Kevin Crawford Imagery LLC

Once the home of archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer, Fonthill isn't a true castle, but it certainly resembles one. Take a guided tour to see it for yourself, and be sure to look for "Rollo's stairs," where Mercer's beloved dog, Rollo, left his paw prints in wet concrete during construction. A short drive from Fonthill, the Mercer Museum (located at 84 S. Pine St. in Doylestown) is a Smithsonian affiliate with some 50,000 artifacts, most of which are associated with early American trades and crafts.

Address: 525 E. Court St., Doylestown, PA 18901

The Franklin Institute

This Philadelphia museum honors Benjamin Franklin's work as a scientist and inventor through interactive exhibits, both permanent and rotating. Noteworthy exhibits at the Franklin Institute include "Electricity," where you can insulate yourself from a static charge; "Changing Earth," where you can deliver a weather forecast on TV; and the visitor-favorite "Giant Heart," where you can climb inside a life-size beating heart. The museum continually receives rave reviews for being fun for all ages.

Address: 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens encompasses more than 1,000 acres in Pennsylvania's Brandywine Creek Valley, with something new and beautiful to explore each season. At Christmas – which many people agree is the best time to visit – you can ogle thousands of poinsettias and other pretty flowers while listening to holiday tunes, stroll through a half-million lights, gather around a fire pit, and just enjoy the magic of the season. Longwood Gardens also hosts theater performances, concerts, classes, workshops and themed events throughout the year. A full-service restaurant, a cafe and a beer garden are also available on-site.

Address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Honor history at the Flight 93 National Memorial

During the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, 40 people lost their lives when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, about 75 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Shortly after the flight departed Newark, New Jersey, for San Francisco, four Al Qaeda hijackers took control of the cockpit with intentions to crash the plane in Washington, D.C. Aware of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the crew and passengers banded together to divert the plane, potentially saving thousands of lives. The plane was successfully diverted from D.C. but crashed in Pennsylvania instead, killing everyone onboard.

The brave crew and passengers are now honored at the Flight 93 National Memorial, where the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall musical instrument, rings with 40 wind chimes representing each crew member and passenger. While the memorial can't be labeled "fun" like the rest of the recommendations on this list, visiting the historic site is an essential experience in Pennsylvania.

Address: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, PA 15563

Enjoy a beach day at Presque Isle State Park

If you're looking for a beach in Pennsylvania, head to Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula on Lake Erie. Presque Isle has 13 beaches and as such is a popular spot for swimming. It's also popular for fishing and boating (including boating tours), as well as land-based activities such as biking and hiking. If you enjoy bird-watching, be on the lookout for endangered, threatened or rare bird species, which are known to migrate to this area. Visitors comment that the park is clean and the views are spectacular.

Address:   301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505

Fallingwater

Christopher Little | Courtesy of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Frank Lloyd Wright's widely acclaimed Fallingwater house is located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. Designed for the Kaufmann family (owners of the largest department store in nearby Pittsburgh) in 1935, the architectural masterpiece is tucked into the woods atop a cascading waterfall, beautifully marrying art and nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is open for a variety of tours, including guided architectural tours and forest-to-table dinners. Visitors agree Fallingwater is a must-visit in Pennsylvania, even if you don't know much about architecture or have an interest in it.

Address:   1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464

Stargaze in Cherry Springs State Park

Pack a red light flashlight and prepare to see the night sky as you've (likely) never seen it on the East Coast. Located in Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the darkest destinations on the Eastern Seaboard, with very little light pollution. A Dark Sky Park , Cherry Springs affords visitors the rare opportunity to see constellations, asteroids and more with the naked eye. You might even spot the northern lights , though it's less likely.

The best (and essentially only) way to experience Cherry Springs State Park is by camping overnight. Keep in mind that there are just 30 campsites on-site, so advance reservations are a must. Travelers rave about their experiences at Cherry Springs and recommend taking advantage of the park's stargazing programs, which include nightscape photo workshops and private guided star tours. For the clearest views, plan your visit between April and October.

Address: 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16915

Betsy Ross House

George Widman Photography | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

It's never been confirmed that Betsy Ross created the first American flag. However, she remains the person most widely credited with sewing the first stars and stripes inside her tiny Philadelphia home in 1777. Today visitors can visit the Betsy Ross House to learn who the late upholsterer, businesswoman and patriot was; travelers can also see her burial plot here. If you're planning a visit with children, inquire about the audio tours for kids, which feature a series of mysteries to solve. Previous visitors say the actors, including "Betsy" herself, and other staff are wonderful.

Address: 239 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Elfreth's Alley Museum

R. Kennedy | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

After you tour the Betsy Ross House, take a short walk to the Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest continually inhabited residential street. While many people pass through for photos, Elfreth's Alley also offers a small museum (at house numbers 124 and 126), where you can learn about the artisans and tradespeople who helped build our country. If you're interested in guided tours of Elfreth's Alley, the Betsy Ross House and the Old City, consider the Old City Historic Walking Tour or the Historic and Revolutionary Philadelphia Tour .

Address: 126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hike through Ricketts Glen State Park

If you enjoy hiking, Ricketts Glen State Park should be on your list of things to do in Pennsylvania. The park has 22 named waterfalls – the largest of which stands 94 feet tall – along its aptly named Falls Trail. The trail runs 7.2 miles in total, so grab your dog (the park is pet-friendly), pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend a whole day here. Afterward, retreat to one of the park's tent or cabin campsites. It's best to wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes since the trails are admittedly difficult in some areas. For a unique experience, consider a guided ice hiking tour in the winter months.

Address: 695 state Route 487, Benton, PA 17814

Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution tells the story of our nation's founding through captivating and interactive exhibits that include "George Washington's War Tent" and "Revolution Place," where kids ages 5 to 12 can join the Continental Army and see what life was like at a military encampment. Rotating exhibits have included various versions of the first, 13-star American flag and an installment dedicated to Alexander Hamilton and his connections to Philadelphia. The museum's newly unveiled special exhibit about James Forten, a Black founding father, is set to be on display through November 2023. Previous visitors appreciate the museum's chronological path, adding that it's one of their favorite museums in Philly.

Address: 101 S. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Woodloch Resort

Courtesy of Woodloch Resort

There are very few all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. , but Pennsylvania has two of them in the Poconos: the family-friendly Woodloch Resort and The Lodge at Woodloch , an upscale, adults-only spa resort that's consistently recognized as one of the best hotels in the U.S. Previous guests rave about both hotels, noting that Woodloch Resort is fun for both kids and kids at heart.

All-inclusive rates at Woodloch Resort include overnight accommodations; two or three meals daily, depending on your plan; and access to a plethora of amenities, activities and events, including seasonal festivals. At The Lodge, rates cover luxury accommodations, three gourmet meals per day, and access to all of the spa's facilities, including hydrotherapy pools, fitness studios and more. Guests of Woodloch Resort are welcome to make reservations at the spa up to 14 days in advance.

Address: 731 Welcome Lake Road, Hawley, PA 18428

[Read:  The Top Poconos Resorts .]

Attend Musikfest for free

Jesse Faatz Photography | Courtesy of DiscoverLehighValley.com

Musikfest, the nation's largest free-admission music festival, takes place in Bethlehem every August. Stroll throughout town to hear live music across a variety of genres during the 10-day event. Ticketed shows for big-name acts are available, too.

Just as good as the music is the food and drink, with favorites including "Aw Shucks" Roasted Corn: corn on the cob dipped in a vat of butter, doused in parmesan cheese and sprinkled with Aw Shucks, a seasoning blend of 13 herbs and spices (which you can purchase to take some home). You'll also find a variety of local artisan vendors. What makes this festival even more special is that parts of it are hosted amid the famous SteelStacks (formerly Bethlehem Steel), an attraction in itself and a sight to behold, especially when lit up at night.

Koziar's Christmas Village

Speaking of Christmas, Koziar's Christmas Village is another iconic experience in Pennsylvania. Though visitors agree the family-owned park – first opened in 1948 – is a bit outdated, they maintain that it's a magical place for families. Outdoor and indoor holiday light displays include a toy train attraction that's especially appealing to kids.

Plan to visit this attraction on a weeknight, as weekends see the most crowds (and thus it can be difficult to maneuver a stroller). Previous visitors also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to opening; otherwise, you'll likely get stuck in a traffic line to the parking area. Koziar's Christmas Village is open from early November through early January annually.

Address: 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, PA 19506

Dine in The Catacombs

Courtesy of Bube's Brewery

Founded by German immigrant and brewer Alois Bube in 1876, Bube's Brewery landed a spot on the map for its crisp, German-style lagers, a popular style of beer during this era. Today, it's known for a variety of beers plus several dining venues including The Catacombs, an underground, completely candlelit restaurant. Previous patrons say the food is good and the service even better. Bube's Brewery is located in Mount Joy, about 15 miles northwest of Lancaster.

Address: 102 N. Market St., Mount Joy, PA, 17552

The Mütter Museum

Operated by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, The Mütter Museum houses tens of thousands of anatomical and pathological specimens from dead people. Permanent exhibits include Albert Einstein's brain, the conjoined liver of Siamese twins and an entire display of wet specimens, including tumors and cysts. Visitors agree this one-of-a-kind museum is a must-visit when in Philadelphia. Due to the nature of the exhibits, it is recommended for visitors ages 10 and up.

Address: 19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Browse the King of Prussia mall

Courtesy of Simon

If you enjoy shopping, you'll love King of Prussia – one of the largest shopping malls in the U.S. Stretching across 2.8 million square feet of space, the King of Prussia mall features more than 450 stores, from luxury to budget finds, plus a wide variety of restaurants, from grab-and-go options to fine dining. King of Prussia is located about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Address: 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center

Courtesy of Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center

Of course, the ultimate experience in Punxsutawney is to witness the groundhog make his annual weather prediction on Feb. 2. But if you can't be there for the famous event, you can still visit the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, which is geared toward kids, according to reviews. You can also stop by Gobbler's Knob, where Phil takes the stage every year. Punxsutawney is a small town in the Pennsylvania Wilds, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

Address: 201 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a native and resident of Pennsylvania. She grew up near the Pocono Mountains, went to college in Philadelphia and currently resides in Bucks County. Norcross used her personal experiences, along with those of friends and family who live in PA, to put together these recommendations.

You might also be interested in:

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• The Top Things to Do in New Jersey
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12 Most Unique and Cool Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania: known as the Keystone State for its role in America’s Revolutionary and Civil War. It’s where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were written, and it’s also where the Liberty Bell is located — but wait, you already know these things.

You are not here to learn about William Penn or the best rides at Hershey Park. Yes, it’s very important, but you’re here to experience some unique and fun activities. You might have been searching the web for unique things to do in Pennsylvania when you stumbled upon this post. From the beautiful and quiet countryside, the mountain ranges, and the breathtaking coastline of Lake Erie, you just can’t wait to explore everything! Guess what — you’re in for a ride! (with a Strasburg scooter, that is.) In this list, you will find 12 unique experiences to have when you’re in Keystone State.

Northern Pennsylvania

This region will keep thrill-seekers moving! There are tons of activities to do here like cave exploring, hiking, boating, snowboarding, and even fishing. Both kids and  kids-at-heart  are sure to enjoy this region. 

1.     Crystal Cave

Fight the inner claustrophobia in you, and explore this historic crystal cave 125 feet underground attraction in Kutztown, PA! Don’t worry, concrete walks and steel railings will make sure that you don’t slip and break your hip. The temperature inside is also at a constant 54 degrees so you can breathe comfortably!

2.     Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

If the 125 feet underground doesn’t satisfy you, why not try this 300 feet underground coal mine tour in Lackawanna County? Descend to the most underground part of the earth as the light slowly disappears. But don’t go running now, as you’ll also be accompanied by a miner who will show you the methods they used in mining. Plus, you also get to listen to stories about the history of mining and their heroism. How cool is that?

3.     Visiting Worlds End State Park

If you’re a nature-lover and an adventure-seeking individual, this park is your playground! This 780-acre state park offers TONS of recreational activities located in the most pristine environment. It includes hiking trails, swimming, wildlife watching, hunting, rafting, camping, skiing, snowmobiling… it’s endless — really!

Southern Pennsylvania

The home of the Dutch communities, the region of Southern PA draws out tourists who want to experience their old-fashioned way of living.

4.    Strasburg Scooters

If you really want to immerse yourself in the local Amish communities, touring it with Strasburg scooters is the best way to go! Hailed as Tripadvisor’s #1 tour in Lancaster County, you will be able to explore the winding roads that showcase beautiful and gentle pastures, rolling hills, and wooded valleys. There’s really nothing like breathing in the fresh and crisp air of the countryside, right? It’s one of the most unique things to do in Lancaster PA , and it’s family-friendly and age-friendly too.

5.     Refreshing Mountain Ziplines

If it’s on your bucket list to experience the thrill of gliding through and getting a bird’s eye view of the mountains, then make sure you do it in one of the best canopy zipline. They offer different zipline courses that accommodate not just seasoned zipliners, but the first-timers as well. It’s truly one of the best things to do in Lancaster!

6.     Gettysburg Ghost Tours

Exploring the most haunted areas of Gettysburg may not be for everyone, but it sure is fun! Get spooked with the thrilling stories of the spirits of children who are tortured and abused in the Haunted Orphanage, or you can ride the ghost bus to explore haunted landmarks. It’s the perfect combination of thrill and excitement!

Eastern Pennsylvania

The eastern region of PA offers a variety of activities that aren’t just for adventure-seekers. Couples will also enjoy this region’s diverse appreciation for art and culture, and those who like otherworldly mysteries will thrive.

7.     Mütter Museum

If you have a specific interest in the world of medicine and mysteries of the human body, this museum in the city of Philadelphia promises to ‘disturbingly inform’ you. It features a massive collection of antique medical equipment and other oddities like the Soap Lady (this is really disturbing) and the Hyrtl Skull Collection (this is more disturbing). This museum is not for the faint of heart — but it’s highly recommended that you do visit this!

8.     Eastern State Penitentiary

Would you believe that this famous prison in Philadelphia was also once the most expensive one? Aside from it housing one of the most well-known gangsters in the world, Al Capone, mysterious reports and creepy stories clouded this prison, even after many years of its closure. This is the happy place of paranormal investigators, ironically.

9.     Pocono Whitewater Rafting

Whiterafting is an adventure of a lifetime — even for those who have a fear for water! In here, not only will you get to enjoy the wild waters, but you also get to do other activities, like trail biking and paintball shooting.

Western Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s western region boasts terrains that extend across the Appalachian Mountains. This place is not just about Pittsburgh, oh no — you’ll be surprised that there are a lot of places where you can also explore.

10.   Falling water

If you love nature, then you can check out this beautiful retreat home located in Pittsburgh. It used to be a weekend retreat home that is designed for a family but has now opened its doors for visitors who want to appreciate its architecture and the beauty of the environment surrounding it.

11.     A model of the Kecksburg UFO in Kecksburg

On the 9th of December 1965, residents of Kecksburg claimed they saw a UFO, but the military quickly hauled it away — which is very unfortunate. Now they have created this acorn-shaped monument (which is the shape of the said UFO), and they celebrate a yearly UFO festival to remind them of this encounter. If you’re into the world beyond Earth, you’ll love hearing the stories of the residents here!

12. Andy Warhol Museum

This museum is a celebration of music, art, and the life of Andy Warhol. It is one of the most extensive museums for a single artist. It features his collections, and archives of his work as well.

There are really tons of unique and exciting adventures if you’re traveling in Pennsylvania. From ghost tours, adventures, environmental activities, exploring art, and experiencing the local culture — the choices are endless! 

I have been travelling across India for a long time and I am using this blog to share my experiences with you so that you can see the tremendous beauty which India has to offer. Thrillophilia Blog

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RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

Pennsylvania Attractions and Oddities

All the weird attractions, hidden sights, and unusual places in Pennsylvania . Visitor Tips, news, stories, field reports. City roadtrip recommendations: Gettysburg | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh

Also see: Gone But Not Forgotten - Closed classic attractions

Pennsylvania Page | Pennsylvania Map

• Somewhere: Yesteryear Travel: The Pennsylvania Turnpike

Gone But Not Forgotten

Closed and extinct places -- the classics and the quirky. A virtual revisit, even if it's just to milk them for one more chuckle...

• Accomac: Hatteras Lighthouse Replica
• Allentown: Liberty Bell Museum
• Altoona: Haunted Wedding Dress
• Bainbridge: White Waste Cliffs of Conoy
• Bensalem: Nancy's Grave, and Maybe Sid's, Too
• Bethlehem: Disney Tattoo Guy Tours
• Breinigsville: Peg-Leg Pirate Statue
• Canonsburg: Perry Como, Bobby Vinton at McDonald's
• Central City: S.S. Grandview Ship Hotel
• Christiana: Corn Crib Restaurant
• Congruity: World's Only Drive-Thru Strip Club
• Conneaut Lake: Fairyland Forest
• Dillsburg: Pickle Man Statue
• Drexel Hill: Museum of Mourning Art
• Driftwood: Tom Mix's Outhouse
• Dunbar: Giant Apple Core
• Duncannon: Old Sled Works, Fire Lookout Tower
• Easton: Bushkill Park - Haunted Pretzel
• Easton: Easton Museum of PEZ
• Easton: Transparent Woman
• Erie: Flying Walleye Fish
• Erie: Marx Toy Museum
• Erie: Museum of Erie GE History
• Everett: Elephant Statue
• Exton: World's Largest Cow: The Guernsey Cow [1945-1985]
• Franklin: Dairy Queen Apollo Spacecraft
• Fredericktown: Welder Man
• Gettysburg: Cyclorama Center
• Gettysburg: Doc Weitzel's Traveling Curiosity Show
• Gettysburg: Gettysburg Battle Tower
• Gettysburg: Gettysburg Dime Museum
• Gettysburg: Hall of Presidents and First Ladies
• Gettysburg: International Museum of Spiritual Investigations
• Huston Township: Green Mannequin Aliens and UFO
• Jennerstown: Praying Mantis Statue
• King of Prussia: Giant Vacuum
• Kutztown: Edged Weapons Museum
• Kutztown: Tall Gnome and Gnome Tree
• Lancaster: Big Amish Statues
• Lancaster: Lancaster County Wax Museum
• Leola: Amish Sanford and Son
• Lititz: Wilbur Chocolate Museum
• Lock Haven: Fin, Fur and Feather Wildlife Museum
• Lower Paxton Township: Coke Tree
• Meshoppen: Covered Wagon Replicas, Western Mini Golf
• Middletown: Jeremiah Crow's Creepy Collection of Curiosities
• Mifflintown: Muffler Man: Chief Merrill
• Muncy: McDonald's Bill Elliott Nascar Museum
• Neshaminy: Windows of History
• Oaks: Sloppy Giant with Ill-Fitting Clothes
• Oxford: Lemongrove: Forest of Edsels
• Paradise: National Christmas Center
• Philadelphia: Big Noodle
• Philadelphia: Board Game Art Park
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• 11 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a reputation for being beautiful. This is in part because of its many state parks full of hiking trails, great camping, and fishing. In fact, Pennsylvania contains well over 100 state parks, with a total of over 300,000 acres of woodland just waiting for you to explore.

But Pennsylvania is beautiful for another reason, and that is its great variety of charming small towns scattered all over the state. And since it was one of the thirteen original American colonies, many of these towns have rich and deep histories you can spot right on main street. From colonial architecture to preserved forts to Civil War battlefields, history is right at hand.

The quaint and quirky small towns on this list have more than natural beauty and American history to offer, however. From fun and funky college towns to “the Switzerland of Pennsylvania,” these charming small towns will have you packing your bags and hitting the road for a long weekend retreat.

First up is the charmingly named Ohiopyle, located in the gorgeous Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. It's well known for nearby Ohiopyle State Park, with its numerous stunning waterfalls, as well as some prime local whitewater rapids. Adrenaline junkies and more casual day trip hikers alike love adventuring through Ohiopyle and its surrounding beauty.

But you don’t have to love roaming through the great outdoors to enjoy a visit to Ohiopyle. Architecture buffs come to visit the not one but two local Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes.

History buffs tour the Fort Necessity Battlefield, the site of the very first battle of the 18th century French and Indian War. Christian W. Klay Winery has some excellent vintages just waiting for you to try them, and Ohiopyle Candy Co. has handmade chocolates and frozen yogurts aplenty.

Tiny as charming Ohiopyle may be, with a population of less than one hundred year round residents, it’s an incredibly popular weekend and vacation retreat. From the state park with its nearly 20,000 acres of wilderness to incredible architecture and historical sites, adding a visit to Ohiopyle to your next vacation or road trip is a no brainer.

Any list of must-see towns in Pennsylvania would be incomplete without Gettysburg. For one thing, it’s about as famous as a town can be, surrounded as it is by Civil War battlefields , museums, historic buildings and monuments, battle reenactments, and much more. Any Civil War history nerd is bound to have Gettysburg on their list of places to visit.

But the historical landmarks and guided tours are just one of the reasons Gettysburg is a popular weekend or vacation spot. Downtown features tons of cute and unique boutiques, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you going while you shop till you drop.

Outside of town you’ll find Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium, an utterly unique experience for the entire family. Gettysburg is awash in history, and surrounded by rolling farmland and orchards. Take a day or two or even a week to explore everything this lovely small town has to offer.

Located in the famed Pocono Mountain region of northeast Pennsylvania, where the natural landscape is simply breathtaking, Jim Thorpe is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a little time away.

This delightful small town was once second only to Niagara Falls as a popular getaway location, and for good reason. Tucked up like a secret against the foothills of the mountains, Jim Thorpe has an old world vibe that feels miles away from the hectic pace of daily life.

Often referred to as “little Switzerland” or “the Switzerland of Pennsylvania,” the historic architecture makes you feel like you’ve taken a trip not only to another place, but another time as well. In fact, many buildings are actually listed on the National Historic Register.

Get your ticket to ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a tour of the area, and enjoy the amazing scenic overlooks and gorgeous landscape. Or dive into Lehigh Gorge State Park itself, where you’ll find ample opportunity for biking, hiking, camping, fishing, and more.

If you’re planning a trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a nearly fifty mile long landmark also known as the Pine Creek Gorge, then you simply must make time to visit the charming and unique town of Wellsboro .

This historic small town proudly holds onto its architectural heritage. Victorian homes and businesses line the downtown area, as do the quaint old fashioned gas street lamps that lend their antique glow to every evening.

Downtown also features numerous locally owned small businesses, including one of a kind boutiques, cool cafes, and unique restaurants like the Frog Hut and Timeless Destination. The Arcadia Theatre right on Main Street is an absolute gem, dating back to the 1920’s.

There are plenty of adventures in and around the scenic Wellsboro area. From guided tours on horseback to train rides to Grand Canyon expeditions on foot, bike, or kayak, this pretty slice of Pennsylvania is definitely worth checking out.

Lovely little Lititz prides itself on its small town charm, along with all the warmth and welcome visitors have come to expect of this cozy corner of Pennsylvania.

An incredibly popular spot with tourists, Lititz isn’t far from the thriving and growing town of Lancaster, which is known for its vibrant arts and music scenes. A visit to this area, then, gives you a chance to partake of some high energy nightlife, while also tuning into the slower pace of small town life.

Founded by Moravians, early Protestant settlers, the town itself retains the influence of those townsfolk. Historic homes and buildings are often built in a more notably Germanic style, though there’s plenty of Victorian-era architecture on display as well. This mix of styles and time periods is part of what gives Lititz its distinctive look and feel.

Another element of Lititiz’s individual style is its downtown area, full of boutiques, museums, and eateries. Nearby Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery was actually the first hard pretzel company ever, and even today these make a perfect pairing with any of the brews on tap at Appalachian Brewing Company’s downtown brewpub.

Around Lititz you’ll find a number of antique covered bridges, a few state parks to explore, and the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania.

Located in northwest Pennsylvania, Ridgway sits just along the Allegheny National Forest. Known as “Trail Central,” there are literally hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, ATV, and horseback trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simple amble, there are a number of different trails perfect for your needs.

Ridgway itself offers plenty to do once you come in off the trails. Its fun and funky feel is thanks in part to the number of artists who call this small town home. Art galleries thrive as a result of this community, and personality and flair abound throughout the rest of town as well. South Street Botanical Designs and Mudslide Pottery are just a few examples of some of the unique businesses you'll find. There are a number of cool little antique shops as well.

Paper City Cafe and Tablespoons Cafe & Deli are two of a number of excellent cafes and eateries. A number of breweries and distilleries, like Chicken Hill Distillery, give discerning drinks enthusiasts plenty of locally made goodness to sip and savor.

Whether you come to explore the great outdoors or are planning an antiquing trip, Ridgway has something to offer everyone.

Just north of Philadelphia sits New Hope , a small town with big city energy. With the Old World meets New World charm of Philadelphia right next door, why wouldn’t they? New Hope takes a page out of its big sister city’s book and offers both visitors and locals an almost endless array of art and culture.

Still going strong, the famed Bucks County Playhouse continues to offer stellar live performances throughout the year, as it has been for nearly a century now. And the many artists and artisans that call this area home keep local galleries and gift shops filled with amazing local artwork.

Like so many other small towns in Pennsylvania, history buffs can geek out at their leisure at the many historical sites, museums, and guided tours. New Hope stands out for offering a few more supernatural tours that focus on popular haunts and tales of ghostly activities. You can also visit the site of Washington’s cross over the Delaware River, which may or may not include a ghostly presence of its own.

Harmony was founded by the Harmonist Society, a religious group first started in Germany who later emigrated to the United States in the early 19th century.

The entire downtown area of this unique small town was granted a National Historic Landmark District designation fifty years ago. With dozens of historic buildings, homes, and businesses, it’s easy to see why. Coming to Harmony is like stepping back through time.

Just north of Pittsburgh, Harmony offers a major gear change from the fast pace of urban living. Small and quaints, it’s the perfect getaway for anyone looking for some peace and quiet.

If you’re looking for some time in nature, McConnells Mill State Park, a National Natural Landmark, is just a few minutes away. Or you can explore the historic downtown on a self guided walking tour, or visit the shops, cafes, and restaurants that call main street Harmony home.

In fact, between its numerous art galleries, golf courses, and outdoor adventures, the hardest part of your visit here may just be choosing what to do first.

Tiny Benezette is a wildlife lover’s retreat. Why? Because where else are you going to get a chance to see a herd of wild roaming elk? You can even rent a cabin from Antler Shed Cabins, if you want to plan your visit entirely around catching glimpses of these majestic animals.

Elsewhere around Benezette you’ll find Table Falls, a popular spot with waterfalls lovers, as well as Elk State Forest and Parker Dam State Park. There are quite a number of state and local parks in this area, each with its own unique trails, vistas, and more.

Benezette’s Horse Drawn Wagon & Sleigh Rides is a popular attraction all year round, and the Bennett Branch Sinnemahoning Creek area is a happy little fishing spot where you can pass a sleepy summer afternoon dropping a line and daydreaming.

Cap a day spent out of doors with dinner at the Benezette Hotel, and maybe a walk to Benezette Winery as well. Benezette has that old fashioned after-dinner-stroll kind of feel, a real getaway from it all.

Eagles Mere

Just a few minutes from Worlds End State Park, a summer road trip staple, Eagles Mere is a cute little town tucked neatly within the Loyalsock State Forest. Which means, of course, that the entire area is chock full of amazing natural sights. These include amazing waterfalls like Rusty Falls, Dry Run Falls, and many more.

If you want to camp in an area with nearly endless hiking and biking trails, near a town that’s as friendly as it is beautiful, Eagles Mere is the place for you.

A little town of less than one hundred year round residents, that population more than triples during busy seasons. And with cute independent shops, tennis and recreation clubs, winter festivals, and even an annual toboggan run, it’s easy to understand why so many people love to take a little time away at Eagles Mere.

Whether you’re looking for a quintessential lazy summer vacation spent exploring the woods, a long autumn weekend enjoying scenic overlooks of fall foliage, or a winter retreat full of festivals and celebration, Eagles Mere might just be exactly what you’re looking for.

Located close to the middle of the state, the quaint little college town of Lewisburg is incredibly walkable, with plenty to offer visitors all year round.

The downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a walk downtown yields dozens of examples of historic architecture from the Victorian period and other eras. There are regular guided walking tours through town, which incorporate both Market Street buildings and more residential buildings as well.

Built on the banks of the Susquehanna River, this wide waterway is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or even some inner tubing. You can also book a ride on the nearby Hiawatha River Boat, a recreation of a classic river paddle boat.

Downtown you’ll find a quaint shopping district with independently owned boutiques, bookstores, and art stores. There are also cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops, and more. The Campus Movie Theatre, nearly one hundred years old, is not only still open for business but also a popular date night spot as well.

Parting Notes

It’s no secret that Pennsylvania is beautiful, full of scenic highways and byways, with outstanding national, state, and local parks. And what better way to immerse yourself in all this natural beauty than by booking a stay in and around one of its many, many charming small towns?

From historic battlefields to thriving arts scenes, there’s a small town in Pennsylvania that’s perfect for just about every interest. Want to tour an apple orchard and pick yourself a bushel? You can do that.

Interested in hiking up to a waterfall, or taking a train ride to enjoy some jaw-dropping fall foliage? You can do that too. And if you want to stroll down an old-fashioned and welcoming downtown, buying cool handmade jewelry or eating at locally-sourced restaurants? Yep, you can do that as well.

No matter what kind of trip you want to have, if a small town feel is what you’re seeking, then these eleven charming small Pennsylvania towns are right up your alley.

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10 Beautiful Natural Places That You Need To See To Believe In Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania is one of the best US states for nature, with beautiful nature-dotted towns, scenic major cities, and natural hotspots that deserve to be explored.
• Presque Isle State Park is a favorite nature spot for locals and visitors, offering ample recreational activities and fascinating wildlife.
• Bushkill Falls, also known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, is a must-see attraction with eight series of waterfalls and stunning hiking trails.

Picture some of the beautiful towns in Pennsylvania that showcase the state’s natural beauty and major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that fascinate with their technological advancements and iconic landmarks. Well, those are some of the many things that make Pennsylvania a top state to visit in America.

However, some of Pennsylvania’s natural places are often overlooked, but they deserve to be explored for their breathtaking and unspoiled beauty. From botanical gardens to state parks, these natural gems are the perfect places to appreciate nature’s beauty and tranquility.

Adventurers escape from the hustle and bustle of major cities to such natural areas for outdoor recreation, including hiking the most beautiful hikes in Pennsylvania . Whatever the interest, the most beautiful natural places in Pennsylvania evoke a sense of wonder, and tourists should visit them to witness their breathtaking beauty - starting with these serene nature hotspots.

Related: These Are The Most Unique Small Towns To Visit In Pennsylvania

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park curves along the shores of Lake Erie, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors due to its ample recreational activities. The park’s natural beauty also lures nature lovers with its unique habitats, hosting fascinating wildlife ranging from ray-finned fishes to mammals and birds.

As a hot spot birding area, Presque Isle State Park hosts more than 300 species of birds, most of them best observed during their different migrations seasons. During early spring, birdwatchers spot ospreys and warblers, while the fall is the best time to witness the waterfowl migration.

• Location: Erie
• Admission fee: Free
• Best activities in Presque Isle State Park: Birdwatching, Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Surfing

Be sure to check out the many other exciting things to do in Eerie besides exploring Presque Isle State Park.

Bilger’s Rocks

Bilger’s Rocks is another gem among the best nature spots in Pennsylvania; it allows visitors to experience the Carboniferous Period as they marvel at picturesque rock formations dating over 300 million years ago. The rocks were once coated with limestone and shale but have been eroding due to natural causes, such as the growth of plants and water passing through the crevasses.

However, they are still intriguing natural wonders that keep evolving and are worth seeing in Pennsylvania. Visitors wiggle through narrow passages as they stand in awe of their massiveness while the brave in heart explore the barely-body-width underground spaces.

• Location: Grampian
• Admission fee: Free (although donations are accepted)
• Best things to do in Bilger’s Rocks: Hiking, Rock climbing, Camping, Picnicking

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls is one of the most scenic attractions in Pennsylvania that travelers need to see to believe. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the Bushkill Falls earned the nickname of Niagara of Pennsylvania due to the eight series of waterfalls that form it. And with such magnificence, visiting Bushkill Falls is considered one of the awesome things to do in Pennsylvania .

Adventurers can hike along nature trails , ideal for any skill level, to view the cascades from different vantages. The easiest route is the Green Trail, which takes about 15 minutes, while the most challenging is the Red Trail, leading nature lovers past all eight falls.

• Location: Lehman Township
• Admission fee: Bushkill Falls charges $20, $10, and $19 during weekends/holidays for adults, children, and seniors, respectively. However, during weekdays, visitors pay $17, $10, and $16 for adults, children, and seniors, respectively.
• Best things to do in Bushkill Falls: Hiking, Photography, Fishing, Mining for gems, Picnicking

Short hikes leading to Bushkill Falls attract many visitors, so hikers who want to escape the crowds can take the longer trail.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Erie Bluffs State Park is among the most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania since it gives visitors a glimpse of how nature was before civilization. The 587-acre natural haven boasts a pristine shoreline, stunning 90-foot bluffs, densely forested wetlands, and a unique black oak woodland.

Additionally, the park is home to bald eagles, deer, and foxes, which visitors can see as they walk toward the bluffs for panoramic views of the park. During their visit, visitors gain an appreciation for Mother Nature through guided walks and hands-on educational activities offered throughout the year.

• Location: Lake City
• Admission fee: Free admission
• Best activities to do in Erie Bluffs State Park: Hiking, Hunting, Geocaching, Fishing

Related: These Are The 10 Best Scenic Towns To Retire To If You Live In Pennsylvania

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park covers over 20,000 acres, luring travelers with its wealth of outdoor activities and otherworldly, rugged natural beauty. The park is one of the best places in Pennsylvania for nature, featuring standout natural features like the borough of Ohiopyle and the rushing Youghiogheny River, which offers excellent rafting opportunities.

The park is home to the 30-foot Cucumber Falls, accessed via a handful of stair steps from a gravel parking lot near Kentuck Road. The waterfall is a sight for the eyes, whether waterfall chasers see it in winter when surrounded by ice formations or in spring when the water levels are higher.

• Location: Dunbar, Henry Clay, and Stewart Townships
• Admission fee: Free (tourists pay for rafting tours and to rent boats)
• Best activities in Ohiopyle State Park: Whitewater rafting, Hiking, Fishing, Camping, Biking

Related: A Night Amongst The Spirits: What To Know About Ghost Tours At Gettysburg Battlefield

Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park is another one of the best natural places in Pennsylvania to visit; it's an enchanting and wild slice of paradise surrounded by the lush Susquehannock State Forest in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This park exposes visitors to the beauty of Mother Nature due to its remoteness.

During the day, nature lovers explore the resident flora and fauna, while the night brings a spectacular show in the dark skies. Cherry Springs is one of the best places in the world to see the grandeur of over 30,000 stars, asteroids, Venus, and the Milky Way on clear nights.

• Location: Coudersport
• Admission fee: Free admission, but visitors pay to access some of the park’s amenities
• Best activities in Cherry Springs State Park: Stargazing, Camping, Hiking, Picnicking, Hunting

Read up on some handy tips for both short-term and long-term stargazing in Cherry Springs State Park.

Cook Forest State Park

Although lesser-known, Cook Forest State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful natural areas that people need to see to believe. Classified as a National Natural Landmark, the park boasts serene old-growth forests, rightfully gaining the Black Forest of Pennsylvania name. Visitors can admire the one-of-a-kind forest as they hike or picnic around the park.

Besides the towering trees, the Clarion River meanders through the park for about 13 miles, offering water sports lovers opportunities to kayak, canoe, and tube. Additionally, the river is a perfect spot to catch trout and panfish as adventurers soak in the awe-inspiring beauty surrounding them.

• Location: Cooksburg
• Best activities in Cook Forest State Park: Hiking, Camping, Canoeing, Picnicking

Related: 10 Beautifully Spooky Towns In Pennsylvania To Explore During Halloween

Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area is one of the most photogenic places in Pennsylvania, known for its rolling hills, mesmerizing waterfalls, and tranquil forests. This unspoiled natural area transports nature lovers to a fairytale-like world as they hike along scenic trails and stop to admire their surroundings on picturesque bridges.

The blazed trails lead hikers through mixed hardwood and pine forests as they follow a creek. However, the Blakeslee’s star of the show is a wide Tobbyhanna waterfall surrounded by rocks, soothing visitors with its rushing sounds and pleasing them with its captivating sight.

• Location: Blakeslee
• Best activities in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area: Fishing, Hiking, Birdwatching, Picnicking

Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park is a sprawling natural area covering over 13,000 acres across Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia Counties in Pennsylvania. It's one of the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania , featuring scenic gorges, waterfalls, and stunning trails leading nature lovers to some of its wonders.

However, the most popular trail is the Ricketts Glen Falls Loop , which starts from three points and leads adventurers to 21 waterfalls. The trail passes through a dense old-growth forest at the lower elevations and then spruce trees as adventurers ascend the higher areas.

• Location: Benton
• Admission fee: Although the park offers free admission, visitors pay to access Ricketts Glen State Park’s amenities
• Best activities in Ricketts Glen State Park: Boating, Hiking, Camping, Wildlife watching, Fishing

Related: 10 Surprisingly Free Things That You Can Do In Philadelphia

Pine Creek Gorge

Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, the massive and beautiful Pine Creek Gorge stretches for approximately 47 miles and has a depth of nearly 1,450 feet. The canyon is part of Tioga State Forest and encompasses Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks.

These two parks offer scenic overlooks where adventurers can bask in the gorge’s jaw-dropping beauty, especially during the fall and winter. However, outdoor adventurers can explore the gorge along sections or the entire Pine Creek Rail Trail , starting from Jersey to Wellsboro.

• Location: Wellsboro
• Best activities in Tioga State Forest: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Fishing

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FROM THE LOCALS BLOG

A complete guide to shopping in new hope, pa.

June 7, 2024 by Visit Bucks County

Shop local in New Hope and Bucks County, PA! Regardless of your shopping style, our vibrant town and surrounding areas offer many ways to support small businesses and regional artists for a truly unique retail experience. Check out our recommendations below to plan your next New Hope shopping trip.

Go Antiquing 

Antique lovers will enjoy perusing antique shops in the New Hope area. 

Start your quest for a piece of the past at New Hope Antique & Design Center , which features antique and vintage furniture, decor, and artwork. The center also carries a full line of DIY paint and brushes if you want to upcycle any of your finds.

In Quakertown, delve into a double dose of delights at the Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market .  There you can discover antiques and collectibles alongside fresh produce and endless stalls overflowing with vintage charm. Bucks County offers an antiquing adventure for every taste!

Discover Art Galleries

If you want to explore New Hope’s many art galleries , start at the Arete Gallery , where virtue and art meet. With a mission to showcase art that improves humanity, every piece tells a story. You’ll see paintings, sculpture, photography, and even the written word, creating a powerful, dynamic collection.

Then check out the Red Tulip Gallery, run by the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen. The gallery's fine arts and crafts collection includes paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and fiber arts. Because the gallery is staffed by its artists, you can chat with them about their work and may even witness a demonstration.

Specialty Shopping

No shopping spree is complete without a delightful detour to Peddler’s Village in Bucks County. On 42 acres, this charming 17th-century-inspired haven boasts over 60 unique shops. From handcrafted art and stylish clothing to gourmet food and one-of-a-kind collectibles, Peddler's Village provides a treasure trove for every type of shopper.

A must-visit specialty shop in New Hope is New Hope Stained Glass . Here, you can discover one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass vases and bowls. You might even see a glass-blowing demo. 

Thrift Finds

New Hope is home to several unique thrift shops . Love Saves the Day originated in New York City before bringing its collection of vintage treasures to New Hope. You never know what you might find sifting through two stories of clothing and collectibles!

If you love thrifting clothes, check out Ditto Vintage for a hand-selected collection from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Many pieces have a distinct Y2K vibe. The shop’s goal is to provide one-of-a-kind, socially conscious fashion.

Find Fresh Produce & Artisan Goods

Shop alfresco across New Hope’s markets and farms, open seasonally or year-round. 

Rice’s Sale & Country Market is more than just a farmers market–it’s an experience! With 30 acres of indoor and outdoor shopping and over 400 vendors offering food, antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, it’s the largest and oldest flea market in Bucks County.

Craving fresh, seasonal fruits? Look no further than Solebury Orchards in New Hope! This scenic farm boasts delicious apples, peaches, blueberries, and more, all grown right on their land. During the summer and fall, you can experience the joy of picking your own fruit, making it a fun activity for the whole family. 

Go on a Shopping Spree

We've only scratched the surface of the shopping gems in New Hope, Pennsylvania. From locally grown delights and stunning art galleries to antique treasures and the next great thrift find, there are so many shops to explore and unique experiences to discover. Be it handcrafted jewelry or a one-of-a-kind vintage hat, you're sure to find something special in New Hope.

Author: Visit Bucks County

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour

Repeats: Every Weekend

Philly Magic Tours 4th and Ranstead Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106 (267) 566-8897 Region: Philadelphia & The Countryside Hours of operation: 3:00 PM Admission fee: $32.40

This is one of Philly's most unique attractions, a walking tour that is also a moving magic show. You are lead by an award winning magician to historic and offbeat locations. Each stop is the inspiration for a comedic and mind-bending magic trick. Learn why we are getting so many 5 star reviews like, "The most fun I had during my trip to Philly" (TripAdvisor TM). Runs most Saturdays and intermittent Sundays. Group tours are available by appointment any day. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

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