Some destinations in Pennsylvania are just worth the drive, no matter how many miles we put on the car. The following Pennsylvania destinations showcase just a fraction of the amazingness that awaits in the northern part of the state – from breathtaking natural wonders to unique indoor attractions the whole family will love.
- Erie Bluffs State Park – Erie
Google/Jonathan Bullin A hidden gem along Lake Erie, Erie Bluffs State Park boasts a ton of gorgeous scenery and beautiful hiking trails, the best way to explore. (Swimming is not allowed, but not to worry. You’re just a short drive from the 13 beaches of Presque Isle State Park.) Go boating, Have a picnic, or go for a sandy stroll on the beach. Get a glimpse of Erie Bluffs State Park in our previous article. Erie Bluffs State Park, 11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA
- Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton
Google/Michael Floccari A camera and hiking shoes are a must when you visit Ricketts Glen State Park, especially if you want to see all or some of the park’s 21 waterfalls. While the waterfalls may be the masterpiece of the state park, you’ll also find a beautiful sandy beach, a lake that’s perfect for kayaking and boating, and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Read more about this state park in Pennsylvania in a previous article. Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
- Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den – Scranton
Google/Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den Stroll through a rainforest; come face-to-face with exotic fish, and get a closer look at an assortment of resident reptiles at Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton. The popular destination also hosts special events, so keep an eye out for those. Take a peek at the fun that awaits at this Pennsylvania aquarium Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, USA
- Lackawanna Coal Mine – Scranton
Google/mtandiz Pennsylvania’s known for its rich coal mining history, and you can get an up-close look at that history with a tour of the Lackawanna Coal Mine. (It’s seasonal, so check hours before you go.) Go underground to see how miners worked. Be sure to bring a jacket as the mine maintains a temperature of around 53 degrees Fahrenheit all year around. Plan your journey to this Pennsylvania coal mine by reading our previous article. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504, USA
- Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area – Blakeslee
Google/William Elton Connect with nature, and maybe even enjoy a picnic, at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area. Sprawled across 130 acres, the natural area is best explored on a leisurely hike, where you’ll get to see waterfalls, towering trees, and local wildlife - like salamanders. Learn more about this beautiful Pennsylvania natural area in a previous article. Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, 20 PA-115, Blakeslee, PA 18610, USA
- Jim Thorpe
Flickr/David Wilson Nestled in the Poconos, the charming town of Jim Thorpe is known as the Switzerland of Pennsylvania - and it’s well worth a visit. Explore the darling downtown area, which is dotted with shops, restaurants, and interesting sights. Save time to visit nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park and take a ride on the scenic railroad, too. Find out why Jim Thorpe has been called the best small-town vacation in America. Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
What are your favorite destinations in Pennsylvania – in the north or otherwise? Let us know in the comments! Love pizza? Then you’ll definitely want to visit this small town in Pennsylvania that’s known as the Pizza Capital of the World.
Google/Jonathan Bullin
A hidden gem along Lake Erie, Erie Bluffs State Park boasts a ton of gorgeous scenery and beautiful hiking trails, the best way to explore. (Swimming is not allowed, but not to worry. You’re just a short drive from the 13 beaches of Presque Isle State Park.) Go boating, Have a picnic, or go for a sandy stroll on the beach. Get a glimpse of Erie Bluffs State Park in our previous article.
Erie Bluffs State Park, 11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA
Google/Michael Floccari
A camera and hiking shoes are a must when you visit Ricketts Glen State Park, especially if you want to see all or some of the park’s 21 waterfalls. While the waterfalls may be the masterpiece of the state park, you’ll also find a beautiful sandy beach, a lake that’s perfect for kayaking and boating, and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Read more about this state park in Pennsylvania in a previous article.
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Google/Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Stroll through a rainforest; come face-to-face with exotic fish, and get a closer look at an assortment of resident reptiles at Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton. The popular destination also hosts special events, so keep an eye out for those. Take a peek at the fun that awaits at this Pennsylvania aquarium
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, USA
Google/mtandiz
Pennsylvania’s known for its rich coal mining history, and you can get an up-close look at that history with a tour of the Lackawanna Coal Mine. (It’s seasonal, so check hours before you go.) Go underground to see how miners worked. Be sure to bring a jacket as the mine maintains a temperature of around 53 degrees Fahrenheit all year around. Plan your journey to this Pennsylvania coal mine by reading our previous article.
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504, USA
Google/William Elton
Connect with nature, and maybe even enjoy a picnic, at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area. Sprawled across 130 acres, the natural area is best explored on a leisurely hike, where you’ll get to see waterfalls, towering trees, and local wildlife - like salamanders. Learn more about this beautiful Pennsylvania natural area in a previous article.
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, 20 PA-115, Blakeslee, PA 18610, USA
Flickr/David Wilson
Nestled in the Poconos, the charming town of Jim Thorpe is known as the Switzerland of Pennsylvania - and it’s well worth a visit. Explore the darling downtown area, which is dotted with shops, restaurants, and interesting sights. Save time to visit nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park and take a ride on the scenic railroad, too. Find out why Jim Thorpe has been called the best small-town vacation in America.
Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
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