10 Traveler Resources in Pennsylvania That You Shouldn't Miss

February 28, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Linderman Library, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, Hershey Public Library, Mennonite Information Center, Independence Visitor Center, Matamoras Welcome Center, Masonic Temple, United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC).
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Linderman Library

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 610-758-HELP (4357) http://library.lehigh.edu
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Linderman Library

2. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

120 E Main St, Ligonier, PA 15658-1248 +1 724-238-5661 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

This scenic region features historic sites, Frank Lloyd Wright home, whitewater rafting and hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and backpacking.

3. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034 +1 717-338-1243 [email protected] http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,610 reviews

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

"A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman, orients you to the battle; then see the sights and hear the sounds of the battle in the historic Cyclorama Painting Experience. Finally, tour the museum, packed with original artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tickets and shuttle bus to Eisenhower National Historic Site and seasonal programs at Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital from Visitor Center. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, USA Today Top 10 Places to Visit, AAA Gem. Purchase tickets prior to your arrival online and reserve a Battlefield Guide (licensed through the National Park Service) through the Gettysburg Foundation, non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Admission fee for Cyclorama, Film and Museum. Entry to Visitor Center, Museum Bookstore and Refreshment Saloon is free.

Reviewed By conimaries - Pennsylvania, United States

I strongly recommend starting your Gettysburg experience by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor’s Center. If you choose to do anything, I strongly recommend the Film, Cyclorama and Museum combination. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, paints a wonderful picture of what led up to the Civil War, the Battle at Gettysburg, and how our country has evolved (although it’s clear to see the parallel between what was going on in 1863 and what is going on in 2019). And Morgan Freeman has way of narrating that just pulls you in. After the film, you are invited to view the Cyclorama which is the most beautiful, yet saddening, image of the Battle at Gettysburg. I won’t tell you all about the image because they’ll tell you about it when you get there, but suffice to say, it’s a must-see! The museum was full of historical information, photographs, and memorabilia. If you like museums, you could spend hours there. I, am not a museum person. I like to walk through them, look at the displays and take photos, but I don’t typically read the placards or take a lot of time in them. The statute of Abraham Lincoln is just outside the main entrance and you can obtain tour information at this location. They also have a Gift Shop/Book Store which is a great place for souvenirs and historical materials.

4. Columbia Crossing River Trails Center

41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512 +1 717-449-5607 http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/AboutUs/ColumbiaCrossing.aspx
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center

Reviewed By Urbabill - Pittsburgh, United States

This was a great day trip on a bike. You can rent the bikes right across the parking lot at the River Trains Center. The trail is about 11 miles each way on the blacktop, including a trip through Marietta. The facilities were new and very nice. The trail was very well kept.

5. Hershey Public Library

Cocoa Ave, Hershey, PA 17033 +1 717-533-6555 http://hersheylibrary.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Hershey Public Library

Reviewed By Crochooked - Palmyra, United States

Hershey Library is an awesome community space. A variety of books,magazines, newspapers, audio books, and videos, for all ages. Their children's area is divided into an infant/toddler section with picture books and toys; and an older kids area with tables to do homework, and cushy benches to sit or sprawl and read. There is a great collection of books and videos for beginning readers through teens. And a parent/ teacher resource section with books and magazines. The adult area is well stocked, and includes a quiet newspaper/ magazine area, and a quiet study area with cartels with place to plug in your laptop or tablet. And free internet access! They also display art and craftsmen local school students and craft people. The library has rooms available for community groups, and advertises groups in their brochures. I starting taking my children here as toddlers, and participated in their grand opening in this "new" location, a beautiful, modern building. I have held monthly meetings of my crafting group, and taught classes, as well regular visits to select more books.

6. Mennonite Information Center

2209 Millstream Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602-1494 +1 717-299-0954 [email protected] http://www.mennoniteinfoctr.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 293 reviews

Mennonite Information Center

A place to come to learn about the Mennonites and Amish of Lancaster County through literature, videos, guided tours, and conversation with a knowledgeable staff person. Also we have a full-scale model of the Biblical Tabernacle on our grounds.

Reviewed By sure2go - Lancaster, United States

The Mennonite Information Center is a great place to learn about the Mennonite and Amish community. In past years I have taken classes to learn the Amish language, which is a fusion language and a fraktur class. We also went on one of their local bus tours. We always enjoy their Christmas sale where local artists sell their handcrafted German art.

7. Independence Visitor Center

599 Market Street 1 N. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1518 +1 800-537-7676 [email protected] http://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,415 reviews

Independence Visitor Center

The Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Greater Philadelphia, primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park, and exclusive location to pick up free, timed tickets to tour Independence Hall. Our multilingual staff are fluent in twelve languages to help all visitors. Tickets for 100+ local tours, attractions, museums, are available for purchase. Free services and amenities offered here include: official Welcome Film of Philadelphia; maps and brochures; WiFi access; and public restrooms.

Reviewed By Larry10803 - Pelham, United States

Huge, very clean and well air conditioned Visitor Center next to Independence Mall. Great starting point for any visit, lots of brochures and info available. There are souvenir and snack shops within the building, as well as very clean bathrooms.

8. Matamoras Welcome Center

RT 6 & 209 at Exit 53, Matamoras, PA +1 570-491-4703 http://www.discoverpikepa.com/places/Things_To_Do/Visitors_Centers/Matamoras_Welcome_Center
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Matamoras Welcome Center

9. Masonic Temple

1 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520 +1 215-988-1917 http://pagrandlodge.org/home.html
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 629 reviews

Masonic Temple

"The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania" is an example of elegant architecture. Inside, the lodge is adorned with lovely artwork.

Reviewed By PMahdis

We had run out of things to do and decided to give a tour here a shot. It was 1 hour long. If you expected to be treated like a tourist customer entitled to prod and demand things, maybe this is not the tour for you. I read some of the "terrible" ratings and things like not answering questions about the masons is maybe to be expected otherwise it would not be a secret society. 14 Presidents were Masons. This is an impressive building built by masons for masons. They allow the public in under watch by a tour guide. It is one of the strongest memory forming things I did in Philly.

10. United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)

950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle, PA 17013-5021 +1 717-245-3972 [email protected] http://ahec.armywarcollege.edu
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 442 reviews

United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)

Premier facility for historical research on U.S. Army history & is dedicated to telling the Army story...one Soldier at a time. Open to the public, key features of the USAHEC include interpretive & interactive exhibits, the research library & archive, & multifunction facilities. Visit the USAHEC special exhibits, "Soldier Experience" interpretive gallery, art gallery, museum store, Army Heritage Trail (AHT), or attend an event, lecture, or workshop. The mile-long outdoor AHT allows visitors to experience history in a new way, through interactive and full-scale military exhibits. The U.S. Army War College Library is a component of the USAHEC and features one library system in 2 locations. In Ridgway Hall, the library & archives collection encompasses over 14 million historical items. The Root Hall collection covers subjects such as military strategy & operations, leadership & management, international relations, foreign policy, strategic studies, & economics.

Reviewed By 388bobl - Hanover, United States

Wanted to go to this place for awhile now and finally had some time on a Saturday to drive up to Carlisle PA. It was a nice day for a drive and only took about 50min. from Hanover to get there. The complex is huge with 2 large main buildings and a mile long outside area where the buildings and military vehicles are kept. Even with the masks restrictions, you can still do the interactive exhibits inside, including a parachute jump and a gun target simulator. We enjoyed outside the most, it took us about 1.5 hours to see everything outside spread out over 2 large fields. There is no charge for the center and it really was a great place to visit!

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