Pennsylvania is home to many tourist attractions that are well worth visiting. But while you’re there, why not travel off the beaten path and appreciate the unique hidden gems of the state?
With everything from outdoor adventures to historic sites and art museums, this state offers places that complement the big draws of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Hershey, and whichever one of the many other major Pennsylvania tourist spots capture your attention.
1. Ringing Rocks Park (Upper Black Eddy)
Even if you’re not an outdoor enthusiast, the magic and mystery of Ringing Rocks Park will captivate you. As the name suggests, the rocks in the park are unique; they ring when struck (for best results, bring a hammer). It’s not fully understood why the rocks ring, but one theory suggests it has to do with the freeze-thaw cycle of the area.
2. Kentuck Knob (Chalk Hill)
While the Fallingwater House is the best-known residential design by Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s not the only one. The Kentuck Knob home is another impressive architectural feat that fuses nature with the built world. The home was designed for the Hagans of the Hagan Ice Cream Company after they fell in love with Wright’s Fallingwater House. You can visit the house and surrounding land and treat yourself to ice cream at the on-site café.
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3. Mount Airy Casino (Mount Pocono)
From Pennsylvania online casinos to land-based casinos, complete with the dazzling lights one might expect, the Mount Airy Casino stands out as one of the highest-rated casinos in the state and the country, according to USA Today. The resort has everything from a gaming floor and an all-season pool bar to a golf course and spa.
4. Wolf Sanctuary of PA (Lititz)
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or dog person, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA will warm your heart and leave you feeling more connected with the Gray Wolf and wolf dogs. The sanctuary is home to 50 wolves and wolf dogs and covers over 80 acres of land. To see the sanctuary, you have to take a guided tour where you’ll learn about the great Gray Wolf and conservation efforts for the species.
5. Mattress Factory (Pittsburgh)
The Mattress Factory is a building evolved from a warehouse to an artists’ hub to a contemporary art museum. The museum centers around artists being able to experiment and unleash their creativity through immense support from the Mattress Factory, including residing on-site while their work is completed.
6. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia is an unlikely home for a traditional Japanese garden, yet within the city, visitors will find Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. The house was initially built in Nagoya and then displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It remained on display there for two years. After a fire at the Philadelphia Japanese garden destroyed the garden’s Buddhist temple gate, which was part of the 1876 World’s Fair, the house was relocated to Philadelphia.
7. Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park (Centre Hall)
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park is a taste of history and nature that captivates visitors with the fascinating limestone cave filled with water, historic buildings, and countless animals that reside on the park’s 1,600 acres.
Cave tours take visitors into the cave on a boat, allowing them to see the many rock formations. Wildlife tours spotlight local animals such as mountain lions, silver foxes, and Arctic wolves as they guide you through pastures, forests, and mountains. Buildings like the historic Penn’s Cave House, once a 30-room hotel, now serve as the park’s offices and gift shop.
8. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg)
Knoebels Amusement Resort has three claims to fame: one, admission is free. Two, it’s home to the best wooden roller coaster in the world. Three, it’s won an award for the best park food.
Rather than worrying about admission, park visitors can pay per ride, picking and choosing to suit their budget and interests, like whether they’ll test out the award-winning coaster. When it comes to food, the park has everything you could dream of and more, including funnel cakes, ice cream, cookies, and even multiple food courts with options from around the world.
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9. Elfreth’s Alley (Philadelphia)
The historic Elfreth’s Alley is one of the country’s oldest residential streets. Many of the homes were built between 1720 and 1836, and they continue to be occupied today—except for two houses that serve as the Elfreth’s Alley museum. The alley is a taste of history for the state and the country.
10. Presque Isle State Park (Erie)
Presque Isle State Park is a hub of outdoor activities and natural beauty, making it appealing for everyone from bird watchers and hikers to boaters and fishermen. It’s even a place for hunters to catch duck, goose, and deer in certain seasons. While the beauty of Presque Isle State Park will make you want to stay, the park is only available for day use.
11. Rodin Museum (Philadelphia)
Auguste Rodin is the French sculptor behind the iconic piece “The Thinker,” a bronze sculpture of a man sitting in contemplation with his head resting on his fist. Hidden within Philadelphia is the Rodin Museum, home to a vast collection of Rodin’s work. The museum celebrates the artist and his varying works and explores his rebellious style inspired by traditional art.
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Last Updated on October 4, 2024
