Philadelphia, PA - From ornate architectural feats to sprawling gardens, this state offers plenty of exciting things to see and do. Additionally, there are plenty of accessible or affordable attractions worth checking out!
1. Eisenhower National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his family, who frequently visited for vacations and weekends. Tours are offered here so visitors can view its home, putting green, barns, and gardens!
2. Fallingwater
Fallingwater, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and designated a National Historic Landmark, is one of the state's most celebrated attractions. Built over a waterfall in the woods, this captivating home provides visitors with an unforgettable experience that is hard to forget.
3. Ringing Rocks Park
Ringing Rocks Park in Huntingdon County is another highly-visited attraction. This strange field of rocks seems to vibrate at different tones. Yet, scientists cannot understand why, thus making this unique destination one of Pennsylvania's top tourist spots and must-do activities.
4. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is another top tourist destination in Pennsylvania. This massive collection of artifacts has been called "the most magnificent museum in the world" and contains many impressive creations, such as delicate pre-Columbian works and whimsical gilded pitchers. There's even an astounding hand-carved Hornbill ivory belt from 18th century China and a rare Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur fossil on display here that will dazzle visitors.
5. Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort provides an exciting family-oriented amusement experience, boasting over 60 rides such as roller coasters and vintage carousels - and has been family-owned since 1926!
6. Pennsylvania's Railroad Museum
Train enthusiasts must visit Pennsylvania's Railroad Museum if they love locomotives! This impressive facility allows visitors to relive the golden age of locomotives while learning about Pennsylvania's rich railway history through interactive displays, theater performances, a working roundhouse and repair shops.
7. Philadelphia Zoo
Pennsylvania offers many exciting museums and attractions providing engaging activities for kids of all ages - from young to adults. One such museum and attraction is Philadelphia Zoo, one of the top animal attractions worldwide, featuring over 400 animals across 42 acres in Fairmount Park - making it one of the state's premier tourist spots.
8. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is one of Pennsylvania's top attractions for literature fans, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into his former home and life as an author. Here, you'll find exhibits detailing Poe's career.
9. The Franklin Institute
For something truly different, visit The Franklin Institute, an outstanding science museum featuring many engaging exhibits covering various topics across other realms. Notably, its Foucault Pendulum serves as a magnet for visitors - its four-story construction dangling from its ceiling is always an attraction!
10. Rodin Museum
Rodin Museum stands out as an unusual site to visit in Pennsylvania. It boasts an extraordinary collection of the artist's works, including plasters, marbles, prints, sculptures, and the famed Thinker statue.
11. Horseshoe Curve
Horseshoe Curve is an eye-catching train attraction in Bedford County that draws enthusiasts of railroad travel from near and far alike. A remarkable optical illusion, this optical phenomenon makes the road slope uphill; theories surrounding its appearance include ghostly visits or distortion in the earth's magnetic field.
12. Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Science lovers will delight in visiting Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the city's premier attractions. Home to an exhibit featuring Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur fossil and other incredible shows, as well as fun educational programs throughout the year, visitors have a memorable experience at this historic institution.
13. Mercer Museum
The Mercer Museum in Pennsylvania is another popular tourist destination. This museum is extraordinary, with collections ranging from giant banana plants and garden flora to found ephemera and found objects. A Desert Room also showcases cacti and Tropical Forest Conservatory, which feels far from everyday Pennsylvania life.
