Pennsylvania Bucket List: Places to Visit

Nothing like distance to make the heart grow fonder. Speaking as a local, here’s my personal bucket places to visit in Pennsylvania!

I truly had no appreciation for PA growing up to the point that I refused to apply to college instate. Back then I had this insane fear that if I did not leave, I never would. And, honestly, I’ve seen it happen to a lot of friends whether willingly or unwillingly, and I am glad 17-year-old me at that kind of foresight. I’ve left my heart all over the world since going to college (a whole two hours away in Maryland haha), and I have a list of places I’d love to call home.

CURRENT NOTE: If you come across this in the next few days, I’m doing some major updating and rewrites and adding each section as I go!! Apologies if some info is out of date or numbers don’t add up until then!

But you know what’s funny? At some point around 2016, I found myself talking to someone about where I’d want to set up roots in the US and, almost involuntarily, “or Pennsylvania” slipped out of my mouth.

WHAT?!

Fast forward about a decade, and I’ve lived in Philly coming up on two years and have plans to eventually buy my own place (romantically, I’d love a trinity home; realistically I’d love a 2bed, 1br apartment situation). Don’t get me wrong, I’m not 100% sold on staying in the USA and PA’s election breakdown has me feeling a certain way about a good chunk of this state but… as a whole but home is home, ya know? And I friggin’ love Philly more than I thought I could love a city!

Back when I first moved home, I wrote this huge bucket list of things I wanted to do and places I wanted to see in Pennsylvania. Since then I’ve moved three more times and that list has changed and grown! Below is my most updated version.

Enjoy and let me know what else I need add. If you can’t tell from the map below, I know way more about Eastern PA than I do Western!

Pennsylvania Bucket List Map

Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

I’m breaking this up between the following to make things a *little* easier to organize and then I’ll note the counties within each section. To give you an organizational map for this guide: Pennsylvania (which, fun fact, is technically a Commonwealth not a state) -> Regions/Big Cities –> Counties -> Small Cities, Boroughs, Towns, Townships, etc. There are other administrative divisions, etc but unless you’re running for local government you don’t need to worry about the specifics.

• Northeastern PA
• Southeastern PA
• Philadelphia
• Central PA
• Western PA
• Pittsburgh

Northeastern PA

When it comes to Northeastern PA, I’d summarize the area as a mix of mountains and a coal mining/industrial past. Though I will say, a lot of towns here have done a lot towards revitalization and tourism! It’s a really beautiful area if you’re looking for a city escape (either from NYC or Philly) and particularly gorgeous in the fall.

Countys Included: Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming

1. The Pocono Mountains (AKA The Poconos) ✓

I don’t know about Western or Central PA, but to me whenever someone talked about going to the mountains growing up, they were referring to the Poconos. The whole area is spread between at least four counties but I’m not sure there’s strict boundaries. It either borders or overlaps with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which itself overlaps with New Jersey.

I’ll get into some specific spots below but the whole area is popular for big group getaways including girls’ trips and bachelorettes. Since everyone needs a car to get around and it’s roughly 1.5 – 2 hours from one end to the other, most people look for big, remote cabins to share and then drive to wherever they want to go! (Though if you’re a fan of kitschy hotels, Cove Haven Resort is the one that goes viral every once in a while!)

2. Honesdale

Wayne County

Officially dubbed the “Birthplace of American Railroad,” Honesdale is on my list of cute Pennsylvania small towns I want to get to know. It’s about 40 minutes north of Scranton in the Poconos and, yes, it was here on August 8th, 1829 that the very first commercial steam locomotive ran. Another fun fact? The writer of “Winter Wonderland” is from Honesdale and wrote the song in Scranton. Oh, and naturally as I do with all my small town research, I started with “Honesdale Bookstore” and came to Known Grove Books & More which had a cat photographed there. So, ya know, the urge to visit is even stronger.

3. Grey Towers National Historic Site

Milford, Pike County

Grey Towers (not to be confused with Arcadia University’s castle of the same namE) is a very cute chateau-inspired historic home designed by Richard Morris Hunt (he of Biltmore fame). It was home to the very first chief of the US Forest Service and twice-elected governor of PA, Gifford Pinchot. You can tour both the house and enjoy the property via the Grey Towers Tree Trail. The town of Milford itself also looks very cute!

4. Raymondskill Falls

Dingman Township, Pike County

Further south of Milford is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania! Raymondskill Falls is three tiers with two viewing platforms and around 150ft last I checked. The nice thing is it’s like a 0.3 mile loop trail from the main parking lot but if you want to make a hiking day of it, you can easily add on the Hackers, Cliff, and Buchanan Trails as well. The Cliff Trail will take you to a Tristate Overlook and then the Hackers ones goes to the smaller Hackers Falls along the creek.

5. Dingmans & Silverthread Falls ***CLOSED TIL JULY 2026**

Dingmans Ferry, Pike County

Further south from here, is another gorgeous waterfall trek! Park at Dingmans Falls Visitor Center and then follow the trail to the 80ft tall Silverthread Falls. Keep following the trail along the creek and you’ll soon get to the 130ft tall Dingmans Falls before you can retrace your steps back. The whole thing is less than half a mile with most of it ADA accessible!

6. Bushkill Falls ✓

Between the Poconos and Del Water Gap, are you really that surprised I have a bunch of waterfalls back to back in NEPA section? Bushkill Falls is a privately-owned area with eight waterfalls spread around 300 acres. Its nickname is the “Niagara of Pennyslvania,” and there are multiple trails you can follow depending on how much you want to work. When my mom and I went, I think we went up the longest trail backwards!

7. Camelback Mountain/Big Pocono ✓

Tannersville, Monroe County

Despite its name, Camelback Mountain isn’t really a mountain, but it’s part of the Pocono Pleateau. (If someone has better geology understanding, please feel free to explain this to me like I’m five!) It’s home to a few major spots, and I’m like 99% sure I’ve been as a kid either in summer or winter but I’m not actually sure! It’s home to Camelback Resort, which is a ski resort in winter and turns into a waterpark in summer. It shares land with Big Pocono State Park which has some pretty trails you can follow.

8. Columcille Megalith Park

Bangor, Northampton County

You want some whimsy in NEPA? Here’s some whimsy — Columcille Megalith Park. The park was built by Bill Cohea and Fred Lindkvist and inspired by the Isle of Iona in Scotland. It just seems like a unique place to visit and get out into nature for a bit. Plus they host events like a Celtic Wood and Wires Concert or Full Moon Yoga all through the year! Nearby is Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center which also feels like a lovely place to escape for a bit.

9. Hickory Run State Park ✓

White Haven, Carbon County

Hickory Run State Park is a pretty massive park with like 40 miles of hiking trails in the western Poconos region! There’s a lot to do here especially if you want to camp, but I just drove up the day for some light fall hiking! First I did the the Hawks Fall Trail which was so short I thought I’d went the wrong way at first! Then I did the 2-mile out and back Shades of Death Trail, which also lead to some waterfall, though they were made via dams. My favorite view, though, was right at the beginning with the Hickory Run Chapel! The big thing to see is the Boulder Field but for whatever reason I didn’t go on my trip.

10. Jim Thorpe ✓

Carbon County

Not the athlete who was the first Native American to win Olympic gold for the US, but the Poconos gateway town named after him and where his remains are controversially laid to rest. Jim Thorpe is constantly named one of the most charming small towns in America and for good reason — it’s really friggin’ cute. I’ve been up three times now first on my own and then to show two different sets of friends around. Promise a guide is coming!

11. Lehigh Gorge State Park

Carbon County

Leigh Gorge State Park is another long park that goes from Jim Thorpe to Walter Dam along the Lehigh River. The big thing to do is take the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway from town but I believe you can also hike (and bike?) the trail as well. It’s supposed to be stunning in fall but, of course, that train sells out asap once the foliage is out! Another cute area is the Rockport Trailhead which will go to Butermilk Falls and Luke Falls!

** Also Glen Onoko Falls is often touted as a place to hike to or visit but it’s been officially closed since 2019. It sounds like there are plans to work on construction though**

12. Country Junction ✓

Lehighton, Carbon County

I’m trying to avoid specific shops or restaurants in this list because otherwise I’d be filling a small novel, but I have to single out Country Junction, aka the World’s Largest General Store. It is insane and huge and incredible. Brought my friends from rural Oklahoma and their jaws were on the ground. You just have to go and experience it. It’s right outside of Jim Thorpe, so combine it with your trip!

13. Endless Mountains ✓

Wyoming & Susquehanna Counties

The Endless Mountains are another region in NEPA that spans Wyoming and Susquehanna counties. Like the Poconos, they’re also part of the Appalachian Mountains chain and is supposed to be one of the prettiest drives. I’ve driven through them a few times but haven’t had a chance to stop and explore. I can confirm though the drive is gorgeous! If I were to plan a visit, I’d stay in the town of Tunkhannock and plan my adventures from there.

14. Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct

Nicholson, Wyoming County

Speaking of Tunkhannock, about 20 minutes away by car in Nicholson is the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct. It’s a really cool arched cement bridge that’s over a hundred years old. At 2,400 feet long and is 240 feet high, it’s also the world’s largest concrete railroad bridge. And, listen, a photo of a bridge got me to one of my favorite places ever, so I’m very intrigued by this viaduct. It’s part of the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway if you want a pretty drive.

15. Eagles Mere

Sullivan County

Eagles Mere is another small town I want to visit and it’s another option for the Endless Mountains. Its name comes from the nearby lake, and it just looks like such an idyllic little escape! To give you an idea of just how small this town seems, the main bookstore and main hotel are both called Eagles Mere. It’s also a good base if you want to hike the next spot on this list…

16. World’s End State Park

Forksville, Sullivan County

World’s End State Park is all of a 10-minute drive from Eagles Mere, and has what looks like some really gorgeous views! It’s in an S-shaped valley in Loyalsock Creek and surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest, so I imagine it’s insane when the fall colors are at their peak! You can drive to the main viewpoint at the Loyalsock Canyon Vista but there are quite a few pretty vistas and hiking trails!

17. Ricketts Glen State Park

Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia Counties

A place that is high on my Pennsylvania bucket list to this day! Just imagine this — a park with 22 waterfalls spread over 13,000 acres and 26 miles of trails. Hello?? Ricketts Glen State Park kind of reminds me of a bigger Watkins Glen State Park up in New York. I really want to take a day to hike the Falls trail, which is a 7.2-mile loop and out-and-back trail that goes to 21 of the waterfalls.

18. Scranton, the Electric City!!

Lackawanna County

I mean… when I first wrote this post, I’d also just finished my first marathon watch of “The Office,” so I kept wanting to visit the random places they mention or go to in the show. I know most of it is filmed in California, not Scranton, but they do have quite a few references to the electric city. Not to mention you can visit the iconic Scranton Welomes You sign at The Marketplace at Steamtown.

Southeastern PA

11. Bethlehem Steelstacks

The Bethlehem Steel company was once a huge part of the city’s economy, and it even provided steel for famous monuments like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Rockerfeller Center in NYC. The mill shut down in the 90s, and instead of destroying it, the city turned into a huge venue and community area.  

12. Bowman’s Hill Tower

The tower is 125 feet tall and sits in Washington Crossing Historic Park. It’ll give you a really cool view from all corners! 

13. Chester County Balloon Festival

Who doesn’t love a hot air balloon festival?

14. Colebrookdale Railroad

Yet something else I had no idea existed, even though it was right in my own backyard! To be fair, it only really started in 2014, and back then I was on my way to Korea. This scenic tourist train takes you through a “secret valley,” and they do special themes for the holidays!

15. Crystal Caves

I distinctly remember visiting here as a kid during the summer and being surprised at how humid it was despite the cold! The cave was founded in the 1800s and is now considered Pa’s most popular natural wonder.

16. Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Cloister was a religious community that dates back to 1732 when its founder built the area to escape worldly desires. The last member passed away in 2008, and now it’s a museum that preserves its unique culture.

17. Glencairn Museum

Apparently this museum is home to a huge collection of religious art, and it sounds and looks absolutely interesting. I mean if you watch the documentary above, you’d think you were somewhere in Europe, not PA! It doesn’t just include Christian art either, but according to their site includes “ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, Islamic, Asian, and Native American.” 

18. King of Prussia Mall

For now, the KOP is the largest mall by retail space in the US. A lot of people think it’s Mall of America, but that one is actually 5th on the list. I never realized quite how massive the KOP was because it was always the main mall I went to has a kid. Sure I had a smaller one 10-minutes away, but we all knew if you really wanted to shop, you drove 30-minutes down 422 to the KOP.

Plus PA doesn’t have sales tax on clothes, so, you know, shop til you drop. 

Tip: Park outside of DSW. There’s always parking, and it’s near the Cheesecake Factory, Old Navy, DSW, Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and more.

19. Koziar’s Christmas Village

This village was started back in 1948 by William M. Koziar as he decorated his property for Christmas in such a lovely way that locals began to recognize it. Each year he added more and more, so that it’s known for its one of the best outdoor Christmas displays in the world today!

20. Longwood Gardens

I recently visited for the first time to experience the famous Longwood Gardens Christmas, and this place is as massive and beautiful as I thought it would be. I really can’t wait to go for all four seasons!

Anyway, Longwood Gardens as we know it today began taking form way back in the 1700s when the man who bought the property’s grandsons began planting an arboretum. Fast forward to the 1900s, Pierre du Pont bought it from their heirs and eventually transformed it into a huge public garden. Today it’s over 1,000 acres with a national reputation and plenty to see and do, even in the winter! 

21. Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle

Mercer Museum was founded by Henry Chapman Mercer back in 1897 to preserve the art of handmade items as the Industrial Revolution was making them more and more obsolete. Today it houses over 40,000 items! Fonthill Castle was once the home of Mercer and became a museum after his housekeeper’s death.

22. Peace Valley Lavender Farm

If you’ve seen those photos of Provence’s lavender fields and you too want a taste locally, then Peace Valley is the cutest spot! It’s definitely not huge, but it has a nice little field with a rustic shop to purchase products.

23. Pennhurst Asylum

Fun fact, this was featured on a Buzzfeed Unsolved episode! Pennhurst Asylum was once a controversial school for the “feeble-minded and epileptic” for over a century before shutting down in 1987. It now operates as a haunted house-type attraction.

24. Reading’s Japanese Pagoda

Did you know overlooking Reading sits a Japanese pagoda-style building? It’s a very random structure built over a century ago to be a luxury resort. The resort never came to fruition, but the pagoda has stayed, even surviving anti-Japanese sentiments during WWII.

It’s quite a random spot, and when I went I remember wondering if I was accidentally seeing a drug deal going on, so, ya know, visit carefully!

25. Ringing Rocks Park

This is embarrassing, but I never knew this was a thing, and I’m from Pottstown. There’s even an elementary school called “Ringing Rocks Elementary School,” and I never once stopped to wonder why. *Face palm*

Anyway, ringing rocks are exactly what they sound like — rocks that sound like bells when struck.

26. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre

Oldest drive-in theater in the country! Another weird thing — I used to romanticize drive-in movie theaters as a kid. Somehow I thought it was the most romantic way to go on a teenaged date. Little did I know Shankweiler’s wasn’t that far away.

27. Saint Peter’s Village

I’ve only been to this historic village once early on in college, and I remember thinking it was super cute and idyllic looking. The main road is only about a quarter of a mile long, and it’s near a bunch of different hiking trails. If I remember correctly, we just wandered around one of the trails, had lunch at one of the restaurants, and walked around the town for the afternoon.

28. Valley Forge National Historic Park

Hey, this is me! If you have any interest in the Revolutionary War or the US’s founding, then you must stop at Valley Forge Park. It was the sight of the 1777-8 encampment and is generally considered one of the most important sites of the war. I’ll have to do more historical digging because it’s been a while since I studied American history, and I did grow up near this park, so I might be biased.

Philadelphia

See More: How to Spend a Weekend in Philly

29. Barnes Foundation

I actually remember visiting the Barnes Foundation back around when its Philly first opened in 2012! It’s home to a ton of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modernist art. It’s got one of the biggest collections of Renoir, with nearly 200 paintings.

30. Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden is actually the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America, dating back to 1728. It’s over 46 acres and just looks like the prettiest place to spend a spring day in PA.

31. Philadelphia City Hall

The current City Hall began construction back in 1871 and was the tallest building in Philly until 1987. Fun fact, at the top of the building is a statue of our state’s founder, William Penn, and because someone else built a tower taller than him, there was a rumor our sports team was cursed. Really! I grew up hearing about the curse of Billy Penn.

Anyway, in 2007, when construction workers were completing the latest tallest building, the Comcast Center, they placed a figurine of William Penn. In 2008, the Phillies won the World Championships ending 25 years of major sports league losses. They did the same thing in 2017 when they finished building the Comcast Technology Center, and the Eagles won their first ever Super Bowl! I’m not saying I believe in curses, buttttt…..

Besides admiring the architecture and enjoying the tales of the curse, you can also go up in City Hall’s observation deck for panoramic views of the city!

32. Betsy Ross’s House

Back when I was 8, my parents took us on an actual historical tour of Philly, and the one place I loved more than any other was Betsy Ross’s House. It’s said that Betsy Ross sewed the first ever American flag in this house. While that statement is pretty much considered myth now, it’s still a very cool historic site.

33. Boathouse Row

Lining the Schuylkill River are pretty 19th century boathouses! They make for an idyllic entrance to the city.

34. Citizens Bank for a Phillies Game

I mean, are you surprised I added this? Go Phillies!

35. Christ Church

This church goes all the way back to 1695 and was originally founded as a parish of the Church of England. Nearby, don’t miss Ben Franklin’s grave at the Christ Church Burial Ground. Bring a penny in honor of his famous aphorism, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

36. Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary was a prison that operated from 1829 – 1971, and it’s also been featured on Buzzfeed Unsolved! What makes it unique is its wheel-like design and, of course, its infamous inmates. Even Al Capone was held here at one point. The big event is its “Terror Behind the Walls” event run each Halloween. I’m still scared of scary movies, so I’ve never been.

37. Elfreth’s Alley

Opened as a cart path in 1702, Elfreth’s Alley is the country’s oldest residential street. All of its 32 homes were built at some point between 1728 and 1836, and it’s a picturesque little section of the city.

38. Franklin Institute

Any kid who grew up in Philly or the Philly suburbs went on a field trip to this place at least once in their life. Named in honor of Ben Franklin, the science museum is home to various exhibits. There’s also a permanent Benjamin Franklin Memorial.

39. Fishtown

Fishtown is the hipster area of Philly. I’m going to be honest, I don’t know much else besides that, but I’m interested in exploring the neighborhood!

40. Independence Hall

If you visit Philly for the first time and don’t visit the Independence Hall, did you even come here? Kidding!

I’d argue no building should represent the American spirit like Independence Hall. This is the place that witnessed both the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. Some of our greatest leaders have debated within its walls. Forget anything you’ll find in DC, that city was barely a twinkle in the country’s eye when Independence Hall was housing some of the most significant moments of US history!

41. The Liberty Bell

Building off that momentum, what’s a better symbol of all America stands for than the Liberty Bell? It once hung in the steeple of Independence Hall, and it now has its own center next door. I’d highly recommend visiting and taking the time to read about how it’s become such an important symbol over the centuries. For example, its name, “Liberty Bell,” was actually coined by abolitionist groups in the 1800s! I found the exhibits to be pretty moving when you realize just how far the US has come since 1776.

42. Lincoln Financial Field for an Eagles Game

Philly fans are notorious, and if you really want to see that in full swing, go to an Eagles game. I’d argue even more than a Phillies or Sixers game, you’ll really see that crazy passion come out at an Eagles football game. God help you if you’re wearing a jersey of the opposing team, though. And I’d specifically recommend avoiding any praise for the Giants or the Cowboys.

43. LOVE Park

Did you know Philly’s nickname is the “City of Brotherly Love”? The LOVE Park, also know as the JFK Plaza, holds one of the iconic LOVE statue, first designed by Robert Indiana. It’s been around since the mid-seventies.

44. Magic Gardens

Designed by Isiah Zagar, the Magic Gardens cover about half a city block. It has a cool mosaic design made of all sorts of things, like ceramic shards or bottles.

45. Morris Arboretum

The Morris Arboretum is connected to the University of Pennsylvania, and is 92-acres of wooded plants and sculpture gardens.

46. Mütter Museum

Ever wonder what happened to Albert Einstein’s brain? Me neither, but now I know! About 46 small portions of it lay on display in Philly’s very odd Mütter Museum, which has quite the collection of other medical oddities.

47. Pat’s vs Geno’s

You’ve gotta try the famous Philly cheesesteak somewhere! Unfortunately, my mom can’t make them for random people, so these two places will have to do! Why not compare the one from Pat’s and the one from Geno’s to see which is better?

48. Penn’s Landing

As you might guess, Penn’s Landing gets its name because it’s the sight of William Penn’s landing in 1682. It sits along the Delaware River Waterfront, and always has different events and features no matter what time of year it is.

49. Penn Museum

Its full name is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, so that’ll probably give you a better idea of what you’ll find here. With three floors of exhibits featuring artifacts from around the world, you could spend hours wandering around.

50. Philadelphia Museum of Art

Once you’ve run up the stairs and pumped your fist ala Rocky, head inside and enjoy the actual museum! With over 240,000 objects, it’s one of the largest art museums in the country and it, itself, is work of art.

51. Reading Terminal Market

Whenever I visited Philly, we stop by and eat here! It’s one of the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the country, and it’s filled with over 80 delicious eateries!

52. Rodin Museum

While the largest collection of Rodin statues is in Paris, France, the second largest is right in Philly at the Rodin Museum.

53. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia

The Rosenbach is home to one of the world’s best collections of rare books and manuscripts. Some notable mentions: George Washington’s letters on the American Revolution, the only surviving copy of the 1733 first edition of Poor Richard’s Almanac, a first edition of Don Quixote, Lewis Carroll’s copy of Alice in Wonderland, a huge Dickens collection, and a manuscript of Ulysses.

54. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Located in the western section of Fairmount Park, Shofuso features a traditional-style Japanese structure and garden, including a weeping cherry tree. I imagine this is one of the best places to visit during cherry blossom season!

Central PA

55. Cherry Springs State Park

I had no idea you could actually see the stars the same way I saw them in the Atacama Desert in Pennsylvania, but you can! Cherry Springs is an international dark sky park where you’re able to see the Milky Way cast a shadow.

56. Clarence Schock Memorial Park

This park sits in Governor Dick Hill and has a number of hiking trails. The big feature, though, is its observation tower which will give you views of the area.

57. Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum

I love the idea of seeing history through one family’s lens. The Boal estate covers over 200 years and 8 generations of US history. The chapel comes about because at one point one of Christopher Columbus’s descendants married one of the Boals and brought the chapel with her.

58. Dauphin Narrows Statue of Liberty

Did you know we’ve got our own Statue of Liberty? It’s a 25-foot statue near Marysville bridge! You can access it if you kayak over.

59. Indian Echo Caverns

These are cool limestone caverns that were used back in the 1700s by the Susquehannock tribe. They’re a good detour if you’re in the area for Hersheypark.

60. Gettysburg National Military Park

Back to that “Office” marathon… Remember the episode where Andy tries to take them on a field trip to Gettysburg, and Dwight finds out he was totally wrong about Schrute’s Farm being the northernmost battle of the Civil War?

Anyway, the Battle of Gettysburg is perhaps one of the most memorable battles of the Civil War as it was considered a turning point, and it’s home to the one of our country’s most famous addresses. The park is a memorial to that battle and includes areas such as the Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg National Cemetery, a Museum and Visitor Center, and more.

61. Haines Shoe House

I mean, this is exactly what it sounds like — a house shaped like a shoe! If you watched “The Amazing Race” back in the day, you might recognize it as one of the stops.

62. Happy Valley

If you’re ever curious about the US’s “university towns,” then definitely check out Happy Valley, which is where Penn State Main Campus is located. Go during football season to really see school spirit in full gear or visit for THON, which is the largest student-run philanthropic event in the world. I never even went to PSU, and I know about their football culture and THON from acquaintances alone!

63. Harrisburg

Our state capital! Visit to see more of PA’s history at the State Museum and enjoy how pretty the State Capitol building is. The home around there are really cute too, so I’d just walk around and enjoy them. Stop by Little Amps for coffee.

64. Hersheypark

I grew up with, “Hersheypark happy! The sweetest place on earth!” My family would go every summer from open to close, and even now it’s THE greatest place for Roller Coasters. Six Flags lines are too long, Disney World can’t even, and while Universal is close, it’s more of a mix with virtual and ride.

Hershey, though, that’s the perfect mix. Also you can go on a chocolate tour!

65. Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels is known as the largest free-admission amusement park and has been around since 1926. I swear I’ve been here as a kid because the name is so familiar, but I’m not 100% sure! 

66. Lakemont Park – Oldest Wooden Coaster

Continuing with the amusement park theme, you can also visit Lakemont Park! Its biggest claim to fame is that its Leap-The-Dips ride is the oldest wooden roller coaster in the world. As in, it’s been around since 1902.

67. Penn’s Cave and Hotel

Just another cool cave in PA, but you can also stay here at the historic hotel.

68. Pine Creek Gorge

Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is 47-miles long and around 1,000 feet deep. You can drive along the east rim and stay in nearby Wellsboro.

69. Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Pine Grove Furnace State Park has four different trails and is considered one of the most beautiful places in PA. East of the park is also the official marker of the Appalachian Trail midpoint!

70. Rockhill Trolley Museum

Take in some of Central PA’s scenery via an old trolley! It’s supposed to be especially beautiful in the fall.

71. Tussey Mountain

Tussey Mountain is near Penn State and excellent for skiing in the winter and nature activities in the summer.

Western PA

72. Allegheny National Forest

The forest is a HUGE area and perfect to enjoy all of PA’s four seasons. It’s got a ton of trails that look perfect for getting outside. I think this is another area I really want to explore in the fall.

73. Big Mac Museum

When I first saw that this existed, I couldn’t laughing. And then I 100% put it on my Pennsylvania bucket list because — why not?! You can see a 14-ft model of a big mac, and, I mean, McDonald’s was my first job at 14!

74. Fallingwater

Of all of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings, Fallingwater is one of the most famous. It was built partly over a waterfall and is so beautiful and unique, it’s inspired a concerto!

75. Flight 93 Memorial

While 9/11 is most visually remembered in New York City, there were two other flights that crashed that day as well. One was into the Pentagon, but one, which was originally headed for the US Capitol building was thwarted by passengers on the plane and wound up crashing in rural Pennsylvania. The memorial is built to honor those passengers.

76. Jimmy Stewart Museum

Mr. George Bailey himself! Jimmy Stewart is one of our great actors, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Rear Window, he’s a Hollywood legend. Andddd he comes from Indiana, PA! Definitely want to visit the museum and see more of his life!

77. Kinzua Bridge

Kinzua Bridge was once the tallest railroad bridge in the world. Most of the bridge was destroyed in 2003 after a tornado, but you can still see a panorama shot of it from a lookout in the park of the same name.

78. Presque Isle Park

Did you know PA is the first landlocked state in the US? Presque Isle Park is one of the few places you can “go to the beach” so to say. It’s a little peninsula in Lake Erie that kind of closes around a body of water called Presque Isle Bay! Probably best during the summer.

79. Punxsutawney for Groundhog’s Day

One of the oddest mainstream holidays we celebrate in the US is Groundhog’s Day! It was first reported on in Punxsutawney, and so every year they hold a huge celebration on February 2nd to see if Phil will emerge or not.

80. Seven Springs Mountain Resort

While it’s more known for its ski slopes, I first found out about it as a beautiful places to enjoy the fall foliage since it’s an all-year resort!

Pittsburgh

81. Andy Warhol Museum

I’m also surprised by how many famous people have called Pittsburgh their hometowns! The iconic Andy Warhol is one of them. It spans 7 floors and is all about the Warhol’s life and legacy.

82. Canton Avenue

Why not try to walk up the steepest street in the world?

83. Carnegie Museum of Art

Can be considered the first modern art museum in the country.

84. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the top natural history museums in the country and has one of the best dinosaur exhibits.

85. Carnegie Science Center

This is probably the most kid-friendly of the Carnegie museums, and it’s easily the most visited!

86. Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is a centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh, and stands at 535-ft tall. Besides its gorgeous exterior, the interior is made up of themed-rooms you can visit! Pitt students even have classes in some of them.

87. Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne (pronounced doo-kane) Incline is in the South Side and has ben around since 1877! PS It’s featured in Flashdance for 80s movies lovers.

88. Frick Art + Historical Center

The Frick Art + Historical Center is actually a few buildings in one area from the historical mansion called Clayton, the Frick Art Museum, the Playhouse. the Greenhouse and Gardens, and more.

89. Heinz Field for a Steelers Game

I mean, I may bleed green, but I have come to appreciate the Steelers and their fandom. Still waiting for a Steelers vs. Eagles Superbowl! P.S. Pittsburgh was Gotham in the Christopher Nolan Batman movies, and you might recognize Heinz Field from The Dark Night Rises.

90. Kennywood

Kennywood is a traditional amusement park that has been around since 1898 and is considered a classic must-visit in Pittsburgh. Quite a few of the rides date back to the 1920s.

91. Monongahela Incline

The Monongahela Incline is the other incline up to the Mt. Washington neighborhood! It’s the oldest continuously operating funicular in the country.

92. Mt. Washington Neighborhood

Mt. Washington is where you go for the best view of Pittsburgh! It’ll give you the perfect view of the Golden Triangle, or Pittsburgh’s business district.

93. Phipps Conservatory + Botanical Gardens

Within Schenley Park is a gorgeous botanical garden that covers 15 acres and has been around since 1893. Where there’s a garden, I must go!

94. Pittsburgh’ Children Museum

Okay, I know. Unless you have kids, why the heck would you want to visit the Children Museum? Um, because Mr. Rogers’ puppets are here as well as a few exhibits dedicated to humanity’s favorite human being.

95. Point State Park

The Point got its name because it’s where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers meet. There’s a fountain to mark the exact spot.

96. Randyland

Randyland is definitely high up on my list for when I go to Pittsburgh next! It reminds me a bit of Gamcheon, but a museum instead of a neighborhood with how fun and colorful it is. Even Anthony Bourdain and Fred Rogers were fans.

97. Schenley Park

Schenley Park is over 300 acres and is in kind of the most ideal spot in Pittsburgh! It’ll also give you really pretty views of the city.

And there you have it! My not-so-little Pennsylvania bucket list! I can’t wait to start writing more about PA as I finally visit some of these places for the first time!

Have you been to PA? What would you add to this list?

The USA is a massive country, and I always love discovering new places to visit. I’m actually pretty sure I’ll still be hearing of new gems when I’m 90 years old and need a wheelchair to get around! Since I’ve been interested in travel, I’ve visited a number of different places in the US alone. Check out some of posts:

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