This Family-Friendly Road Trip Through Pennsylvania Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 01, 2022
×
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.
Road trip! Pennsylvania boasts so many amazing destinations that we could probably spend our whole lives exploring within its borders. This family-friendly road trip through Pennsylvania leads to spots the whole family will love – from a beloved amusement park to an overnight stay in a former train car.
The road trip tallies 700 miles and takes you all over the state. However, you can add and remove destinations to meet your timeline and interests. Here are the Google Map Directions for this road trip, so you can customize them.
Witness a natural wonder at Coudersport Ice Mine, a tiny but mighty mine that draws visitors from all over. Why? In the summertime, when ice naturally melts, the ice mine is brimming with ice. Then, during the winter, the ice melts. You really have to see it to appreciate it. Coudersport Ice Mine is open seasonally. Stop by the official Facebook page of Coudersport Ice Mine to learn more.
Advertisement
2. Linesville Spillway – Linesville
Linesville Spillway, 12318 Hartstown Rd, Linesville, PA 16424, USA
Perhaps the most popular attraction at Pymatuning State Park, Linesville Spillway is a sight to see. The fish are so plentiful in the water that the ducks walk on their backs. Both ducks and fish beg visitors for food, and most are happy to oblige. (Just be sure to follow the rules that are posted as to feeding.) After this one-of-a-kind experience, explore the rest of the park, which features hiking trails, boating, and three sandy beaches. Here's the official website of Pymatuning State Park.
Advertisement
3. Big Mac Museum – Irwin
McDonald's, 9061 US-30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642, USA
Our next stop - the Big Mac Museum - isn't a museum in the traditional sense of the word. It's not too big and features just a few artifacts, including a massive Big Mac statue. However, it's fun for the kids to see the origin of what's known as one of America's most popular fast food joints. Check ahead of time, however, to make sure the dining room is open. You might also want to grab a bite to eat during your visit.
You can't really count a family-friendly road trip complete, especially when you're in Western Pennsylvania, without a stop at Idlewild Park & SoakZone. The seasonal amusement and water park boasts a ton to do for the whole family - kiddie rides and rides for all ages, pools and waterslides, and Story Book Forest. The kiddos will love a ride on the trolley for a visit to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, where you'll likely still hear Mister Rogers' comforting voice. View days, hours, and admission prices on the official website of Idlewild Park & SoakZone.
5. The Haines Shoe House – York
The Haines Shoe House, 197 Shoe House Rd, York, PA 17406, USA
Editor's Note: Please note: Haines Shoe House is now an Airbnb.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be the old lady living in a shoe? You can meet the beloved character at Story Book Forest then get a peek inside a real life-sized shoe house on our next stop. Haines Shoe House, also a seasonal attraction, offers tours and scoops up some of the best ice cream treats in the area. Find more information on the official website of The Haines Shoe House.
6. Red Caboose Motel/Casey Jones Restaurant – Ronks
Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant, 312 Paradise Ln, Ronks, PA 17572, USA
The gang's probably more than a bit tired now, so you might want to check into the one-of-a-kind Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant. The motel is comprised of restored train cars, making for a unique adventure. However, make sure you book far in advance as space can sell out quickly. Grab a bite to eat, too, at Casey Jones Restaurant, nestled in two restored dining cars. Start planning your visit on the official website of Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant.
7. Wolf Sanctuary of PA – Lititz
Wolf Sanctuary of PA, 465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, USA
Our next stop takes us to Wolf Sanctuary of PA in Lititz. Sign up for a guided tour of the sanctuary that provides a forever home for wolves who would otherwise have nowhere to go. The sanctuary offers several types of tours, including professional photography sessions. You must reserve your tour in advance. Get all of the details on the official website of Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
Advertisement
8. Cherry Springs State Park – Coudersport
Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
We're heading back to Coudersport for our final stop, a fun destination for nature lovers and a must for stargazers. Cherry Springs State Park is known for having the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard, making it perfect for a night of stargazing. You might even want to stay the night in the rustic campground. Head over to the official website of Cherry Springs State Park for more information.
What other stops would you add to this family-friendly road trip through Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! For more road-tripping fun, check out the 10 best road trips in Pennsylvania.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.