2020-01-07 01:23:57
Rugged, majestic, pristine — this spectacular stretch of wilderness is where the wild things roam freely: elk in the fields, bald eagles in the treetops, and trout in the cold streams. Gaze up at the night sky. The constellations are crystal clear here, where it’s so dark you can see the stardust of the Milky Way in the International Dark Sky Park. Take your pick from incredible adventures any way you want them: by foot, raft, horseback, mountain bike, horse-drawn wagon, or hang glider. HIGHLIGHTS KINZUA SKY WALK, MT. JEWETT Once the highest and longest railroad viaduct in the world, Kinzua Sky Walk extends the length of two football fields into the Kinzua Gorge, offering panoramic views of the valley 225 feet below. ZIPPO/CASE MUSEUM, BRADFORD Dedicated to Zippo lighters and Case knives, the Zippo/Case Museum showcases the brands’ role in World War II and pop culture and features the world-famous Zippo repair clinic. WORLD OF LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM, WILLIAMSPORT Learn about the history, ideals, and famous alumni of the world’s largest organized youth sports program through interactive activities and hundreds of artifacts at this museum. ELK COUNTRY VISITOR CENTER, BENEZETTE Pennsylvania is home to the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern United States. Learn about elk and maybe catch a glimpse of the herd at Elk Country Visitor Center. PUNXSUTAWNEY WEATHER DISCOVERY CENTER, PUNXSUTAWNEY At the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, exhibits explore weather forecasting technology, phenomena such as tornados, and even weather folklore including the city’s own Punxsutawney Phil. PINE CREEK GORGE AT LEONARD HARRISON STATE PARK, WELLSBORO One of the best ways to experience the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” is to hike the Turkey Path in Leonard Harrison State Park through forests and past waterfalls. CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK, COUDERSPORT Gaze up at countless stars and constellations — as well as the Milky Way galaxy — on a clear night at this International Dark Sky Park, rated one of the best places on the planet for spotting celestial bodies. SEE THE LARGEST FREE-ROAMING ELK HERD IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. DISCOVER RURAL SPLENDOR & LOCAL HISTORY The Pennsylvania Wilds boasts breathtaking landscapes. Stand in awe of old growth forests — in particular the towering white pines and hemlocks known as Forest Cathedral — at Cook Forest State Park. For a different perspective, rent a canoe or kayak from Allegheny Outfitters Livery in Warren and paddle the Allegheny River. At Austin’s Sinnemahoning State Park, watch for bald eagles on the guided pontoon boat tour of Stevenson Dam, and keep an eye out for elk at the wildlife viewing platform. You don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in history. Step back in time on a self-guided walking tour of more than 30 Victorian mansions in the Smethport Mansion District, or learn about the region’s coal mining history through the artifacts donated by former miners, including gear and safety equipment, at the Coalport Area Coal Museum In Lock Haven, tour the Piper Aviation Museum, housed in the company’s former engineering and development building, to learn about its contributions to private aviation. April through October, play a round of golf on the public, 18-hole Hunter’s Station Golf Course along the scenic Allegheny River. Meanwhile, some stops combine history and food. At Doolittle Station in DuBois, the replica 1880s B&O Rail Depot has a museum, a brewery housed in a boxcar, and two themed dining cars: a 1950s Pullman Standard passenger car and a 1913 parlor car. The historic Straub Brewery in St. Marys offers one-hour tours and has 12 taps and an outdoor beer garden.
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