Pennsylvania Top Attractions

Pennsylvania Top Attractions - A Guide to the Keystone State's Best Places to Visit

Pennsylvania, located in the United States' northeastern region, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the picturesque countryside of Lancaster County, there's something for everyone to explore. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the top attractions in Pennsylvania, including historic landmarks, cultural institutions, outdoor adventures, family-friendly destinations, and natural wonders. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, thrill seeker, or nature enthusiast, you'll find plenty of reasons to visit the Keystone State. So, let's get started!

Must-see Attractions in Philadelphia

Independence Hall

• Address: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April through October) and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November through March)
• Admission: Free, but tickets are required and can be reserved in advance through the National Park Service website
• What to expect: Visitors can take a guided tour of the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. The tour includes the Assembly Room, where the signing took place, as well as exhibits on the history of the building and its significance.

Liberty Bell Center

• Address: 6th Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• Hours: Open year-round from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April through October) and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November through March)
• Admission: Free
• What to expect: The Liberty Bell Center is home to the iconic Liberty Bell, which visitors can view up close and learn about its history through interactive exhibits and videos. Rangers from the National Park Service are also available to answer questions and provide additional context.

Reading Terminal Market

• Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• What to expect: Reading Terminal Market is a bustling indoor market that has operated since 1893. It features over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to baked goods, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can graze on samples from various vendors or sit down for a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes inside the market.

Pittsburgh's Top Attractions

Andy Warhol Museum

• Address: 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Tuesdays when it is closed
• Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, free for children under 3 years old
• What to expect: As the largest museum in the United States dedicated to a single artist, the Andy Warhol Museum showcases the life and work of one of Pittsburgh's most famous sons. The museum features a vast collection of Warhol's artwork, including paintings, prints, photographs, films, and exhibits of his life and legacy.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

• Address: 1 Schenley Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
• Admission: $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and students, $14.95 for children ages 2-18, free for children under 2 years old
• What to expect: With over a dozen different gardens and a stunning glass conservatory, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-see attraction for nature lovers. The gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers from around the world, including orchids, palms, and succulents. The conservatory also hosts rotating exhibits and installations throughout the year.

Mount Washington

• Address: 1200 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• What to expect: Offering breathtaking views of the city skyline, Mount Washington is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can ride up the Duquesne Incline or the Monongahela Incline, two historic cable cars that climb the mountain, and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck. There are also several hiking trails and scenic overlooks along the mountain.

Outdoor Adventures in Pennsylvania

Niagara Falls

• Location: Located on the border of New York and Ontario, Canada, accessible from Pennsylvania via Interstate 90
• Height: 175 feet
• Width: 2,800 feet
• Volume: 75 million gallons per minute
• Best time to visit: May to September for warm weather and peak water flow

Bushkill Falls

• Location: Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
• Height: 100 feet
• Width: Varies depending on water flow
• Volume: 15,000 gallons per minute
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for peak water flow

Hiking in the Pocono Mountains

• Location: Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
• Trails: Over 260 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging
• Features: Scenic views, waterfalls, wildlife, and historic sites
• Best time to visit: Year-round, but fall foliage is particularly popular

Historic Sites in Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park

• Location: Gettysburg, PA
• Significance: Site of the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War
• Features: Memorials, monuments, and markers throughout the battlefield, plus a visitor center and museum
• Interesting fact: The park contains over 1,300 monuments, memorials, and markers, including the famous Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

• Location: King of Prussia, PA
• Significance: Site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the American Revolutionary War
• Features: Reconstructed log cabins, memorials, and monuments, plus a visitor center and museum
• Interesting fact: During the harsh winter of 1777-78, George Washington's troops endured cold conditions, disease, and hunger while stationed at Valley Forge. Despite these hardships, the army remained united and ultimately emerged victorious.

Eastern State Penitentiary

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Significance: First prison in the United States to use solitary confinement as a form of punishment
• Features: Crumbling cellblocks, solitary confinement cells, and a haunting atmosphere
• Interesting fact: Once notorious criminals like Al Capone were housed, the Eastern State Penitentiary was known for its radical approach to criminal reform, emphasizing isolation and repentance rather than physical punishment. Today, it's considered one of the most haunted places in America.

Cultural Attractions in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Museum of Art

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Collection: Over 227,000 works of art, including European, American, and Asian pieces
• Highlights: Iconic steps from the movie "Rocky," impressive collections of Impressionist and Modern art, and a diverse selection of contemporary art
• Interesting fact: The museum's iconic steps have become popular for wedding proposals, with over 1,000 couples getting engaged yearly.

Carnegie Science Center

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Exhibits: Permanent exhibitions include a planetarium, a submarine that guests can tour, and interactive science exhibits
• Highlights: The science center offers a range of hands-on experiences, including a robot exhibition, a laser show, and a simulation of a coal mine
• Interesting fact: The Carnegie Science Center is named after Andrew Carnegie, who founded the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which funded the construction of over 2,500 libraries across the United States.

Lancaster Central Market

• Location: Lancaster, PA
• Established: 1730
• Vendors: Over 60 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and handmade crafts
• Highlights: Authentic Amish and Mennonite foods, locally made quilts and crafts, and a lively atmosphere
• Interesting fact: Lancaster Central Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the United States, with roots dating back to the early 18th century.

Family-friendly Attractions in Pennsylvania

Sesame Place

• Location: Langhorne, PA
• Target audience: Children aged 2-12 and their families
• Attractions: Themed rides, shows, and water attractions based on the popular Sesame Street franchise
• Highlights: Meet-and-greets with Sesame Street characters, live shows, and a giant playground structure
• Interesting fact: Sesame Place is the only theme park in the United States specifically designed for young children and their families.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Attractions: Roller coasters, water slides, and other amusement park rides and attractions
• Highlights: Classic wooden roller coaster, steel roller coaster with loops and corkscrews, and a lazy river
• Interesting fact: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom has operated since 1884, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.

Please Touch Museum

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Target audience: Children aged 1-12 and their families
• Attractions: Interactive exhibits and play areas focused on arts, sciences, and imagination
• Highlights: A miniature city called "City Capers," a fairytale garden, and a space exploration area
• Interesting fact: Please Touch Museum was founded in 1976 and was one of the first children's museums in the United States.

Natural Wonders in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

• Location: McConnells Mill State Park, Portersville, PA
• Description: A deep, narrow gorge carved by the Slippery Rock Creek, featuring steep walls, rock formations, and waterfalls
• Length: Approximately 1,000 feet
• Depth: Up to 200 feet
• Interesting fact: The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East Coast" due to its similarities to the Grand Canyon in Arizona

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

• Location: Kempton, PA
• Description: A mountain ridge renowned for its annual hawk migration, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world
• Elevation: 1,000 to 1,500 feet above sea level
• Interesting fact: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is home to over 20 species of raptors, including bald eagles, osprey, and falcons

Cook Forest State Park

• Location: Cooksburg, PA
• Description: An ancient forest featuring towering trees, including some of the tallest and oldest eastern hemlocks in the world
• Age: Estimated to be over 1,000 years old
• Interesting fact: Cook Forest State Park is sometimes referred to as the "Forest Cathedral" due to its towering trees and peaceful atmosphere

Map of Pennsylvania

The map of Pennsylvania is a useful tool for navigating the state's diverse regions and planning travel itineraries. The map highlights major cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as smaller towns and rural areas. It also features important transportation routes, including interstates, highways, and airports. Additionally, the map showcases Pennsylvania's varied landscape, including mountains, valleys, and rivers. Visitors can use the map to plan outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing or to explore the state's many historical sites and cultural attractions. Whether you're looking to explore the urban centers or escape into the countryside, the map of Pennsylvania provides a helpful guide for any traveler.