Pennsylvania has beautiful landscapes, tons of history, and amazing food to check out on a visit to the state. In fact, there’s so much to do in Pennsylvania that you may want to make a Pennsylvania bucket list to ensure you see and do everything that is important to you.
Below we have shared our own Pennsylvania bucket list. Pick and choose from our list, add some items of your own, and start planning your trip to Pennsylvania.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad to go around the Allegheny Mountains and was the finishing piece to the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. It was opened in 1834 and was the first direct route between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Learn more about the story of this railroad at the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The land that is now the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has been loved by people for over 10,000 years. Featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and swim beaches, it’s the ideal place to get away from it all and immerse yourself in nature.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Edgar Allan Poe might have been a genius at horror writing, but he struggled with bad luck and his own personal demons throughout his lifetime. However, his six years in Philadelphia were some of his happiest and most productive. The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site seeks to educate the public on the life and times of this spooky American writer.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
President Dwight D. Eisenhower kept a farm right next to the Gettysburg Battlefield. Here, he and his wife would escape from the pressures of the White House on weekends…and sometimes meet with world leaders. Today, this farm and house are preserved as the Eisenhower National Historic Site, and they offer a fascinating peek into the 34th president’s life.
First State National Historical Park
Delaware is famous for being the first state to ratify the Constitution. The state came into being out of a conflict between three world powers, and from this, it has developed a distinct character of tolerance toward diversity. Learn more about this amazing story at the First State National Historical Park, which is located in both Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Flight 93 National Memorial
September 11th, 2001 was a terrible day for the United States. On that morning, four commercial planes were hijacked in order to strike the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Capitol. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people. Because the passengers and crew aboard Flight 93 jumped into action, the fourth attack – intended to be the U.S. Capitol – was thwarted when those on the plane sacrificed themselves to save others. Learn more at the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
A battle was fought at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754, beginning the French and Indian War. The war ended with the removal of French power from North America, setting the stage for the American Revolution. Discover how this war and this battle shifted the course of history at Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Albert Gallatin is best known for his time working as Secretary of the Treasury during the presidencies of Jefferson and Madison. Gallatin can lay claim to a number of big accomplishments including purchasing the Louisiana Territory and funding the Lewis and Clark expedition. These accomplishments and more are highlighted at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. It was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and served as inspiration for President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Step back in time when you visit Gettysburg National Military Park.
Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
Once known as New Sweden, this Pennsylvania area of the country was once full of rich Swedish culture. The Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site provides a link to that past by allowing guests to explore an old Swedish church and the grounds surrounding it.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
One of many “iron plantations” created in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site gives guests a glimpse at what industrial operations looked like between 1771 and 1883. Explore these 848 acres and the structures to get a better understanding of this time and industry.
Independence National Historic Site
The Independence National Historic Site encompasses Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted, and this site is focused on reminding visitors of the ideals of our nation.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
On May 31st, 1889 the South Fork dam failed and flooded Johnstown, PA with 20 million tons of water. This tragedy killed 2,209 people and destroyed the town, but it brought the nation together to help the people of the town. Learn more about this story at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial.
Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown National Historic Site shares the history of the steam railroad and the stories of the people who built it. Adults and children alike will can learn about this era in America’s industrial history, and enjoy a day learning about the trains that made this country run.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko was an incredible military engineer who designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See his home and imagine what life might have been like for Kosciuszko at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge was the site of the Continental Army encampment for the harsh winter of 1777–1778. Explore the 3,500-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park and its monuments, meadows, and woodlands to learn more about the ordeal those soldiers endured.
National Trails
Pennsylvania is home to a number of national trails. Walk these trails to learn about the past and see historic sites along the way:
- Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
- Potomac Heritage National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Admire the Magic Gardens
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a nonprofit art museum that features elaborate mosaics made from tiles, mirrors, bottles, and even more unusual items. The area features an outdoor sculpture garden, indoor galleries, and public murals.
Sample a Philly Cheesesteak
Nothing says Pennsylvania quite like the taste of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The best way to try one is by ordering from a Philadelphia food truck. Trust the cooks and eat it exactly as they make it.
Tour the Eastern State Penitentiary
The first modern prison in the world, the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is now an attraction you can tour. See where infamous inmates like Al Capone were housed, and decide for yourself if this site is haunted like some people claim.
Explore the Philadelphia Art Museum
The Philadelphia Art Museum has a world-class collection of American, Asian, and European art. You can also admire the museum’s architecture while you browse the exhibits.
Visit the Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum is a museum of medical history and features “anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments.” Browse Josef Hyrtl’s skull collection, learn the story and unique medical condition of the Soap Lady, and check out the items collected by Chevalier Jackson, MD. Jackson developed methods and tools for removing foreign objects from airways, and he saved a variety of the objects that he extracted.
Check Out Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
Fallingwater is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is considered one of the most important works of American architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright built this as a weekend home for his clients in 1935, and it is now a museum and educational site. Stroll the home and grounds to see how Wright incorporated natural elements, including a waterfall, into the home’s design.
Hike to Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls is known as the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania and is an impressive sight. You can view the series of eight waterfalls in the Poconos by hiking and walking across several bridges to see the falls.
Discover the Bethlehem SteelStacks
Once the site of Bethlehem Steel, the stacks at Bethlehem SteelStacks were used to make iron for nearly 100 years. Today, the site is a huge entertainment complex that plays host to a number of music shows and festivals throughout the year.
View a Movie at Shankweiler’s Drive-In
America’s oldest drive-in theater is in Orefield, PA. Shankweiler’s Drive-In opened in 1934 and has been running every year since. The theater is open on the weekends in April, May, and September, and daily throughout the summer.
Devour a Whoopie Pie
Whoopie pies are a popular Pennsylvania treat. These delicious cake-and-cream sandwiches can be found in nearly every bakery and even gas stations and mini-marts. While the chocolate flavor is the most popular, there are other flavors as well.
Enjoy Nature at Pine Creek Gorge
Known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge offers spectacular views of the canyon. For the best views, head to Leonard Harris State Park on the east side of the canyon.
See the Kecksburg UFO
In December of 1965, a fireball flew through the air and landed in Pennsylvania. Today, a replica of the alleged UFO stands in the spot where the original landed and is a popular place for tourists to take photos.
Take In the Views at Presque Isle Park
Get sweeping views of Lake Erie and experience Pennsylvania’s only “seashore” at this Northwestern Pennsylvania park. Spend a day here swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, or relaxing. The park is also a popular stop for migrating birds.
Get Outside at Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is incredibly scenic, and has a series of waterfalls, old growth trees, and wildlife to watch. The Falls Trail System closes each winter due to ice and dangerous conditions, so make sure it’s open before visiting in colder months.
Ride the The Duquesne Incline
When you get to Pittsburgh, be sure to hop on the Duquesne Incline. This historic cable car is one of the few remaining inclines in the country and you’ll get great views of the city from the top.
Learn at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has one of the largest collections of dinosaur bones in the country. You can also see gems & minerals, visit the Hall of Botany, and dig in a replica of Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. If you purchase admission to this museum, you’ll also get admission to the art museum next door.
Immerse Yourself in Amish Culture in Lancaster County
Pennsylvania has more Amish people than anywhere else in the country. Explore the Amish country of Lancaster County, learn about Amish culture, and buy handcrafted items like quilts, furniture, and delicious baked goods.
Have a Sweet Time in Hershey
Founded by Milton Hershey, this sweet town is now home to The Hershey Story Museum, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Hersheypark. Ride the rides, learn about Hershey history, and save room for some delicious treats.
Pennsylvania is a wonderful state to explore, but in order to see and do everything on this Pennsylvania bucket list, you’ll have to move around a lot. Staying in an RV allows you the freedom to move from spot to spot, but that you’re comfortable wherever you roam. RVshare’s Pennsylvania RV rentals are a great way to experience the state, and you’re sure to find a rental that suits you and your group.
Download the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in Pennsylvania
