The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Pennsylvania

As the second state to ratify the US Constitution, Pennsylvania holds a prominent place in American history. However, many people may not realize that it is also home to iconic household names like the Hershey Company! Whether you want to visit important Civil War sites, kayak along the bottom of the state’s “Grand Canyon”, or snack on some delicious chocolate, these seven towns offer a great sense of what the Keystone State is all about.

Hershey

Hershey, named after the famous chocolate company that established its operations there in 1905, is a must-visit for any chocolate lover. Travelers can kick off their chocolate-filled adventure at the Hershey Story Museum, which explores the life of founder Milton Hershey, his impact on the chocolate industry, and includes interactive activities like a scavenger hunt for kids. Afterward, head over to Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction, where you can learn how chocolate is made, enjoy a variety of chocolate treats and drinks, and even create your own candy bar! Hersheypark is another family favorite, an amusement park that has over 70 rides and attractions, along with a waterpark and 11-acre zoo!

Gettysburg

As the site of Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Gettysburg address, Gettysburg is one of the best destinations in Pennsylvania for Civil War history. Travelers can begin their journey at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, where they can learn about the battlefield, take guided tours, and explore other historic sites like the Eisenhower National Historic Site and Gettysburg National Cemetery. The Shriver House is another fascinating historic landmark to visit, featuring an 1860s home that tells the story of the battle from the perspective of local civilians. At the end of the day, visitors can refuel at the Dobbin House Tavern, a historic tavern and restaurant set in a home that dates back to 1776.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is a lively town in the Poconos known for its active art scene and close-knit community. The Sherman Theater is a great place to catch a show, hosting everything from local acts to top performers throughout the year. Year-round, on Saturdays, travelers can grab some fresh produce, honey, eggs, bread, or cheese from the Monroe Farmers Market, which has been running for over 40 years. Just a five-minute drive from downtown, you will reach the Glen Run Nature Preserve, a 182-acre preserve that offers a great overlook of the borough and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Lititz

No state makes pretzels like Pennsylvania does, and what better town to visit than Lititz, home to the country’s first commercial pretzel bakery. At the heart of it all is the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, a must-visit destination offering tours of the facility, pretzel-twisting lessons, and a bakery shop. Changing pace, you can see some wolves up close at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, which is home to over 50 grey wolves and wolf-dogs. Touring the refuge, visitors will learn about many of the myths and misconceptions about wolves and gain a deeper understanding of the species’ importance. To unwind after a day of twists and tails, grab a drink at Collusion Tap Works Lititz, a brewery and restaurant that has 16 brews on tap.

Jim Thorpe

Founded in 1818 and later renamed in honor of the famous Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe, this fun-loving town is full of quirky things to do. Travelers can hop aboard the open-air Jim Thorpe Trolley, where they can enjoy a fully-narrated, historic tour of town. The trolley company also offers periodic winery and ghost tours if you are looking for something a bit more eccentric. Want to see more of the countryside? Book a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which departs from town and winds through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park. Butterfly enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, where they can explore a live flight butterfly room and spot other wildlife like turtles, glowfish, and axolotls.

Ligonier

Home to Fort Ligonier, Ligonier is another important town to have on your itinerary if you are interested in exploring Pennsylvania’s most prominent historic landmarks. A key site during the French and Indian War, this historic fort features fascinating museum exhibits, the meticulously reconstructed fort itself, archaeological collections, and paintings by renowned 18th-century artists. Golfers will have a great time visiting Laurel Valley Golf Club, a scenic 18-hole course co-founded by the legendary Arnold Palmer. Thistledown At Seger House is a wonderful place to spend the night, a boutique hotel that is housed in a 20th-century mansion, including amenities like private bathrooms and complementary tea and coffee available at all times of day.

Wellsboro

Looking to explore Pennsylvania’s nature? Wellsboro is the town for you, where you’ll find the Pine Creek Gorge. This gorge, often considered the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” extends for nearly 50 miles and reaches a maximum depth of 1,450 feet. Travelers can visit the gorge via two state parks, where they can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, or even go kayaking and fishing in the gorge’s bottom. Heading back downtown, travelers can watch a film at the historic Arcadia Theatre on Main Street, which dates back to 1921, or appreciate some art at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center, which has rotating exhibits and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors needing a place to spend the night will love the Bear Mountain Lodge, a cozy lodge located in Wellsboro’s countryside with a private outdoor hot tub and four rooms to choose from.

Final Thoughts

Pennsylvania is arguably one of the most underrated travel destinations in the Eastern US. Those interested in history will find landmarks from the French and Indian War, the Civil War, and other pivotal periods throughout American history. Food enthusiasts, meanwhile, will find important companies like Hershey's and the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Prefer to spend your vacation outdoors? The Pine Creek Gorge, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Glen Run Nature Preserve await as well. The adventure waiting in these seven towns is hard to beat!