The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Pennsylvania, United States

December 17, 2021 Randal Brittian

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Fallingwater, Ricketts Glen State Park, Bicycle Heaven, The Arboretum at Penn State, Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery, Ohiopyle State Park, President James Buchanan's Wheatland, Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Bushkill Falls.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Fallingwater

1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464-1543 +1 724-329-8501 http://www.fallingwater.org
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,689 reviews

Fallingwater

Perched on a rock above a gushing waterfall, this historic house was built for a Pittsburgh family by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s, ingeniously designed to blend harmoniously into the tranquil and beautiful woods around it.

Reviewed By LittlePaint - Urbandale, United States

I wish I could have gone inside, but there are so many windows that much of the interior is visible anyway. There was no waiting for the self guided tour and I could have taken a guided tour with only a 90 minute wait. I decided I'd wait for the guided tour until they reopen the interior... And hope I am near enough again to go visit. I would suggest some familiarity with FLWs philosophy and history of your going to take the self guided tour. I think it adds an appreciation and a richness to the tour that would be sorely missing otherwise. A detail I learned with a bit of research is that this unique and amazing house was constructed in 1930, during the depression, as a weekend retreat. Being able to wander the grounds are a nice bonus. The gift shop is open with a limited number allowed inside at a time. Gloves and masks are provided and must be worn. Many items are typical of FLW gift shops. More than worth the price of admission. Oh.... And don't forget to go to the guest house!

2. Ricketts Glen State Park

695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814-7505 +1 570-477-5675 http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/rickettsglen/index.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 822 reviews

Ricketts Glen State Park

Reviewed By aspalmertravels - Uniondale, United States

This is must do hike, about 4 hours relax drive from Long Island including a pit stop, it’s a 7 mile hike ( you have the option to do a 3.5 hike) with 21 waterfalls. It’s breathing taking, being in a forest intrigued by waterfalls of varying size. It’s such a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life......it was an idyllic hike. I WILL do it again????????

3. Bicycle Heaven

1800 Preble & Columbus Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 +1 412-734-4034 [email protected] http://www.bicycleheaven.org
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 859 reviews

Bicycle Heaven

Bicycle Heaven is the World's largest bicycle museum and bike shop.

Reviewed By bridgetteb531

Free parking in a gated lot and free entrance to the museum and working bike repair shop. Amazing collection of bicycles and other items in fantastic condition! We met the owner/collector Craig and enjoyed chatting about his fun "hobby" - nice guy and truley passionate about bikes. Great trip down memory lane and seeing unique items that just put a smile on your face. If you're looking for something different to do rain or shine, pop in and visit - make sure to go to second floor to see it all! Vending machine snacks available, a nail salon/masseuse on premise and restrooms. Our 1st time in Pittsburg - We did trifecta tour of Bicycle Heaven, Music museum next door, and Randyland nearby. Fun way to spend a few hours!

4. The Arboretum at Penn State

336 Forest Resources Bldg University Park, State College, PA 16802-3604 +1 814-865-9118 http://arboretum.psu.edu/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 521 reviews

The Arboretum at Penn State

Reviewed By Trip270430

Considering 200,000 people are within 1/2 mile of this location during every home Penn State football game & you can stop there & feel like you have the place to yourself is awesome & truly overlooked by many. We stayed the weekend at goPSUrv & visited The Arboretum on a Sunday morning.

5. Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery

410 Klein Rd, Easton, PA 18040-6911 +1 610-253-8952 [email protected] http://kleinfarms.com/
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 131 reviews

Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery

6. Ohiopyle State Park

Dinner Bell Rd, Ohiopyle, PA 15470-1029 +1 724-329-8591 [email protected] http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OhiopyleStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 742 reviews

Ohiopyle State Park

Located at the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities. Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The "Yough" provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery. Other activites are biking the Great Allegheny Passage, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, picnicking, horsebacking riding, rock climbing, and hiking.

Reviewed By Alwaysbikin

Excellent place to rent bikes and take in the beautiful scenery~ the guided white water rafting trips are really fun for a group or a couple! There are hiking trails and places to hang near the water to cool off as well! It’s definitely a yearly fall visit for us!

7. President James Buchanan's Wheatland

1120 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603-2550 https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/james_buchanan_wheatland.html
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 496 reviews

President James Buchanan's Wheatland

Come discover the warmth and hospitality of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. Costumed tour guides share facts and stories from Buchanan's personal and professional life. Buchanan represented Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives and later the Senate, served as Minister to Russia, Secretary of State, and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. And, in 1856, Wheatland served as the hub of his successful campaign to become the 15th President of the United States. During his presidency, Wheatland served as Buchanan’s retreat as a divided nation struggled with slavery and states’ rights. Post-presidency, Wheatland became Buchanan’s refuge as he avoided public life after his term and retired as a private citizen. Wheatland’s tangible connection to the US Presidency, Antebellum and Civil War America, and the American political process make it instrumental to teaching history to modern day visitors.

Reviewed By jmalc0m - Sydney, Canada

What a wonderful surprise .An Exceptional guide in period costume made this home come alive .How progressive it was to recognize the importance of this period of history and acquire & maintain this house from the early 1940s . Well worth a visit to see the house & learn more about the Buchanan's

8. Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark

1500 Glenn White Road, Altoona, PA +1 814-941-7743 http://www.railroadcity.com
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 556 reviews

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark

An unusual construction of rail-building that enabled trains to move westward.

Reviewed By karenh395 - Warminster, United States

Spent a couple of hours watching trains and having a picnic lunch. There are tables and running space for families with wee ones. A schedule of all the trains coming through, where they originated and where they are headed is available at visitor center On-site there is housed a very interesting and informative history of Horseshoe Curve and how it came to be built and by whom! This is a must see for rail enthusiasts for sure but families and anyone interested in seeing something unique

9. Knoebels Amusement Resort

391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824-7127 [email protected] http://www.knoebels.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,323 reviews

Knoebels Amusement Resort

We take great pride in being a place the whole family can enjoy! We are America's largest free-admission amusement park and offer free parking, free daily entertainment and free picnic facilities. While at the park, take a dip in our 900,000 gallon Crystal Pool filled with refreshing mountain stream water. The pool area includes watersides, diving boards and a play area for young children. Stay overnight at one of two campgrounds that include cabins and over 800 campsites for tents and campers. In addition to more than 60 rides, award winning food, swimming, games, and shopping, you can add a round of golf at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course right next door to the park.

Reviewed By travellerj21

Absolutely excellent, great range of rides for all ages, lots of shade with the trees around, fab pool and slides, and best of all really reasonably priced. We'll definitely be back next summer.

10. Bushkill Falls

Bushkill, PA 18324
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,807 reviews

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls, a series of eight cascading waterfalls, is one of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the Falls – known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania –are a favorite of hikers, fishermen, birdwatchers and all those who treasure the nature’s beauty. Closed November - Mid -April. Opening for the 2020 season on April 2, 2020.

Reviewed By SanjayB101 - Vadodara, India

Another adventurous activity , green forest hike with beautiful fall .which is in state of Pennsylvania on Pocono mountain Uplands. It is Bushkill Falls opened for public in 1904 .A stream from Rocky Mountain turns in to 100 ft deep scenic water fall. Though it is named as Niagara of Pennsylvania. but it is not so u can not compare it with a large gorgeous Niagara fall. But it has its own beauty. A small river turning in to a big water fall covered by green deep forest and rocky hill/mountain. Four trails developed for hike trail lovers-Green trail (easy one) yellow trail ( for family with children) blue & red trail some what longer , runs from 1 hour to 2.30 hours and in forest, mountains , ups & downs. Systematically made, developed and maintained considering safety of hikers/ viewers. If you are exhausted after a hike then outside trail you have snacks & ice creams, fudge and funnel cakes to satisfy hike of your stomach????. Clean Rest rooms r there and large place for parking. Really exotic place to visit.

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