From history to nature, Pennsylvania is the home of many significant historical events and beautiful landmarks. If you’re looking for ways to explore PA and immerse yourself in the culture while staying within your budget, look no further than this list of budget-friendly places to visit.
Historical Parks and Museums
Valley Forge National Historical Park
This is where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the Revolutionary War. Today, the park consists of beautiful landscapes, the Valley Forge encampment, trolley rides and more. Filled with rich history, this park is perfect for learning about the Revolutionary War. Entry is free, bikes are available to rent and tickets can be purchased for the trolley tour. Plan your visit (opens in a new tab) to the Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Liberty Bell
Philadelphia is famously home to the Liberty Bell (opens in a new tab), which has become a major symbol in American history. The Liberty Bell was ordered from London in 1751 as the State House Bell and is now considered a symbol of liberty that has inspired several historical events, including the Women’s Suffrage and Civil Rights Movements. The bell is free to visit (opens in a new tab) and open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Independence Hall
Another famous landmark in Philadelphia is Independence Hall (opens in a new tab). This is the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Articles of Confederation were formed and the American Constitution was written. Visitors can tour the historic rooms where these pivotal events took place, along with the rooms that housed all three branches of the government. Entry is free before 10:00 am and $1 from 10:00 am - 4:20 pm. Plan your visit (opens in a new tab) to Independence Hall.
Gettysburg Museum of History
The Gettysburg Museum of History (opens in a new tab)houses over 4,000 artifacts from the American Civil War, World War I, World War II and some of the U.S. presidents. The museum has exhibits from major historical events, along with antiques and other regalia for sale. Plan your visit (opens in a new tab) to see the Gettysburg Museum of History.
Mercer Mile
Mercer Mile in Bucks County consists of several attractions including Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle and the Tileworks. Mercer Museum (opens in a new tab) is a castle that was built by Henry Mercer, a leader in the American Arts and Crafts Movement, containing local and national exhibits with crafts, tools and portraits. Fonthill Castle (opens in a new tab) was Henry Mercer’s home and consists of 44 rooms, over 200 windows and 18 fireplaces. Lastly, the Tileworks consist of Henry Mercer’s artistic tiles and the tile factory, in which you can make your own tiles. Entry to the museum and castle (opens in a new tab) are between $10-$20 per person, while the Tileworks tour costs $17 per person.
The National Civil War Museum
The National Civil War Museum (opens in a new tab) in Harrisburg is one of the largest Civil War museums in the country. The museum consists of galleries, artifacts, archival pieces and additional exhibits; including “Women at War.” The National Civil War Museum is under $20 per person and open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Washington Crossing Historical Park
In Washington Crossing, George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River to then march to Trenton, NJ. This historical park (opens in a new tab) consists of gallery exhibits, a reenactment of the troops crossing, the historic village and memorials for the soldiers who passed. Costing $12 per person for the walking tour, this park will provide an informative experience of the Revolutionary War. Plan your visit (opens in a new tab) to Washington Crossing Historical Park.
Nature Parks
Penns Cave and Wildlife Park
Penns Cave and Wildlife Park (opens in a new tab) in Centre Hall is a historic natural landmark. The cave can now be toured by boat, allowing visitors the opportunity to see the forms and gemstones that are home to the cave. There is also a wildlife tour, which will guide visitors through the native animals and outdoor scenery. The cave tour and wildlife tour are both under $30 per person. Plan your visit (opens in a new tab) to Historic Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park (opens in a new tab) in Benton was originally owned by Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts and became a state park in 1942 when the heirs of the land sold 1,261 acres to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The property is now over 10,000 acres and is home to picturesque landscapes. This state park is free to visit (opens in a new tab), offering walking trails and multiple waterfalls.
Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park (opens in a new tab) in Coudersport was originally one of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps. In 2008, Cherry Springs attained a Gold Level International Dark Sky Park Certification, becoming the second International Dark Sky Park in the world. Now, a popular destination to see stars, planets and the Milky Way, this park is free to visit (opens in a new tab) and has great hiking opportunities.
Cook Forest State Park
Cook Forest State Park (opens in a new tab) in Cooksburg was purchased by John Cook in 1828. The Cook family built mills, stores, dwellings etc. on their new land, and in 1920 the Cook Forest Association was formed to protect some of the natural area. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania then purchased 6,055 acres from Cook Sons Company, and Cook Forest became a PA state park to preserve the natural land. This state park is free to visit (opens in a new tab) and offers hiking, biking, kayaking/canoeing and more.
Cowans Gap State Park and Lake
Cowans Gap State Park and Lake (opens in a new tab) in Fort Loudon was originally purchased by John Samuel Cowan in 1775 for his family to live on. Then from 1933 to 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps built up the land with cabins, bridges and a dam. Now the Cowans Gap Rustic Cabins are on the National Register of Historic Places. This park is free to visit (opens in a new tab) and people can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing and more
Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park (opens in a new tab) in White Haven was once owned by indigenous nations until it was bought and turned into a town with several sawmills in the 1800s. The town became further developed, but with trees being cut down, there was soon trouble with flooding and forest fires. It wasn’t until 1935 that the area became a National Recreation Demonstration Area, and in 1945 the area was transferred to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and named a state park. The park is free to visit (opens in a new tab) and features hiking, fishing, wildlife watching and more.
