13 Things To Do In Pennsylvania When You Thought You’ve Done Everything
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on July 27, 2023(Originally published October 02, 2017)
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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.
Whether we’ve lived in Pennsylvania our entire lives or even for just a bit, we all sometimes get that feeling that we’ve done it all and we’ve seen it all. But in reality? There is always an abundance of Pennsylvania hidden gems to uncover. Here are just a few of the unique things to do in Pennsylvania to get you started.
1. Eat at Pennsylvania’s oldest restaurant.
McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Pennsylvania has plenty of old and historic restaurants at which you can dine. But only one of those restaurants can say it's the oldest continuously operating establishment in the state. McGillin's Old Ale House, which dates back to 1860, pays homage to its rich history with eclectic decor. It's a Pennsylvania hidden gem, where you can enjoy such popular dishes as Shepherd's Pie and an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak at this historic restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. Let your stomach drop as you walk along this skywalk.
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Become a skywalker, of sorts, when you stroll along the 600-foot Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk, 301 feet above the lush ground below. Once you reach the end of the skywalk, stand on the glass floor. Look straight down if your stomach can handle it. This is, hands down, one of the most unique things to do in Pennsylvania. Read more about this skywalk with a glass floor in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
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3. Sightsee on a covered wagon tour.
Ole Covered Wagon Inc, 1538 Marsh Creek Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Climb aboard a charming covered wagon, with Ole Covered Wagon Tours, for spectacular views of the floor of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Join a tour that will take you to spectacular waterfalls or simply sit back and enjoy the foliage as it passes by. While this is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania any time of the year, make it a point to check it out during the peak of the fall foliage, too. Learn more about this
covered wagon tour in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Some of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania are best explored on a hiking trail, and we certainly have no shortage of trails from which to choose. The Ghost Town Trail promises something a little bit different. The 36-mile trail passes through three Western Pennsylvania counties, leading hikers past ghost towns and over footbridges. Read more about this one-of-a-kind hiking trail in Western Pennsylvania.
5. Escape to this remote lodge.
Glendorn, 1000 Glendorn Dr, Bradford, PA 16701, USA
Have you ever felt like you just want to run away from everything? Glendorn Lodge, tucked on the edges of the Allegheny National Forest and sitting on 1,500 acres, allows you to do just that, making it one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania. The cozy lodge features traditional hotel rooms as well as pet-friendly cabins on the grounds. You'll find plenty of outdoor activities, too, all year round. Hiking and Jeep Tours are among the most popular. Learn more about this remote lodge in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Editor's Note: SaltEfX is permanently closed.
Recharge during a relaxing visit to SaltEfX. The salt cave features adult and family sessions, running anywhere from 20 minutes to 45 minutes. The salt cave also features a unique Salt Bed Chamber, designed for guests who want to fight aches or relieve the symptoms of asthma. Relax in a salt cave; click here to read more.
Winter isn't just for kids anymore. We, big kids, can have plenty of fun, too. If you've never whizzed down Lake Avenue Hill in Eagles Mere on a toboggan then you don't know what you're missing. The winter tradition started in 1904, and today adventurers can rent a toboggan by the hour. However, if you're heading to Eagles Mere during the winter just for the toboggan slide, make sure it's open first. It's been closed the last few winters due to uncooperative weather conditions. Read more about this epic toboggan ride in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania.
8. Learn how to twist pretzels.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, 219 E Main St, Lititz, PA 17543, USA
Become a master pretzel twister at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Company in Lititz. That's right. Tour the quaint pretzel company then learn how to twist pretzels yourself. All guests earn an "Official Pretzel Twister" certificate after the tour. You can also stock up on pretzels during your visit, making this one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania. Learn more about this pretzel bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Visit Mars - not the planet, of course, but the quirky and charming town in Pennsylvania. Countless visitors descend upon the town every other year for the celebration of Mars' New Year. You'll also find quaint restaurants and shops and a flying saucer smack dab in the middle of town. Don't forget to tour the Mars Train Station that's said to be haunted. Find out why a visit to this quirky town in Pennsylvania belongs on your bucket list.
10. Chug along on a wine train.
Strasburg Rail Road, 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA
Watch the countryside roll by as you sip wine and nibble on cheese. The Wine and Cheese train, hosted by the Strasburg Railroad, will take you on a picturesque journey from Ronks to Paradise. Wine and Cheese trains depart from April through November. If you've got a bucket list, add this unique thing to do in Pennsylvania straight to the top. Read more about this wine and cheese train in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
11. Visit deer at this charming trading post.
Black Forest Trading Post & The Deer Park, 4246 US-6 #9380, Ulysses, PA 16948, USA
Snap photos of and visit with the deer at Deer Park before heading into the Black Forest Trading Post in Ulysses. The charming shop has been a popular spot for more than 60 years. Shop for souvenirs, gifts made by local artists, and products from Ireland. Read more about this one-of-a-kind destination in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
The National Christmas Center in Paradise has permanently closed.
Christmas is almost here - well, it's actually always Christmas at the National Christmas Center in Paradise. Get into the Christmas spirit any time of the year as you explore the 22,000-square-foot museum. The displays will take you through Christmases past then you can stop at the gift shop. Celebrate Christmas all year round.
13. Fly in a wind tunnel.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia, 290 Goddard Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA
Find out what it's like to fly at iFly King of Prussia. Before you enter the wind tunnel for the thrill of a lifetime, you'll go through brief training. Then you'll slip into your flight suit. IFly offers several packages, so you can fly in the tunnel as many times as you want. Learn more about this high-flying unique experience in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
What are your favorite unique things to do in Pennsylvania? What do you think of this list of the best things to do in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Did you know there are plenty of free things to do in Pennsylvania, too? Be sure to grab a travel journal to document your adventures.
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Beth Price-Williams|July 27, 2023
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