Your great-aunt Margaret is coming to town this weekend, all the way from Utah. Or maybe your long-lost childhood best friend is stopping by to catch up. What should you show them that isn’t overdone, overhyped, tacky, or touristy? Here are 10 underrated places in Pennsylvania that are perfect for taking an out-of-towner.
- Mütter Museum, Philadelphia
Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia/ Facebook Our list of underrated places in Pennsylvania kicks off with a total gem. If your guest enjoys the weirder things in life, the Mütter Museum is your first stop. Not your typical museum, it showcases a medical collection of oddities and gross specimens. Learn more, including days and hours, on the official website of Mutter Museum.
- Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Doylestown
Mercer and Fonthill Museums/ Facebook The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle aren’t as grotesque as the Mütter Museum, but they are just as steeped in fascinating history. Henry Mercer was an anthropologist who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, built an incredible collection of pre-industrial artifacts. They are now on display here, in what was once his striking property. Stop by the official website of The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle.
- The Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata
Wikimedia Commons/Hermann Luyken The Ephrata Cloister was a religious community formed in the small town of Ephrata in the early 18th century. The community lived a strict ascetic lifestyle that involved a limited diet, sleep, and celibacy. Today, the grounds where the cloister once lived are administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Head over to the official website of The Ephrata Cloister.
- Bube’s Brewery, Mount Joy
Bube’s Brewery/ Facebook Bube’s Brewery is a great, memorable place to take an out-of-town guest for lunch or dinner. It is an historic 19th century brewery, that not only has four dining areas, but an art gallery, ghost tours, murder mystery parties, and more. Check out the Catacombs Restaurant, pictured above. Find more information on the official website of Bube’s Brewery.
- Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor
J Brew/ Flickr Columcille Megalith Park is one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets. It is a meditative space, inspired by the Celtic Isle of Iona. It is a serene location to spend time with a person you haven’t seen in a long time. Head over to the official website of Columcille Megalith Park for more information.
- Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County
Jim Mullhaupt/ Flickr The Kinzua Bridge was once considered one of the country’s greatest manmade wonders. Until it collapsed in 2003, it was the fourth tallest railway bridge in the country. Today, it is one of the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania, where visitors can observe the effects of nature upon the bridge’s ruins. Learn more on the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.
- Ringing Rocks Park, Bucks County
Christopher Thompson/ Flickr Here’s a weird activity that your guest won’t be forgetting. Bring a hammer (and safety glasses, if you’re worried about dust getting in your eyes), and try tapping on the rocks at Ringing Rocks State Park. True to their name, they emit a ringing sound when struck… How unusual. Here’s the official website of Ringing Rocks Park.
- Randyland, Pittsburgh
amy_is_picnoleptic/ Flickr Does your friend like art? Quirky, outsider art, in particular? Randyland, located in Pittsburgh’s North Side, is truly one of the most underrated places in Pennsylvania. The house-museum itself is impressive, but I’m told that Randy is also a fantastic host. Check out the official website of Randyland.
- Elk Country Visitors Center, Benzette
Andy Arthur/ Flickr Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest wild-roaming herd of elk in the country, located in Benezette County. Visit and admire the majestic animals. Stop by the official website of Elk Country Visitor Center for more information.
- Cherry Springs State Park, West Branch
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr In the middle of Pennsylvania is Cherry Springs State Park, one of the state’s most gorgeous parks. Not only is it nice during the daytime, but at night, it really becomes irresistible. Some of the darkest night skies on the eastern side of the country can be found here, making Cherry Springs a destination for professional astronomers and amateur stargazers. Learn more on the official website of Cherry Springs State Park.
What else would you add to this list of underrated places in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Then check out these 10 unique day trips in Pennsylvania that are an absolute must do.
Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia/ Facebook
Our list of underrated places in Pennsylvania kicks off with a total gem. If your guest enjoys the weirder things in life, the Mütter Museum is your first stop. Not your typical museum, it showcases a medical collection of oddities and gross specimens. Learn more, including days and hours, on the official website of Mutter Museum.
Mercer and Fonthill Museums/ Facebook
The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle aren’t as grotesque as the Mütter Museum, but they are just as steeped in fascinating history. Henry Mercer was an anthropologist who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, built an incredible collection of pre-industrial artifacts. They are now on display here, in what was once his striking property. Stop by the official website of The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle.
Wikimedia Commons/Hermann Luyken
The Ephrata Cloister was a religious community formed in the small town of Ephrata in the early 18th century. The community lived a strict ascetic lifestyle that involved a limited diet, sleep, and celibacy. Today, the grounds where the cloister once lived are administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Head over to the official website of The Ephrata Cloister.
Bube’s Brewery/ Facebook
Bube’s Brewery is a great, memorable place to take an out-of-town guest for lunch or dinner. It is an historic 19th century brewery, that not only has four dining areas, but an art gallery, ghost tours, murder mystery parties, and more. Check out the Catacombs Restaurant, pictured above. Find more information on the official website of Bube’s Brewery.
J Brew/ Flickr
Columcille Megalith Park is one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets. It is a meditative space, inspired by the Celtic Isle of Iona. It is a serene location to spend time with a person you haven’t seen in a long time. Head over to the official website of Columcille Megalith Park for more information.
Jim Mullhaupt/ Flickr
The Kinzua Bridge was once considered one of the country’s greatest manmade wonders. Until it collapsed in 2003, it was the fourth tallest railway bridge in the country. Today, it is one of the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania, where visitors can observe the effects of nature upon the bridge’s ruins. Learn more on the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.
Christopher Thompson/ Flickr
Here’s a weird activity that your guest won’t be forgetting. Bring a hammer (and safety glasses, if you’re worried about dust getting in your eyes), and try tapping on the rocks at Ringing Rocks State Park. True to their name, they emit a ringing sound when struck… How unusual. Here’s the official website of Ringing Rocks Park.
amy_is_picnoleptic/ Flickr
Does your friend like art? Quirky, outsider art, in particular? Randyland, located in Pittsburgh’s North Side, is truly one of the most underrated places in Pennsylvania. The house-museum itself is impressive, but I’m told that Randy is also a fantastic host. Check out the official website of Randyland.
Andy Arthur/ Flickr
Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest wild-roaming herd of elk in the country, located in Benezette County. Visit and admire the majestic animals. Stop by the official website of Elk Country Visitor Center for more information.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr
In the middle of Pennsylvania is Cherry Springs State Park, one of the state’s most gorgeous parks. Not only is it nice during the daytime, but at night, it really becomes irresistible. Some of the darkest night skies on the eastern side of the country can be found here, making Cherry Springs a destination for professional astronomers and amateur stargazers. Learn more on the official website of Cherry Springs State Park.
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Address: 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USAAddress: Fonthill Castle, 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, USAAddress: 632 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522, USAAddress: Bube’s Brewery Dining & Entertainment, 102 N Market St, Mount Joy, PA 17552, USAAddress: Columcille Megalith Park, 2155 Fox Gap Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USAAddress: Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USAAddress: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USAAddress: 1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USAAddress: Benezette, PA 15821, USAAddress: Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Underrated Places In Pennsylvania March 22, 2021 Beth Price-Williams Where can I find hidden gems in Pennsylvania? Discovering hidden gems in Pennsylvania is often like winning the lottery. Fortunately, we have a ton of underrated places in Pennsylvania just waiting to be discovered. Stroll through Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, for example, that’s dotted with blossoming flowers, enchanting footbridges, and even a fairy garden. Poe Valley State Park is the perfect hidden gem, especially in the summer. It features a gorgeous sandy beach that leads into the cool water of Poe Lake. You can also go swimming or spend some time paddle boating on the lake. If you just need to get away from it all, check into the luxurious Skytop Resort, where you’ll find a ton of activities, including horseback riding and golf. What are the best little known places in Pennsylvania? Some of the most beautiful, little known places in Pennsylvania are its natural outdoor attractions. A day at Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls, for example, promises an abundance of natural beauty – from a waterfall and ducks on a shimmering pond to a butterfly nursery and charming footbridges. If you like stargazing, you won’t find a better spot on the eastern seaboard than Cherry Springs State Park. It boasts some of the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard. Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve is an idyllic spot for spending time among nature, and you can explore its lush grounds on one or more of the six hiking trails. Can I find unique attractions in Pennsylvania? We have no shortage of unique attractions in Pennsylvania, some you will even discover just driving down the street – like the PennDOT Garden. The Roadside Sculpture Garden isn’t your typical garden. It’s a sculpture garden, created by art students, made with old Pennsylvania road signs. You might not think of a toy store as an attraction, but then again you might never have been to Playthings Etc. in Butler, which sits inside of a replica stealth bomber. That alone makes it worth the visit, but wait until you see the massive selection of old-school and modern toys inside.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Underrated Places In Pennsylvania
March 22, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
Where can I find hidden gems in Pennsylvania? Discovering hidden gems in Pennsylvania is often like winning the lottery. Fortunately, we have a ton of underrated places in Pennsylvania just waiting to be discovered. Stroll through Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, for example, that’s dotted with blossoming flowers, enchanting footbridges, and even a fairy garden. Poe Valley State Park is the perfect hidden gem, especially in the summer. It features a gorgeous sandy beach that leads into the cool water of Poe Lake. You can also go swimming or spend some time paddle boating on the lake. If you just need to get away from it all, check into the luxurious Skytop Resort, where you’ll find a ton of activities, including horseback riding and golf. What are the best little known places in Pennsylvania? Some of the most beautiful, little known places in Pennsylvania are its natural outdoor attractions. A day at Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls, for example, promises an abundance of natural beauty – from a waterfall and ducks on a shimmering pond to a butterfly nursery and charming footbridges. If you like stargazing, you won’t find a better spot on the eastern seaboard than Cherry Springs State Park. It boasts some of the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard. Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve is an idyllic spot for spending time among nature, and you can explore its lush grounds on one or more of the six hiking trails. Can I find unique attractions in Pennsylvania? We have no shortage of unique attractions in Pennsylvania, some you will even discover just driving down the street – like the PennDOT Garden. The Roadside Sculpture Garden isn’t your typical garden. It’s a sculpture garden, created by art students, made with old Pennsylvania road signs. You might not think of a toy store as an attraction, but then again you might never have been to Playthings Etc. in Butler, which sits inside of a replica stealth bomber. That alone makes it worth the visit, but wait until you see the massive selection of old-school and modern toys inside.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Discovering hidden gems in Pennsylvania is often like winning the lottery. Fortunately, we have a ton of underrated places in Pennsylvania just waiting to be discovered. Stroll through Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, for example, that’s dotted with blossoming flowers, enchanting footbridges, and even a fairy garden. Poe Valley State Park is the perfect hidden gem, especially in the summer. It features a gorgeous sandy beach that leads into the cool water of Poe Lake. You can also go swimming or spend some time paddle boating on the lake. If you just need to get away from it all, check into the luxurious Skytop Resort, where you’ll find a ton of activities, including horseback riding and golf.
What are the best little known places in Pennsylvania?
Some of the most beautiful, little known places in Pennsylvania are its natural outdoor attractions. A day at Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls, for example, promises an abundance of natural beauty – from a waterfall and ducks on a shimmering pond to a butterfly nursery and charming footbridges. If you like stargazing, you won’t find a better spot on the eastern seaboard than Cherry Springs State Park. It boasts some of the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard. Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve is an idyllic spot for spending time among nature, and you can explore its lush grounds on one or more of the six hiking trails.
Can I find unique attractions in Pennsylvania?
We have no shortage of unique attractions in Pennsylvania, some you will even discover just driving down the street – like the PennDOT Garden. The Roadside Sculpture Garden isn’t your typical garden. It’s a sculpture garden, created by art students, made with old Pennsylvania road signs. You might not think of a toy store as an attraction, but then again you might never have been to Playthings Etc. in Butler, which sits inside of a replica stealth bomber. That alone makes it worth the visit, but wait until you see the massive selection of old-school and modern toys inside.
