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Top Things To Do In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the thirty-third largest state of the United States of America and comes with the possibility of a number of tourist spaces. The state is home to famous cities like Pittsburg and Philadelphia, which are some of the most visited tourist spots in the USA.
This article has been curated in a way that it will aid you to discover some of the most places to visit in this beautiful city. We hope you have fun exploring and keep coming back for more.
Must-Visit Places In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to a number of tourist spots and it is impossible to view all of them. However, here is a list of places that you must not miss out on as they capture the essence of this state.
1.Pennsylvania State Capitol
Located in downtown Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is the seat of the United States of America government. Built-in Renaissance theme, it is a sight to behold and is one of the famous tourist spots of the city. In order to understand the marvel of the building, you can opt for a guided tour of the same.
2.Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park commemorates the Battle of Gettysburg which was fought during the American Civil War. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is a must-visit place for anybody who is interested in history.
The Battle of Gettysburg was a very important battle in the American Civil War and a lot of people lost their lives in it. The park is dedicated to preserving the contribution of these martyrs. Here you will find a number of monuments, for instance, the Oak Ridge, and The Cemetery Ridge.
3.Independence National Historical Park
The Independence National Historical Park is dedicated to conserving the history of the nation’s founding history and the American revolution. Owing to its popularity, it has been conferred with the title of “America’s most historic square mile”.
The major attraction of the park is the Independence Hall, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Independence Hall has played an immensely important role in the history of the United States of America as it was the hall where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted.
A visit to the Independence National Historical Park is certainly a treat to the history buffs and we highly recommend it.
4.Dutch Wonderland
Looking for a place to visit in Pennsylvania along with your kids? Look no further than the Dutch Wonderland. The park is built on an area of 48 acres and is located east of Lancaster. The theme is specially designed for kids and is known as “Kingdom for Kids”.
Dutch Wonderland is home to around thirty-two rides and an interactive water play area. The park also customizes itself during the holidays like Halloween and Christmas. For the adults, who are accompanying their children, they have dining and lodging areas.
The Dutch Wonderland has a little something for people across age-groups and we highly recommend it to you.
5.Philadelphia Zoo
Are you looking for things to do in Pennsylvania along with your family? If yes, then consider a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo. The Philadelphia Zoo is famous all over the world for being a breeding ground for animals that are tough to breed in captivity.
The zoo is spread across an area of 42 acres and is home to over 1300 animals. In order to enhance the visitor’s experience at the zoo, they have made provisions for a number of segments. Some of them being, children’s petting zoo, a rainforest-themed carousel, and paddleboat lakes.
Unlike other zoos, Philadelphia Zoo comes with the opportunity of interacting with the animals in an unprecedented manner.
6.Phipps Conservatory And Botanical Gardens
A part of the National Register of Historic Places, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the must-visit places in Pennsylvania. Located in Pittsburgh, this place is famous for its flora and fauna. The place is home to 23 gardens and a 14-room glasshouse.
This place is ideal for people who are dedicated to learning sustainable ways of living with nature. They also offer a number of programs and exhibitions to educate the masses about their work in the field of conservation.
If your idea of a vacation involves spending some quiet time in the vicinity of nature, this is the right place for you to be.
7.Longwood Gardens
If you love the sight of natural beauty, head straight to Kennett Square which is home to the Longwood Gardens. Built over an area of 1,077 acres, this botanical garden is bound to touch your heart and sway you off your feet.
The Longwood Gardens is open to the public all-round-the year and here you would be able to sight some of the most exotic plants. There are a number of theme-based events that are organized in Longwood Gardens.
8.Sight And Sound Theatres
The Sight and Sound Theatres is one of the most unique experiences that await people who love theatre. Located in Lancaster, the Sight and Sound Theatres is dedicated to dramatizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here you will find Biblical tales come alive on the stage in all their grandeur. This is a perfect place to visit with your family and children.
9.Indian Echo Caverns
These limestone caves which are located in Derry Township are one of the most famous tourist destinations in Pennsylvania. These caverns are over 440 million years and were formed by water cutting through them.
Here you will also discover other natural sites like lakes and narrow passageways. In order to experience the magic of the Indian Echo Caverns to its fullest, you can opt for a guided tour of the same.
10.Fonthill Castle
The Fonthill Castle was built between the years 1908 and 1912 and served as the house of Henry Mercer. If you are interested in gothic and medieval architecture, you must not miss Fonthill Castle for the world.
The Fonthill Castle is an architectural marvel piece with its forty-four rooms, two hundred windows, and eighteen fireplaces. The best way to experience the castle is to opt for their one-hour guided tour.
There are only a few people who can visit the castle at a given point in time, so make sure that you notify them before visiting the castle.
11.Fallingwater
Created by American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Fallingwater is one of the most scenic places in Pennsylvania. The house was designed to serve as a weekend house for a business family from Pittsburg.
The reason why the house has become a landmark is because of the fusion of its architecture with the natural landscape of the Allegheny Mountains and the Bear Run River. The house has been constructed in a manner that the waterfall appears, as if, it is just another feature of the house.
This house, which is made out of wood, is bound to steal your heart. It is an ideal place to visit with your loved ones on a quiet weekday.
Museums To Visit In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for its museums all over the United States Of America. Here you will also find museums that are dedicated to one single personality. Here is a list of museums that you must check out on your visit to Pennsylvania.
1.Andy Warhol Museum
Located in Pittsburg is the museum which is dedicated to one of the most celebrated artists of America- Andy Warhol. The museum with its collection aims to preserve and celebrate the life and works of Andy Warhol. This museum is a massive structure, spread across seven floors, and covering an area of 88,000 square feet.
The museum has 17 galleries, which include 900 paintings, over 1000 unique prints, 4000 photographs, and over 4350 Warhol films and other such works. If you love pop-art, you will certainly love this place.
2.Philadelphia Museum Of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most famous in the United States of America owing to its artifacts. Here you would find over 2,40,000 objects that come not just from America but also from Asia and Europe.
The collection at the museum includes sculptures, paintings, drawings, and other similar media. Based on its space, the museum is one of the largest art museums in the world. The museum also organizes a number of events all around the year in order to enrich the experience of its visitors.
A visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the top things to do in Pennsylvania and we highly recommend it.
3.National Civil War Museum
If you are a history buff and would like to spend your time invested in going back in time then you must visit the National Civil War Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the entire history of the American Civil War.
The museum is home to more than 24,000 artifacts in the form of documents, photographs, and other such media.
4.The Wharton Esherick Museum
Located on top of the Valley Forge Mountain, lies the home and studio of the famous American artist, Wharton Esherick. The place has now been converted into a museum and is dedicated to preserving the legacy and works of Wharton Esherick.
The museum consists of a number of buildings and exhibits that range from his forty-year long career as an artist. A visit to this museum will help you understand the work of Wharton Esherick more intimately and we highly recommend it.
5.The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a science museum and one of the most important in the city of Pennsylvania. The museum is named after the revered American scientist, Benjamin Franklin and is also home to a National Memorial dedicated to him.
This is an ideal place to visit with your kids as it would introduce them to the wonders of Science at a young age. The museum has many interactive programs and events that are designed to provide a wholesome experience to its visitors.
The museum is open on all days of the week, however, the timings are slightly altered on the weekends.
6.Rodin Museum
Are you a fan of Paris sculptor, Auguste Rodin’s works? If yes, this museum is just the place for you. The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is famous for being the only museum outside of Paris which has the largest collection of Rodin’s world.
The museum has been functioning since the year 1929 and is celebrated for its awe-inspiring Beaux-Arts modeled building. The museum has it all, right from his ‘work in progress’ pieces to his finished bronze pieces.
To add to the charm, the museum is surrounded by a French sculpture garden that serves to add more grace to the place. If you are looking for things to do on your own in Pennsylvania, this is your chance.
7.State Museum Of Pennsylvania
Located in Harrisburg, the State Museum of Pennsylvania is one of the most important museums in the United States of America. If you are interested in knowing the history of Pennsylvania in detail, this is the place that you should visit.
The museum is home to three million artifacts, all of which focus on Pennsylvania. In order to be more accessible to its visitors, the museum frequently organizes a number of changing exhibitions. To add to its wonder, the museum also has a planetarium.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is an interesting place to visit and it will take you an entire day to explore it in its entirety.
8.The Hershey Story
Love Hershey’s? Now it is time to know the history of its conception with a visit to The Hershey Story. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the museum is dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Milton S. Hershey and his creation, Hershey’s.
Here you have a chance to engage in a hands-on experience of the entire process of the construction of this mouth-watering candy. Not just this, here, you shall also have the chance to taste warm chocolates from all over the world.
Adventurous Things To Do In Pennsylvania
If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Pennsylvania instead of following the regular tourist-routine, check these out:
1.Hershey Park
Hershey Park is a leisure park which came into operation in the year 1906 and is situated next to the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory. This is an ideal place to visit with your kids and here there are endless opportunities for adrenaline-filled activities.
The park is home to over seventy rides and rollercoasters. Not just this, you will also find here an observation tower, an amphitheater, a water park, and even a zoo. This is an ideal place to visit as you will never run out of things to do.
The place also has restaurants, where you can eat and relax after enjoying all that the park has to offer. If this sounds exciting to you, head over to their website, and book your tickets.
2.Knoebels Amusement Park
If you are looking for things to do for free in Pennsylvania then you must consider a visit to Knoebels Amusement Park. Here you will find everything that makes for an ideal getaway.
You’d find her amusements like swimming pool, golf course, roller-coasters, and camping sites. So if you are looking to spend some quality time with your family, there is no place like the Knoebels Amusement Park.
Places To Shop In Pennsylvania
Make the most of your time in Pennsylvania by indulging in a shopping spree at these amazing places:
1.King Of Prussia Mall
If you love to shop, there is no place like the King of Prussia Mall. This is the second-largest mall in the entire United States of America and is bound to leave you astounded. The mall is home to over four hundred shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
Here you will find all the brands that you can think of under one single roof. The beauty of the King of Prussia Mall is that it has something for everybody and you won’t run out of options.
2.Reading Terminal Market
Operating since 1893, the Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the United States of America. Here you will find everything, right from ethnic wears to locally sourced fresh produce.
Be it seafood, baked goods, confectionaries, you will find everything here. To add to the fun, the place is home to a number of restaurants, where you can eat to your fill.
If you like to shop, you must take out some time to visit the Reading Terminal Market. If you want to duck the crowds, make sure that you plan your visit on a weekday instead of a weekend.
Please also read about the things to do in Dearborn. And things to do in Pittsburgh
