Destinations
Introduction
Although much of the state is made up of almost endless fields and farmland, Pennsylvania is a very rewarding place to visit that surely has something for everyone to enjoy. Aside from its two teeming metropolises of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, there are countless charming small towns and famous Civil War sites to check out with phenomenal state parks dotted here and there.
As it straddles not just the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the States, but the Appalachian and Northeastern ones too, the Keystone State has lots of different cultures and communities for visitors to explore. Besides being bordered by New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio, it also sports a short stretch of Lake Erie coastline while the Appalachians run through the middle of it.
Due to the fact it was one of the original Thirteen Colonies, many of its cities and towns are packed with centuries-old historic sights and cultural landmarks. Philadelphia for instance, its largest city, is home to not only the cracked Liberty Bell and original US Constitution, but Independence Hall too, while Pittsburgh is known for its industrial heritage and soaring downtown skyline.
After these two major cities, many people flock to Gettysburg to see the Civil War battlefield or to Valley Forge National Historical Park which shines a light on key events and influential individuals in America’s War for Independence. The quaint farms and fields of Amish Country and its capital Lancaster are another lovely part of the state to stop by as are the picture-perfect beaches and towns alongside Lake Erie.
If it is instead unspoiled nature and awesome outdoor activities that you are after, then the state parks of Raccoon Creek and Ricketts Glen are the place to go with the gorgeous Delaware Water Gap also proving popular. Among the Quaker State’s most stunning sights are Bushkill Falls – the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’ – and the amazing underground caves and rock formations of Indian Echo Caverns.