Pennsylvania Places

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Museums Beyond the Arts | Historic Houses & Museums | Parks | Music Venues

Pennsylvania, beyond Philadelphia, is home to numerous art galleries and museums that showcase diverse collections and foster vibrant artistic communities. 

  • Allentown Art Museum: Located in Allentown, this museum offers a collection of over 19,000 works, including European and American art, as well as textiles. www.allentownartmuseum.org
  • Brandywine River Museum of Art: Situated in Chadds Ford, this museum is renowned for its collection of American art, particularly works associated with the Wyeth family. www.brandywine.org
  • GoggleWorks Center for the Arts: Located in Reading, this center is housed in a former goggle factory and features teaching studios, artist studios, exhibition galleries, and a 130-seat film theater. goggleworks.org
  • Palmer Museum of Art: Found on Penn State’s University Park campus in State College, this museum boasts the largest art collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, with admission always free. Palmer Museum of Art
  • The Andy Warhol Museum: Located in Pittsburgh, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of Andy Warhol, featuring an extensive collection of his art and archival materials. www.warhol.org
  • The Erie Art Museum: Situated in Erie, this museum offers a diverse collection of art, including contemporary works and regional pieces. www.erieartmuseum.org
  • The James A. Michener Art Museum: Located in Doylestown, this museum features a collection of Pennsylvania Impressionism and other American art. michenerartmuseum.org
  • The Museum of Art at Muhlenberg College: Found in Allentown, this museum offers exhibitions and collections that support the college’s educational mission. www.muhlenberg.edu
  • The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art: With multiple locations, including Altoona and Ligonier, this museum showcases regional and national artists across various mediums. www.sama-art.org
  • The State Museum of Pennsylvania: Situated in Harrisburg, this museum provides insights into Pennsylvania’s history, including its artistic heritage. statemuseumpa.org
  • The Susquehanna Art Museum: Located in Harrisburg, this museum offers contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs for all ages. susquehannaartmuseum.org
  • The Westmoreland Museum of American Art: Located in Greensburg, this museum features American art from the 18th century to the present, with a focus on regional artists. thewestmoreland.org

Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia, offers a diverse array of museums that cater to various interests beyond the arts.

  • The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum: (Hershey) This museum features a vast collection of vintage automobiles and related artifacts, highlighting the history of automotive innovation. www.aacamuseum.org
  • The Ephrata Cloister: (Ephrata) A historic religious community site, this museum complex provides insights into the 18th-century Ephrata Cloister’s unique communal life and beliefs. ephratacloister.org
  • The Hershey Derry Township Historical Society Museum: (Hershey) This museum offers a glimpse into the local history of Hershey and its development, particularly focusing on the influence of Milton Hershey. www.hersheymuseum.org
  • The Hershey Story Museum: (Hershey) Dedicated to the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, this museum offers interactive exhibits about the chocolate magnate and his impact on the region. www.hersheystory.org
  • The Martin Guitar Museum: (Nazareth) Located at the headquarters of C.F. Martin & Co., this museum celebrates the legacy of the iconic guitar manufacturer with a collection of instruments and historical displays. www.martinguitar.com
  • The Mercer Museum: (Doylestown) The museum was founded by Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, anthropologist, and collector, and is known for its impressive collection of pre-industrial tools and artifacts. www.mercermuseum.org
  • The State Museum of Pennsylvania: (Harrisburg) This museum showcases Pennsylvania’s rich history, including its geology, archaeology, and industrial heritage. www.statemuseumpa.org
  • The National Civil War Museum: (Harrisburg) Dedicated to the American Civil War, this museum provides a balanced and comprehensive view of the conflict from both Union and Confederate perspectives. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org
  • The National Toy Museum: (Strasburg) is a unique and fascinating museum dedicated to the history and enjoyment of toy trains. It’s a must-see for train enthusiasts, collectors, and families. www.tcatrains.org
  • The National Watch and Clock Museum: (Columbia) As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to horology, displaying a wide range of timepieces and offering insights into the art and science of timekeeping. museum.nawcc.org
  • The Pennsylvania State Police Museum: (Hershey) This museum offers insights into the history and evolution of the Pennsylvania State Police through various exhibits and artifacts. www.psp-hemc.org
  • The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: (Strasburg) This museum houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the United States, illustrating the state’s pivotal role in rail history. www.rrmuseumpa.org

Historic Houses & Museums 

  • Drake Well Museum: (Titusville) The birthplace of the American oil industry, featuring exhibits on oil drilling and the history of the petroleum industry. www.drakewell.org
  • Erie Maritime Museum: (Erie) A museum showcasing Erie’s maritime history, including the USS Niagara and the War of 1812. eriemaritimemuseum.org
  • Fort Pitt Museum: (Pittsburgh) A museum highlighting Pittsburgh’s early history, including its role during the French and Indian War. www.heinzhistorycenter.org/whats-on/fort-pitt
  • Joseph Priestley House: (Northumberland) The home of the scientist and theologian Joseph Priestley, offering insights into his life and contributions to science. joseph-priestley-house.org
  • Landis Valley Museum: (Lancaster) A museum that preserves and interprets Pennsylvania’s rural life through exhibits and historic buildings. www.landisvalleymuseum.org
  • Mather Mill: (Montgomery County) A restored 18th-century gristmill offering tours of the site and its history in early American industry. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmar_Mill
  • Old Chester Court House: (Chester) A historical building that once served as a courthouse in colonial Pennsylvania, now a museum. www.delcopa.gov/planning/currentprojects/1724ChesterCourthouse
  • Old Economy Village: (Ambridge) A historical site that showcases the life of the Harmonists, a religious community that lived in the area in the 19th century. www.oldeconomyvillage.org
  • Peace Church: (Franklin) A historic church that played a role in the early history of Pennsylvania, offering tours and historical programs. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Church
  • Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum: (Scranton) A museum that explores the history of coal mining in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite region. www.anthracitemuseum.org
  • Pennsylvania Lumber Museum: (Galeton) A museum that celebrates the history of the lumber industry in Pennsylvania. www.lumbermuseum.org
  • Pennsylvania Military Museum: (Boalsburg) A museum that tells the story of Pennsylvania’s military history from the Revolutionary War to present day. www.pamilmuseum.org
  • Pennsylvania State Archives: (Harrisburg) A repository for Pennsylvania’s historical documents, with an online collection and research services. www.pastatearchives.com
  • Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: (Strasburg) A museum dedicated to preserving the history of railroads in Pennsylvania, with an impressive collection of locomotives. www.rrmuseumpa.org
  • State Museum of Pennsylvania: (Harrisburg) A museum that showcases Pennsylvania’s natural and cultural history, with exhibits on art, science, and history. statemuseumpa.org
  • Somerset Historical Center: (Somerset) A museum dedicated to preserving the history of Somerset County, with exhibits on the region’s past and rural life. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org

Parks

  • Brandywine Battlefield: (Chadds Ford) A historic site where the 1777 Battle of Brandywine was fought, offering guided tours and a museum. www.brandywinebattlefield.org
  • Cherry Springs State Park; (Potter County) A premier destination for stargazing, offering a 360-degree view of the night sky. It’s recognized as a Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for astronomers and night sky enthusiasts. www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/18/cherry-springs-state-park-dark-sky
  • Cornwall Iron Furnace: (Cornwall) A preserved 18th-century iron furnace that played a significant role in the industrial revolution in Pennsylvania. www.cornwallironfurnace.org
  • Curtin Village at Eagle Ironworks Historical Site: (Howard) A historic ironworks site where visitors can explore a preserved village and learn about the industry’s impact. www.curtinvillage.com
  • Delaware Canal State Park: Stretching 60 miles along the Delaware River, this park preserves the historic 19th-century canal. Visitors can walk, bike, or cross-country ski along the towpath, experiencing the canal’s historical significance. uncoveringpa.com/best-pennsylvania-state-parks-for-history-lovers
  • Graeme Park: (Horsham) A historic site with a preserved mansion and grounds that showcase 18th-century life in Pennsylvania. www.graemepark.org
  • Eckley Miners’ Village: (Weatherly) A preserved coal mining town that illustrates life in a Pennsylvania mining community during the 19th century. eckleyminersvillage.com
  • Ephrata Cloister: (Ephrata) A historic religious site, once home to the Ephrata community, offering tours of its buildings and exhibits. www.ephratacloister.org
  • French Azilum: (Titusville) A historic site that once housed French refugees during the French Revolution, featuring a museum and restored buildings. thefrenchazilum.com
  • Kinzua Bridge State Park: Located in McKean County, this park is home to the Kinzua Bridge, once the world’s tallest and longest railroad bridge. After being partially destroyed by a tornado, the remaining structure serves as a pedestrian walkway with breathtaking views of the Kinzua Gorge. uncoveringpa.com/best-pennsylvania-state-parks-for-history-lovers
  • Nockamixon State Park: (Bucks County) This 5,286-acre park features the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and disc golfing.blog.newhomesource.com/best-state-parks-pennsylvania
  • Ralph Stover State Park: (Eastern Bucks County) This 45-acre park is renowned for its High Rocks Trail, which provides stunning views of the Tohickon Creek Gorge. It’s also one of only three state parks in Pennsylvania that allow rock climbing. thatsnearphilly.com/state-parks-near-philadelphia
  • Ricketts Glen State Park: (Northeastern PA) Celebrated for its 22 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ricketts_glen_state_park
  • Ridley Creek State Park: (Delaware County) A scenic 2,600-acre park featuring wooded trails, picnic areas, and a historic mansion for outdoor recreation and relaxation. www.dcnr.pa.gov
  • Scranton Iron Furnaces: (Scranton) A historic site that preserves the remains of the iron furnaces that powered the industrial revolution in Scranton. www.anthracitemuseum.org/explore/iron-furnaces
  • Tyler Arboretum: (Media) This 650-acre arboretum features historic buildings, ancient trees, extensive hiking trails, and a variety of plant collections. www.tylerarboretum.org
  • Tyler State Park: (Newtown and Northampton Townships, Bucks County) A day-use park on 1,711 acres, offering trails, fishing, and picnic areas. www.dcnr.pa.gov
  • Washington Crossing Historic Park: (Washington Crossing) A historic park where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolution, featuring exhibits and reenactments. www.washingtoncrossingpark.org

Music Venues

  • Godfrey Daniels: (Bethlehem) This intimate listening room has been hosting folk, blues, and jazz artists since 1976, providing a cozy atmosphere for music enthusiasts. godfreydaniels.org
  • Keswick Theatre: (Glenside) This historic venue presents a variety of performances, including concerts, comedy shows, and community events, all within a beautifully restored setting. www.keswicktheatre.com
  • Sherman Theater: (Stroudsburg) This renovated theater features a wide range of concerts and community events, boasting a capacity of 1,377 seats. shermantheater.com
  • The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company: (Harrisburg) This 21-and-over venue offers live performances from up-and-coming artists, complemented by a billiards hall and a rooftop deck. abcbrew.com/harrisburg/abbey-bar
  • The Mauch Chunk Opera House: (Jim Thorpe) This historic venue hosts concerts and theatrical performances, offering an intimate setting with excellent acoustics. www.mcohjt.com
  • The Ware Center of Millersville University: (Lancaster) This performing arts center features a concert hall, art galleries, and classrooms, hosting a variety of cultural events. www.discoverlancaster.com
  • Tower Theatre: (Upper Darby) A historic venue with a rich legacy of hosting live music, theater, and comedy performances. Originally opened in 1927, it has been a major stop for touring acts across a variety of genres, from rock to pop and beyond. The venue has a seating capacity of 3,000, providing an intimate yet expansive experience for concertgoers. venue.thetowerphilly.com

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