Things to see and do in Pennsylvania

Attractions in Pennsylvania

Fairmount Park

Spend time at the Fairmount Park, by the Schuylkill River, one of the USA's largest city parks. Learn about the river ecosystem at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (www.fairmountwaterworks.org).

Go mining

Descend 76m (250ft) below the earth to Lackawanna Coal Mine (www.thecoalminetour.com). Former miners lead visitors on tours through the mines telling of the lives and times of the miners. Visit Eckley Miners' Village (www.eckleyminersvillage.com), an authentic coal-mining town.

Hike or ski in Allegheny National Forest

Travel through the Allegheny National Forest, a vast area of woodlands, virgin timber, rivers and beautiful vistas. Winter sports enthusiasts can explore 480km (300 miles) of snowmobiling trails and seven cross-country ski trails.

Independence National Historical Park

Visit Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, and see Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed in 1776. Gaze at the Liberty Bell that was sounded at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Lake Erie

Fish, boat or swim Lake Erie. Bordering the Great Lakes, the northwestern corner of the state features 12,950 hectares (32,000 acres) of lakes, as well as hundreds of miles of rivers.

Lancaster County

Experience the life of the Pennsylvania Dutch in Lancaster County (lancasterpa.com). Home of the USA’s oldest Amish settlement, hear interpreters weaving their story at the People's Place in Intercourse. Buy homemade quilts, crafts and wares, detour down side roads for glimpses of horse-drawn buggies, auctions and antique shops.

Laurel Highlands

Visit two of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces in western Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands: Kentuck Knob (www.kentuckknob.com) and the spectacular Fallingwater (www.waterlandlife.org).

Old Bedford Village

Journey back in time at Old Bedford Village (www.oldbedfordvillage.com) for a taste of living history of the pioneer era, with costumed guides, crafts demonstrations and 40 authentic buildings.

Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon

Explore the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania on foot, horseback, canoe or river raft. At over 300m- (1,000ft-) deep, the gorge twists along 76km (47 miles) of Pine Creek and embraces 64,750 hectares (160,000 acres) of the Tioga State Forest.

Pocono Mountains

Enjoy historic towns and the breathtaking scenery of the Pocono Mountains and their neighbours to the west - the Endless Mountains.

Point State Park Fountain

Explore the Point State Park Fountain in the Golden Triangle area of central Pittsburgh. It symbolises the creation of the Ohio River at the meeting of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers.

Rafting

Plunge into white water on the Youghiogheny River. With its class III and IV rapids, it provides some of the best rafting in the east.

Ride a steam train

Hear the bell and whistle as you ride a steam train at Steamtown (www.nps.gov/stea). The National Historic Site features dozens of antique railroad cars and interpretive displays.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Tour Valley Forge National Historical Park, one of the most revered shrines of the American Revolution. Learn of its history and get involved with fun activities designed for people of all ages.

Visit Chocolatetown

Indulge your sweet tooth in the town of Hershey (www.hersheypa.com), home of the world's largest chocolate factory, 'Chocolatetown USA', with a visitor's centre, shopping outlets and an amusement park.

Walk the battlefield

Walk the battlefield at Gettysburg, the famous Civil War battle site, featuring the Gettysburg National Military Park (www.nps.gov/gett) and the Eisenhower National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/eise).

Tourist offices

Pennsylvania Tourism Office

Mon-Fri 0830-1700