Attractions in Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone State for its role in building the foundations of the United States. Travelers will find many historical landmarks and attractions, from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to the sites of Valley Forge and Gettysburg. From the urban attractions of historic Philadelphia to the many open-air state parks, you can enjoy everything here.
Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania
In the following, we have compiled a list of the top attractions in Pennsylvania that you can enjoy.
Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
The first Best Attractions in Pennsylvania are Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell. One of America’s most historic areas and home to the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park is a national treasure. Independence Hall is the main attraction in the park, famous for being the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the Constitution was drafted. The Liberty Bell sits on display opposite Independence Hall, surrounded by a series of exhibits illustrating its history.
Independence Mall was laid out in 1948, extends north to form the rest of the park, which is paved with old cobblestone streets. Here, you’ll find historic buildings, such as the Capitol and the Old Town Hall, and museums including the Ben Franklin Museum and the National Museum of American Jewish History.
Attractions in Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
Hershey Park is the city’s main attraction, with 90 acres of rides and entertainment for kids and adults, from roller coasters to water shows. The park was originally built in 1906 as a recreation area for Hershey workers, but was expanded over the years to attract visitors from all over.
Hershey Park is constantly evolving, offering a variety of things to do for all ages. Apart from the kiddie rides, the park has all the family favorites like carousels, trains, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel. There are also several water rides perfect for hot summer days and more than a dozen roller coasters designed for thrills.
Attractions in Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg is the site of the Gettysburg Battlefield, where in 1863, the Civil War battle claimed 51,000 men over a three-day period. Hundreds of markers and monuments now decorate the park. The main highlight is Seminary Ridge, which is the main Confederate position to the west.
The Museum and Park Visitor Center has several exhibits, including the Rosensteel collection, which is one of the largest collections of Civil War uniforms, weapons, and personal effects in the United States. The park also hosts living history programs and reenactments and has extensive horse riding trails.
Presque Isle. State Park
The next Best attraction in Pennsylvania is Presque Isle State Park. One of the best parks in Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park sits on a peninsula that curves into Lake Erie, creating Presque Isle Bay, an important shipping and transportation hub. The park is open every day of the year and has a lot to offer, including eleven miles of beach and several hiking trails.
At the park’s entrance, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center features exhibits on local history and ecosystems. The center also facilitates a variety of activities and has a 75-foot-tall observation tower that you can admire from the surrounding parks and lakes. There are also stunning views of the lake from atop the Lighthouse on Presque Isle, which can be visited on a guided tour, as well as the lesser-known Lighthouse on North Pier.
Philadelphia Museum of Art (Attractions in Pennsylvania)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has one of the largest art collections in America and is also an iconic building in the city. The museum’s front steps are featured in all of the “Rocky movies, and from the top of these steps is a view over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the landmark City Hall tower. Inside, the museum’s permanent collection includes a variety of art, including an extensive European collection featuring works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Chagall, and Manet.
Fallingwater, Pennsylvania
Fallingwater is one of the most famous buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, known for its organic architecture that simultaneously harmonizes and contrasts with the natural world around it. Apart from the magnificent architecture, the collection of the former occupants of the house, the Kauffman family, is a major attraction. Sculptures large and small adorn the property inside and out, including pieces ranging from Mexican folk art to works by prominent Cubist sculptors.
The house features an eclectic collection that ranges from folk crafts to designer chairs. There is also an impressive international art collection that includes works by Picasso and Diego Rivera. The interior of the house can be seen via guided tours, and there is a cafe as well as a gift shop on the property.
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Valley Forge National Historical Park (Attractions in Pennsylvania)
Valley Forge stands as the ultimate symbol of the suffering, sacrifice, and victory of the American Revolutionary War. During the winter of 1777-78, the American army suffered about 2,000 casualties related to starvation, disease, and poor conditions after the British destroyed this major supply center. This piece of history is illustrated through exhibitions, tours, and films.
On-site are Washington Headquarters, the National Archives Memorial, and trails and recreation areas for visitors to enjoy. Located in the northwestern suburbs of Philadelphia, Valley Forge is an easy day trip from the city.
Phipps. Conservatory
This enormous complex is located in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, where the botanical gardens and amenities cover 15 acres. Donated to the city in 1893, the conservatory has grown to include 23 gardens in addition to the large 14-room greenhouse, which is home to an impressive collection of bonsai and orchids. The greenhouse also has several other permanent environments, including the Desert Room, which features cacti, and the Tropical Forest Conservation.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania
This small town in Lancaster County is renowned for its Amish railroad culture and history. One way to appreciate the area is to take a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, which offers a scenic 45-minute ride aboard the country’s oldest steam train. Coal-powered locomotives pass through Amish country and farms. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania displays historic railroad artifacts with more than 100 locomotives and cars from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Strasburg is also home to the National Toy Train Museum, which exhibits an extensive collection of model trains from 1800 to the present day, hands-on educational exhibits, and special events. True to the city’s love of trains, Traintown USA features a 1,700-square-foot model train layout complete with animated characters and 22 trains.
Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Just a short drive east of Lancaster on SR 340 is Intercourse, a quaint town with an old-fashioned country feel. One of the main attractions is the Old Country Store, where tourists can buy local crafts and delicious, freshly baked treats, as well as admire the handmade patchwork quilts at the Quilt Museum. On Main Street, tourists can hop on the train and visit People’s Place to learn about the history, traditions, and folk crafts of the local culture, including Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite.