Top Things to do in Pennsylvania
Top Hotels in Pennsylvania
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown
- 2. Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- 3. Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa
- 4. Independence Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 5. Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
- 6. Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
- 7. Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- 8. The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 9. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, State College (Penn State Area), PA
- 10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
The 10 Best History Museums in Pennsylvania, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, Eastern State Penitentiary, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, National Toy Train Museum, State Museum of Pennsylvania, Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Erie Maritime Museum, Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC), Senator John Heinz History Center.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania
1. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,610 reviews
"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.
2. Eastern State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,299 reviews
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!
3. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,082 reviews
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is home to a world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, an immersive education center, a vast library and archives and a working restoration shop. Special events, museum store, free on-site parking, free WiFi.
Reviewed By places2c25 - Randolph, United States
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a must see when out in Lancaster County! It's also a great tour on a hot day in the summer! It's a fascinating walk through time and to think about these enormous beauties at the height of their popularity. My husband is a train enthusiast so I enjoyed my own personal tour guide! Across the road is the Strasburg Railroad where tour rides are are available but we ran out of time. Definitely will be worth a return trip!
4. National Toy Train Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Museum featuring hundreds of model trains, some specimens dating back to the 1800s.
Reviewed By gaharris10 - Yonkers, United States
The National Toy Train Museum boasts the best collection of model train sets!!! The museum is a great place to visit if you are fan of locomotives and a train set enthusiast. My wife and I had a fun time visiting this wonderful attraction!!!
5. State Museum of Pennsylvania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Museum housing more than two million objects associated with or significant to the history and heritage of Pennsylvania.
Reviewed By SF88 - San Francisco, United States
Excellent museum in downtown Harrisburg: staff were great and you get to cover both the history/wars affecting Pennsylvania, the natural history of the area from the time of the dinosaurs, up to modern day economic and cultural contributions of the State. Very well presented, with different topics on each floor. Well stocked gift shop for mementos of your visit.
6. Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
A museum celebrating the history of the railroad in industrial America.
Reviewed By Pzini - Cherry Hill, United States
Well done exhibits and displays here are of interest to both rail fans and others. Admittedly, casual observers (like my wife) will begin to get bored before rail fans (me) have gotten their fill, but the 3 floors of exhibits are high quality and should be of interest to all. There is also a small theater included that shows 2 different movies on a continuous loop. Be sure to walk outside to the locomotive shop / roundhouse where you will see locos and train cars under renovation. Continue on the outside loop and walk over the covered pedestrian bridge that crosses the Norfolk Southern RR tracks to the Amtrak station. Numerous trains pass under here daily on their way to and from the Horseshoe Curve- if you watch for 30 minutes, you may see several. For additional rail action, if you are a fan, after leaving the museum, drive north for 2 miles on 6th Ave and turn left on 8th St, which will take you over the 8th St bridge, which crosses the huge Norfolk Southern yard, and more good viewing of train action. Continue on 8th St to the left at 4th Ave, and you will pass the N.S. Juniata Locomotive Shop, where you will see dozens of locos parked on sidings (alas, no tours that I am aware of). Your museum ticket includes admission to the Horshoe Curve, and whether a rail fan or not, this is a must see. It is a short drive from the museum. The scenery is beautiful, and the trains pass by with amazing frequency, and very close to the observation area.
7. Erie Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Multimedia exhibits and a 19th century U.S. Flagship are featured at this museum.
Reviewed By 727JimB
If you seek treasure, this is Erie's hidden chest. Erie is steeped in naval history and it comes alive here in this magnificent museum, so very well done (and well placed) and comes complete with a tall ship. Sad to say, even somewhat of a secret to area folks, this is a great take. Just a wonderful place well worth visiting.
8. Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
This museum documents the story and culture of the workers in the mines, mills, and factories of the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania, as well as the state and national impact of their labor.
Reviewed By RoyalWolves
My father's family emigrated to Scranton in the early 1900s and a number of family members, including my grandfather, great-grandfather and several great-uncles, worked in the mines there, so I wanted to see what their life was like. The Coal Mine Tour and Museum was an amazing step back in time and very educational. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the mining history of the area come to life. Now I have a whole new appreciation and respect for what my family members and so many other working men went through in their daily lives in the mines. The museum had a lot of interesting memorabilia, and the gift shop has a nice selection of books (I bought several) and souvenirs. Overall it was a great experience and fun trip. I highly recommend it.
9. United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
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!
10. Senator John Heinz History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,399 reviews
Reviewed By OregonTrvlr
We enjoyed being able to ride in a beautifully restored street-car, learn so much about every kind of sports imaginable (even marbles), and gain more facts about Heinz Ketchup than imaginable. The exhibits are nicely organized and displayed, with family-friendly elements. Our only challenge was finding parking due to the redevelopment of the area.
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