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Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg
- Knoebels Amusement Resort is an amusement park located in Elysburg
- Established in 1926, it is known as America's largest free-admission amusement park
- The park features over 60 rides and attractions, offering a mix of rides, including coasters, kid's rides, and water attractions, as well as a swimming pool
Gettysburg National Military Park
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Gettysburg National Military Park is located in Gettysburg, that preserves the landscape of the Battle of Gettysburg, which occurred from July 1 to July 3, 1863
- The park commemorates the site as the largest battle fought during the Civil War, which resulted in a significant Union victory
- The park was established in 1895 and has since been a site for education and remembrance of the events and sacrifices made during the battle
- Visitors can explore the battlefield and visit The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center which provides resources, artifact exhibits, and films related to the battle
National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg
- The National Civil War Museum, located in Harrisburg, is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the American Civil War
- The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including weaponry, uniforms, personal letters, and medical equipment from both Union and Confederate forces
Hawk Falls Trail, Hickory Run State Park
Walk difficulty: easy
- Hawk Falls Trail is a hiking trail located in Hickory Run State Park, that leads to Hawk Falls, a scenic 25-foot tall waterfall situated near the confluence of Hawk and Mud Run
- Hikers can view the forest setting, featuring towering trees and rhododendrons along the path
#26 in Best Easy Hikes in the USA
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
- Longwood Gardens is a renowned public garden located in Kennett Square, featuring formal gardens, woodlands, and open meadows, along winding paths
- It was established by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont in the early 20th century, initially to preserve a collection of historic trees
- Today, it is celebrated as one of the world's premier horticultural display gardens
The Amish Farm And House, Lancaster
- The Amish Farm and House is a historical attraction located in Lancaster, established in 1955
- It offers visitors an authentic experience of Amish culture and lifestyle through guided tours
- Visitors can tour an 18th-century farmhouse that was once home to an Amish family, and is notable for being the first Amish tour site in the United States
Presque Isle State Park, Millcreek Township
- Presque Isle State Park is a park located on a sandy peninsula that extends into Lake Erie
- It is known as Pennsylvania's only "seashore" and features a coastline along with a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating
- Presque Isle is recognized as a prime location for birdwatching, being situated on the Atlantic Flyway, which makes it a favored stop for migratory birds
Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope
- Bucks County Playhouse is a renowned theater located in New Hope, that was founded in 1939 in a converted gristmill dating back to 1790
- The playhouse serves as a significant venue for theatrical productions, often showcasing plays that are considered for Broadway
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Best time to visit: March-May
- Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic former prison located in Philadelphia
- It opened in 1829 and is recognized as the first true penitentiary, designed to encourage penitence among inmates through solitary confinement, which were designed to promote reflection and remorse
- The prison was notable for its innovative architecture, featuring running water and central heating before these amenities were standard in many homes, including the White House
- The penitentiary was an architectural marvel of its time, with a radial design that allowed guards to monitor inmates from a central location
- Among its infamous inmates was Al Capone, who served time there in the 1920s
Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
Best time to visit: March-May
- Reading Terminal Market is a historic indoor public market located in Philadelphia
- Established in 1892, it serves as a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of food, groceries, and shopping options
- The market hosts over 80 merchants, providing everything from fresh produce and meats to baked goods, cheeses, and international cuisine, and it is particularly famous for its cheesesteaks
- The market frequently hosts special events, including food tours that allow visitors to explore its culinary offerings
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Best time to visit: March-May
- Independence Hall is a historic building located in Philadelphia, and is a key symbol of American democracy
- Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and signed, making it a pivotal site in the founding of the United States
- The hall was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House in the 18th century, with construction starting in 1732, which is reflected in its Georgian architectural style
Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence located in Philadelphia
- Originally known as the State House Bell, it was commissioned in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall)
- The bell is famous for its distinctive crack, which developed over time and has become a significant part of its history
- The Liberty Bell represents freedom and justice, particularly associated with the abolitionist movement, which adopted it as a symbol in their campaign against slavery
- The bell rang to mark important events, including the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776
- Over the years, the Liberty Bell has become a global symbol of liberty and has been referenced in various movements advocating for civil rights
#51 in Best Attractions in the USA
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
Best time to visit: March-May
- Independence National Historical Park is a historical site located in downtown Philadelphia
- Established in 1948, the park is recognized as the birthplace of American democracy, where it preserves several key landmarks associated with the founding of the United States
- It preserves several landmarks associated with the country's founding including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Carpenter's Hall, the location of the First Continental Congress in 1774
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a renowned art museum located in Philadelphia
- It was originally chartered in 1876 for the Centennial Exposition and has since become one of the largest art museums in the United States
- The museum houses approximately 240,000 objects, showcasing a diverse range of art from various cultures and periods, including American, Asian, and European art
Duquesne Incline, Pittsburgh
- The Duquesne Incline is a historic funicular railway located in Pittsburgh, that ascends Mount Washington
- It was originally built in 1877 and has become a significant landmark in the city
- The incline was initially used to transport coal, and uses its original wooden cable cars
- Riding the incline provides views of Pittsburgh and its three rivers, and the upper station features a museum dedicated to Pittsburgh's history and the history of inclines
The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
- The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, opened in 1994, is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist
- It houses the most extensive collection of Andy Warhol's artworks and archival materials in the world
- The museum contains over 500,000 objects related to Warhol's life and work, including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and films
- It showcases various aspects of Warhol's artistic journey and his influence on contemporary art
#25 in Best Museums in the USA
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a renowned botanical garden located in Pittsburgh, that was established in 1893
- The conservatory includes a 14-room glasshouse along with 23 distinct gardens
- Visitors can enjoy seasonal flower shows, exclusive exhibits, and notable collections of orchids and bonsai
- It also educates viewers about various plant specials and garden styles, including Roman and English gardens
Fallingwater, Stewart Township
- Fallingwater is a renowned house designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935
- It was created as a private residence and weekend home for the Kaufmann family, who were prominent figures in Pittsburgh, owning Kaufmann's Department Store
- Located in the Laurel Highlands, Fallingwater is celebrated for its unique design that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, particularly its position over an active waterfall