Pennsylvania

Restored coal-burning steam trains run through the Amish countryside on this historic railroad, now designated a tourist rail. A variety of different tour themes are on offer, from Amish Feast to Wine and Cheese to Murder Mystery. Stop in to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, just across from the station, before you go.

These forested, rolling mountains located in the northeastern part of the state feature 150 lakes within their 6,215 square kilometer scope, as well as villages with historic churches and homes to tour. Made for outdoor adventure, the woodlands, rivers and waterfalls here offer hiking, biking, rafting, skiing and swimming opportunities.   

Learn about how the battle waged here, a pivotal moment in Civil War history, shaped the USA. A visitor’s center and museum holds one of the country’s largest Civil War collections, while outside, living history performers reenact the battle, firing rifles and cannons, and wielding bayonets. Also visit the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln completed his Gettysburg Address.

The legendary candy-maker makes for a sweet theme park, with over 70 rides and attractions in all, among them roller coasters (and, soon, three new plunging towers). Here you’ll find Boardwalk Waterpark as well as ZOOAMERICA, plus resorts, dining and shopping, and nearby Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can go on a chocolate factory tour ride.

A collection of historic Philadelphia sites and symbols, all of which played a role in the creation of the American government, are on display in this park. See why UNESCO made Philadelphia the USA’s first World Heritage City. Visit the famous Liberty Bell with its defining crack, go to Independence Hall (once Pennsylvania State House), tour a military museum and explore Bishop White House for an education in the history of American Democracy. 

Thousands of paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs spread across seven floors awaits visitors to this museum devoted to all-things Warhol, which also includes continually updated exhibits of the artist’s films, a Gallery Talks series and even a photo booth that will give you your own screen test.

The birthplace of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, Valley Forge’s 18th century monuments, buildings, exhibits and living history enactments teach visitors about this historic site. With 48 kilometers of walking trails and lakes filled with trout and catfish, you can get a side of recreation here along with your history.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1935 masterpiece, designed as a modern vacation home, is built right over a waterfall. A tour of the home allows guests to walk through every room of the furnished house, which is set in the woods, with a mountain stream running nearby. It is one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the USA designated on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

More than just a beach (Pennsylvania’s only), this park on a peninsula is packed with recreational opportunities. Water ski, dive or fish Lake Erie, hike or bike one of many trails or sunbathe on the beach. 

On the National Register of Historic Places, this structure’s all-glass facade flanked by two elaborate outdoor staircases greets you as you enter. You’ll find rooms devoted to the flora of the desert, examples of formal gardens, a court full of palms, and an orchid room. Look for Chihuly glass sculptures throughout the park.