8 Things to Do in Pennsylvania for Nature and History Lovers

With destinations that touch on history that ranges from the War of 1812 to one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous creations, it’s tough to visit Pennsylvania without encountering connections to many iconic events and people. From majestic parks to storied landmarks and museums, The Keystone State is sure to linger in the memories of those who visit. Whether your tastes favor the countryside, the city or the Lake Erie shore, the opportunities to explore are as varied as the adventures you’ll uncover.  

Erie
Heavily influenced by the wind and waves of Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, quite literally, changes every day. 

“The park itself is very dynamic,” says Ray Bierbower, environmental education specialist at the park. “You can come out here and one area is dry, and the next day or next hour, it will be flooded with water. It’s always changing.” 

The 3,200-acre day-use park annually welcomes more than 4 million visitors, who come to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and other beachfront activities. Fishermen in search of prize-winning smallmouth and largemouth bass can cast a line in the park’s lagoons, which were designed with the intent of creating one of the largest freshwater fish hatcheries in the world.

For land lovers, a multipurpose paved trail invites visitors to walk, run or bike the 13.5-mile loop that encircles the peninsula where the park is located. Meanwhile, bird-watchers can flock to the shores to enjoy rare glimpses of white pelicans and sandhill cranes among the more than 700 species of plants that thrive in this unique habitat. 

Across the bay, the Erie Maritime Museum dives into the history of the Battle of Lake Erie, its pivotal role in the War of 1812 and the ships built in the lakefront town for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet. A full-scale replica of the USS Niagara; the prow of the Navy’s first iron-hulled warship, the USS Michigan; an ice boat from the 1900s; and a look at the early history of the U.S. Coast Guard by way of an art exhibit round out this march through history.

Laurel Highlands
When architect Frank Lloyd Wright built a 9,300-square-foot home over the Bear Run waterfall for the prominent Kaufmann family’s weekend retreat in the 1930s, he designed a compelling masterpiece that is now considered one of his most iconic creations. Now entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Fallingwater and its surrounding 5,100 acres draw travelers who desire to tour this architectural sensation, and reservations are essential. 

“I think what draws people in is just seeing that iconic view of the house and it’s up above this waterfall,” says Clinton Piper, senior administrator of special projects for Fallingwater. “It’s almost kind of an impossible location to build a house.”

Multiple tours — including grounds tours, guided architectural tours, in-depth tours and focus tours — allow visitors to peek into this hillside haven that was created for the namesake of one of Pittsburgh’s most successful department stores. Among Fallingwater’s notable details are the cantilevered terraces that blur the lines between interior and exterior living spaces, as well as a suspended staircase in the living room that leads to a platform above the falls. 

Those who can’t get enough of the scenic views, rushing waterfalls and rock-lined cliffs can also head to Ohiopyle State Park where more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River gorge pass through the 20,500-acre park. The park attracts more than 1 million visitors annually for whitewater rafting, camping, rock climbing, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities in this nature lover’s paradise known for its waterfalls such as Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls. 

Pittsburgh
Inside the compound once owned by the family of  Henry Clay Frick, visitors to Pittsburgh can roam the sprawling grounds that cover a city block and span gardens, the permanent collection of The Frick Art Museum and the Car and Carriage Museum — all free of charge. 

“There’s always something new to do,” says Kelsie Paul, interim director of learning and visitor experience at The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens. “We are a hidden gem because we’re removed from the cultural district, and we’re off the beaten path a bit.” 

Visitors can peek inside life circa 1892 via tours of the 23-room mansion where one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent families lived during Frick’s reign as chairman of Carnegie Steel. A cafe, visitor’s center and museum store create even more opportunities to learn about this historic collection of artifacts, artwork and architecture. 

For a serene view of downtown Pittsburgh like no other, grab a paddle and take a seat on a kayak tour courtesy of Venture Outdoors. Whether visitors are seeking a safety course, a history lesson or a unique vantage point for fireworks, they can explore parts of Pittsburgh’s three rivers while floating through the heart of the city. In 2025, a custom floating dock will become the permanent home for the nonprofit organization’s Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown Community Hub. The location will provide three dual-purpose launches, the only accessible kayak launch downtown and a paddle school.

Columbia and Montour Counties 
Make time to drive through some of the country’s oldest covered bridges in Pennsylvania’s Columbia and Montour counties. Slow down and get a feel for what it was like to travel by horse and buggy during the 19th century. With 25 covered bridges situated across the two counties (most of them still being drivable), a self-guided tour of these landmarks helps connects visitors with simpler times. 

“There’s a nostalgia factor for a lot of people who are visiting the bridges and remember spending the whole day fishing underneath them without a care in the world,” says Shane Kiefer, director of marketing for the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, which created the Covered Bridge Passport.  

The bridges are named after nearby farms, towns, builders and architects and  served a vital role in helping transport goods and shape early modes of personal transportation. Travelers who visit at least 13 bridges using the Covered Bridge Passport app between Memorial Day and December will receive a prize to commemorate their journey. 

For another scenic adventure, Ricketts Glen State Park invites visitors to hike the 7-mile Falls Trail Loop, which traverses shale and sandstone ledges as it passes by 21 waterfalls and has an elevation change of more than 900 feet, according to Rhiannon Summers, environmental education specialist for the park. For a shorter excursion, a 3-mile portion of the upper loop sends hikers past 18 of the waterfalls. Additional recreation opportunities in this awe-inspiring 13,189-acre park include camping, swimming, fishing and boating.  

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WHEN YOU GO
Visit these websites for more information about destinations mentioned in this article. 

Covered Bridge Passport
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr

Erie Maritime Museum
eriemaritimemuseum.org

Fallingwater
fallingwater.org

Ohiopyle State Park
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation

Presque Isle State Park
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation

Ricketts Glen State Park
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation

The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens
thefrickpittsburgh.org

Venture Outdoors’ Kayak Tours
ventureoutdoors.org