Posted in Pennsylvania Attractions May 19, 2021 by

These 9 Incredible Places In Pennsylvania Will Bring Out The Explorer In You

Exploring is fun! If you agree, you’ll want to grab your Davey Crockett hat, a pair of boots, binoculars, and your compass and head out on any (or all) of the following Pennsylvania adventures. The sites featured are truly among the most incredible places in Pennsylvania to explore. Some of them are outdoors and will bring you in contact with awe-inspiring natural phenomena, while indoor locations will show you man-made marvels and some of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor
Matt Carman/ Flickr
brewbooks/ Flickr
Columcille Megalith Park is hidden in the woods of Bangor. Modeled on the Isle of Iona, which is off the coast of Scotland, Columcille Megalith Park is a peaceful outdoor space for meditation and contemplation. For more information, click here.
2. Trundle Manor, Pittsburgh
Trundle Manor/ Facebook
Brent humanartistvendingmachine/ Flickr
Feeling Addams Family-esque? A visit to Trundle Manor may be just up your alley. Browse the house's massive collection of spooky memorabilia and try not to scream. For more information, click here.
3. The Alvira Bunkers, Allenwood
Ryan C Smith/Google
After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States government seized the town of Alvira and built over 100 small bunkers made to store explosives. Today, many of the bunkers are still intact and provide a bizarrely fascinating place to explore. For more information, click here.
4. Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park, Centre Hall
Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park/ Facebook
Penn's Cave is one of the longest caves in the state, and it offers exploration via boat. For more information, click here.
5. Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden, Centre Hall
Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden
Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden has a variety of unique places to explore, including a labyrinth in which you can wander. For more information, click here.
6. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
Pauline Rosenberg/ Flickr
Fairmount Park is a gigantic park located in Philadelphia. It has the biggest sculpture garden in the world as well as endless trails and unique historical landmarks to discover. For more information, click here.
7. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh
Devon Christopher Adams/ Flickr
The coolest greenhouse in the state can be found in Pittsburgh. Phipps has multiple rooms for different climates, such as desert and rainforest. You won't want to leave. For more information, click here.
8. Cherry Springs State Park, Potter County
Patricia Kane/ Flickr
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr
Cherry Springs is not only a beautiful state park, but where you can find some of the darkest skies in the entire country. It is a destination for astronomers nationwide, and is the perfect place to explore not only the world around you, but the stars above. For more information, click here.
9. Bushkill Falls, Bushkill
Wikimedia Commons
Do you like waterfalls? Would you like to go chase them? Then Bushkill Falls is the place for you. For more information, click here.

So, have you embarked on all of these Pennsylvania adventures? What else would you add to this list? Tell us!

Looking for more outdoorsy things to do in Pennsylvania? Click here.

Address: Columcille Megalith Park, 2155 Fox Gap Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA
Address: Trundle Manor, 7724 Juniata St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USA
Address: The Bunkers Of Alvira, 1787-1883 Alvira Rd, Allenwood, PA 17810, USA
Address: Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden, 177 Rimmey Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Address: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Address: Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Address: Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Pennsylvania Adventures

May 24, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo

What are the best natural wonders in Pennsylvania?

There are lots of natural wonders in Pennsylvania, and one that shouldn’t be missed is the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, which is often referred to as the Pine Creek Gorge. Stretching for over 45 miles and reaching depths of nearly 1,500 feet, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania may not be as big as its famous counterpart, but it’s sure to stun. You can view the canyon from above, where you’ll be met with expansive vistas or, for a close-up look, you can follow the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed that meanders along the floor of the canyon. Not surprisingly, the Pine Creek Rail Trail is one of the state’s most popular treks, and according to USA Today, it’s one of the best bike trails in the world.

What are the top outdoorsy places in Pennsylvania?

There are so many options for outdoor exploration; however, the Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton is easily one of the top outdoorsy places in Pennsylvania. Encompassing 13,193 acres in three counties, the park is both expansive and breathtakingly beautiful. In fact, it’s consistently revered as one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. But that’s not its only claim to fame. Home to nearly two dozen waterfalls, the park boasts one of the highest waterfall concentrations in the county. The Falls Trail is a great way to take in some of the park’s picturesque cascades, which range from 12 – 94 feet in height.

Which hidden gems in Pennsylvania are must-visits?

Of all the hidden gems in Pennsylvania, one you don’t want to miss is the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania. Located in Lititz, the decades-old sanctuary, which is comprised of 80+ acres of natural woodland, offers refuge to gray wolves and wolf-dogs. The sanctuary offers guided tours, which must be scheduled in advance. And since wild wolves have been extinct in Pennsylvania for over 100 years, the sanctuary offers one of the few opportunities in the state to get a close-up look at the majestic creatures.

Address: Columcille Megalith Park, 2155 Fox Gap Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA
Address: Trundle Manor, 7724 Juniata St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USA
Address: The Bunkers Of Alvira, 1787-1883 Alvira Rd, Allenwood, PA 17810, USA
Address: Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden, 177 Rimmey Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Address: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Address: Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Address: Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA