EXPERIENCE the best of the mountains , lakes , cities and
FOCUS ON scenery as you explore Western PA , which consists of the Laurel Highlands / Southern Alleghenies ,
Allegheny National Forest , Lake Erie and Pittsburgh regions , Be swept away
WESTERN PA by the awesome scenery of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and the 2,053 feet of Kinzua Bridge .
In Pittsburgh , you ’ ll want to take in the culture at the city ’ s theaters , museums and restaurants and of course , the National Football League ’ s Steelers . The first lighthoutse built on the Great Lakes will guide you to the shores of Lake Erie , while the caverns of the Laurel Highlands will take you deep into a spelunker ’ s delight . To see it all at your own pace , traverse the scenic Route 6 , which stretches long across the Northern Tier .
great lakes region | pennsylvania wilds | pittsburgh region | laurel highlands / the alleghenies GREAT LAKES REGION
MUSEUMS PENNSYLVANIA WILDS
ATTRACTIONS
Conneaut Lake Park , Conneaut Lake Amusement park on the shore of the states largest natural glacier lake . Highlights include the newly renovated miniature golf course , the Blue Streak roller coaster , a full-service campground , fishing and hiking grounds , and the scenic boardwalk . Admission is free . Info : 814.382.5115 , www . conneautlakepark . com
Daffin ’ s Candies , Sharon World ’ s largest candy store , family-owned and operated for more than 100 years . Home to the Chocolate Kingdom , a world populated by solid chocolate creatures and sculptures , with free chocolate for all visitors . Info : 877.323.3465 , www . daffins . com
Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens , Erie Home to more than 400 animals from 100 different species , as well as 11 unique botanical gardens , a carousel , and a train ride . Open Mar . - Nov . Info : 814.864.4091 , www . eriezoo . org
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort , Erie Amusement park on the shore of the states largest natural glacier lake . Highlights include the newly renovated miniature golf course , the Blue Streak roller coaster , a full-service campground , fishing and hiking grounds , and the scenic boardwalk . Admission is free . Info : 814.382.5115 , www . conneautlakepark . com
Tom Ridge Environmental Center , Erie Educational and research center providing interactive exhibits and tours of Presque Isle and its wildlife . Features the 4-story-high , 45-foot-wide Big Green Screen , which shows a variety of educational films . Info : 814.833.7424 , www . trecpi . org
Waldameer Park & Water World , Erie Amusement and water park complex with more than 75 rides and free daily shows . Info : 877.817.1009 , www . waldameer . com
Battles Museums of Rural Life , Girard Interactive museum situated in two 19th century houses , where visitors can learn and perform the bygone tasks of an 1860s household ( such as churning butter and spinning yarn ), or just wander through the eighty acres of wooded hiking trails and farmland . Guided tours available . Info : 814.4554.1813 , www . eriecountyhistory . org / museumsexhibits / battles-museum-of-rural-life
Drake Well Museum and Park , Titusville Commemorates the 1859 well that help birth the modern petroleum industry . Includes tours of operational oil drilling machinery and scheduled explosions ! Info : 814.927.2797 , www . drakewell . org
expERIEence Children ’ s Museum , Erie A hands-on educational experience for kids . Numerous varied exhibits teach about physics , engineering , history , math , and more in fun , interactive ways . Info : 814.453.3743 , www . eriechildrensmuseum . org
Venango Museum of Art , Science and Industry , Oil City A technology and science museum focusing on the industrial history . Features rotating series of exhibits appropriate for children and adults . Info : 814.676.2007 , www . venangomuseum . org .
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Candlelight Ghost Walk , Girard A walking tour of Girard ’ s local ghost stories and hsitorical landmarks ( departs at dusk on Saturdays , Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend ). Info : 814.774.3653
ZooBoo , Erie The Erie Zoo ’ s annual Halloween event , with trick-or-treating for kids ( 12 and younger ), special Halloween displays , and a spooky ghost train . Info : 814.864.4091 , www . eriezoo . org
ATTRACTIONS
Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam , Marshburg Nestled deep in the Allegheny National Forest , the Allegheny Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor opportunities , from camping and hiking to canoeing and swimming . Pack a picnic , or catch your own lunch at one of the best fishing spots in the East . Info : 814.362.4613 , www . visitanf . com / allegheny-reservoir
Cherry Springs State Park , Coudersport An excellent stargazing location , due to its remoteness and exceptionally dark skies . Offers both self directed and guided stargazing opportunities . Hiking and camping facilities also available . Info : 814.435.5010 , www . dcnr . state . pa . us / stateparks / findapark / cherrysprings / index . htm
Original League Inc . “ The Birthplace of Little League Baseball ,” Williamsport Site of the first Little League game in 1939 , and host of the Little League Baseball World Series from 1947 to 1958 . Info : 570.323.1308 , www . leaguelineup . com / originalleagueinc
Straub Brewery , Saint Marys Founded in 1872 , the Straub Brewery is among the oldest continually operatiing breweries in the country , and has maintained family ownership throughout the entire history . Stop in for a tour of the brewery ( for ages 12 and older ) and a free beer at their “ Eternal Tap ” ( for ages 21 and older ). Info : 814.834.2875 , www . straubbeer . com
MUSEUMS
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum , Galeton Experience the life of a lumberjack at this historical museum of Pennsylvania ’ s lumber era . Includes an interactive logging camp , recreated locomotive and cabin and working sawmill . Info : 814.435.2652 , www . lumbermuseum . org
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