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Pennsylvania
United States
Visit Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, a state steeped in history and brimming with cultural richness, offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. From the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the serene landscapes of the Pennsylvania Wilds, this state provides a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, Pennsylvania promises an unforgettable visit.
Begin your journey in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, where the cobblestone streets echo the footsteps of the founding fathers. The city is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Beyond its historic significance, Philadelphia boasts a vibrant arts scene, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the innovative Barnes Foundation. Don't miss the chance to run up the famous steps from the movie "Rocky" and to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own unique flavor of cuisine, culture, and nightlife.
For those who revel in the great outdoors, Pennsylvania's expansive landscapes provide a playground for a multitude of activities. The Pocono Mountains offer year-round recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Further north, the Pennsylvania Wilds feature over two million acres of public lands, including the majestic Pine Creek Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. This region is perfect for hiking, stargazing, and wildlife watching, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
No visit to Pennsylvania would be complete without exploring the state's rich industrial heritage in cities like Pittsburgh. Once the steel-making capital of the world, Pittsburgh has transformed into a hub for innovation and culture. The city's skyline, dramatically set at the confluence of three rivers, is a sight to behold. Explore the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, take a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline for a spectacular view of the city, and enjoy the burgeoning food scene that offers everything from traditional Polish dishes to cutting-edge culinary creations. With its friendly locals and an array of activities, Pennsylvania offers a warm welcome and a wealth of experiences to all who visit.
Find your Next Adventure in Pennsylvania
Explore Pennsylvania
Iconic Landmarks
Independence Hall
- The site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted, located in Philadelphia.
Liberty Bell
- An iconic symbol of American independence, famous for its distinctive crack, housed in the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.
Gettysburg National Military Park
- The site of the pivotal battle of the American Civil War in 1863, which includes the Gettysburg Battlefield, monuments, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Fallingwater
- A famed architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this house is built over a waterfall in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Hershey Park
- A popular family theme park founded by candy magnate Milton S. Hershey, offering rides, attractions, and chocolate-themed experiences in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Notable for its vast art collections and the iconic steps featured in the "Rocky" film series, located at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
Cultural Experiences
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Home to an extensive collection of art and the famous steps from the "Rocky" film.
Gettysburg National Military Park
A historic Civil War site with battlefield tours and a museum that offers insights into the famous 1863 battle.
The Barnes Foundation
An art collection featuring some of the world's most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings.
Fallingwater
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this architectural masterpiece is seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Experience the unique culture of the Amish and Mennonite communities, including traditional foods and horse-drawn buggies.
Grounds For Sculpture
A 42-acre sculpture park and museum in Hamilton, New Jersey, that features contemporary works in a beautifully landscaped environment, accessible from eastern Pennsylvania.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
- Traverse a portion of this famous 2,190-mile trail that winds through Pennsylvania, offering stunning vistas and challenging hikes.
Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos
- Experience thrilling rapids and scenic views as you navigate the Lehigh River or Delaware Water Gap.
Biking in Pine Creek Gorge
- Ride along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 62-mile route that offers breathtaking views of the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania."
Kayaking at Presque Isle State Park
- Paddle around the serene waters of Lake Erie's Presque Isle Bay, exploring marshes and spotting diverse wildlife.
Rock Climbing at Ralph Stover State Park
- Challenge yourself with the vertical cliffs and boulders of High Rocks, popular among climbers for its variety of routes.
Camping in Allegheny National Forest
- Immerse yourself in nature by camping in Pennsylvania’s only national forest, which offers a vast landscape of woods, streams, and wildlife.
Off the Beaten Path
Centralia
- Once a bustling mining community, this near-ghost town is known for its underground mine fire burning since 196
2.
Ringing Rocks Park
- This unique park features a field of boulders that mysteriously ring like bells when struck with a hammer.
Columcille Megalith Park
- Inspired by Celtic spirituality, this outdoor sanctuary in Bangor features large stones and structures reminiscent of ancient megalithic sites.
Concrete City
- Located in Nanticoke, this abandoned early 20th-century housing complex was built entirely of concrete for coal mine workers.
The Haines Shoe House
- A shoe-shaped house in Hellam, built by a shoe salesman in 1948, which now serves as a quirky museum and novelty attraction.
Kinzua Bridge Skywalk
- An awe-inspiring skywalk offering panoramic views from the remains of what was once the world's longest and tallest railroad structure, partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003.
Pennsylvania Fun Facts
- Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the United States; the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both signed in Philadelphia.
- The first computer was built in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Hershey, Pennsylvania is considered the Chocolate Capital of the United States.
- The first daily newspaper was published in Philadelphia on September 21, 1784.
- The first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh in 1909.
- The state is home to the first zoo in America, the Philadelphia Zoo, opened in 1874.
- Pennsylvania is the only original colony not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
- The first U.S. stock exchange was founded in Philadelphia in 1790.
- The "Slinky" toy was invented and first manufactured in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania in the 1940s.
- Pennsylvania has the highest concentration of Amish in the United States.
Featured Picture Gallery
Experience the Gorgeous Sunsets of Lake Wallenpaupack
Hike in the Pocono Mountains During Autumn to See the Colorful Landscape
Discover Hidden Oasises in the Poconos