The Unique Day Trip To Coudersport Ice Mine In Pennsylvania Is A Must-Do
By Beth Price-Williams|Published February 01, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Second only to an epic road trip is the day trip. A day trip allows us to fit a whole bunch of fun into a single day and often to a lone destination. With all of Pennsylvania’s natural wonders and fascinating destinations, we always have an abundance of day trips from which to choose. A day trip to Coudersport Ice Mine in Pennsylvania will give you a peek at a strange natural phenomenon.
Coudersport Ice Mine isn’t a mine in the traditional sense of the word, so don’t expect to go underground on a train as you’re wearing a hard hat and a jacket.
The story begins at the tail-end of the 19th century when Billy O’Neil was searching for a silver mine that he believed was in the Appalachian Mountains in Coudersport.
He started digging into the mountain, where he thought there was silver. He found, instead, ice, eventually digging so that the mine measured 10 feet long, eight feet wide, and 30 feet deep.
It’s believed that the ice forms in the warmer months and melts during the winter because it is located on a side of the mountain that is shaded from the wind and the sun.
Today, Coudersport Ice Mine is a popular day trip destination. Getting a peek at the natural phenomenon doesn’t take long, but it’s well worth the visit. (You can’t actually go into the ice mine but will check it out from above ground.)
Coudersport Ice Mine is open seasonally and also features a gift shop, where you can stock up on souvenirs. Bring a picnic along and eat on the tree-flanked patio.
Have you been to Coudersport Ice Mine in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re on the hunt for more memorable day trips, here are 12 days trips in Pennsylvania – one for every month of the year.
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