100 Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania

7. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

This is one of the best – and probably the most overlooked – Japanese Garden in the USA. The house and gardens were completely renovated in 1976.  Look for the amazing murals of waterfalls as they are the only examples of this style to be found outside Japan.  Remember that shoes are required in the garden but must be taken off to enter the house. If you want to feed the Koi, then you can buy food inside.

12. Monongahela Incline

You will find this in Pittsburgh. It is the country’s oldest funicular railway and has been going up and down the hill for almost 150 years.  The funicular was built in 1869 and is the oldest continuously operating railway in the USA.  Take a trip to the top of the mountain and see the spectacular views of Ohio, Allegheny, and the Monongahela River. Stay a while at the top and enjoy a sandwich before making your way back down.

If you enjoy white-water boating, then this is where you should head. The river runs through the middle of the park and is very popular for this. It is widely known that some of the best white-water boating happens here.  The park is also a great place for walking and hiking, and many people enjoy picnics there is the warmer months.  Allow yourself a full day here.

After the completion in 1911, the dam failed, and the town of Austin was flooded with 78 people being killed.  The dam was rebuilt, and this happened again in 1943, with fortunately no casualties. The city of Austin decided to leave the dam alone and it has not been rebuilt, but you can see the remains of the other dam.  The dam ruins have seen several films made there, and there is an annual music festival held there called ‘The Dam Show’. If you plan to attend this and want to stay overnight, be sure to book in advance.

20. Visit 9th Street Italian Market

You will find this in south Philadelphia. The best way to see this area is to take a guided tour. These are normally about 3-4 hours long and you will be able to see the historic neighbourhoods of the city.  Look out for the murals of the artist Isaiah Zagar whose work appears all over the city. Your tour will include entrance to the ‘Magic Gardens’.  The Italian market is the oldest in the USA and you will find an amazing array of eateries and shops from shoes, to fabric – and everything in between!  Allow yourself a full day here as there is so much to see.

21. Strasburg Railroad

This is the oldest operating railroad in the western hemisphere, and also the oldest public facility in the state. You will find it just outside the town of Strasburg.  If you are interested in steam engines, then this is the place for you to go, as you will see several of them which are still running.  Look out for the Canadian national 7312, Great Western 90, N&W 475, and the Canadian national 89. An interesting point here is that the Brooklyn East District terminal 15 has the largest number of wooden passenger coaches still in use.

43. Visit Amish Country

62. Indian Echo Caverns

These caverns are found in Hummelstown. They are reputed to be the home of the Pennsylvanian Hermit.  The caves are from limestone and are wonderful to look at. The hermit was named William Wilson and legend says he lived there for 19 years. There is an interesting story relating to him which you can read about at the cavern.  Whether you believe the tale or not, the caverns are worth visiting and should take you a half day to see.

66. Bayernhof Music Museum

83. Knoebels Amusement Park

This is the largest free admission amusement park in the USA and you will find it in Elysburg. There are plenty of free daily entertainment shows and free picnic facilities.  Head for the Crystal Pool which is filled with water from mountain streams. Here you can enjoy diving boards, waterslides, and a play section for younger children. With over 60 rides, there is something for everyone.  You can camp here or park an RV for a few days. There are also cabins, which you must book in advance.

93. Go Ballooning

Some of the best balloon tours are found in Strasburg. These will pass over the scenic Lehigh Valley among other places.  Your tour will be perfect for celebrating anniversaries or just for seeing the area from a different angle.  You should allow most of the day for this and be prepared for an early start when the winds are calmer.   Be sure to book in advance to avoid  disappointment.