After the first few field trips to the same museums, it seems like your available selection of local road trips can grow a little stale. There are always new, exciting, and weird things to discover, however. In case you’ve grown bored with your typical haunts, here are eight hidden gems in Pennsylvania that will leave you wondering how you never knew they were there in the first place.
- The Rose Garden, Allentown
Lehigh Valley, PA The beautiful Rose Garden in Allentown is a pleasant surprise for anybody who’s not from the area. The perfectly manicured rose bushes mimic a classical garden structure and lead you to idyllic ponds, streams, and statues. Click here for more information on the Rose Garden.
- Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor
brewbooks Columcille’s founders modeled it after the ancient Celtic Isle of Iona, a spiritual retreat off the coast of Scotland. The park, which consists of many stone structures built in the Pennsylvania woods, is meant to be a place of tranquility and reflection. Click here for more information on Columcille Megalith Park.
- The Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh
Andrew Russeth The Mattress Factory is truly one-of-a-kind as a necessary visit for all art lovers. The museum specializes in installations, featuring 17 permanent exhibitions and multiple rotating exhibitions. You will become immersed in room-size pieces of art that will stun you, amaze you, and sometimes creep you out. Click here for the official website of the Mattress Factory.
- Martin Guitar Factory and Museum, Nazareth
Alex Harden Martin Guitars is the oldest company to manufacture fine acoustic guitars in the country. At no charge, you may tour the large factory to learn all about how guitars are created. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the company that you can explore. Click here for the official website of Martin Guitars.
- Joe’s Bar, Ligonier
Lauren Dantella/ Point Park News Service If you’re in the mood for a truly unforgettable dining experience, check out Joe’s Bar. Not particularly noteworthy from the outside, once you enter you might notice the many taxidermy animals that sit wherever there is room for them. Go upstairs and discover galleries of more taxidermy animals that never even stood a chance.
- Trundle Manor, Swissvale
Kordite Located right outside of Pittsburgh in the residential Swissvale is Trundle Manor, the part-house, part-museum dedicated to all that is bizarre and creepy. Its owners enjoy giving enthusiastic tours of their home and chatting it up with guests. Click here for the official website of Trundle Manor.
- Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville
Joshua Barnett There are many notable zoos in Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia Zoo and the Pittsburgh Zoo. To escape the maddening crowds and to enjoy a peaceful day among well-kept animals, visit The Lehigh Valley Zoo, formerly known as the Lehigh County Game Preserve. This zoo is one of the few zoos in the country that houses the Mexican Wolf, which is North America’s most endangered land animal. The Zoo participates in a program designed to re-introduce wolves back into the wild. Click here for the official website of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
- Mercer Museum & Foothill Castle, Doylestown
“Atrium of Mercer Museum, Doylestown” by Bestbudbrian - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Henry Mercer was an anthropologist who collected preindustrial artifacts during his life from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. He built the Fonthill Castle, his home, and Moravian Pottery and Tile Works from concrete, in order to make them fireproof and to protect their contents. The Mercer Museum, located inside his gigantic castle-like structure, showcases his life’s work. Click here for the official website of Fonthill Castle.
We’re having a tough time deciding which place to visit first. What are your favorite hidden gems in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you like discovering hidden gems restaurants, you’ll love Richland Railroad Diner.
Lehigh Valley, PA
The beautiful Rose Garden in Allentown is a pleasant surprise for anybody who’s not from the area. The perfectly manicured rose bushes mimic a classical garden structure and lead you to idyllic ponds, streams, and statues. Click here for more information on the Rose Garden.
brewbooks
Columcille’s founders modeled it after the ancient Celtic Isle of Iona, a spiritual retreat off the coast of Scotland. The park, which consists of many stone structures built in the Pennsylvania woods, is meant to be a place of tranquility and reflection. Click here for more information on Columcille Megalith Park.
Andrew Russeth
The Mattress Factory is truly one-of-a-kind as a necessary visit for all art lovers. The museum specializes in installations, featuring 17 permanent exhibitions and multiple rotating exhibitions. You will become immersed in room-size pieces of art that will stun you, amaze you, and sometimes creep you out. Click here for the official website of the Mattress Factory.
Alex Harden
Martin Guitars is the oldest company to manufacture fine acoustic guitars in the country. At no charge, you may tour the large factory to learn all about how guitars are created. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the company that you can explore. Click here for the official website of Martin Guitars.
Lauren Dantella/ Point Park News Service
If you’re in the mood for a truly unforgettable dining experience, check out Joe’s Bar. Not particularly noteworthy from the outside, once you enter you might notice the many taxidermy animals that sit wherever there is room for them. Go upstairs and discover galleries of more taxidermy animals that never even stood a chance.
Kordite
Located right outside of Pittsburgh in the residential Swissvale is Trundle Manor, the part-house, part-museum dedicated to all that is bizarre and creepy. Its owners enjoy giving enthusiastic tours of their home and chatting it up with guests. Click here for the official website of Trundle Manor.
Joshua Barnett
There are many notable zoos in Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia Zoo and the Pittsburgh Zoo. To escape the maddening crowds and to enjoy a peaceful day among well-kept animals, visit The Lehigh Valley Zoo, formerly known as the Lehigh County Game Preserve. This zoo is one of the few zoos in the country that houses the Mexican Wolf, which is North America’s most endangered land animal. The Zoo participates in a program designed to re-introduce wolves back into the wild. Click here for the official website of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
“Atrium of Mercer Museum, Doylestown” by Bestbudbrian - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Henry Mercer was an anthropologist who collected preindustrial artifacts during his life from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. He built the Fonthill Castle, his home, and Moravian Pottery and Tile Works from concrete, in order to make them fireproof and to protect their contents. The Mercer Museum, located inside his gigantic castle-like structure, showcases his life’s work. Click here for the official website of Fonthill Castle.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Allentown, PA, USAAddress: Columcille Megalith Park, 2155 Fox Gap Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USAAddress: 500 Sampsonia Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USAAddress: 510 Sycamore St, Nazareth, PA 18064, USAAddress: 202 W Main St, Ligonier, PA 15658, USAAddress: Trundle Manor, 7724 Juniata St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USAAddress: Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078, USAAddress: 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Pennsylvania July 03, 2020 Beth Price-Williams What are the best little known natural wonders in Pennsylvania? If you’re on the prowl for things to do in Pennsylvania, consider visiting some of the lesser known natural wonders. Mount Davis, for example, is the highest point in Pennsylvania. It also offers sensational views, especially from its observation tower. The highest point measures 3,213 feet. Did you know that Pennsylvania’s also home to the largest pothole in the world? (Pretty fitting, isn’t it?) It sure is, and you can visit it at Archbald Pothole State Park in Archbald. The massive natural pothole dates back 20,000 years and measures 38 feet deep and 42 by 24 feet wide. What are the most unique things to do in Pennsylvania? Not sure what to do in Pennsylvania? You have a ton of options, and some of them are really unique. For a really exciting day trip or even a weekend getaway, plan a visit to Benezette. The charming small town, nestled in Elk County, is known for its wandering elk. You’ll see elk pretty much everywhere you go in town, making it a must-visit destination. Did you know that there are no wild wolves in Pennsylvania? However, there is Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz, a sanctuary that houses wolves who would otherwise have no place to go. The sanctuary welcomes visitors for tours during the day and offers special moonlight tours throughout the year, too. Which hidden gems in Pennsylvania should I visit? Pennsylvania’s bursting with so many hidden gems that you’ll have no shortage of places to visit. Hammersley Wild Area in Austin, for example, is the most remote spot in Pennsylvania. The more than 20,000-acre natural area features hiking trails and plenty of peace and quiet. For another beautiful outdoor adventure, visit Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, about a half an hour from Philadelphia. The sprawling garden features cascading water fountains, babbling brooks, and an elevated walkway with spectacular views.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Pennsylvania
July 03, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best little known natural wonders in Pennsylvania? If you’re on the prowl for things to do in Pennsylvania, consider visiting some of the lesser known natural wonders. Mount Davis, for example, is the highest point in Pennsylvania. It also offers sensational views, especially from its observation tower. The highest point measures 3,213 feet. Did you know that Pennsylvania’s also home to the largest pothole in the world? (Pretty fitting, isn’t it?) It sure is, and you can visit it at Archbald Pothole State Park in Archbald. The massive natural pothole dates back 20,000 years and measures 38 feet deep and 42 by 24 feet wide. What are the most unique things to do in Pennsylvania? Not sure what to do in Pennsylvania? You have a ton of options, and some of them are really unique. For a really exciting day trip or even a weekend getaway, plan a visit to Benezette. The charming small town, nestled in Elk County, is known for its wandering elk. You’ll see elk pretty much everywhere you go in town, making it a must-visit destination. Did you know that there are no wild wolves in Pennsylvania? However, there is Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz, a sanctuary that houses wolves who would otherwise have no place to go. The sanctuary welcomes visitors for tours during the day and offers special moonlight tours throughout the year, too. Which hidden gems in Pennsylvania should I visit? Pennsylvania’s bursting with so many hidden gems that you’ll have no shortage of places to visit. Hammersley Wild Area in Austin, for example, is the most remote spot in Pennsylvania. The more than 20,000-acre natural area features hiking trails and plenty of peace and quiet. For another beautiful outdoor adventure, visit Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, about a half an hour from Philadelphia. The sprawling garden features cascading water fountains, babbling brooks, and an elevated walkway with spectacular views.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re on the prowl for things to do in Pennsylvania, consider visiting some of the lesser known natural wonders. Mount Davis, for example, is the highest point in Pennsylvania. It also offers sensational views, especially from its observation tower. The highest point measures 3,213 feet.
Did you know that Pennsylvania’s also home to the largest pothole in the world? (Pretty fitting, isn’t it?) It sure is, and you can visit it at Archbald Pothole State Park in Archbald. The massive natural pothole dates back 20,000 years and measures 38 feet deep and 42 by 24 feet wide.
What are the most unique things to do in Pennsylvania?
Not sure what to do in Pennsylvania? You have a ton of options, and some of them are really unique. For a really exciting day trip or even a weekend getaway, plan a visit to Benezette. The charming small town, nestled in Elk County, is known for its wandering elk. You’ll see elk pretty much everywhere you go in town, making it a must-visit destination.
Did you know that there are no wild wolves in Pennsylvania? However, there is Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz, a sanctuary that houses wolves who would otherwise have no place to go. The sanctuary welcomes visitors for tours during the day and offers special moonlight tours throughout the year, too.
Which hidden gems in Pennsylvania should I visit?
Pennsylvania’s bursting with so many hidden gems that you’ll have no shortage of places to visit. Hammersley Wild Area in Austin, for example, is the most remote spot in Pennsylvania. The more than 20,000-acre natural area features hiking trails and plenty of peace and quiet.
For another beautiful outdoor adventure, visit Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, about a half an hour from Philadelphia. The sprawling garden features cascading water fountains, babbling brooks, and an elevated walkway with spectacular views.
