Top 10 Things to do in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re looking to plan a trip with the family to explore the beautiful range of state parks, take a solo trip to soak up the rich history of the area through museums and historical sites, or perhaps planning to have fun with friends in casinos, Pennsylvania has it all! To double the fun, why not do two things at once?
You might be content to play online games which are set to launch in Pennsylvania, but apart from that, we’d recommend doing the following 10 things in Pennsylvania while you’re there.
Philadelphia Zoo
Home to over 1000 animals, the significance of the Philadelphia Zoo lies in the fact that it was the very first proper zoo in the United States. Its opening was delayed due to the Civil War, but it finally opened in July 1874. Perfect for a family day out, follow one of five trails in the first-of-its-kind Zoo360 system. Have a look at all the different animals wandering the zoo grounds from above and around like never before. While you follow these trails, stop by the rare animal conservation centre to view some of the most endangered animals in the world including blue-eyed lemurs, Rodrigues fruit bats, and more!
Hersheypark
Another unmissable attraction that kids and adults alike will enjoy is Hersheypark. As the name suggests it is located in the famous town of Hershey from where the much-loved chocolate originates. You’ll be pleased to know that the theme park was founded by Milton Hershey in 1906 as a recreational park for the employees of Hershey’s chocolate factory. What a dream! Carry on the fun from 1906 and enjoy over 70 different attractions including a water park, arcades, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and so much more! Of course, you can’t leave without stopping by Hershey’s Chocolate World at the end to buy some yummy treats to enjoy for a perfect end to the day.
Hershey Gardens
While in Hershey, why not take a day to visit the extremely beautiful Hershey Gardens? Sitting on top of a hill, the garden overlooks Hersheypark and was opened by the very same Milton Hershey later in 1937. Take in the picturesque beauty of the botanical garden, perfect for those Instagram photos. Children will have plenty to enjoy aside from pretty plants and trees in the Butterfly Atrium, and The Children’s Garden will mean that kids will be able to have a truly hands-on experience with all the beauty within Hershey Gardens.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Switching to a slightly spookier location that may be perfect to visit with a group of friends, is Eastern State Penitentiary. Opened in 1829, the penitentiary was used up until 1971 after which it was used as an attraction for tourists to visit from 1994 onwards. Home to figures such as Al Capone who was held in a supposedly ‘luxurious’ cell at the time, take a nighttime tour of the crumbling yet still standing cell blocks, for a historically frightening experience.
Centralia
If being spooked is your thing, then you might want to stop by the ghost town located in Columbia County. Having a population of 1000 residents in 1980, only 5 remained in 2017 due to a coal mine fire that had been burning underneath Centralia since 1962. Its houses are destroyed and decayed with graffiti lining the streets, making it a perfect post-apocalyptic filming location for many films and TV shows.
The Houdini Museum
Sticking to the theme of the weird and the wonderful, why not visit the Houdini Museum located in Scranton? ‘The Only Building in the World Dedicated to Houdini’ the slogan reads, so it truly is a one-of-a-kind museum! Enjoy footage of Harry Houdini that isn’t shown anywhere else, as well as magic shows hosted by Dick Brooks and Dorothy Dietrich with live animals also making an appearance, something for both children and adults to enjoy!
Bicycle Heaven
If you’re an avid fan of bicycles, then the appropriately named shop and museum are no less than heaven for you! Located in Pittsburgh, the largest museum in the world dedicated only to bicycles, houses more than 4000 models of bicycles. This includes vintage and rare cycles to those that have even starred as props in movies like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. As an added bonus, why not rent a bike from Bicycle Heaven and explore the town of Pittsburgh yourself?
Independence National Historical Park
Taking a more historic turn, one of the biggest visiting sites in Pennsylvania must be the Independence National Historic Park. Home to where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Independence Hall is one of the most famous attractions and was built in 1763. The Park has even been nicknamed ‘America’s most historic square mile’ because of how many historical landmarks are in close proximity to one another.
Liberty Bell
Right across the street from the Independence Hall lies the famous Liberty Bell, an important symbol representing American freedom. Part of its use when it was the first cast included announcing proclamations and alerting people of any meetings. Though cracked and chipped, people from all over come to view this historic monument. It was even moved around the United States after the Civil War as a symbol of independence and freedom.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Last but certainly not least on the list, is the Gettysburg National Military Park. The site of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 during the Civil War, in which 51,000 lives were lost in about three days.
Victory for the North prevailed and it was a significant turning point in the War, making the historical site all the more significant. Visit the numerous monuments dedicated to the fallen and walk the same fields on which the battle was fought.
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