August Events and Festivals in Pennsylvania
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of activities and must-sees in Pennsylvania that will help you make the most of these final sun-drenched months.
How to Make a Deer Button Game
This Lenape Indian game of chance is just one of the many examples of Pennsylvania treasures found at The State Museum of Pennsylvania.
This version was created by the late Lenape descendant James (Lone Bear) Revey. Revey created many of The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s Lenape reproductions, including the William Penn Wampum belt.
Materials:
This game can have 2-6 players.
What you will need:
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10 Ways to Enjoy America’s Pastime
Whether you’re headed to Williamsport for the International League World Series, want to support a local minor league team, or looking for a great day at the ballpark with the family, we’ve got something for you. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and cheer on your favorite team!
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Amazing Experiences on a Small Budget
Randyland, located in the Mexican War Streets district of Pittsburgh’s North Side, is one of the city’s most colorful and Instagrammable landmarks, and offers unique insight into the mind of its artist and owner, Randy Gilson. Randyland welcomes visitors to explore the public art displays in and around the property between 10AM and dusk. Admission is free to the public.
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Big Fall Festivals
Fall in Pennsylvania means towns across the state invite visitors to soak in the splendor of autumn! Celebrate this colorful season at Pennsylvania’s iconic small town festivals.
To find even more events that are happening around the state, check out the visitPA events page.
How to Make a Pennsylvania Wine Slushy
Pennsylvania Wine Land makes two tasty berry herb slushies to help beat the summer heat this season. What is your favorite PA wine?
How to Make a Pennsylvania Wine Slushy
Pennsylvania Wine Land makes two tasty berry herb slushies to help beat the summer heat this season. What is your favorite PA wine?
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Explorable Caves and Caverns
As you explore these caves and cavers in Pennsylvania, you’ll discover glittering stalagmites and stalactites among other hidden treasures!
Hands-On Learning Attractions
From weightlessness simulators used by NASA to hands-on interactive displays, Happy Travelers can find happiness through firsthand learning.
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10 Awesome Water Parks in Pennsylvania
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August Events and Festivals in Pennsylvania
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of activities and must-sees in Pennsylvania that will help you make the most of these final sun-drenched months. Dance the night away at one of the largest music festivals in the nation at Musikfest in the Lehigh Valley, roll into Carlisle to see more than 5,000 Corvettes at the annual Corvettes at Carlisle, and savor more than 135 different beers at the 2017 Gettysburg Brew Fest. Read more to see a full list of the events and festivals happening this month check-out visitPA. 1. 2017 Eclipse Across America The State Museum of Pennsylvania takes a look at this month’s feature: 2017 Eclipse Across America. This month’s special planetarium show (Grade 4 & Up) aims high to answer such questions as: What is an eclipse? How are they created? What are the different types of eclipses? When: Jul. 1 – Aug. 20 Where: The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Cost: $3 + museum admission 2. Musikfest Musikfest® Each Aug., Bethlehem’s historic downtown comes alive in a kaleidoscope of sensational sounds as Musikfest® welcomes more than 300 performers to Lehigh Valley for 10 days of nonstop music. This event is one of the largest and most diverse music festivals in the nation, and draws more than 900,000 people each year. When: Aug. 4-13 Where: Lehigh Valley Cost: Ticket prices vary. 3. Greene County Fair Greene County Fair Food, rides, entertainment and excitement awaits you at the Greene County Fair. A full lineup of excitement is scheduled with carnival rides,truck and tractor pulls, harness racing, chainsaw carving demonstrations, monster truck rides,and a demolition derby. The agricultural fair also features livestock competitions in goats, rabbits, cattle, steer, and lamb with a 4-H livestock sale on Thursday evening. When: Aug. 6-12 Where: Waynesburg Cost: $8 4. Festa Italiana Festa Italiana Celebrate the City of Bradford's Italian Heritage at Festa Italiana in Bradford. Authentic and homemade Italian food and live musical entertainment nightly, along with children's games and rides. There will a live magic show as well as a meatball-eating contest on Saturday. Festival will start Thursday at 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. When: Aug. 10-12 Where: Bradford Cost: Free 5. Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival Residents take pride in their Swedish heritage at the annual Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival with traditional music, dance, ethnic foods, and craft vendors. When: Aug. 11-13 Where: Mt. Jewett Cost: Free 6. 11th Annual Jazz on the Ave Music Festival "Jazz on the Ave" Music Fest featuring Philly Soul Stock is a free, outdoor festival located in the Cecil B. Moore community of North Philadelphia. The festival provides festival participants with loads of free and fun stuff to do, like a Kids Zone with face painting, clay sculpting, and rock climbing, health and wellness screenings, craft and food vendors, along with live music on two stages. When: Aug. 12 Where: Philadelphia Cost: Free 7. “15 Miles of Treasure” Yard Sale Experience the beautiful Amish Countryside, find treasures along the way, stop at a roadside Amish produce stand, and visit an Amish quilt or buggy shop with “15 Miles of Treasure” Yard Sale. Follow Route 208, starting at the Ohio State Line in New Bedford thru Pulaski, New Wilmington, and on to the charming village of Volant. When: Aug. 12 (10 a.m.- 5 p.m.) Where: Lawrence County Cost: Free 8. Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic includes a .6-mile course over eight blocks of downtown West Chester, featuring four 90-degree turns and a short rise. Races include pro and amateurmen's and women's competitions, a children's race, and even a tricycle race! When: Aug. 12 Where: West Chester Cost: Free 9. Knotweed Festival The annual Knotweed Festival, held in historic Blairsville, is on the Conemaugh River and the Blairsville Riverfront Trail. The street festival includes water and trail activities, handmade crafts from area artisans, local food vendors, and knotweed products. Enjoy a 5K run/walk, duck race, parade, inflatable bounce houses, obstacle course, nature walks, and scavenger hunts, free concerts will be held at the Diamond & Amphitheatre. When: Aug. 12 (8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.) Where: Blairsville Cost: Free 10. Run for the Trail 7K Run The 7K will begin on country roads with a few rolling hills and will finish on the Ghost Town (rails-to-trails) Trail. A separate 2-mile Fun Run/Walk will take place entirely on a section of the Ghost Town Trail. Proceeds of this race benefit Indiana County Parks & Trails. When: Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Where: Dilltown Cost: $15 before Aug. 5, $20 after 11. McKean County Fair McKean County Fair Enjoy candied apples and cotton candy as you explore the exhibits of farm animals and blue-ribbon pies at the McKean County Fair . Starting on Monday, amusement park rides run every evening at 5 p.m. Tractor pulls, street stock racing, a barn dance, and a demolition derby round out the evening entertainment. Country artist Morgan Wallen will perform Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. When: Aug. 13-19 Where: McKean County Fair Grounds, Smethport Cost: $8 for general admission and children under 36 inches are free. 12. Lawrence County Fair Lawrence County Fair The Lawrence County Fair has lots to do for the entire family with grandstand events, animals, rides, food, entertainment, and more! There will be fireworks Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. Event takes place at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. When: Aug. 14-19 Where: New Castle Cost: $10 admission, free for children ages 3 and under. 13. International Little League World Series Little League World Series Every year, the top 16 Little League baseball teams from more than 6,000 leagues across the country gather in Williamsport to compete for the World Series Championship title. Enjoy watching some of the most talented teams play this year. When: Aug. 17-27 Where: Williamsport Cost: Free 14. Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival The 75th Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival features four jam-packed days of bluegrass entertainers from around the country. Held at Granite Hill Camping Resort outside Gettysburg, thousands attend this nationally-renowned festival every year to hear the best in bluegrass. When: Aug. 17-20 Where: Granite Hill Camping Resort, Gettysburg Cost: One-Day Tickets - $20-$40 15. Philadelphia Folk Festival Philadelphia Folk Festival Photo Credit: Valley Forge Visitor Bureau If you are like thousands of music lovers on the East Coast you head for Upper Salford Township near the bucolic burg of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, a little more than 35 miles outside of Philadelphia where the legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival transforms a working farm into a magical, musical sound park. The Folk Fest is a perfect family event with puppeteers, jugglers, aerialists, storytellers, and hands-on crafts – not to mention the amazing music lineup for 2017. When: Aug. 17-20 Where: Schwenksville Cost: Costs vary 16. Gettysburg Brew Fest Gettysburg Brew Fest Every year, beer lovers from throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States converge at the Lutheran Seminary of Gettysburg (yes, a seminary) for the annual Gettysburg Brew Fest, featuring dozens of brewers bringing their best brews to sample. Enjoy great food and entertainment while you sample, including a tour of the Seminary Ridge’s famous cupola. When: Aug. 19 Where: Lutheran Theological Seminary of Gettysburg Cost: costs vary: $20-$70 17. Yoga in the Vines Nestled on a 90 acre farm in the picturesque Juniata Valley, enjoy a relaxing evening at Olivero's Vineyard with Yoga in the Vines. Yoga instructor Sarah Ballard will help guide you in your practice with a special focus on relaxation followed by a brief meditation, and topped off with a glass of wine. The vines will be nearing harvest season, so the aroma of ripening grapes will surely enhance your practice! When: Aug. 19 Where: Olivero’s Vineyard, McAlisterville Cost: $12.50 18. Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Show The 64thAnnual Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Show is a celebration of coal's past, present, and future in the region. Explore coal artifacts, learn about life underground, and maybe even take home your very own coal mining souvenir in the exhibit hall. Parades, acar show, contests,live music, and carnival rides complete the week celebration. When: Aug. 19-26 Where: Carmichaels Cost: Free admission with ride tickets available for purchase. 19. Mutts on the Mountain Mutts on the Mountain Give your pooches the chance to get their paws dirty! It’s time to get muddy with man’s best friend at Mutts on the Mountain on Saturday, Aug. 19. This event is the canine version of Seven Springs’ super-popular mud run, and features a special 5k and 1-mile course with up to 16 obstacles for you and Fido to tackle together. When: Aug. 19 Where: Seven Springs Cost: Starting at $25 20. Laurel Highlands Garlic Festival Laurel Highlands Garlic Festival Celebrate the miracle of garlic, or "the stinking rose," at the Laurel Highlands Garlic Festival! This stinkin’ good time features a special Friday night farm-to-table buffet dinner and garlic-themed show, special presenters, live music, local vendors featuring wine, craft beer, moonshine, fresh produce, and, of course - garlic! When: Aug. 19-20 (10 a.m.-5 p.m) Where: Hollsopple Cost: Adults $5, Children Under 12 - $3, Children 2 and under are free. 21. Corvettes at Carlisle Corvettes at Carlisle The largest and most fun-filled Corvette event in the world, the annual Corvettes at Carlisle features more than 5,000 Corvettes representing all generations of America’s classic sports car. Show your Corvette enthusiasm by participating in autocross, burnouts, and the parade through historic downtown Carlisle. When: Aug. 24-27 Where: Carlisle Cost: $15 on Thursday-Saturday, $10 on Sunday, Children 12 and under are free. 22. 37th Annual Shippensburg Corn Festival The 37th Annual Shippensburg Corn Festival offers more than 250 crafts and antique vendors, along with food booths featuring corn in every available form. Entertainers perform all day at three sites, and there are a variety of strolling acts and demonstrations. When: Aug. 26 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Where: Shippensburg Cost: Free 23. Mason-Dixon Frontier Festival Prepare to be educated and entertained during the Mason-Dixon Frontier Festival, watch the antique steam engine and tractor parade, learn some trapping techniques, listen to musical entertainment, and watch dust fly during the chainsaw carving demonstrations. When: Aug. 26-27 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Where: Mason-Dixon Park, Mount Morris Cost: Free 24. Flashlight Drags Flashlight Drags Street racing without the jail time!The Flashlight Drags features a car show, car cruise, vendors’ midway, music, food, fun, and much more. IT’s a great event for the entire family! Gates open at 12p.m. and racing begins at 2p.m. All vehicles must be street legal. When: Aug. 27 Where: Greene County Airport Cost: $5 to watch. $35 to race 25. Great Allentown Fair Great Allentown Fair Dedicated to supporting the achievements of farmers, gardeners, and homemakers, the Great Allentown Fair invites guests to learn about agriculture while spending an exciting time riding rides and playing games. Concerts include Keith Urban, John Mellencamp, Rascal Flatts, and Pentatonix. When: Aug. 29 - Sep. 4 Where: Lehigh Valley Cost: $8; Children ages 12 and under are free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. 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How to Make a Deer Button Game
This Lenape Indian game of chance is just one of the many examples of Pennsylvania treasures found at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. This version was created by the late Lenape descendant James (Lone Bear) Revey. Revey created many of The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s Lenape reproductions, including the William Penn Wampum belt. Materials: This game can have 2-6 players. What you will need: 7 Lima Beans per player 24 Pieces of Yellow Popcorn per player Permanent marker Color The Lima Beans: Before you begin, color one side of each of the lima beans. Play The Game: Each Player takes a turn shaking the 7 lima bean dice. 1 Black Bean = give 1 piece of corn to each player 2 Black Beans = give 2 pieces of corn to each player 3 Black Beans = give 3 pieces of corn to each player 4 Black Beans = give 4 pieces of corn to each player 5 Black Beans = each player gives you 2 pieces of corn 6 Black Beans = each player gives you 4 pieces of corn 7 Black Beans = each player gives you 10 pieces of corn If you have 5, 6 or 7 black beans than you can shake again, if not then the next player takes a turn. Play until one player has all the corn and that person is the winner! .node-type-article #block-system-main li{ margin-left: 3.5em; } figcaption{ text-align: left; }
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10 Ways to Enjoy America’s Pastime
Whether you’re headed to Williamsport for the International League World Series, want to support a local minor league team, or looking for a great day at the ballpark with the family, we’ve got something for you. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and cheer on your favorite team! 1. Little League World Series Every year, the top 16 Little League baseball teams from more than 6,000 leagues across the country gather in Williamsport to compete for the World Series Championship title at the annual International Little League World Series! Enjoy watching some of the most talented teams play this year Aug. 17-27. Want to explore while you’re not at a game? Celebrate Little League Baseball at the World of Little League®: Peter J. McGovern Museum in Williamsport! The recently updated museum and store are designed around a six-inning theme, and feature artifacts and archival materials from the world’s largest organized youth sports program. Baseball lovers can take a self-guided tour complete with a catcher’s station and home plate, or book a group tour in advance. 2. PONY Baseball PONY Baseball, which stands for Protect Our Nation's Youth, began in Washington, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1951. Today, PONY organizes youth baseball and softball leagues and tournaments for over 500,000 players annually in over 4,000 leagues throughout the United States and over 40 countries world-wide. The 2017 DICK'S Sporting Goods PONY League World Series will be played in Washington on Aug. 11 – 16. In between games, fans can visit the PONY Baseball and Softball International Headquarters, where guests will be delighted by everything from game-used uniforms, to baseballs, photographs and more – the history of the PONY League World Series is enshrined right here. 3. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs Lehigh Valley IronPigs Oink, oink! The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are celebrating their 10th season at Coca-Cola Park. Bring along your appetite for countless bacon-centric goodies, plus the famous Aw Shucks corn on the cob! 4. The Reading Fightin Phils The Reading Fightin Phils play at FirstEnergy® Stadium, the oldest stadium in the Eastern League. The Fightin Phils have one of the longest affiliations in Minor League Baseball™. 5. The Altoona Curve Altoona was built around railroading, and the Altoona Curve has not forgotten that! This Double-A Pittsburgh Pirates-affiliated team was named after the curveball pitch and is sure to provide a fun night of baseball! Join them on Aug. 25th for a special Back to School night where the first 1,000 fans 12 and under will receive a Curve lunch box. 6. The Erie SeaWolves Erie Seawolves Photo Credit: Visit Erie The Erie SeaWolves are the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The SeaWolves, named after a slang term for pirates, play 70 home games a season at Erie’s UPMC Park. 7. The Harrisburg Senators Located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s state capital, the Harrisburg Senators step up to the plate at FNB Field. Enjoy a great game of baseball while also hanging out with the team’s friendly mascots, Rascal and Grrrrounder! On Aug. 19, the Senators will be promoting their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night with a free pink Senators jersey for the first 1,000 fans. 8. The National Museum of Industrial History The National Museum of Industrial History Experience the history of baseball at the National Museum of Industrial History's newest exhibit, “Making America’s Pastime.” The exhibit features iconic memorabilia, including uniforms worn by Bethlehem Steel League players dating back a century, and an interactive section where you can spell out your last name on a jersey! 9. BWP Bat Factory Tours BWP Bat Factory Tours Get an up-close look at the famous bats used by your favorite players on the BWP Bat Factory Tours in Brookville! Each bat is made from local timber and goes through a seven-step, hands-on quality inspection process that provides the highest quality bat for all levels of play. 10. The Williamsport Crosscutters The Williamsport Crosscutters, named for the city’s prominent logging heritage that dubbed it “Lumber Capital of the World,” play at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field — the second-oldest minor league stadium operation in the United States. Since the park’s opening in 1926, the Crosscutters have brought and continue to bring great baseball and entertainment to fans. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state
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Amazing Experiences on a Small Budget
Randyland, located in the Mexican War Streets district of Pittsburgh’s North Side, is one of the city’s most colorful and Instagrammable landmarks, and offers unique insight into the mind of its artist and owner, Randy Gilson. Randyland welcomes visitors to explore the public art displays in and around the property between 10AM and dusk. Admission is free to the public. Grab the wheel and coast through 10 of Bucks County’s 12 covered bridges. Step back in time on this scenic covered bridge tour with 19th century bridges ranging from 56 feet to 150 feet long. Circling through beautiful Bucks County, the tour is planned so you can start at any one of the notable bridges. Casino Theater Entertainment Center in the Poconos is a great place for a date or a night out with the family. Sip a vintage ice cream parlor treat and grab dinner at the retro Village Malt Shoppe, catch a first-run movie at the Casino Theater, or do both with the Center’s Dinner & Movie specials on Mondays and Tuesdays for just $12. There’s also an arcade for the kids! With movies only $7.75 for adults and $5.75 for children, you can get the full night out experience for a reasonable price. Big Mac Museum Photo Credit: Henny Ray Abrams Believe it or not, the famous Big Mac was invented 40 years ago near Pittsburgh. Hop over to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region to visit the Big Mac Museum Restaurant and see hundreds of historic artifacts celebrating the iconic sandwich. Admission to the museum is free. Creekside Gardens Butterfly House, located in Tunkhannock in the Endless Mountains of North Central Pennsylvania, is home to several native Pennsylvania species, including the declining monarch butterflies. Visitors of all ages will enjoy strolling through the gardens and live flight Butterfly House and encountering these enchanting insects up close. While there, learn the stages of a butterfly’s life cycle and how to create a butterfly habitat. The Butterfly House is open through mid-Sept., when it holds its annual Butterfly Release event. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children, and free for children under 2 years old. Have you ever wondered what life was like for the people working in the Pennsylvania lumber industry? Then head to the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum along Route 6 in Ulysses. Guests can experience the visitor center exhibits, logging camp and other outdoor attractions. Admission to the museum is $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Located in Punxsutawney, the “Weather Capital of the World,” the Weather Discovery Center is the place to go to learn more about the relationship between science and the folklore of weather prediction. The Weather Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits that allow you to climb into the power of a tornado, become a TV weather forecaster, explore Punxsutawney Phil’s Burrow, and much more. The Center offers something for everyone at the affordable cost of $6 for children and adults, and free admission for those two years and under. Martin Guitar Photo Credit: Discover Lehigh Valley. Discover the handcrafted side of Lehigh Valley with a guided factory tour at the world-famous C.F. Martin Guitar. Hosted on weekdays, these tours are free to the public. As tour groups walk the factory floor, visitors get an up-close look at how these incredible instruments come to life. Be sure to browse the on-site museum for a look at past models and rare Martin memorabilia before you head to your next stop. Originally constructed in 1928, the Tionesta Fish Hatchery sits on 50 developed acres of land and raises muskellunge, walleye and steelhead fingerlings for stocking Pennsylvania waters. The facility consists of earthen ponds, a hatchery building, and other breeding areas. Tours are free and are offered 8AM-3PM seven days a week, year-round. Animal lovers will enjoy the Double Diamond Deer Ranch in Cooksburg. This deer park allows you to enjoy a day in the Pennsylvania Wilds while getting up close to deer and fawns – and you can even feed them! Open from May through Nov., the $8 admission will give you an all-day pass with free admission for children under age 4. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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Big Fall Festivals
Fall in Pennsylvania means towns across the state invite visitors to soak in the splendor of autumn! Celebrate this colorful season at Pennsylvania’s iconic small town festivals. To find even more events that are happening around the state, check out the visitPA events page. The Pocono Garlic Festival The Pocono Garlic Festival The Pocono Garlic Festival, held in the Poconos Sept. 2-3, is a garlic lover’s dream, with over 60 food and craft vendors! In addition to garlicky goodness, visitors can enjoy musical talent, local art displays, and plenty of children’s activities! The Pittsburgh Irish Festival The Pittsburgh Irish Festival Celebrate Irish history and tradition in Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh Irish Festival Sept. 8-10. The festival draws more than 25,000 visitors each year to learn about the Irish culture through Celtic dance, music, literature, and other cultural mainstays. The Whoopie Pie Festival Whoopie pies are the dessert of choice at the Whoopie Pie Festival Head for the sprawling and beautiful grounds of the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn in Strasburg on Sept. 9 to join the yearly fun of the Whoopie Pie Festival! The festival celebrates one of Lancaster County’s delicious and world-famous Pennsylvania Dutch confectionary icons in a big way through games, contests, music, and general culinary merriment. Mother Earth News Fair Vendors at the Mother Earth News Fair showcase their organic local produce Mother Earth News Fair is held from Sept. 15-17 in the Laurel Highlands and features dozens of demonstrations on renewable energy, agriculture, gardening, green building, green transportation, and natural health. Come to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, shop for sustainable products, and enjoy organic local food and beverages. The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival is back this year — with even more wine and tasting options! From Sept. 15-17, this festival gives visitors the option to choose from seven different experiences all tailored to fuel the passion for fine wine and delicious flavors. Enjoy everything from a comedy show Friday evening, a vineyard tour on Saturday, the Grand Tasting on Sunday, and more! Grab your friends and family and head to The Hotel Hershey’s Wine & Food Festival this fall. WineFest Wine lovers should head to WineFest in Erie on Sept. 22-24 to sample 100 different wines! You can also enjoy the sounds of entertainers, try your luck at grape stomping, and meander through hundreds of exhibitor tents. Ebensburg PotatoFest Enjoy all things potato at the Ebensburg PotatoFest on Sept. 30, celebrating one of Cambria County's biggest agricultural exports. Children can enter potato sack races and potato-peeling contests, as well as a Miss Tater/Mr. Tot competition. More than 200 crafters and artisans line the streets for blocks with homemade wares and food of all kinds. Live entertainment, a myriad of crafts, good food (including potatoes!), bingo and face painting are just a few of the fun activities. The Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest The Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest Photo Credit: Kurt Miller If you love pierogis, then head to the Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest on Sept. 24 at Kennywood Park! This festival gives visitors the opportunity to try pierogis from more than two dozen restaurants and chefs! Autumn Leaf Festival The nine-day international award-winning Autumn Leaf Festival is Sept. 30-Oct. 8, and will attract more than 500,000 people to Clarion in northwestern PA. Events and entertainment include carnival rides, the renowned Clarion Hospital “tournament of leaves parade,” crafters day, an antique tractor show, and much more! The Autumn Timber Festival Lumberjack competitions are just one element that you will see at the Autumn Timber Festival The Autumn Timber Festival is Oct. 7-8 and showcases the beautiful fall foliage season in the Pocono Mountains, featuring lumberjack competitions, blacksmith demonstrations, chainsaw sculptures, live music, children’s activities, and more. 43rd Annual Harvest Festival Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is celebrating their 43rd Annual Harvest Festival Oct. 7-8! The 2017 theme is "The Forgotten Arts and Crafts," and will showcase traditional skills and heritage craft demonstrations such as spinning, weaving, yarn dyeing, basket making, and much more. There will also be folk entertainment, country food, pumpkin decorating, and pony rides. Bedford Fall Foliage Festival Celebrating its 53rd year, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, Oct. 7-8, 14-15, is organized entirely by volunteers and draws an estimated 70,000 attendees annually. Visitors can browse the work of more than 400 artists and craftsmen lining the streets and the square in Bedford and enjoy food and musical entertainment. Celebrating the essence of the season, the festival hosts two murder mystery evenings at Old Bedford Village. In Fort Bedford Park, scarecrow making and the antique car parade are just a few of the activities that make this event so special. The National Apple Harvest Festival The National Apple Harvest Festival The National Apple Harvest Festival, which is held in Adams County during the first full two weekends in Oct. (Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15), celebrates beautiful crafts, great music and wonderful food. The festival has something for everyone with hundreds of arts and craft dealers, demonstrations, contests, food stands and entertainment. Elk Mountain Fall Festival and Artists Open House Weekend Elk Mountain Fall Festival and Artists Open House Weekend take place over Columbus Day Weekend each year and offer a weekend full of fall activity surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Northeastern Pennsylvania. So bring your friends and family and celebrate the fall season Oct. 10-11 with entertainment and harvest favorites! Fort Ligonier Days Fort Ligonier Days Experience live reenactments at Fort Ligonier Days in the Laurel Highlands Oct. 13-15! This three-day fall festival commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier, a key engagement of the French and Indian War that was fought on Oct. 12, 1758. In addition to reenactments, visitors can experience the parade, live music, demonstrations, and several craft lots. Chambourcin Weekend Vynecrest Winery Photo Credit: Colin Coleman Photogrpahy Fall is for foodies in Lehigh Valley! Wine lovers won’t want to miss the chance to explore the nine family-owned & operated locations along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail during its annual Chambourcin Weekend Oct. 14-15. All nine wineries produce a Chambourcin wine, giving guests the chance to sample several varieties throughout their tours. The Pocono Food Truck Festival The Pocono Food Truck Festival The Pocono Food Truck Festival Oct. 14-15 is home to the best food trucks, art, crafts and live music in the region. The festival features over 25 food trucks from the Pocono Mountains, Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. Festival attendees will also get a chance to cast their vote for the best food truck! Harry Potter Festival Have you ever wondered what Butter Beer really tastes like or how it feels to stroll up and down Diagon Alley in search of various wizardry items? Have you wanted to don the Sorting Hat to find out which house you were destined for or better yet, to watch someone catch the Golden Snitch in a high stakes Quidditch match? If so, wonder no more and plan to attend Chestnut Hill’s Annual Harry Potter Weekend on Oct. 19-21 in Philadelphia! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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Explorable Caves and Caverns
As you explore these caves and cavers in Pennsylvania, you’ll discover glittering stalagmites and stalactites among other hidden treasures! Indian Echo Caverns Partake in an underground adventure that’s more than 440 million years old at Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown. The 45-minute guided tour uncovers the natural underground beauty of the Hershey-Harrisburg region and offers a glimpse into rooms of natural spectacles, including stalactites, stalagmites, and even a lake. After the tour, try your luck at panning for gemstones, amethyst, jasper, calcite, and other precious treasures at Gem Mill Junction. Penn’s Cave Explore the stalactites by boat in Penn’s Cave. Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall is the only cave in Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places and the only one you explore by boat. The cave features glittering stalactites and stalagmites, often in mysteriously familiar shapes, such as “The Statue of Liberty” and “The Garden of the Gods.” See how dripping water has sculpted magnificent flowstone, curtains, cascades, and draperies against a background of pillars and gigantic columns. Lost River Caverns In the Lehigh Valley, Lost River Caverns was discovered when miners were developing a limestone quarry. Experience the wonder of abundant crystal formations at this natural limestone cavern. Laurel Caverns A natural calcareous sandstone cave, Laurel Caverns is a three-mile labyrinth whose ceilings ranging10-50 feet in height. The largest cave in Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns is in Farmington and sits beneath a private, 435-acre geological preserve. Crystal Cave Discovered in 1871, Crystal Cave in Kutztown soon became a source of curiosity for people near and far. Crystal Cave was the first show cave in Pennsylvania, as well as the state’s first tourist attraction. Guided tours lead the curious through an array of spectacular, milky-white stalactites, stalagmites, and pillar and dripstone formations — all enhanced by indirect lighting. Concrete walks and steel railings ensure a safe descent 125 feet underground. Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks Experience a one-hour interpretive tour of two spectacular crystal caverns in Huntingdon at Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. A wide variety of speleothems (cave formations) — including delicate crystals, sparkling stalactites, and massive flowstones — wait around every turn! Coral Caverns Experience the only known fossilized coral reef cavern in existence at Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, Bedford County. You’ll cool down from the summer heat as you discover an abundance of fossils, stalactites, and stalagmites. The famed caverns have amazed thousands for more than 80 years with the diversity and beauty of its natural cave formations. Check out some other underworld experiences in Pennsylvania that will continue to fascinate you. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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Hands-On Learning Attractions
From weightlessness simulators used by NASA to hands-on interactive displays, Happy Travelers can find happiness through firsthand learning. Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center features four floors of interactive science exhibits to explore, including Roboworld, the world’s largest permanent robotics exhibit. While in Pittsburgh, head to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where dinosaurs and minerals collide! The museum has three interactive areas — Bonehunters Quarry, Discovery Basecamp, and Natural History Discover Carts & Exploration Stations, which engage scientists of all ages in the natural sciences and how to protect the Earth. For a day trip that's both exciting and educational, visit Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in the Pocono Mountains. Step back in time and into the lives of 19th-century Pennsylvania-German farmers. Tour their buildings, meet their animals and get a sense of what life was like before the convenience of electricity. Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center Photo Credit: Visit Allegheny National Forest Learn about Marilyn Horne, Bradford’s most famous native-born daughter, considered one of the world's premiere mezzo sopranos at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center. Inside the 3,400-square-foot museum, displays capture the highlights of Horne's life and career, while interactive features teach visitors about vocal music and opera. Want to feel what it’s like to be in a hurricane? The Da Vinci Science Center welcomes guests to climb inside The Hurricane Simulator, a tube in which visitors stand and experience wind forces accelerating up to 78 miles per hour - the minimum speed of a Category 1 hurricane. The hands-on learning opportunities continue at the PPL Electric Utilities E-Power House exhibit, where children can use bicycle pedal power to ignite side-by-side light bulbs, and at the Built Like a Mack Truck exhibit, visitors are challenged to build the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly truck and drive it through realistic work scenarios. U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center Photo Credit Cumberland Visitors Bureau The U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center in Carlisle is dedicated to educating visitors about the culture and experiences of American soldiers. Learn and explore the interactive Soldier Experience Gallery, where you journey through the life of a soldier and simulate actual battle skills. Outside, there is a one-mile Army Heritage Trail filled with tanks, trenches, Civil War cabins, and helicopters. Arts + Education at the Hoyt in New Castle features rotating exhibitions, a permanent collection of fine art and decorative art, and a Shenango China house, plus various school and after-school programs. It also holds several annual festivals, including the Wine Festival, Brew-Fest, Children’s Summer Arts Festival, and Arts on the Riverwalk; and Step back in time as you enjoy a peaceful ride on the Josiah White II, the state’s only functioning mule-drawn canal boat. At the National Canal Museum in Easton, you’ll get a glimpse of the key role that the waterway played in industrial history. During the summer months, Hank and George (the mules) pull the boat down the canal, allowing guests to experience a bit of the past. The surrounding Hugh Moore Park provides the perfect backdrop for a family picnic after your ride has come to an end. Glencairn Museum Photo Credit: Valley Forge Visitors Bureau Glencairn Museum, part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District in Montgomery County, is home to religious-themed art that reflects a host of faith traditions from across the ages and the globe. Artifacts, icons, painting, sculptures, and tapestries are on display in the former home of industrialist Raymond Pitcairn, who made his family fortune in the burgeoning plate glass industry in the early 19th century. Visitors can take a vintage elevator to the four-story tower for stunning views of the local landscape. The town of Punxsutawney is famous for the prognosticator of prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, but did you also know you can also learn about weather at the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center? At the museum, guests can learn about tornadoes, thunderstorms, meteorology and more through a series of interactive exhibits, including a new one about storm shelters. Old Mill Village in Susquehanna County offers workshops and themed weekends at this state museum celebrating the agricultural heritage of Northeastern Pennsylvania. During the summer months, you can experience an old-fashioned ice cream social or learn the handcrafts of quilting and rug braiding. Get the buzz this summer with a visit to Drapers Bees in Tioga County. The honey bee is one of the hardworking insects vital to the health of the environment; their tenacious work produces the sweetest of all made in Pennsylvania products – local honey! As you tour Draper's Bees, you’ll learn the history of beekeeping and see the process for producing the sweet nectar. Discovery Space Photo Credit: Visit Penn State Discovery Space in State College is a favorite among children ages 2-12. Each hands-on exhibit and activity is related to a scientific or mathematical concept to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination. Have you ever wanted to come face-to-face with an ancient Egyptian mummy? Are you inspired by the original works of Degas, Rodin, Warhol, and Haring? Do you love discovering mysterious Mayan treasures and American Indian artifacts? The Reading Public Museum has these and more in its collection of more than 300,000 art works, antiquities, cultural and natural artifacts! Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center both offer educational hikes, demonstrations and programs. Kids can explore an eco-discovery room with hands-on exhibits or get an intro to orienteering at PEEC. Families can take a walk through the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, or learn about the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. The Franklin Institute Photo Credit: Visit Philly Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest premier centers of science education and development in the country. Think about how you think at the Franklin Institute's biggest exhibition, Your Brain. Explore the brain at the cellular level, learn how it controls your body and cognitive functions, and consider the field of neuroethics as the discoveries in brain science rapidly advance. Harlansburg Station Museum of Transportation is in a replica train station with four Pennsylvania passenger cars at the intersection of Route 19 and Route 108. All forms of transportation are represented, including planes, trains, cars, trucks, trolleys, buses, boats, and bikes. An extensive display on the history of aviation dating back to 1903 is featured in the main room, complete with uniforms, models, and other artifacts. Steps from the State Capitol explore Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts with three floors of imaginative, engaging exhibits, the center is an irresistible invitation to explore science, perform experiments, and discover more about the world around you. This summer catch Dinosaur Discovery: Where Science Comes Alive, with 12 interactive, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that roar, feed, fight, and care for their young. The Turkey Hill® Experience Taste Lab The Turkey Hill® Experience in Lancaster allows visitors to learn everything there is to know about dairy culture and the history of Turkey Hill® itself. Through interactive exhibits, you’ll discover the intricate details of creating Turkey Hill® ice cream and tea. Children and adults alike can even take a shot at the process themselves by milking mechanical cows or concocting their own ice cream flavor in Turkey Hill’s® Taste Lab. For more than 20 years, expERIEnce Children's Museum in Erie has been providing an educational, creative and interactive environment where learning and fun go hand in hand. Children can discover the History, Mystery and Magic of Magnets exhibit, featuring six interactive stations demonstrating the power of magnets. New daily educational programs filled with exploration and learning are available to tiny tots (children 6-24 months) and parents. Located in the Heritage Discovery Center, the Johnstown Children's Museum encourages children to learn about Johnstown's geography, history and culture through fun and interactive exhibits. Families are sure to enjoy The Water Room where they can learn about rain in mountains and valleys as well as acid rain and dam-building. During the visit, take a walk out onto the rooftop terraces for a spectacular view of Cambria County and learn about the growth cycle of Pennsylvania’s native plants. Check out some other hands-on learning experiences in Pennsylvania. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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10 Awesome Water Parks in Pennsylvania
Cool off at one of these watery playgrounds. 1. Idlewild & SoakZone, Ligonier This historic theme park dates back to 1878 and is perfect for families with young children. SoakZone attractions include Wowabunga Family Wave Pool, FloatAway Bay lazy river, and four head-first racing slides. Little ones adore Captain Kidd’s Adventure Gallery, where they can glide down six waterslides and dodge water guns, spray jets, and a 500-gallon tipping bucket. Dry Fun: Idlewild has an antique merry-go-round and roller coaster, Tilt-a-Whirl, and a mix of other kid-friendly classics. 2. Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark Pennsylvania’s largest water park has 37 rides, slides, and attractions. Float past waterfalls, geysers, and bubbling waters on the Blue Nile River Adventure; ride the waves at Kahuna Lagoon Wave Pool; or experience plunging drops and whipping turns on one of three body slides. Rainy weather? Try Aquatopia, Camelback Lodge’s new indoor waterpark with 13 water slides, seven pools, and private cabanas – all within walking distance of Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark. Dry Fun: Head to the Adventure Park for a climbing wall and free fall tower, where you can jump off a platform on to an enormous stunt airbag. 3. Waldameer Park & Water World, Erie Waldameer Park & Water World Sixteen water slides, a new giant wave pool, and kiddie play areas make Waldameer’s Water World a refreshing warm-weather stop. The Fall Slide offers a 228-foot rush, while Midnight Plunge sends riders through dark tunnels. Dry Fun: Experience the wooden coaster, log fume ride, or drop tower, just a few rides for those who don’t want to get soaked. 4. Hersheypark, Hershey The Boardwalk at Hersheypark The Boardwalk at Hersheypark boasts 14 water rides and attractions, including high-speed tubing rides, a “Sprayground” for younger swimmers, and a colossal wave pool. During the Coastline Plunge Vortex ride, brave tube riders slide down a steep tunnel, swirl around a colossal bowl, and exit into a landing pool. Dry Fun: Hersheypark has 13 roller coasters and tons of other sweet rides. 5. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom A football-field-size wave pool, more than 36 water slides, and a cool fun house provoke squeals of delight at Wildwater Kingdom. The Aquablast, a multi-person raft ride, is one of the longest elevated water slides in the world. Dry Fun: Dorney Park has an animatronic dinosaur park and eight thrilling roller coasters, while Planet Snoopy offers tamer amusements. 6. Kalahari Resort, Pocono Manor Kalahari Resort This new 150-acre complex in the Pocono Mountains will have indoor and outdoor water parks. Unique indoor features include a retractable roof for all-season fun, Anaconda water roller coaster, and a FlowRider body-surfing experience. Book a stay at the resort to slumber in African-themed rooms. Dry Fun: The 30,000-square-foot Family Entertainment Center has arcade games, Mini Bowling, Blacklight Mini-Golf and an XD Dark Ride 5-D Theater. 7. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, Erie Reach speeds of more than 40 miles per hour on a swirling body coaster, play water basketball, experience the largest indoor wave pool on the East Coast, or simply relax in multiple whirlpools. Dry Fun: Test your balance on tight ropes, rickety bridges, and balance beams at Tree Tops Indoor Ropes Course. Or choose from more than 100 games at the 6,500-square-foot Treasure Island Arcade. 8.Dutch Wonderland and Duke’s Lagoon, Lancaster Dutch Wonderland and Duke’s Lagoon Get Wonder-fully wet at Duke's Lagoon, which features a multi-level waterplay platform, kid-sized slides, a variety of spray nozzles, jets, tipping cones, and a large tipping bucket. The new area also includes a lounge area in keeping with the tropical paradise theme of Duke's Lagoon, which includes palm trees, thatched umbrella shaded areas and plenty of seating. Dry Fun: With over 35 rides, attractions, and shows, Dutch Wonderland is the perfect place to spend family time. 9. Sesame Place®, Langhorn Sesame Place® Sesame Place®, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street®! Discover water attractions that are great for both young and old. Find water rides, lazy rivers, slip and slide, splash castle, and more! Dry Fun: Don’t miss Cookie’s Monster Land, the park’s furriest land ever, or the special opportunity to meet, greet and eat with Elmo and friends. 10. Delgrosso’s Amusement Park’s & Laguna Splash Water Park,Tipton DelGrosso's Water Park Laguna Splash is the newest addition at the park and includes a lazy river, water slides, a wave pool, cabanas, and great food! Combined with the Park’s current rides, it’s a great way to tame those summer heat waves. Dry Fun: Delgrosso’s Amusement Park has more than 30 rides and attractions, including Kid’s Kingdom for the little ones. Both children and adults enjoy thrilling rides, fun midway games, entertainment, and great food. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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Outdoors with Dad
Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park Butler County has more than 40 miles of shoreline to explore at Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, making it the perfect spot to go fishing or boating with Dad. Rent kayaks or a pontoon boat, and enjoy the day on the water. Lake Arthur has some of the best fishing spots with a wide variety of fish, from Bluegill to Musky. While fishing, enjoy the beautiful scenery and try to spot the Bald Eagles that have been known to frequent this area. Beer & Gear Festival and Harrisburg Brewers Fest, June 17 Raise a pint to the dad in your life, and head outdoors to Ohiopyle for the Beer & Gear Festival on June 17. The festival will feature more than a dozen breweries and live music! If you’re closer to Central PA, say “cheers” to Dad at Harrisburg Brewers Fest on the same day. This outdoor beer and music festival will offer samples from 40 breweries. Pittsburgh Pirates v. Chicago Cubs, PNC Park, June 18 Pirates game at PNC Park, Pittsburgh. Take Dad out to a ballgame and experience a Pirates game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, ranked one of the best ballparks in the nation! On Sunday, June 18, the Pirates play the Chicago Cubs, and fathers and kids 14 and under will receive Kids & Dads Military Replica Caps, in addition to having some quality time together. Father’s Day at the Zoo, June 18 Take your dad to Father’s Day at the Zoo on June 18. In honor of Father’s Day, dads of all ages receive free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium when accompanied by their kids. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is home to thousands of animals representing more than 400 species, including 22 threatened or endangered species. Full Moon Family Fun, Pytamuning State Park, July 9 Full Moon Family Fun at Pymatuning State Park on July 9 has engaging activities for the whole family! Here, history meets science as you enjoy several activities, including moon gazing to find craters and Apollo mission landing . The program begins at 8:30 p.m. Please contact the park to register. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, July 7-16 Car lovers should attend the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, a vintage car festival that raises money for the Autism Society with donations. There are 10 days of events dedicated to celebrating the automobile. The highlight of the event is Schenley Park Race Day, the world's largest vintage car race and the only one held on city streets. This year is the 35th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Whitewater Rafting on the Yough, Ohiopyle State Park Whitewater Rafting, Youghiogheny River. Ohiopyle State Park. Photo Credit: Laurel Highlands VB If your dad is a thrill-seeker, then whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park is just the place to celebrate Father’s Day! The seven-mile Lower Yough, with its class III and IV rapids, is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River. But you don't have to be an experienced paddler to join in the adrenaline-pumping fun. The section known as the Middle Yough features class I and II rapids — making it ideal for beginner kayakers, families with young children, and anglers. Tussey Mountain Wingfest, Aug. 17 What dad doesn’t enjoy wings? For 18 years, Tussey Mountain Wingfest at Tussey Mountain has been drawing hungry, happy crowds to the slopes on Thursdays in the summertime. Thousands come for the competition just outside of State College for the camaraderie and the entertainment. All six winning restaurants will compete at The Finals to determine the Tussey Mountain Wing King! Ridge Soaring Gliderport, Julian If your dad isn’t afraid of heights, take him soaring over Happy Valley on an engineless glider ride with Ridge Soaring Gliderport. River Tubing with Bucks County River Country Take dad (and maybe mom, too!) tubing down the Delaware with Bucks County River Country! Relax and unwind as you float down this gorgeous river for two, three, or even four hours. Camping at the Endless Mountains of Northeastern PA Campgrounds are open and waiting to welcome dads this spring and summer throughout the Endless Mountains of Northeastern PA! From furnished cabins at family-friendly campsites to primitive pads at state parks, the scenic splendor of Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties awaits dads and families looking to connect in PA’s great outdoors. Covered Wagon Ride on the Pine Creek Trail Give Dad a taste of the Old West this Father's Day with a ride along Pine Creek Trail on a covered wagon led by a team of horses! Ole Covered Wagon Tours offer a unique adventure surrounded by the scenery of Pennsylvania's beautiful northern tier. Mines & Meadows ATV Resort Mines & Meadows ATV Resort offers ATV, UTV, SxS and dirt bike enthusiasts a truly unique experience with more than 75 miles of trails on 877 acres that cover a full spectrum of riding skills, from beginner to advanced. What really sets Mines & Meadows apart? The opportunity to ride underground through abandoned limestone mines. These mines provide matchless thrills with underground lakes, total darkness, and numerous surprises that help make each journey unforgettable. Fishing at Yellow Breeches Creek Yellow Breeches Creek Photo Credit: Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. Spend a day fishing at the Yellow Breeches Creek, LeTort Spring Run, or Big Spring Creek in Cumberland Valley. With many great options to choose from, it’s difficultto choose just one favorite fishing spot. The world-renowned limestone stream, Yellow Breeches Creek in Michaux State Forest, is famous for stocked brown trout. Many anglers prefer to fish at Allenberry Resort, where there is ample parking on the opposite side of the creek, easily accessible waters, and the beautiful backdrop of the Allenberry grounds. Hiking in the Lehigh Valley Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails with your dad! Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, the trails of Lehigh Valley offer a variety of terrains — setting the pace for any level of activity. Explore Henry’s Woods, an old growth forest within Jacobsburg State Park; bike along the Ironton Rail Trail, where you’ll get a glimpse of the cement kilns at Saylor Park; or make your way along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Aronimik Golf Club, Newtown Square Hit the greens at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. Featuring 300 scenic acres full of fresh air and relaxation, the challenging course was designed by one of America's foremost golf architects: Donald Ross. Serenely nestled amidst rolling hills e, the Aronimink Golf Club will host the BMW Championship in 2018. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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Revolutionary in PA
Patriot Trails With more than 10 sites countywide related to the Revolutionary War, Montgomery County is a history buff’s wonderland. This historic county bore witness to pivotal events in the British campaign to capture Philadelphia in 1777, ultimately leading to the Continental Army's famous winter encampment at Valley Forge. While navigating from place to place and timeframe to timeframe can be daunting, Patriot Trails offers a set of online itineraries that does the work for you. Journey back to a time of patriots and loyalists, citizens and soldiers, historic homes and battlefields, villages and hamlets as history comes alive around you. Washington Crossing Historic Park Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing. In 1776, George Washington and his men secretly crossed the Delaware River on a freezing Christmas night, culminating in a surprise attack on the opposing troops in Trenton, the New Jersey. Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves the site of this Revolutionary War turning point, offering more than 500 acres of American history, natural beauty, and family fun. With this year marking the 100th anniversary of Washington Crossing Historic Park, it’s the perfect place for runners, picnickers, and more to revel in history. Museum of the American Revolution The brand new Museum of the American Revolution boasts 118,000 square feet of art, manuscripts, and exhibits that showcase the history of the Revolutionary War and establish Philadelphia as the headquarters of the American Revolution. One of the most notable pieces in the museum’s collection is General George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, where the former president slept and made world-changing decisions. The galleries in the museum are organized in chronological order, so visitors can journey from the start of the American Revolution in the 1760s to the triumphant creation of the United States in 1776. Liberty Bell Museum Liberty Bell Museum, Allentown. In 1777, the British were about to seize Philadelphia, and it was feared that the King's Army would destroy the great bell in Independence Hall. The bell was removed, taken to Allentown, and hidden for nearly a year in Zion's Reformed Church — present-day Zion's 'Liberty Bell' Church. Today, an impressive memorial stands where the Liberty Bell was kept safe, and visitors can even ring a replica bell to pay tribute to this iconic artifact. Downtown Lancaster As one of the oldest inland towns in America, Lancaster is brimming with history and charm. During the Revolutionary War, it was capital of the colonies for one day when the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia. The Red Rose City was also the site of the Treaty of 1744, home of the Conestoga wagon, and birthplace of the Pennsylvania long rifle. Incorporated in 1742, Lancaster continues to embody its storied past, while boasting a vibrant and eclectic downtown. Fort Roberdeau Fort Roberdeau, Altoona. Fort Roberdeau, also known as The Lead Mine Fort, was built to protect the lead mining operations financed there by General Roberdeau. It was built in 1778, in the midst of the American Revolution, and was occupied until 1780. The site features the reconstructed fort, buildings, and smelter, a restored 19th-century farmhouse and barn, hiking trails, and costumed interpreters ready to take you on a journey back in time. Rock Ford Plantation Rock Ford Plantation was the home of Revolutionary War General Edward, who served as Adjutant General to George Washington. Today, the circa-1794 mansion comprises 33 acres at the southeastern edge of Lancaster City, surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park. Rock Ford is widely considered to be one of the most important examples of Georgian-domestic architecture surviving in Pennsylvania, and the most intact building predating 1800 in Lancaster County. York County History Center (Courthouse) York played an influential part in America’s history, hosting the Second Continental Congress in York for nine months during the winter of 1777-1778. Adopting the Articles of Confederation and signing a treaty with France, the Continental Congress accomplished much during its stay in York. A pivotal time during the American Revolutionary War, York served as the temporary home for John Adams and John Hancock, as well as a welcoming home to native Yorker James Smith. Guests can delve into the past at the York County History Center’s Library & Archives, which houses an extensive and varied collection covering both local and national history. Check out some other historic sites in Pennsylvania that will continue to fascinate you. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.
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