Pennsylvania is an important Northeastern state that was a central part of the original thirteen Colonies forming the United States. Throughout time Pennsylvania has been important for industry and manufacturing. Pennsylvania is bordered by Lake Erie in the northwest and the Delaware River in the east, with a landscape of forested areas and mountains covering the interior part of the state. Pennsylvania's most populous city, Philadelphia, is one of the largest in the United States.
Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region has fifty miles of coastline along the picturesque Lake Erie. Surrounded by forested area, the Great Lakes Region also features the Presque Isle State Park, local wineries, museums and galleries, and more in charming lakeside towns.
Erie is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania, and is the fourth-largest city in the state. Although it is an industrial city, Erie is a popular spot for many tourists, with the Presque Isle State Park, which is right on the lake and features year-round recreation as well as a casino and hotels. Throughout the city of Erie are exciting attractions including the Erie Zoo, Splash Lagoon indoor waterpark, and the Erie Maritime Museum. For sightseeing, be sure to visit the Dobbins Landing pier and the Bicentennial Tower overlooking Lake Erie.
Hermitage , on Pennsylvania's western border, is part of the Youngstown, Ohio metropolitan area. Some attractions in Hermitage include the Shenango Valley Mall and several golf courses, and the city is near all the things to do in Erie, Akron, Ohio and Canton, Ohio.
Franklin , with a population of seven thousand, is a unique small town situated in a forested area. Some area attractions include the Debence Antique Music World, Barrow-Civic Theatre, and Two Mile Country Park.
Pennsylvania Wilds Region has a wealth of outdoor attractions: Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, Pine Creek Gorge, and Cherry Springs State Park are just a few of the places to view the incredible scenery of this area.
Warren is located on the norther border of Pennsylvania at the intersection of US Highways 6 and 62. Visitors come to enjoy recreation along the Allegheny River and in the nearby Allegheny National Forest.
Mansfield is a quaint Victorian-styled town in the Pennsylvania Wilds region, on US Highway 6. Mansfield has strong ties to the 1980s, a time when the first night football game ever was played in Mansfield. The town celebrates this heritage in an annual festival which occurs every September.
Williamsport is a city of thirty thousand in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. An interesting fact about Williamsport is that Little League Baseball was founded there in 1939. Learn about the development at the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, or visit the Thomas Taber Museum and Piper Aviation Museum. Take a walk along Millionaire's Row to see the mansions and homes of residents built in the early 20th century. For outdoor recreation make a trip to the Hyner Run State Park or the Little Pine State Park.
Lamar is truly a small town in Pennsylvania, with less than three hundred residents. Located in the Pennsylvania Wilds region in the center of the state, Lamar is surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Clearfield is located west of Du Bois on Interstate 80. The area has a popular reputation for its involvement in the arts, with many local galleries and theatre groups.
Farmington , near Clarion on Interstate 80, is the home of Cook Forest State Park.
Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains, bordered by the Pocono Mountains, cover the landscape of this stunning area. This area has everything from winding rivers to waterfalls, golf courses, national parks, and ski resorts. The Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains are a wonderful place to visit any season of the year.
Scranton is located in the Lackawanna River Valley in northwestern Pennsylvania. Scranton has a history as a coal mining town dating back to the mid-1800s. To explore this history further, visit the Steamtown National Historic Site, Electric City Trolley Museum, or the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. The Sno Mountain Ski Resort draws many visitors during the winter months, and there is plenty to do in the local parks and along the riverfront in the summer.
Wilkes Barre is located in the Wyoming Valley between the Pocono Mountains and the Endless Mountains. Wilkes-Barre is a historic two hundred-year-old city has many iconic buildings including the landmark Sterling Hotel and the Luzerne County Courthouse. Wilkes-Barre is a major industrial, manufacturing, and retail center.
Shawnee is a popular ski resort area in the Poconos Mountains. This area, famous for its excellent skiing during the winter, is a fun place to visit year-round, with many exciting annual festivals such as the Celtic Festival and 4th of July Festival taking place. The Delaware River offers boating and swimming, and there are also local golf courses and parks and plenty of lodging.
Milford is located on the eastern coast of Pennsylvania in the Poconos Mountains region. Be sure to see the Lincoln Flag, which actually belonged to Abraham Lincoln, when visiting Milford. The annual Black Bear Film Festival and Milford Music Festival are interesting annual events.
Dickson City is a borough just north of Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania. Dickson City is a major area shopping destination, with many retail complexes including the Park Center and Commerce Plaza and Dickson City Crossings.
Lakeville is a city located in the Poconos Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania. Lakeville is known as the honeymoon capital, and its quaint small-town feel and beautiful surrounding landscape are the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Philadelphia and the Countryside is a beautiful and historic region, centered on the booming metropolis of Philadelphia and bordered by the Delaware River on the east. The Lehigh Valley area, in the northern part of the region, lies between the Blue Mountain and South Mountain.
Philadelphia , with six million residents in its metropolitan area, is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-largest in the United States. Philadelphia is a famous and historic American city, having played an important part in the American Revolution, and as the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall. Throughout the city are many examples of Colonial architecture, along with historic sites including the Liberty Bell, the home of Edgar Allan Poe, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Tourist-friendly sites in Philadelphia are numerous: the Philadelphia Zoo and Adventure Aquarium, LOVE Park, many museums, and stadiums of famous sports teams such as the Phillies baseball team, 76ers basketball team, and Eagles football team. Visit the outdoors in Philadelphia at Penn's Landing on the Delaware riverfront and Bartram's Garden.
King of Prussia is a rapidly-expanding area in the Philadelphia region that features the famous namesake King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest retail centers in the country.
Bensalem is a large suburb and township bordering Philadelphia. Bensalem is one of the oldest areas in Pennsylvania, and today has a diverse population of immigrants.
Bethel is a quiet residential suburb and township of Philadelphia, with a population of six thousand.
Essington is a small town in the Philadelphia area, with great access to the Philadelphia Airport.
Horsham is a township that is home to twenty-five thousand Pennsylvania residents. It is the home of the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove. A visit to the historic forty-acre Graeme Park is a must when traveling in Horsham.
West Chester lies about thirty minutes west of Philadelphia. West Chester is centrally located amongst the Valley Forge, Longwood Gardens, and other metropolitan area attractions.
Malvern is a unique town located near the Philadelphia area off US Route 30. An interesting place to visit is the Swiss Pines, a large arboretum and Japanese garden, or the historic Duffy's Cut railroad.
Wayne is a historic Pennsylvania Railroad town in the southeastern corner of the state. Visit Main Street for a touch of the town atmosphere or Chanticleer Garden for its scenery.
Bristol located between Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey on the eastern coast of Pennsylvania. Visitors enjoy sightseeing in the restored historic houses and museums in Bristol, which was founded in 1681. The Silver Lake Park and Nature Center is another popular outdoor attraction.
Easton is directly located on the eastern Pennsylvania border. The city lies approximately halfway between Philadelphia and New York City on Interstate 80. Easton is situated in a scenic area at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers and features a Historic Downtown along with several other distinct neighborhoods. Easton has a strong German heritage and influence throughout the city.
Quakertown is a borough bordering the Lehigh Valley near the Eastern border of Pennsylvania. A historic railroad town and, literally, a Quaker-town, today it is a residential community of Philadelphia.
Reading is a popular tourist destination situated northwest of Philadelphia in the countryside. Reading features many recognizable sites and popular culture icons: the Reading Railroad from the Monopoly board game, the birthplace of John Updike and the setting of his novel Rabbit, Run, and the Japanese Pagoda seated atop Mount Penn.
Allentown is the third-largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, with a population of just over one hundred thousand. Allentown lies sixty miles north of Philadelphia, along Interstate 475 on the Lehigh River. Music is a crucial part of the heritage in Allentown, where you can see frequent performances by not only the Allentown Symphony Orchestra but also the Allentown Band, Pioneer Band of Allentown, and Marine Band of Allentown. There is also the Allentown Art Museum and a multitude of local malls including the Lehigh Valley Mall, the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, and South Mall. The Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom is a popular attraction just outside Allentown.
Bethlehem is situated in central Lehigh Valley, just east of Allentown on Interstate 78. Founded as early as 1741, Bethlehem has a rich history with historic locations throughout its neighborhoods, as well as a historic Downtown area. Favorite pastimes in Bethlehem include hiking and biking along the scenic Lehigh Canal or spending time outdoors in one of over thirty city parks.
Dutch Country Roads region is an exciting area which contains Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, as well as tourist attractions such as Hershey and Amish Country.
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, although it is a small city with only fifty thousand residents. A major draw in Harrisburg is the Pennsylvania Farm Show, a large annual agricultural exhibition, as well as an annual Auto Show. Downtown Harrisburg is a thriving entertainment area, with attractions including the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Outside Downtown Harrisburg, beautiful parks abound such as the City Island and Beach, Wildwood Lake Park, and Riverfront Park along the Susquehanna.
Mechanicsburg is a city in the Cumberland Valley just west of Harrisburg. Mechanicsburg is the home of the famous Jubilee Day, known as the largest street fair on the east coast. Other great places to see in Mechanicsburg include the Liberty Forge Arboretum and the Williams Grove Speedway.
Hershey is a city known for the famous Hershey Chocolate Company, a famous American candy manufacturer. Hershey is a very family-friendly vacation destination, and the Hershey Company operates many attractions throughout the city including Zoo America, Hershey Park, and Hershey's Chocolate World, Hershey Museum, and many more. Hershey is less than thirty minutes east from Harrisburg.
Lebanon is located on US Highway 422 halfway between Harrisburg and Reading. The city lies within the Lebanon Valley and is bordered by the Susquehanna River. Lebanon has a unique claim to fame: Lebanon Bologna was first produced in the city and gives it a bit of its culture.
Lancaster can be found west of York on US Highway 30. Some of its many historic landmarks include the long-running Fulton Opera House, Rock Ford Plantation, and Wheatland, estate of former president James Buchanan. Other interesting sites in Lancaster include the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum and the North Museum of Natural History and Science, Landis Valley Museum, and the Demuth Museum of Art.
Middletown , located between Harrisburg and Carlisle, is one of the most historic towns in Pennsylvania. Middletown has a strong Scotch-Irish and German heritage. Throughout the town, many architectural styles and historic sites can be found. A must while visiting Middletown is a ride on the M&H Railroad, a one-hour trip through the scenery of the Swatara Creek Valley.
Denver is a small town in the Lancaster area. Denver is conveniently located between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, in a quiet Amish setting. Enjoy local attractions including the Fulton Opera House, Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park, and Demuth Museum.
Carlisle is located just southwest of the capital of Harrisburg, by following Interstate 76 or Interstate 81. Located in the Cumberland Valley, Carlisle is an important agricultural area, and also features the Carlisle Fairgrounds which is famous for its car shows.
Liverpool is a small city in the Harrisburg-Carlisle area of southern-central Pennsylvania. Its scenery along the Susquehanna River in the Dutch Country Roads region has plenty to see and do.
Elizabethtown , just southeast of Harrisburg, bears a strong Pennsylvania Dutch influence, like most of the area. The town is also just ten minutes south of Hershey. Elizabethtown is a residential area with many prominent schools.
Chambersburg is a borough of Franklin County, located southwest of Harrisburg at the intersection of Interstate 71 and Route 30. Chambersburg is surrounded by green scenery and is home to the beautiful Caledonia State Park.
Chester lies on the Delaware River, southwest of Philadelphia on Interstate 95. With a Swedish and seafaring influence, Chester is also known for its horse racing and professional soccer teams.
Exton is a town in Chester County that is a popular area destination for the Exton Mall. This city of five thousand lies at the intersection of Route 100 and US Highway 30.
Hanover , named for the German city, lies just outside the city of York and one hour north of Baltimore, Maryland. Located in a lush agricultural region, Hanover is also home to several famous snack-food producing companies and their factories., and is nicknamed the Snack Food Capital of the World. The city is an interesting place, especially for families, to take several tours.
Gettysburg is famous for its location near the Gettysburg Battlefield, a part of the American Civil War in 1863. Tours and reenactments of the battle, as well as other tourist attractions and historic sites, can be found year-round in Gettysburg.
York is located on the main thoroughfare of Interstate 83 in the Dutch Country Roads region of southern Pennsylvania.Founded in 1741, York was one of the original First Capital of the United States. In addition to many historic sites and buildings, York has an excellent live music and performing arts scene.
The Allegheny Mountains region of Pennsylvania stretches across the southern central part of the state and contains small towns, state parks, and forests.
State College is a bustling college town set in a remote location in central Pennsylvania. Its nearly forty thousand residents are largely made up of the students of Penn State University. The college campus and city are known for their beautiful forested scenery and State College is affectionately nicknamed Happy Valley, with a plethora of entertainment venues, bars and restaurants.
Lewisburg is a city of five thousand, centrally located in Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River. There is plenty to explore along the riverfront and in parks throughout Lewisburg, and the city is less than an hour from Harrisburg, Williamsport, and Sunbury.
Danville is part of the Bloomsburg metropolitan area, situated on the Susquehanna River. Danville is accessible by Interstate 80 and US Highway 11.
Altoona is a prominent city of fifty thousand, situated in the Allegheny Mountains. Famous railroads make up its early history and can still be seen running throughout Downtown Altoona, along with other historic sites. Be sure to visit the Railroaders Memorial Museum to learn about Altoona's history.
Bedford lies at the intersection of Interstates 70, 76, and 99 in a quiet area of the Alleghenies. Enjoy the great outdoors in Bedford at nearby attractions such as the Blue Knob Ski Resort and the Bedford Speedway.
Breezewood is a small town in Bedford County. Conveniently located on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 70, Breezewood is a major stopover for travelers, offering hotels, restaurants, and service stations.
Pittsburgh Metro Region is the second-most populated area in the state. Its many cultural attractions combined with the breathtaking scenery of the Laurel Highlands area give this region plenty to see and do.
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania, with two and a half million residents in its metropolitan area. Pittsburgh is a beautiful riverfront city, with high rises and industrial buildings complemented by hiking and biking trails along the waterfront. Pittsburgh is very tourist-friendly, with a lively Downtown Cultural District along the Allegheny River, the Strip District, the Waterfront entertainment complex, and South Side neighborhood entertainment district to explore. Heinz Field is the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. For a unique learning experience, check out the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Families will enjoy the Kennywood historic amusement park, Pittsburgh Zoo, and the Sandcastle Waterpark.
Indiana is a borough of Pittsburgh and a small college town. Indiana is a bit of a historic place, because it is the founding place of the National Christmas Tree Grower's Association.
Monroeville is a suburb east of Pittsburgh on Interstate 376. A hike through Alpine Park showcases the scenic landscape of Monroeville, or visit the Bushy Run Battlefield, which is Pennsylvania's only native Indian battlefield and marks the attack against a relief force during the Pontiac War of 1763.
Greensburg , located south of Pittsburgh, is a major business center and cultural capital. Its rich and diverse neighborhoods include the Downtown Greensburg Historic District, Academy Hill, and the Eighth Ward, an interesting ethnic area. As a cultural center, Greensburg is home to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, the Palace Theatre, and the Discovery and Interactive Science Center. Greensburg is a bicycle-friendly city, and offers the Five Star Trail and Youghiogheny River Trail, part of the Great Allegheny Passage in the Laurel Valley.
Washington is located southwest of Pittsburgh at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 79. Be sure to see a local baseball game at the CONSOL Energy Park, and visit the nextoor PONY Baseball and Softball International Headquarters.
Coraopolis is a small city on the Ohio River, west of Pittsburgh. A bridge connects the city with Neville Island across the river.
Grove City is located about one hour north of Pittsburgh, just off Interstate 79. Grove City, with eight thousand residents, is a rapidly-developing area and has many golf courses and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Butler is a city of fifteen thousand located about thirty minutes north of Pittsburgh. A small residential area, Butler features attractions such as the Maridon Museum and historic Pullman Park.
Cranberry Township , in Butler County, is a residential area featuring the North Boundary Park and Cranberry Township Rotary Amphitheater, which features concerts in the summer months.
New Stanton , within the Laurel Highlands, is a small town less than thirty minutes from Pittsburgh. New Stanton is a great place to stay for a quiet vacation, while still being close to big-city attractions.
Oakdale is a popular small town and borough in the Pittsburgh area. Oakdale is a residential area.
Johnstown is a city about midway between Pittsburgh and Altoona that is an important regional center for culture and education. For those interested in the arts, Johnstown features the Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Center, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, and ART WORKS in Johnstown. History buffs will enjoy the Cambria County War Memorial Arena and National Folk Festival.
Morrisville is a small town with only fifteen hundred residents. Located in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, Morrisville is the perfect stopover when traveling through from Ohio or West Virginia.
New Castle lies at the confluence of the Shenango River and Neshannock Creek, on the western Border of Pennsylvania. This town is the home of two famous fireworks companies dating back to the early 1900s. The architecture in Downtown New Castle mimics the styles from that time and is an interesting area to tour on foot. Another must-see in New Castle is the historic Cascade Center, an outdoor park.
Somerset is a borough recognized by the Somerset Wind Farm turbines in its landscape. The Somerset Uptown Historic District is a great place to go sightseeing. Nearby Somerset, visit the Seven Springs Mountain and Hidden Valley Golf and Skiing resorts.
Pennsylvania, the birthplace of America, is never short on things to see and do. The state is covered in diversity from the streets of Philadelphia to the top of the Allegheny Mountains and everything in between. Take time to get to know some of the history of America while exploring the beautiful state of Pennsylvania.