Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Pennsylvania. #Top Attractions

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Making travel arrangements to visit Pennsylvania? For the best travel experience in Pennsylvania, check out our curated list of things to do in Pennsylvania and the best places to visit in Pennsylvania below. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.

One of the 13 founding colonies of the United States, Pennsylvania, is known as the “Keystone State.”

The Latin word for “woodland,” “Sylvania,” and the surname of Admiral Sir William Penn was combined by King James II to create the name.

Since its establishment as a state in 1787, it has been a must-see destination for history fans everywhere.

Several historical landmarks in Philadelphia include the Declaration of Independence’s signature and the Liberty Bell’s first ringing.

As a result of its rich history, the state of Pennsylvania is filled with tourist attractions.

Whether you’re looking for expansive gardens, beautiful architecture, or museums and art galleries, there’s no shortage of options.

Where should we begin?

To help you, we’ve compiled a list of exciting things to see and do in Pennsylvania.

Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol Museum Pennsylvania
Andy Warhol Museum Pennsylvania / Uncommon Fritillary / Flickr

The one-and-only famous artist Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and had a significant impact on the field of Pop Art.

From the time he was born until he died in 1987, the Andy Warhol Museum pays tribute to his long and renowned work and life.

It is the country’s largest museum devoted solely to one individual.

Tomato Soup Cans, Elvis and Marilyn: The Andy Warhol Museum is a great place to learn about the artist and his diverse body of work.

His life and times are commemorated in the exhibitions on display.

In addition to a huge collection of his artworks, the museum maintains an extensive archive of important materials about the famous artist.

Don’t miss the Andy Warhol Museum’s Factory section.

Learn and experiment with some of Warhol’s own unique methods for creating art in this workshop.

In art classes, teachers encourage students to experiment with acetate collages, silkscreens, and blotted line drawings.

Additionally, this venue hosts concerts and film screenings, as well as live music performances, lectures, and discussions.

This is one of Pennsylvania’s top 10 attractions for art enthusiasts and curious visitors.

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

Bicycle Heaven

Bicycle Heaven Pennsylvania
Bicycle Heaven Pennsylvania / Jeremy Thompson / Flickr

A working bicycle shop and the world’s largest cycling museum, Bicycle Heaven is one of Pennsylvania’s most unusual tourist attractions.

It’s a terrific area for cyclists, but it’s also worth checking even if you’re not into cycling.

Bicycle Heaven is exactly what its name implies, with more than 4,000 vintage and rare bikes on display.

You may expect to find bicycles and other collectibles on both floors of this two-story structure.

Bikes from Pee-Wee Herman’s show and A Beautiful Mind, as well as bobbleheads, Beatles, and Elvis-themed bikes, are on display.

Bowden Spacelanders, a Columbia Double Eagle, and an 1863 Boneshaker are among the more unusual models on display.

Bicycle Heaven is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pennsylvania because of its rental and sales of bicycles, as well as its repair services.

It is a family-run business that is open seven days a week.

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

As you explore the state of Pennsylvania, check out the best things to do for fun in USA.

Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art

Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art Pennsylvania, USA
Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

The historical value of Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania, is protected by the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art.

It prevents industrial development that would alter the landscape and devastate the character and water supplies.

The Brandywine Conservancy was established by local residents in 1967.

It has grown to conserve more than 64.500 acres of state land.

It is committed to educating the public about sustainable land use.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art was founded in 1971 and has since grown into one of the most popular tourist attractions.

There are works by Pyle, the Wyeths, Durand, West, Harnett, Chalfant, Stuart, Harberle, Richards, and Pippin and Richards and Harberle.

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

Pennsylvania is an amazing travel destination. Get the most out of your trip by adding Hershey and Scranton to your travel plans. Discover the best things to do in Hershey and the best things to do in Scranton.

Cave of Kelpius

Cave of Kelpius Pennsylvania, USA
Cave of Kelpius is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

The Cave of Kelpius is located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, one of the most beautiful states in the US.

It’s a hillside cave with one entrance marked by a stone frame.

The first mystic cult in America may have lived here in the 17th century.

It was in 1694 that Johannes Kelpius, a scholar and mystic, moved into the cave with 40 other men.

His interpretation of the Book of Revelation led him to assume the world would end that year.

The Society of the Lady of the Desert was named after a woman in Revelation who fled the end of the world to the wilderness.

In modern Pennsylvania, Hermit Lane marks the location of Hermit’s Glen in the Wissahickon.

The group used the Cave of Kelpius as a meeting place and observatory.

They stayed to study the skies, develop music and art, and even support the town after the world didn’t end.

After Kelpius’ death in 1708, the group split, with many staying to serve as attorneys and doctors.

The cave is mostly demolished now, with only the stone structure outside, but it is still a fascinating historical visit.

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

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pennsylvania, USA
Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

Andrew Carnegie was an industrialist and a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 1896, he built the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Scientists who found the first fossils of the Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur were housed here.

It’s a great destination to take the family to when you’re in Pennsylvania.

Natural history exhibits are scattered throughout the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

The museum also has the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils from the Jurassic period.

It also has the only known juvenile Apatosaurus fossils.

Even though dinosaurs are the highlight, archaeology, herpetology, and zoology are all included in the show.

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

Planning for a road trip to Pennsylvania? Do not miss out on what Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have to offer! Get more travel ideas here – the best things to do in Philadelphia and the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

Chanticleer

Chanticleer Wayne Pennsylvania
Chanticleer Wayne Pennsylvania / Esther Westerveld / Flickr

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s and America’s Garden Capital, is home to many attractions centered around gardens and gardening.

One of these is Chanticleer, a pleasure garden.

It was purchased by the Rosengarten family as a private estate in the early 20th century.

The 48-acre botanical gardens in Pennsylvania became a popular tourist destination and one of the state’s most beautiful spots.

As a result of the extensive lawns, ponds, different gardens, and forested areas, you’ll be able to see flora and fauna such as black-eyed Susans, decorative grass, and daisies.

Chanticleer features a wide variety of plants worldwide, allowing visitors to experience a fusion of indigenous and exotic flora.

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

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland Pennsylvania
Dutch Wonderland Pennsylvania / Jim, the Photographer / Flickr

Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Dutch Wonderland, dubbed the Kingdom for Kids, is a great family destination.

Founded in 1963, it is a 48-acre amusement park with a reputation for being one of the world’s best children’s theme parks.

Over 30 roller coasters and slides are found at Dutch Wonderland in Pennsylvania.

There are also several water parks, live shows, and a lot of fun things to do.

Bring the kids along this weekend; there will be lots of things to do to keep them entertained.

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

When you make travel plans to Pennsylvania, you have to visit the tourist attractions in Lancaster and Erie. Hop over to the best things to do in Lancaster and the best things to do in Erie to get the most out of your vacation to Pennsylvania!

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Pennsylvania
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Pennsylvania / RTLibrary / Flickr

As a Pennsylvania landmark, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is intriguing because Poe only lived there for a year.

With his wife in Philadelphia in 1843, he started writing “The Gold Bug” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” there.

A Poe fanatic bought the house and chose to turn it into a museum almost a century later.

The city of Philadelphia took possession of the fan after his death, and it has since been designated a National Historic Site.

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site has six exhibits, three of which are permanent and two rotate. These exhibits provide a comprehensive look at Poe’s life, times, and career.

One of the best things to do in Pennsylvania for literature fans is to visit here!

Address: 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, United States

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary Pennsylvania / Mike Graham / Flickr

The Eastern State Penitentiary resembles a castle, but it was used for a totally different purpose: to house criminals.

It’s a prison made of stone, with fortress-like archways and corridors, simple industrial-style watchtowers, and old “high-tech” fasteners used in its design.

It was constructed in 1829 and shut down in 1971, but it was a premier facility of its sort in the United States at the time of its demise.

In contrast to the Eastern State Penitentiary, most jails before it were used for business.

Corrupt officials, prostitutes, a lot of alcohol, and a lot of inmates who died before they were punished meant that there was little discipline in these places.

The Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons built the Eastern State Penitentiary to counter these “trends.”.

The $800,000 price tag on the structure made it one of the most expensive in the world at the time.

In its heyday, the Eastern State Penitentiary was a technologically advanced facility.

Before the President had more than a chamber pot, there were private toilets for convicts, as well as private exercise spaces, three filling meals a day, and gorgeous skylights in the rooms.

It indeed sounded like a paradise.

However, interaction with other inmates or guards was strictly prohibited.

Exercise, eating, and reading of the Bible—the only book permitted—were all done by the inmates by themselves alone.

Shoe covers were worn by the guards to make sure that the whole facility was kept completely quiet and private at all times.

Many of the inmates at the Eastern State Penitentiary would go insane from being held in solitary confinement for so long.

Eventually, due to overpopulation and the state’s separate prison system, the “New York System,” which allowed for social interaction among inmates, would be reinstated.

Those like Al Capone and Willie Sutton, who each had a luxurious cell, were able to be housed there because of the building’s sophisticated design.

As time went on, the Eastern State Penitentiary was mostly abandoned. In 1971, it was saved from being demolished.

As one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable monuments, it reopened in 1994 and now offers guided tours to anyone who’s interested.

This is a must-do activity in Pennsylvania, whether you want to learn about history, take pictures, or look for macabre clues.

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

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Eisenhower National Historic Site Pennsylvania, USA
Eisenhower National Historic Site is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

Located near the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Eisenhower National Historic Site was the farm and home of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

When the President and First Lady retired to this residence in 1961, it had served as a weekend and vacation retreat for them.

It was donated to the government in 1967.

Visiting the Eisenhower National Historic Site is like experiencing the President and his wife’s vacation.

Tours and lectures take you around the home, farm, gardens, putting green, barns, skeet range, and teahouse while educating you about Secret Service Operations and World War II…

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

Fallingwater

Fallingwater pennsylvania
Fallingwater Pennsylvania / Jonathan Lin / Flickr

The term “Fallingwater” comes from the way the structure actually looks.

In addition to being known as the Kaufmann Residence, it is widely regarded as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest private homes — and one of his finest designs overall!

It was built in 1935 and rests on Bear Run in Steward Township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, as one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions and vacation spots.

The construction of Fallingwater cost $155,000.

Organic architecture blends with the beauties of nature to create a harmonious relationship between the dwelling and its surroundings.

A total of $4,500 was spent on walnut wood furniture inside the home.

Fallingwater became an instant architectural landmark as soon as it was completed, and it has been the subject of numerous articles and publications ever since.

It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and the American Institute of Architects named it the best masterpiece of American architecture in 1991.

For a period, the Kauffman family lived in the beautiful Fallingwater house as their vacation home.

There were more than 50 leaks in the ceiling, but Wright refused to fix them, instead advising them to simply put a bucket beneath the leaks, which is what the home’s managers do now as an open public attraction since 1964.

In addition to being the sole significant work by Wright that is open to the public, the house has a number of innovative elements and components.

Throughout the years, the Kauffmans filled Fallingwater with art and artifacts that can still be admired by visitors today.

It’s a blend of styles, crafts, modern sculptures, and even designer furniture.

You’ll find a cast-iron Buddha head from 906, a Hindu fertility goddess sculpture from the 8th century, an Austrian-Bohemian Madonna from 1420, rare ceramics and sculptures, and Picasso and Diego Rivera collections.

The mansion is decorated with artwork from all around the world, including Mexico, Africa, and many more.

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

Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial Pennsylvania
Flight 93 National Memorial Pennsylvania / Governor Tom Wolf / Flickr

To honor the brave passengers and crew of United Flight 93, one of the hijacked flights on September 11, 2001, the Flight 93 National Memorial was built.

Four Al-Qaeda terrorists boarded the jet with the intent of bringing it down on the Capitol. Still, the crew foiled their plans and diverted the plane to a hill in Pennsylvania.

The plane was destroyed because of their bravery, but a worse catastrophe was prevented.

The Flight 93 National Memorial is a must-see for those interested in learning more about September 11, 2001. It features interactive exhibits, a walking trail, a memorial wall, and even recordings of passengers’ last phone calls to those back home before the plane went down.

It is a sobering experience.

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

Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park Pennsylvania / Ron Cogswell / Flickr

The Battle of Gettysburg took place at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania in 1863, resulting in the deaths of 51,000 people over the course of three days.

Hundreds of monuments and markers are spread out across the site to make sure that tourists don’t forget the people who died there.

Battles took place on Cemetery Ridge, Oak Ridge, and Seminary Ridge, which are all included within the Gettysburg National Military Park. 

On show are Rosensteel’s collection of Civil War weapons and uniforms, as well as his own personal belongings. at the Park Museum and Visitor Center.

There are numerous programs, festivals, equine paths, and reenactments. 

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

Hersheypark

Hersheypark Pennsylvania
Hersheypark Pennsylvania / Anthony G. Reyes / Flickr

Hersheypark is a family-friendly amusement park with much to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

It is located in the well-known Pennsylvania town of Hershey, which is closely associated with the well-known Hershey’s chocolate brand.

Hersheypark, a theme park covering 90 acres, is the town’s major draw.

It was first built in 1906 as a place for Hershey’s employees to have fun. It has since grown a lot!

Some of Hersheypark’s attractions include a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a water park, and bumper cars, as well as an amphitheater with a live performance.

Attractions and restaurants catering to a wide range of tastes may be found around the city.

When it comes to a fun day out in Pennsylvania, Hersheypark is hard to beat!

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

Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell

Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell Pennsylvania
Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell / U.S. Department of the Interior / Flickr

Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell are two of the most well-known sights in Pennsylvania.

The Declaration of Independence was signed here in the park, and the table George Washington used is still on-site for visitors to admire.

In addition, it has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Independence Hall, a red-brick Georgian building, is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park.

The building was constructed in 1763 and served as the state’s first legislature.

Nearby is the Liberty Bell Center, where a famed two-ton crack rests after it was rung in celebration of Independence Day in 1776.

Independence Mall, which has been extending northwards since 1948, is just beyond that point.

In addition to the cobblestone pathways and the Old City Hall, it lays out routes to ancient structures such as Carpenter’s Hall and Congress Hall.

Address: Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

Indian Echo Caverns

Indian Echo Caverns Pennsylvania
Indian Echo Caverns Pennsylvania / Todd Van Hoosear / Flickr

The Indian Echo Caverns are the epitome of what it means to be a tourist trap in Pennsylvania: crowded, overpriced, and overrun with slick salespeople.

However, despite this, the limestone caves are lovely enough to deserve a visit while you’re in the state of Pennsylvania.

In the beginning, it served as a place of refuge and storage for Susquehannock Indians, a hideaway for French fur trappers, and later a picturesque tourist attraction.

Even if its motivations aren’t entirely transparent, the caverns are a must-see attraction in the state, and their popularity has endured through both World War II and the Great Depression.

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

King of Prussia Mall

King of Prussia Mall Pennsylvania
King of Prussia Mall Pennsylvania / ajay_suresh / Flickr

The second-largest mall in the United States, King of Prussia Mall, is a terrific place to go shopping this weekend if you’re in Pennsylvania.

There are around 400 restaurants, boutiques, and shops spread out over 2.6 million square feet of space inside.

Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s are just a few well-known national chains to call the King of Prussia Mall home.

Further entertainment options include an iFLY skydiving center and a United Artists Theatre branch.

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

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Pennsylvania, USA
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

J. R. Tobias developed the Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in 1965 as a retirement hobby.

One of the most well-known icons of things to do in Pennsylvania has risen from a humble beginning!

Tobias had a soft spot for animals and farming, but in the end, he chose a more conventional career path.

He built the park himself, thanks to the skills he developed throughout his career.

More than 180,000 people visit Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Pennsylvania each year, operated by Tobias’ six children and one of his grandchildren.

A 500-gallon aquarium rides in open-air safari vehicles, themed facilities, exhibits for various animals, and more await you and your family at this park.

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

Lackawanna Coal Mine

Lackawanna Coal Mine Pennsylvania, USA
Lackawanna Coal Mine is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

The Lackawanna to Coal Mine near Scranton, Pennsylvania, was formerly an active coal mine and had a sordid past that lends the area a spooky vibe.

Children and adults worked in appalling, dangerous, and potentially deadly conditions in the mine’s passageways and tunnels.

On-site tours take you deep inside Lackawant to Coal Mine to see where the Clark Coal Vein lies.

Learn about anthracite extraction before moving to other veins that educate you about fault rooms, the fire boss and tiny vein work, and ventilation and air doors.

One of Pennsylvania’s most popular tourist attractions, the mine was closed in 1966 and reopened as a museum in 1978.

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

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens Pennsylvania / Jim, the Photographer / Flickr

For horticulture, Pennsylvania’s Longwood Gardens are unmatched—indeed, they’re one of the best in the country.

More than a million people visit each year on its 1,077-acre campus in the Brandywine Creek Valley.

A Quaker property, Longwood Gardens, was established in 1700.

Later, it became an arboretum, then a private mansion in 1906, with artifacts and architecture inspired by the World Fair still open to the public. 

The King of the Conservatory, Encephalartos woodii, which is now extinct, and the Waterlily Display, which features nine pools of various water-based flora, are among the attractions.

All of the Longwood Gardens’ 20 outdoor gardens have more than 11,000 different types of plants, and the conservatory has another 5,000 types.

As many as a dozen greenhouses and other collections show plants from South Africa and Australia, like the Acacia Passage and the Palm House.

Longwood Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

For nature lovers, it is unquestionably one of the best spots in Pennsylvania.

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

Mütter Museum

Mütter Museum Pennsylvania, USA
Mütter Museum is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

Within the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, you’ll find the Mütter Museum, one of Pennsylvania’s most intriguing tourist attractions.

Founded in 1858, it is a medical museum filled with bizarre, fascinating, and stomach-churning displays of body parts, anatomical anomalies, and other gory specimens.

The Mütter Museum has a lot of interesting artifacts on show, but the majority of them are weirdly fascinating.

In Harry Eastlack’s case, for example, his bones were found to have been affected by a condition called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, which is extremely unusual.

When his delicate connective tissue ossified, his bones fused together, preventing him from moving.

When the body began to decompose, it began to create a waxy substance that was so unusual that it had to be excavated.

It also has 2,000 items from the Chevalier Jackson Foreign Body Collection, very detailed wax models of conjoined twin skeletons, a piece of bone from John Wilkes Booth, and the plaster cast of the famous Siamese Twins Eng and Chang Bunker.

A collection of 46 microscope slides of Einstein’s brain is the most popular feature of the Mütter Museum.

Thomas Harvey, a pathologist, saved Einstein’s brain from the cremation ashes.

A long battle to keep it allowed scientists to study it.

Researchers discovered in Einstein’s brain in the 1980s that his genius may have come from or been caused by the structure of his brain.

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

Mount Moriah Cemetery

Mount Moriah Cemetery Pennsylvania
Mount Moriah Cemetery Pennsylvania / trenttsd / Flickr

A lot of Mount Moriah Cemetery was destroyed during World War II, but now the cemetery is one of the most interesting things to see in Southwest Philadelphia.

A Romanesque brick gateway, Gothic mausoleums, and a 400-acre expansion to make it the largest cemetery in Pennsylvania were some of the initial features.

That the cemetery is unowned may explain, in part, why it was left to crumble.

Once, Mount Moriah Cemetery looked like it was going to be reclaimed by nature because of its decaying monuments and crumbling headstones.

Because of this, the local non-profit organization Friends of Mount Moriah came to the rescue.

Most of the cemetery has been cleaned up and reopened to people who want to see it for a relaxing but also somber experience.

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

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle Pennsylvania
Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle Pennsylvania / Jim Griffin / Flickr

The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle are close together, making them two of the top locations to visit in Pennsylvania.

Henry Chapman Mercer, a notable collector, tile manufacturer, and archaeologist, lived at Fonthill.

He conceptualized every room in the house, from the exterior to the interior.

Fonthill Castle, completed in 1912, is entirely made of poured concrete, ornate.

Mercer used pure concrete because he was afraid of fires after he lost his medieval armor in the Great Boston Fire.

In order to demonstrate the efficiency of such a structure, he built a massive bonfire on an upper terrace and let it rage, high enough for all of Doylestown to see.

However, Mercer was “crazy” – or at least out of character for his Pennsylvania community.

The awkwardly designed Fonthill Castle expresses his own dislike for “false taste” and “ugliness”.

32 stairs, 8 bedrooms, roof pitch, vaulted ceilings, and unpainted walls…

The Mercer Museum nearby has several “typical American” tools from the 18th to 19th centuries.

Whalers’ boats, butchers’ tools, a bogus vampire hunting kit, and more.

There are 55 rooms in the museum that are dedicated to pre-industrial skills like farming, metalwork, woodwork, and sewing. 

Strange items include unusual fire engines, a whaleboat, gallows, and stove plates.

The museum started in 1916 and since then has added a children’s section on the top floor.

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

National Civil War Museum

National Civil War Museum Pennsylvania, USA
National Civil War Museum is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

The National Civil War Museum in Pennsylvania is a must-see for history buffs.

The museum houses 24,000 artifacts and relics that tell the story of the American Civil War across two floors and 17 galleries.

As a Smithsonian affiliate, you can rest assured that the National Civil War Museum performs an excellent job of presenting the conflict’s history.

After the war’s end in 1865, galleries tell the Civil War’s story, beginning in 1850 with the tensions that led up to the conflict and continuing until 1876, when they illustrate the aftermath.

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

Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex

Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex / Ken Lund / Flickr

For visitors to Pennsylvania, the State Capitol Complex is a logical destination.

Multiple tourist attractions and government facilities can be found within its 45-acre perimeter.

It has a 52 million-pound dome based on the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome. It was constructed in 1906 and sits atop the main structure.

The main building of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is made of Vermont granite and features a large chunk of bronze-plated double doors.

Guided tours are available, but they should be planned in advance.

With its stunning architecture and several memorials, including the Soldier’s Grove Quadrangle and the state’s War Veterans Memorial Fountain, the area is a must-see for visitors.

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

Penn’s Cave

Penn’s Cave Pennsylvania
Penn’s Cave Pennsylvania / daveynin / Flickr

Penn’s Cave, a quarter-mile-long subterranean watercourse near Lake Nitanee’s inlet, is located in Pennsylvania’s Gregg Township.

Overlooking the city, it has a 55-foot roof and seven buildings to explore.

Penn’s Cave House, an office for tours but also a private home, is the centerpiece of the limestone cavern, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Boats are the ideal mode of transportation for exploring the lengthy cave, which takes you through magnificent limestone formations, a working farm with cattle, a wildlife park, a bat colony, old houses, and the area’s geology and natural plants and animals.

From the Statue of Liberty to Angel’s Wing to the Garden of Gods, Penn’s Cave in Pennsylvania has a lot to offer visitors.

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

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Pennsylvania / Jennifer Boyer / Flickr

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania.

In addition to being a non-profit organization, the gardens also house a gallery of Isaiah Zagar’s work and are home to his largest public art installation.

Zagar began renovating South Street after moving here with his wife in the late 1960s.

They helped revitalize the area by buying and renovating derelict homes and decorating them with vibrant mosaics.

Their first project was the Eyes Gallery, which is still open and thriving.

The Magic Gardens were built in 1994 on a vacant lot near Zagar’s studio.

In total, it took him 14 years to complete 3,000 square feet of space, excavating grottos and tunnels.

Colorful tiles, textures, and random objects fill half a block in Pennsylvania.

There are live entertainment and public seminars hosted by the guy himself, Zagar!

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

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park Pennsylvania
Presque Isle State Park Pennsylvania / daveynin / Flickr

Presque Isle State Park is a worthwhile stop if you seek more peaceful and cost-free activities in Pennsylvania.

The 3,200 acres of land on Presque Isle Bay’s peninsula are home to several hiking trails and a staggering 11 kilometers of coastline.

Presque Isle State Park has a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

In addition to the usual beach activities, you may also go swimming, kite flying, sea glass collecting, and seeing live performances.

A 75-foot observation platform is available at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center near the park’s entrance.

Visitors may learn about the area’s ecology and history and take in the stunning views.

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

Phipps Conservatory

Phipps Conservatory Pennsylvania
Phipps Conservatory Pennsylvania / sk / Flickr

Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is home to the expansive Phipps Conservatory.

The main conservatory building has 14 rooms and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It covers 15 acres.

As a gift to the city, Henry Phipps gave the land in 1893. He was a real estate and steel tycoon at the time.

All visitors are encouraged to learn and enjoy themselves at the Phipps Conservatory.

In addition to the conservatory glasshouse, it features 23 gardens, including a rooftop edible garden, a children’s garden, and a Japanese garden, as well as a center for sustainable landscapes.

The Phipps Conservatory glasshouse has 14 rooms filled with exotic plants from throughout the world.

Spices, orchids, palm trees, tropical fruits, ferns, bonsai, and even a Desert Room with cacti and a Tropical Forest Conservatory that feels like it’s on the other side of the world from the state are all part of the experience.

For nature-lovers, this is one of the best locations to visit in Pennsylvania, thanks to themed flower presentations, special events, and a stunning chandelier!

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

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Museum of Art Pennsylvania / Domenico Convertini / Flickr

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a national treasure thanks to its prominent position in the Rocky films, and it houses one of the country’s finest and largest collections of art.

It has more than 227,000 pieces of art, from American to European and Asian art.

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

Cézanne, Dali, Chagall, Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Matisse are just a few of the great artists whose works may be found in this museum.

Because it is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular attractions for art lovers, you can expect to find works from the French Impressionist era, as well as the Renaissance and Medieval eras, as well as modern periods at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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

Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo / Jim, the Photographer / Flickr

One must visit the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania because it is America’s oldest zoo!

One hundred and twenty-four acres in Pennsylvania’s Fairmount Park are home to more than 1,300 species, many of which are rare.

All kinds of species can be found at the Philadelphia Zoo, from snakes to tigers to camels to ponies to parrots to lorikeets.

The Amazon Rainforest Carousel, for example, is a great way to keep things interesting.

Attractions like Zoo 360, which has raised mesh walkways where animals move above your head, are extremely popular.

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

Rodin Museum

Rodin Museum Pennsylvania
Rodin Museum Pennsylvania / Aimée Knight / Flickr

The Rodin Museum is located in Philadelphia.

It was opened in 1929 as a gift from a patron named Jules Mastbaum.

In comparison to the more general Museum of Art, this one specializes entirely in the work of sculptor Auguste Rodin. 

The Rodin Museum houses more than 150 sculptures from Rodin’s career and life.

There are more paintings by him in this collection than anywhere else outside of Paris.

It’s a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building set in classic French gardens, and inside are more of Rodin’s interesting and witty sculptures.

A famous sculpture called The Thinker is right outside the museum in Pennsylvania. It’s important for people who visit to see it.

Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art if you’re a fan of art or just want to learn more about it.

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

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market Pennsylvania
Reading Terminal Market Pennsylvania / Julen Iturbe-Ormaetxe / Flickr

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

It is open to the public seven days a week.

Reading Terminal’s former train shed has been home to more than a hundred businesses since 1893, and it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1995.

One of the best ways to get a feel for local life in Pennsylvania is to visit Reading Terminal Market.

On a daily basis, baked goods, home-cooked meals, ethnic food, crafts, artisanal cheese, ice cream, and homemade chocolate are all available.

Besides books, cookbooks, preserves, meat and fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, kitchen tools and other things for the kitchen, candy, clothing, and other jewelry are also for sale.

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

Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Pennsylvania, USA
Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

In Pennsylvania, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area promotes, celebrates, and teaches others about Pittsburgh’s steel-making heritage.

The vast area comprises various valleys and rivers. It is a fantastic Pennsylvania site to visit, especially if you appreciate industrial history.

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area was established in 1988 to preserve the region’s past and culture and the complex emotions that come with it, ranging from sentiment to wrath, despair to pessimism.

The nonprofit organization that grew out of this would go on to document the stories of those who worked in the steel industry and the complexities of that industry – the good, the terrible, and the ugly.

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

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania / Doug Kerr / Flickr

Locomotive enthusiasts should check out the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

It is dedicated to preserving the history of railroads in Pennsylvania that opened in 1975.

Over 100 antique train cars and locomotives can be discovered on its 18-acre property in the Amish countryside.

The museum has housed more than 17,000 items relating to the locomotives that ply the rails.

Exhibits include a tour of a train car, locomotive simulations, and a tour of a restoration facility.

An extensive library of historical documents is available for research.

Address: 300 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579, United States

Randyland

Randyland Pennsylvania
Randyland Pennsylvania / fatherspoon / Flickr

Randyland, a museum of contemporary art established by Pittsburgh-based artist and neighborhood renovator Randy Gilson, seems a universe away from the rest of the state.

These vivid and appealing psychedelic designs and upcycled artwork are Gilson’s own personal labor of love.

Central Northside has been revitalized thanks to his efforts.

At Randyland, you’ll find a wide variety of brilliantly colored and well-placed items.

The lawn is littered with pink flamingos, toy dinosaurs, and mannequins, scattered throughout the landscape.

This is one of the most unusual and gorgeous sites to visit in Pennsylvania, and the fact that it’s free adds to that attraction!

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

State Museum of Pennsylvania

State Museum of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, USA
State Museum of Pennsylvania is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

Pennsylvania’s history and culture are the primary focus of the State Museum.

The main hall of the museum features a huge statue of William Penn, which is why it’s also called the “William Penn Memorial Museum.”

It’s one of Harrisburg’s most popular attractions, and a good place to start if you want to learn more about the state.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania is spread across four floors and contains more than three million artifacts.

From prehistoric times to the present day, these artifacts and relics cover a wide range of topics and time periods.

A planetarium offers shows like Solar Superstorms, Dynamic Earth, and Grossology and You.

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

Sight and Sound Theatres

Sight and Sound Theatres Pennsylvania
Sight and Sound Theatres Pennsylvania / Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau / Flickr

One of the few Sight and Sound Theatres in the US, the one in Pennsylvania, is a must-see for everyone in the area.

One of the main goals of this Christian theatrical company is to present biblical stories in vibrant productions that feature lavish costumes, scenery, and special effects.

The Sight and Sound Theatres in Pennsylvania attract more than a million visitors each year, earning the nickname “Christian Broadway.”

All kinds of Biblical stories are brought to life in elaborate productions that feature magnificent scenery and costumes, live animals trained for the role, and a 300-foot stage with 2,000 seats.

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

Susquehanna Art Museum

Susquehanna Art Museum Pennsylvania, USA
Susquehanna Art Museum is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

The Susquehanna Art Museum is Pennsylvania’s only specialized art museum.

It was formed in 1989 by art experts and exhibits work by both local and foreign artists.

The Susquehanna Art Museum has a lot to offer, with shows like Towards a New/Old Architecture, Found in Translation, The Edgeless Divide, Quilts 20/20, and pieces by Bearden and Picasso.

The museum relocated to a new location in 2015 and has thrived ever since—a must-see stop on your sightseeing trips!

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

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden Pennsylvania
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden Pennsylvania / Al R / Flickr

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden are located close to the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania.

In spite of being one of the country’s best Japanese designs, it is rather a hidden gem.

For the House in the Garden display at the Museum of Modern Art, the name “Shofuso” roughly translates to “Pine Breeze Villa.”

Architect Junzo Yoshimura created the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Japan in 1953.

The following year, Japan gave it to the United States as a gift, and it was shipped and assembled in New York.

While it remained in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art for a time, the show closed in 1958, and it was relocated to the city of Philadelphia.

Shoin-zukuri architecture and proportions guided the construction of the Japanese-style Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Kyoto.

Hinoki bark had to be ordered from the National Forestry Agency of Japan in order to cover the roof, which has a kitchen, tea room, and bathing in it.

A koi pond and an island can be seen in the gardens, which also feature a tea garden and an outdoor patio.

For years, the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden were left in a state of deterioration due to vandalism and abandonment.

A total of 20 of Hiroshi Senju’s murals were donated to the grounds as part of the renovations in 2007.

Since then, the area has been revitalized and has become one of the state’s most popular tourist sites.

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

Steamtown National Historic Site

Steamtown National Historic Site Pennsylvania
Steamtown National Historic Site Pennsylvania / Ken Lund / Flickr

One of the best places to learn about early steam railroad development and its pioneers is Steamtown National Historic Site.

The New Jersey seafood mogul F. Nelson Blount collection is housed here in an abandoned railroad yard in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Train wheels and the ground shake as one-ton driving rods propel the train through Steamtown National Historic Site while chuffing out of smokestacks.

There are interactive exhibitions, theaters, operational roundhouses, repair shops, and even archives to recreate the fantastic 1920s age of steam trains.

Locomotive lovers have just one other option in Pennsylvania: come here!

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

The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park

The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park Pennsylvania, USA
The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

In search of musical activities in Pennsylvania? 

Come to the Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park and bring your own hammers.

J. J. Ott played a concert for the Buckwampum Historical Society in 1890. That’s when he first “discovered” it by hitting stones with a hammer to make bell-like sounds.

The boulders had been taken from Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, or Ringing Rocks Park, as it is today.

The field of rocks covers 7 acres and is more than 10 feet deep.

Scientists discovered in 1965 that all of the rocks in this area had distinct tones, even if they were not audible to the human ear.

There is still no answer to the question of why the bells ring.

Strange enough, when one rock is separated from the rest of the group, musical ability will be lost. 

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

The Hershey Story

The Hershey Story Pennsylvania
The Hershey Story Pennsylvania / Todd Van Hoosear / Flickr

To give visitors a better idea of how Milton Hershey, the man behind Hershey’s chocolate, got his start, there is a museum called The Hershey Story.

As one of the numerous Hershey-themed attractions in the state, it offers an enlightening, fun-for-the-whole-family look into the life and times of Milton S. Hershey.

The Hershey Story features a wide range of exhibits, many of which are interactive, that tell the story of Hershey, the history of chocolate, and even how to manufacture your own chocolate.

Do not forget to take advantage of the chocolate taste tests, which include sweets from Pennsylvania as well as the rest of the United States and even other countries!

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

The Franklin Institute and The Foucault Pendulum

The Franklin Institute and The Foucault Pendulum Pennsylvania
The Franklin Institute and The Foucault Pendulum Pennsylvania / Karen Green / Flickr

The Franklin Institute is a well-known science museum that serves as a major hub for scientific education and research in Pennsylvania.

It is home to a National Memorial to Benjamin Franklin, as well as a variety of engaging permanent displays that delve into a variety of scientific themes, as well as a number of fascinating and exciting temporary exhibits.

Even if science museums aren’t your favorite thing to do in Pennsylvania, you should visit the Franklin Institute to check out the Foucault Pendulum.

It is a gigantic four-story creation that has hung in the institute’s ceiling for the past 80 years.

Such buildings were formerly popular at scientific museums, believe it or not!

Léon Foucault created the first pendulum of this type in 1851, when he built a 67-foot heavy pendulum and hung it from a ceiling over a circular protractor.

Throughout the day, the device appeared to swing in a circle, though it was not moving — it was the earth’s rotation beneath it that moved.

This was Foucault’s brilliant way of demonstrating that the Earth spins on its axis.

The Franklin Institute’s Foucault Pendulum is now a terrific chance to see the experiment for yourself.

It took 11 guys to install and hangs from an 85-foot wire!

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

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

The Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation Pennsylvania
The Barnes Foundation Pennsylvania / Kaitlin / Flickr

The Barnes Foundation is a world-class art gallery that was started in 1922 by the name Albert Barnes. It has a lot of great pieces of art.

Barnes, a chemist who made his fortune through drug research, fell in love with art and spent most of his income acquiring the works on show here.

The gallery was created to feel more like an affluent Pennsylvania home than a museum or art collection, and it is one of the top places to visit in Pennsylvania for art aficionados.

Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Cezanne, Rubes, El Greco, Rubens, Picasso, and Manet are among the greats represented at the Barnes Foundation, with works spanning Impressionist, Modernist, African art, and many more styles.

Barnes’ particular “wall ensembles” method is used to arrange the eclectic collection.

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

The Weeping Glass

The Weeping Glass Pennsylvania, USA
The Weeping Glass is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

Visit The Weeping Glass in Pennsylvania if you’re seeking more bizarre things to do.

In Allentown, you’ll find this shop offering strange and macabre collectibles. It has a gloomy and foreboding atmosphere with a wide variety of oddities.

Objects, art, and oddities from all around the globe are shown in the Weeping Glass.

Bones, taxidermy, bizarre glass-preserved things, antiquities, and weird art are some of the treasures on display.

The Midnight Death Parlor is a monthly event where a performer delivers a dark, terrifying story as the audience consumes specially selected appetizers and drinks suited to the story.

Taxidermy lessons and fortune-telling Tarot readings are also available!

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

Trundle Manor: House of Oddities

Trundle Manor: House of Oddities Pennsylvania, USA
Trundle Manor: House of Oddities is one of the best places to go in Pennsylvania, USA

If you enjoy the unusual, Trundle Manor is a must-see in Pennsylvania, and it’s a top choice for spooky attractions.

On the exterior, it appears to be a regular Pittsburgh house in Swissvale, but upon closer inspection, the presence of coffins on the porch alerts onlookers to the peculiar.

Trundle Manor houses an odd and eerie collection of relics and things.

Vintage taxidermy of bizarre merged species such as the pigeon shark and rat bird, numerous dead things in jars, and rusted weaponry are just a few of the many collected objects.

The exhibition halls are filled with antique medical gadgets, coffins, art, steampunk sculptures, animal skulls, gas masks, and much more!

Anton Miriello and Rachel Rech live at Trundle Manor, an artist’s residency.

To tour, you must phone ahead of time and book an appointment for your trip to Pennsylvania.

However, the extra “hassle” is well worth it!

There is no admission price, but a gift of some type is expected, which can take the shape of cash, booze, refreshments, or even your own donatable weirdness.

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

Valley Forge National Historic Park

Valley Forge National Historic Park Pennsylvania
Valley Forge National Historic Park Pennsylvania / Kelly Verdeck / Flickr

The battlefields of Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge National Historic Park serve as a reminder of the American Revolutionary War’s hardships, triumphs, and great victory.

The Continental Army spent the winter of 1777 to 1778 in makeshift log huts hereafter British forces destroyed their supply depot.

Around 2,000 soldiers perished as a result of the harsh weather, malnutrition, and disease they suffered.

The home of George Washington is open to the public and provides a reminiscence of the past.

The 3,500-acre Valley Forge National Historic Park is home to numerous tours, a National Memorial Arch, numerous recreational trails and areas, and amenities including restrooms and a canteen.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring and sightseeing in Pennsylvania is a wonderful pastime.

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

Wharton Esherick Museum

Wharton Esherick Museum Pennsylvania
Wharton Esherick Museum Pennsylvania / Wharton Esherick Museum / Flickr

The Wharton Esherick Museum is a place to learn about the work and life of Wharton Esherick, a designer and sculptor who had a big impact on the Studio Furniture Movement of the 20th century.

The museum is on 12 acres of land, and it was built on the site of the artist’s old hilltop home.

To top it all off, the museum has been designated as a National Historic Landmark for Architecture.

Esherick worked with wood and made all kinds of architectural and furniture designs that used natural, flowing patterns in a lovely way.

He built the house here in this quiet spot over the course of 40 years, commencing his construction in 1926 in the woods of Pennsylvania.

His aesthetic, which ranged from the rough roots of Arts and Crafts to the smooth Modernist designs.

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

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

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Wagner Free Institute of Science Pennsylvania
Wagner Free Institute of Science Pennsylvania / Allison Meier / Flickr

In addition to free lectures and workshops, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is one of the top destinations in Pennsylvania for serious scientific learning and research.

The first informal science classes were given by William Wagner himself, who taught from his house.

Wagner established the Wagner Free Institute of Science to accommodate the growing number of students enrolled in his courses.

The man’s own natural history collections were on display, while Wager’s classes went on as usual.

As a biologist and Wagner’s advocate for universal access to education, Joseph Leidy, who died after Wagner’s death, continued his legacy.

Still undecided on visiting Pennsylvania? Visit why visit Pennsylvania at least once in your lifetime here.

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

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