Top 10 Historic Sites in Pennsylvania, United States

January 12, 2022 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Fallingwater, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Wright's Ferry Mansion, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Michener Art Museum, Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, President James Buchanan's Wheatland, Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, Steamtown National Historic Site.
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
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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. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3830 +1 412-622-6914 [email protected] http://phipps.conservatory.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,255 reviews

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.

Reviewed By Greenthumb185 - Pittsburgh, United States

We have visited Phipps multiple times over the year. A top rate conservatory with many special interests such as the cactus room, children's garden etc. Wonderful use of green technology

3. Wright's Ferry Mansion

38 S 2nd St, Columbia, PA 17512-1402 +1 717-684-4325 http://lancastercountymuseums.org/wrights-ferry-mansion/
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 39 reviews

Wright's Ferry Mansion

Reviewed By MaryR575 - Philadelphia, United States

Take a trip back in time to visit the 18th century home of an independent and successful businesswoman in Pennsylvania. Your expert tour guide introduces you to the life and experiences of Susan Wright through a room-by-room narrated tour. The house is furnished with authentic antiques and recreates the time when the Lancaster area of PA was still a frontier! Yes, Ms. Wright really was friends with Benjamin Franklin! This is a great tour for all ages.

4. Fort Necessity National Battlefield

1 Washington Pkwy, Farmington, PA 15437-9501 +1 724-329-5512 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/fone/index.htm
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 370 reviews

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

This historical site marks the first battlefield of the American French and Indian War.

Reviewed By VAPioneer - Arlington, United States

A great National Park Service location with a modern museum experience that tells the history of George Washington’s involvement at Fort Necessity and the larger world impact of those events. It was also great to learn more about the history of the region and the National Road (now US40) at this location. Great outdoor walks, one note - be sure to wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes. Worth a quick stop if you are in the area and are interested in American history.

5. Michener Art Museum

138 S Pine St, Doylestown, PA 18901-4931 +1 215-340-9800 [email protected] http://www.michenerartmuseum.org
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

Michener Art Museum

The Michener Art Museum is an American art institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Delaware Valley region and beyond. Welcoming 135,000 visitors each year, the Michener showcases a spectacular collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings as well as many special and permanent exhibitions that include the work of historical and contemporary painters, sculptors, photographers, and furniture designers. Art transforms—we’ll show you how.

Reviewed By MitchPhyllis65 - Morristown, United States

The Michener Art Museum offers every one the chance to experience the world of art up close by viewing wonderful paintings and sculptures displayed in various exhibits throughout the year. My wife and I visited the museum on a recent rainy day and were amazed how beautiful it really is, and as a Submarine Veteran w/ID I was especially grateful to be informed there would be no entrance fee for both of us. This art museum may not be the largest we’ve seen but it was definitely worth the hour and a half drive to get here and we highly recommend checking it out.

6. Liberty Bell Center

6th Street Between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215-965-2305 http://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,738 reviews

Liberty Bell Center

Though it can no longer be rung, the bell remains a lasting American symbol of freedom.

Reviewed By Southjp - London, United Kingdom

A must do!!! Visit very emotional and educational about the iconic symbol of American independence, set in the ruins of the colonial house.

7. Independence Hall

Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215-965-2305 http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehall.htm
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,956 reviews

Independence Hall

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.

Reviewed By jdc8mbc

This is a must-see attraction which requires a timed entry ticket which should be reserved way in advance, especially during holidays, spring break, and summer. We went in October and could not get tickets for our first-choice date, so we re-juggled our planned itinerary around the date for which we could get tickets to Independence Hall. It seems to us the first place to visit in Philadelphia is Independence Hall for people interested in American history. (If you're an art aficionado, then the Barnes would be the first stop in Philly.) The park ranger provided an informative overview and history of Independence Hall, after which we were allowed to roam and explore the Independence Square buildings. To get or pick-up reserved tickets, go to the modern Independence Visitor Center which across the street from the entrance to Independence Hall.

8. 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
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Poor
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Terrible
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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

9. 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
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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

10. Steamtown National Historic Site

350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503 +1 570-340-5200 http://fortnite.com
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 866 reviews

Steamtown National Historic Site

This small museum is all about steam engines and their contribution to America's economy in the 19th century.

Reviewed By Mark---MXM - New York City, United States

Strongly recommend visiting Steamtown NHS; terrific indoor & outdoor exhibits; and pleasant/entertaining 30 minute trainride by a 1920s steam engine (for $5/person); great value — cost to visit museum & see trains — no charge. Nice 15 minute move too. Terrific 1/2 day event. Didn’t do the 3-hour or so excursion ... will try during next visit.

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