THE simple life surrounds you as you explore the land of Pennsylvania Dutch . The famous town of Hershey hosts a myriad of attractions
FOCUS ON from roller coasters to chocolate , while history can be experienced throughout this region with various mansion tours or the viewing of a Civil
CENTRAL PA
War reenactment in
Gettysburg . The Valleys of Susquehanna bring you to large festivals and the best of land and stream and the heart of all the action ! State College thrives with Penn State football games as the roar of “ We are Penn State ” echoes the valleys on Saturday afternoons . Visitors will get lost in the beauty of summer yellow fields and crisp , autumn foliage as Fall settles in over the mountains and valleys . Fresh winter snow covers ski slopes and offers tranquility , while spring breathes life back into the area ’ s celebrated gardens .
focus on central pa | valleys of the susquehanna | dutch country roads
VALLEYS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA
ATTRACTIONS
Art Thrives on 45 , Central Pennsylvania Rout 45 is a scenic 100-mile stretch of highway through Central PA that is home to dozens of artisans and craftspeople . The trail connects travelers to galleries , shops , and museums , where they can discover the varied artistry that central PA offers . Info : 814.883.3968 , www . artthriveson45 . org
Bald Eagle State Forest , Laurelton Stretching from Susquehanna Valley to the Allegheny Mountains , this 200,000-acre forest offers visitors beautiful scenery and hundreds of miles of trails for every activity from hiking to snowmobiling . Info : 570.922.3344 , www . dcnr . state . pa . us / forestry / stateforest / baldeagle
Clyde Peeling ’ s Reptiland , Allenwood A specialized zoo featuring more than 40 different species of reptiles and amphibians from around the world . Info : 570.538.1869 , www . reptiland . com
Covered Bridges of the Susquehanna River Valley , Central Pennsylvania Visit and learn the history of 17 covered bridges throughout Northumberland , Snyer , and Union counties . Info : 800.525.7320 , www . visitcentralpa . org / page . asp ? tid = 156 & name = Covered-Bridges
Knoebels Amusement Resort , Elysburg
America ’ s largest free admission amusement park with more than 50 rides , an 18-hole golf course , and a carousel museum . Info : 800.487.4386 , www . knoebels . com
Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University , Lewisburg Artist-focused , 1,200-seat performance space , presenting dance , theater , lectures , and music performances ranging from classical to rumba . Info : 570.577.1000 , www . bucknell . edu / WeisCenter
MUSEUMS
The Children ’ s Museum , Bloomsburg Interactive educational museum with more than 50 handson exhibits , including a recently renovated recreation of an early 20th century mine . Other highlights include the “ voice of the past ” switchboard , an Egyptian tomb , and a butterfly garden . Info : 570.389.9206 , www . the-childrensmuseum . org
Mifflinburg Buggy Museum , Mifflinburg A stunningly preserved buggy factory , originally in use from 1883 until 1931 . Visitors can tour the old shop , as well as the founder William A . Heiss ’ s house and repository ( Open Apr-Oct ). Info : 570.966.1355 , www . buggymuseum . org
Packwood House Museum , Lewisburg Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Pennsylvania , the Packwood House Museum documents the rich history of the area . Rare maps , decorative art , and local memorabilia dating from as far back as the 1790s are among the many historical treasures displayed . Info : 570.524.0323 , packwoodhousemuseum . com
Slifer House Museum , Lewisburg Victorian Museum in former home of Civil War-era Pennsylvania Secretary and businessman Eli Slifer . Victorian events scheduled throughout the year , including visits from Abraham Lincoln , and period-appropriate soirees . Info : 570.524.2245 , www . sliferhouse . org
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Berwick Riverfest , Berwick Annual crafts and food festival , featuring rides , a logging competition , a car cruise-in , and free live entertainment ( Oct ). Info : 570.752.2723 , www . berwickborough . org
Bloomsburg Fair , Bloomsburg Celebrating its 160th year in 2015 , the Bloomsburg Fair is the largest agriculutral fair in Pennsylvania . Part circus , part amusement park , part music festival , this fair offers everything from rides and games to big name performers such as Three Days Grace and Scott McCreery ( Sep ). Info : 507.784.4949 , www . bloomsburgfair . com
DUTCH COUNTRY ROADS
ATTRACTIONS
Adventure Sports , Hershey With go-carts , miniature golf , outdoor lazer tag , a driving range , batting cages , and more , this outdoor sports park is fun for all ages . Parking and admission are free ( open Mar- Dec ). Info : 717.533.7479 , www . adventurehershey . com
The Amish Experience at Plain and Fancy Farm , Bird-in-Hand Discover the true Amish lifestyle and history by touring an Amish household , view the “ Jacob ’ s Choice ” film to get an inside look at what it means to be Amish , or just take in a family meal at the Plain and Fancy restaurant . Special tours include visits to the locations seen in the film Witness and an “ Amish Mafia tour ” that dispels misconception surrounding the recent popular television show . Info : 717.768.8400 , www . amishexperience . com
The Amish Village , Strasburg A 12-acre village where visitors can experience modern Amish living . Head to the Smokehouse Market for authentic homemade jams and whoopie pies , or see a working blacksmith ’ s shop , where many of the tools that make Amish living possible are fabricated . Guided tours include a visit to the one-room schoolhouse for a conversation with an actual Amish schoolteacher . Info : 717.687.8511 , www . theamishvillage . net
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm , Ronks More than 50 family farm activities , from a hay chute slide to a mechanical bull . Visitors can also feed llamas , pigs , and other animals , or watch as chicks hatch in the hatchery . The farm is also home to the 5-acre Maize Maze . Info : 866.546.1799 , www . cherrycrestfarm . com
Crystal Cave , Kutztown Named for the calcium crystals embedded in the rock ( originally thought to be diamonds ), Crystal Cave is one of Pennsylvania ’ s most beautiful natural attractions . Take a tour of the cave , which was originally discoverd in 1871 , and then visit the sluice , where you can forage for your own gems . Info : 610.683.6765 , www . crystalcavepa . com
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