Pennsylvania
You could call Pennsylvania the birthplace of the United States. For appreciation of our nation’s history, walk the heritage trails of Philadelphia. In Independence National Historical Park, visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Nearby, see the Liberty Bell Center, housing the famous bell with its iconic crack.
Elsewhere in Philadelphia, enjoy varied cultural experiences at the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Eastern State Penitentiary museum, the National Museum of American Jewish History, Morris Arboretum, and the Please Touch Museum for kids of all ages. See what a Philly cheesesteak sandwich should taste like in the town where it originated and cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies baseball and Philadelphia Eagles football teams.
In Pittsburgh, the Pirates play baseball at one of the country’s best ballparks, PNC Park. Watch the Steelers play football or enjoy cultural activities at other Steel City sites: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the gardens of Phipps Conservatory. If you love to ride a bike, you can literally go to Bicycle Heaven when you visit this large museum and bike shop dedicated to cycling.
Hike along the Appalachian Trail near Harrisburg or take a cruise on the Susquehanna River. See the State Capitol with its beautiful American Renaissance architecture and fine art treasures. As you drive past the village of Dauphin Borough, notice the small replica of the Statue of Liberty, originally installed by vandals, but now adopted by the community.
Visit Hershey, home of the well-known chocolate factory and much-loved candies. Take a factory tour and sample chocolate at Hershey’s Chocolate World and bring the kids to Hersheypark for 12 roller coasters and waterpark activities.
Nearby Lancaster has a large Pennsylvania Dutch community. Visit small farm markets to purchase delicious fresh produce and hand-made quilts. Share the road with horse-drawn carriages, the preferred mode of transportation for the area’s Mennonite community.
Enjoy a living history lesson and lively activities in Pennsylvania, the second state admitted to the United States of America.