18 Undeniable Reasons Why Pennsylvania Will Always Be Home

Dorothy certainly had it right when she said there's no place like home. Some have called Pennsylvania home all of their lives. Others have moved here from various corners of the country or even the world. Still others grew up in Pennsylvania, left, and later returned. Whatever reason you live in Pennsylvania, you're lucky to be in such an amazing state that is filled with so many natural and man-made wonders, incredibly talented and kind people, and so much to do that we should never really get bored. Here are 18 undeniable reasons Pennsylvania will always be home:

1. Pennsylvania's landscape looks as though it's been painted by an artist's brush.

No matter where in the state you live – in a major city, in a small village, or somewhere in between – you'll find scenery that simply leaves you spellbound.

2. We have 121 state parks in which to go hiking…

Pennsylvania promises plenty of outdoor adventure and 121 state parks ensure you'll never get bored of hiking, biking, and camping in the Keystone State. And ... don't forget all the county and city parks that dot the state.

3. ...50 natural lakes that beckon us to boat or to swim…

Lakes abound in our fine state. From 2,500 man-made lakes to 50 natural lakes, Pennsylvania has something to offer everyone. Canadohta Lake and Conneaut Lake are among those beautiful natural lakes that draw visitors every summer.

4. ...beaches on which to sunbathe…

Well, we certainly don't have as many beaches as some states but those that we do have are pretty amazing. Presque Isle State Park in Erie, for example, promises an authentic beach experience with its soft sand and endless blue water.

5. ...countless waterfalls that provide picture perfect moments…

Perhaps there is nothing so majestic in nature as a waterfall. Most Pennsylvanians don't have to drive too far to find a breathtaking waterfall. The most waterfalls you'll find in one park, however, is the 22 at Ricketts Glen State Park, the largest of which (Ganoga Falls) stands at 90 feet.

6. ...a terrifyingly amazing skywalk at Kinzua State Park…

Pennsylvanians know how to turn negatives into positives. The Kinzua Bridge in Kinzua State Park was nearly destroyed in a tornado in 2003. The remnants of the bridge now feature a terrifyingly amazing skywalk with a glass floor that allows visitors to peer 301 feet to the forest floor below.

7. ...caverns that welcome us to explore…

Natural history hides below Pennsylvania's surface with the state's caves – Penn's Cave, Crystal Cave, and Indian Caverns, to name just a few – welcoming visitors from all over the country. Some caverns, like Laurel Caverns, even give aspiring and veteran climbers the opportunity to rappel in the caves.

8. ...and native wildlife whose beauty leaves us breathless.

Beautiful animals call Pennsylvania home. In fact, the state claims 71 native mammal species, 391 native bird species, 36 native amphibian species, and 37 native reptile species. Unfortunately, not all species have survived over time.

9. Pennsylvania's home to many creative and artistic souls...

Creative and artistic souls have found a haven in our beautiful state. Take Randy Gilson, an artist who transformed his Pittsburgh neighborhood into a work of art. (See photo above.) Randyland welcomes and inspires visitors from all over the country.

10. ...chillingly haunted houses, cemeteries, and cities…

With Pennsylvania's rich history, it's pretty much a given that at least some places are haunted. Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia once held prisoners who, with the prison guards, claimed to see auras and ghosts. The prison was abandoned in 1971 and ghost hunters and other curious spectators have visited the former penitentiary to experience the ghostly sightings for themselves.

11. ...Pennsylvania Dutch country…

Go back in time right here in Pennsylvania with a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch Country where you'll enjoy a glimpse into the lives of the Amish. Shop at an Amish farmer's market. Visit an Amish farm. Go shopping. Or, ride a traditional horse and buggy.

12. ...the best candy in the world…

Pennsylvania makes life sweeter and satisfies our sweet tooth whenever it acts up. We've got some of the best candy in the world: Hershey, Sarris, Peeps (okay, okay, some will disagree), Wilbur Chocolate, Daffin's Candy, Asher's Chocolate...and the list could go on and on.

13. ...some of the world's most amazing historical sites...

Pennsylvania's history dates back to 1681 when it was founded by William Penn. Historical landmarks, from that period on, dot the landscape. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Valley Forge, Gettysburg, and Fort Pitt are only a handful among the many must-visit historical sites.

14. ...and the best sports fans in the world.

Pennsylvania's sports fans are the best. Now, which team is the best is certainly debatable depending upon where in the state you live and your loyalty. (Notice the picture above is of both the Eagles and the Steelers.) Philly and Pittsburgh fans tend to have a pretty fierce interstate rivalry.

15. Pennsylvania is filled with, well, plenty of unique sites…

You just never know what you're going to see when you drive through Pennsylvania. The Haines Shoe House in York, for example, allows you to get a glimpse of what it must have been like to be the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. Step inside and enjoy some of the area's best ice cream.

16. ...a diverse population…

People from around the world call Pennsylvania home.

17. ...and some of the kindest people in the country…

Pennsylvanians are always there to help when tragedy – personal or national – strikes to lend a helping hand and to donate funds or goods.

18. Add a like if Pennsylvania will always be home, no matter where in the world you roam.

Three cheers to Pennsylvania, the beautiful state we call home!

Pennsylvania's a pretty amazing place, wouldn't you agree? Of course, these are only 18 undeniable reasons Pennsylvania will always be home. Surely, we could write a book or two about all of the things that make Pennsylvania so special. In fact, our state is so special that we wrote an article with 11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Marry A Pennsylvanian!