Pennsylvania, often referred to as the Keystone State, holds a treasure trove of history within its borders. The state played a pivotal role in the formation of the United States and is home to numerous historic sites that offer a glimpse into the nation’s past. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to the preserved homes of famous historical figures, Pennsylvania’s outdoor historic landmarks and attractions provide a rich and diverse journey through time.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone simply seeking to explore the cultural heritage of the United States, Pennsylvania’s historic sites offer something for everyone. This guide will take you on an in-depth tour of the most significant outdoor historic landmarks and attractions in Pennsylvania, providing tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Gettysburg National Military Park
One of the most famous historic sites in Pennsylvania, and indeed in the entire United States, is Gettysburg National Military Park. The site of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1-3, 1863, this park is hallowed ground for Americans. The battle was a turning point in the Civil War, resulting in a Union victory that would eventually lead to the preservation of the United States.
Attractions
- Battlefield Tours: The battlefield can be explored through guided tours, either by licensed battlefield guides, self-guided driving tours, or even horseback tours. Each method offers a different perspective on the events that unfolded over those three crucial days.
- Gettysburg National Cemetery: This is where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, a speech that has become one of the most famous in American history. Walking through the cemetery is a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the pursuit of freedom.
- Cyclorama and Museum: The Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War offers extensive exhibits, including the massive cyclorama painting that depicts Pickett’s Charge. The museum provides context and depth to the understanding of the battle and its significance.
- Monuments and Memorials: Scattered throughout the park are over 1,400 monuments, markers, and plaques, each commemorating the units, states, and individuals who fought in the battle. Notable ones include the Pennsylvania State Memorial and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open year-round, though the visitor center and museum have specific hours that vary by season. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful times to visit, with milder weather and fewer crowds. For more information, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park website.
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia is often called the “Birthplace of American Democracy.” This historic area encompasses several key sites that were integral to the founding of the United States, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Attractions
- Independence Hall: Perhaps the most iconic building in American history, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. Visitors can take guided tours to see the Assembly Room where these monumental events took place.
- Liberty Bell: Symbolic of American freedom, the Liberty Bell is housed in a pavilion near Independence Hall. Visitors can view the bell, learn about its history, and reflect on its enduring legacy.
- Congress Hall: The original home of the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, Congress Hall is where the Bill of Rights was ratified. The building has been restored to its original appearance, and tours are available.
- Independence Mall: This three-block section of Independence National Historical Park provides open space to explore and enjoy the outdoor exhibits and statues that commemorate the nation’s founding.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open year-round, but it is recommended to book tickets in advance for guided tours of Independence Hall, especially during peak tourist season. Philadelphia can get quite hot in the summer, so visiting in the spring or fall is ideal. More details can be found on the Independence National Historical Park website.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge, located just outside of Philadelphia, is one of the most significant sites of the American Revolutionary War. It was here, during the winter of 1777-1778, that the Continental Army under George Washington endured a harsh winter while undergoing critical training that would eventually lead them to victory.
Attractions
- Washington’s Headquarters: Known as the “Pentagon of the Revolutionary War,” this stone house served as George Washington’s command center during the winter encampment. The headquarters has been preserved and is open for tours.
- Muhlenberg Brigade Huts: These reconstructed huts give visitors a sense of the living conditions faced by the soldiers during the harsh winter. The area around the huts often features living history demonstrations.
- National Memorial Arch: Erected in honor of the soldiers who persevered through the winter at Valley Forge, the arch stands as a powerful symbol of the determination and resilience that defined the Continental Army.
- Encampment Tour: A driving tour takes visitors to key sites within the park, including the training grounds, fortifications, and memorials. The tour can be done via car, bike, or on foot.
- Hiking and Biking Trails: Valley Forge offers over 20 miles of trails that take you through the historic encampment areas, providing a blend of history and nature.
Planning Your Visit
Valley Forge is open year-round, with the visitor center offering a wealth of information and exhibits. The park is particularly beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, and in the fall when the foliage adds a burst of color. More information can be found on the Valley Forge National Historical Park website.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park, the Eisenhower National Historic Site is the preserved home and farm of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II. This site offers a unique glimpse into the personal life of one of America’s most respected leaders.
Attractions
- Eisenhower Home: The main attraction is the Eisenhower home, which has been preserved as it was during the President’s lifetime. Visitors can tour the home and see where Eisenhower entertained world leaders and spent time with his family.
- Farm and Outbuildings: The site includes the working farm that Eisenhower cherished. The barns and outbuildings offer insights into Eisenhower’s interests in agriculture and his life outside of politics.
- President’s Show Barn: This large barn, originally used for showing cattle, now houses exhibits about Eisenhower’s life and legacy. It’s a fascinating look at the President’s other passions beyond his public service.
- Guided Tours: The site offers guided tours that provide context and stories about Eisenhower’s time at the farm, his presidency, and his impact on both the nation and the world.
Planning Your Visit
The site is open year-round, but tours may be limited during the off-season. It’s recommended to combine a visit to the Eisenhower National Historic Site with a trip to Gettysburg National Military Park, as they are located close to each other. For more details, visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site website.
Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, commemorates the heroic actions of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who thwarted a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The memorial is a powerful and somber reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown on that fateful day.
Attractions
- Memorial Plaza: This plaza marks the location where Flight 93 crashed into the ground. The Wall of Names, which features the names of all 40 passengers and crew members, is a focal point of the plaza.
- Flight Path Walkway and Overlook: The walkway traces the final flight path of Flight 93, leading visitors to the impact site. The overlook offers a serene view of the surrounding landscape, inviting reflection and remembrance.
- Tower of Voices: This 93-foot tall tower contains 40 wind chimes, each representing one of the passengers and crew members. The chimes create a haunting, melodic sound that serves as an audible tribute to the lives lost.
- Visitor Center: The visitor center provides detailed exhibits about the events of September 11, the passengers and crew of Flight 93, and the impact of their actions on the course of history.
Planning Your Visit
The memorial is open year-round, though weather conditions can affect accessibility to some areas during the winter months. The experience is deeply moving and requires time to fully absorb the significance of the site. More information can be found on the Flight 93 National Memorial website.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Fort Necessity National Battlefield, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, is the site of the first battle of the French and Indian War, which also marked the first military engagement of a young George Washington. This site offers a fascinating look at the early struggles for control of North America.
Attractions
- Fort Necessity: The reconstructed fort is a small, simple structure that reflects the urgency and tension of the time. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about the challenges faced by Washington and his troops.
- Mount Washington Tavern: This historic tavern, once a stop on the National Road, has been preserved as part of the battlefield park. The tavern offers exhibits on 19th-century travel and the significance of the National Road.
- Jumonville Glen: Located nearby, Jumonville Glen is where the first skirmish of the French and Indian War took place. The site offers trails and interpretive signs that explain the events leading up to the battle at Fort Necessity.
- Great Meadows: The battlefield is located in an area known as the Great Meadows, a natural clearing that provided a strategic location for Washington’s troops. The site offers walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area where the battle took place.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open year-round, with the visitor center offering educational exhibits and a film about the battle. The surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. For more details, visit the Fort Necessity National Battlefield website.
Brandywine Battlefield Park
Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Brandywine Battlefield Park preserves the site of the Battle of Brandywine, one of the largest battles of the American Revolutionary War. The battle, fought on September 11, 1777, was a pivotal moment in the war, even though it resulted in a British victory.
Attractions
- Washington’s Headquarters: The Benjamin Ring House served as George Washington’s headquarters during the battle. The house has been restored and offers guided tours that provide insight into Washington’s leadership during the campaign.
- Lafayette’s Quarters: The Gideon Gilpin House, located within the park, was used by the Marquis de Lafayette, the young French nobleman who played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The house is open for tours and features exhibits on Lafayette’s contributions.
- Battlefield Tours: The park offers both guided and self-guided tours of the battlefield, where visitors can explore key locations such as Birmingham Hill, where some of the fiercest fighting took place.
- Annual Reenactments and Events: Brandywine Battlefield Park hosts annual reenactments of the battle, complete with period uniforms, weaponry, and tactics. These events bring history to life and are a highlight for visitors.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open year-round, though some buildings may have limited hours during the off-season. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, as the weather is mild and the park’s natural beauty is on full display. For more information, visit the Brandywine Battlefield Park website.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, offers a fascinating glimpse into the early American industrial era. The site preserves one of the best examples of a 19th-century “iron plantation,” a self-sufficient community centered around a blast furnace that produced iron for the nation.
Attractions
- The Iron Furnace: The centerpiece of the site is the restored blast furnace, where visitors can learn about the iron-making process that was vital to America’s growth during the 19th century.
- The Village: The site includes several preserved buildings that were part of the Hopewell community, including the ironmaster’s house, workers’ homes, a blacksmith shop, and a charcoal house. These structures offer insights into the daily lives of those who lived and worked at the furnace.
- Living History Demonstrations: Hopewell Furnace hosts regular living history demonstrations, where visitors can see blacksmithing, iron casting, and other period crafts in action. These demonstrations provide a tangible connection to the past.
- Hiking Trails: The site is located within French Creek State Park, offering numerous hiking trails that explore the surrounding forest and provide access to historic sites within the park.
Planning Your Visit
Hopewell Furnace is open year-round, with the best time to visit being during the spring and fall when the living history demonstrations are most active. The site offers a peaceful and educational retreat into America’s industrial past. More details can be found on the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site website.
Fort Mifflin
Located on the banks of the Delaware River near Philadelphia, Fort Mifflin is one of the only remaining intact Revolutionary War battlefields. Known as the “Fort that saved America,” it played a crucial role during the war, delaying British forces long enough for George Washington’s army to regroup after the fall of Philadelphia.
Attractions
- The Fortifications: Visitors can explore the well-preserved fortifications, including the original walls, bastions, and cannons. The fort’s design reflects the military engineering of the 18th century and offers a hands-on history lesson.
- Casemates and Barracks: The fort’s casemates, underground bunkers used for storage and shelter, are open for exploration. The barracks where soldiers lived provide a glimpse into the harsh conditions endured by the Continental Army.
- Living History Events: Fort Mifflin hosts regular reenactments and living history events, including musket and cannon demonstrations. These events bring the fort’s history to life and are a major draw for visitors.
- The Haunted Fort: Fort Mifflin is reputed to be one of the most haunted sites in America, with numerous reports of ghostly sightings and strange occurrences. The fort offers special ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those interested in the supernatural.
Planning Your Visit
Fort Mifflin is open to visitors year-round, with a full schedule of events and tours available throughout the year. The best time to visit is during one of the fort’s reenactment events, which provide a dynamic and interactive experience. For more details, visit the Fort Mifflin website.
Bushy Run Battlefield
Bushy Run Battlefield, located in western Pennsylvania, is the site of a pivotal battle during Pontiac’s War, a conflict between Native American tribes and British forces following the French and Indian War. The battle, fought in August 1763, was a significant British victory that helped to secure their control over the frontier.
Attractions
- The Battlefield: Visitors can explore the site where the battle took place, including walking trails that follow the routes taken by the British and Native American forces. Interpretive signs provide context and details about the battle.
- Bushy Run Museum: The museum at the site offers exhibits on the battle, Pontiac’s War, and the broader context of Native American and colonial relations during this period.
- Annual Reenactment: Each year, Bushy Run hosts a reenactment of the battle, complete with period costumes, weaponry, and tactics. The event is a highlight for history enthusiasts and offers a vivid portrayal of 18th-century warfare.
- Educational Programs: The site offers educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, guided tours, and hands-on activities for children.
Planning Your Visit
Bushy Run Battlefield is open year-round, with the best time to visit being during the annual reenactment in August. The battlefield’s trails are particularly beautiful in the spring and fall. For more information, visit the Bushy Run Battlefield website.
In Short
Pennsylvania’s outdoor historic landmarks and attractions offer a unique opportunity to explore the past in a hands-on, immersive way. From the battlefields where the nation’s future was fought for to the industrial sites that powered its growth, these sites provide a tangible connection to the history that shaped the United States.
Whether you’re interested in military history, early American industry, or the personal stories of the nation’s leaders, Pennsylvania has something to offer. These outdoor historic sites allow visitors to step back in time, experience history where it happened, and gain a deeper understanding of the events and people that have shaped the United States.
For those planning a visit, it’s important to consider the time of year, as Pennsylvania’s seasons offer different experiences at each site. Many sites also host special events, reenactments, and educational programs that can enrich your visit and provide a more interactive experience.
To learn more about these historic sites and plan your visit, you can check out their respective websites, many of which offer detailed information on tours, events, and educational resources. As you explore Pennsylvania’s rich history, you’ll find that each site has its own unique story to tell, contributing to the broader narrative of America’s journey.
