Pennsylvania is one of the most iconic states in the country. It’s one of the first original 13 colonies and is filled with history, or as much history as the U.S. has. This vibrant green state is also known as the Keystone State and has an impressive surface area of 46,055 square miles. Within these nearly 50,000 square miles are tall mountains, long rivers and streams, diverse people, and gorgeous wildlife.
Pennsylvania truly has a little bit of everything. Within this old state, you can find practicing Amish communities where it feels like you’ve gone back in time just a few hours away from large cities, home to millions of people.
This state was founded in 1787 and is home to some very important events that helped shape and establish the United States as an independent country. Within this northeastern state, the first Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence was also drafted here! But Pennsylvania is known for more than just being an important state in history.
While visiting the Keystone State, you can see and do so many things. It’s vital to try a Philly cheesesteak when visiting. Also in Pennsylvania though is delicious foods from all over the world, including Puerto Rican, Dutch, Italian, and more. Do you like trying new food and drinks? Click here to read about the iconic drinks from every state everyone should try.
To gather this list of 20 things Pennsylvania is known for, 24/7 Tempo researched and reviewed multiple travel websites including visit PA, Roadside America, and Uncovering PA.
The City of Brotherly Love
When most people think of Pennsylvania, they likely imagine Philadelphia, the most populous city in the state. It’s also known as the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is a historically and culturally important city, home to over 1.6 million people, although more than 5 million people live in the Philly metro area.
Philadelphia is a lot of fun to explore, with plenty of historically rich spots like the Independence National Historical Park. Within this historical park is the Liberty Bell. Other incredible spots in Philly include Elfreth’s Alley, the First Bank of the United States, and the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.
Pretzels
Another thing Pennsylvania is known for is its food, specifically its soft, delicious, and warm pretzels. Pretzels have existed in Pennsylvania for around three centuries, if not a little more. The origin of a pretzel though is debated, but may have been made first in Italy or France. It took no time for these doughy and delicious foods to grow popular in Germany and Switzerland. When immigrants moved to the United States, long before it became a country, pretzels came with them!
Dark Skies
Did you know Pennsylvania is known for having some of the darkest skies in the country? This might not sound like a big deal, but if you love stargazing, you may want to look at Pennsylvania, specifically in state parks away from the large cities. One of the best state parks in Pennsylvania to stargaze is Cherry Springs State Park.
Cherry Springs State Park has a surface area of 82 acres and was established in 1922. This beautiful state park is an official international Dark Sky Park.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to one of the most beautiful art museums in the world? You can’t venture to this state without trying to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Unsurprisingly, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is in Philadelphia.
This museum was first established in February 1876, meaning it’s over a century old. The museum contains more than 240,000 items in its collection. This includes over 30,000 costumes.
Amish Culture
Nothing says Pennsylvania culture more than the Amish. Amish country is found throughout the state. Even in larger cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Harrisburg, you can see Amish people passing through on their horses and buggies.
Amish culture has been around in Switzerland since the late 1600s. They immigrated to the United States, and now there are around 380,000 old order Amish. Most Amish live in Pennsylvania, although 84,000 live in Ohio. In Pennsylvania, there are plenty of Amish farms, restaurants, and markets. While here, you can eat delicious fresh bread, jams, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and more.
American History
Pennsylvania history is American history. This section might be a little bit of a cop-out though since many of the things Pennsylvania is known for are history-related buildings, relics, and more.
So, what happened in Pennsylvania to influence American history? In this northeastern state, the American Revolution was sparked. Harriet Tubman helped many slaves gain freedom by first escaping to the state and the Constitution was written. And this is keeping it simple: a lot more happened in this beloved state.
The Liberty Bell
Another thing Pennsylvania is known for is housing the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell was built in the 1750s and was first completed in 1752. It’s about four feet tall and weighs an astounding 2,080 pounds!
The Liberty Bell is preserved and can be found in the Liberty Bell Center. While inside, you can see the iconic crack in the bell. This bell once rang proudly in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as the Independence Hall.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents ever created in the United States. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia, specifically in the Independence Hall. During this signing, 12 of the 13 colonies signed in favor of the Declaration of Independence, separating themselves from Britain. Some of the 56 signers were John Hancock, James Smith, John Penn, and Samuel Adams.
Philly Cheesesteaks
Pennsylvania is known for its food. You should try not only a delicious and warm hand-rolled pretzel but also a Philly cheesesteak. Philly cheesesteaks aren’t just in Philly. They first originated in the early 19th century. By the 1930s and 1940s, they were found across Philadelphia.
So, what is a Philly cheesesteak? While the ingredients may vary, most Philly cheesesteaks have onions, beefsteak, cheese, and a long Italian hoagie roll.
The Poconos
One of the best things to do in Pennsylvania is to visit the beautiful and peaceful Poconos. The Poconos, also known as the Pocono Mountains, has so many things to do and see, including rushing waterfalls and plenty of campgrounds.
The Pocono Mountains have an elevation of about 2,260 to 2,280 feet. The peak of these mountains is Big Pine Hill. So, what is there to see in the Pocono Mountains? A great thing to do is relax in a resort in the mountains. Winter sports, like skiing, are especially popular. Blue Mountain Resort is very well-known.
Reading Terminal Market
A lot of Philadelphia spots make this list, including the Reading Terminal Market. People travel from all over the world to explore this market. The Reading Terminal Market is an indoor farmer’s market that is open daily. Within this market are hundreds of vendors and stations. This market was first opened on February 22, 1893.
Steel Production
For over a century, steel production was a major part of Pennsylvania’s economy, employing a large number of residents. Although the steel industry has changed and declined, it’s still a crucial part of the state’s economy. America’s first steel production company, the Pennsylvania Steel Company, originated in Pennsylvania. It began operating in 1866.
Hershey
What does Hershey’s chocolate have to do with Pennsylvania? Hershey is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but was founded on February 8, 1894, in Lancaster. Hershey is one of the biggest candy and chocolate companies in the world, distributing chocolate to over 60 countries.
Hershey is a lot more than just Hershey chocolate bars, though. This company also produces Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, and M&M’s. While visiting Pennsylvania, you can join Hershey’s Chocolate Tour.
Tastykake
October 18th is National Chocolate Cupcake Day!
So many iconic and worldwide companies began in Pennsylvania. This includes Tastykake, which has a headquarters in Philadelphia. Tastykakes are snack foods that are offered in most grocery stores, corner shops, and gas stations in the state.
This line of snacks was founded in 1914 and produces various flavors of cupcakes, Kandy Kakes, Cookie Bars, donuts, baked and glazed pies, brownies, and danishes.
Rivers and Streams
The Sachs Bridge, built in 1852 by David S. Stoner, is one of the few remaining bridges built using Connecticut architect Ithiel Towns lattice system of support trusses. Part of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia began its retreat to Virginia by crossing the bridge after the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. In 1938, the Pennsylvania Highway Department determined that the Sachs Bridge was the most historic covered bridge in the state. It was closed to traffic in 1968 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Flood waters swept it from its abutments on June 19, 1996. The County of Adams rehabilitated the bridge by supporting its trusses with steel beams and by raising its elevation three feet.
When choosing to visit Pennsylvania, you don’t have to stick to larger cities. You can also visit and vacation in small towns near rivers, lakes, and streams to enjoy water sports and recreation. Within Pennsylvania are over 80,000 miles of streams and rivers. One of the most popular rivers is the Delaware River.
The Delaware River is around 282 miles long. It’s not only in Pennsylvania but also in New York State, Delaware, and New Jersey. Another great river in Pennsylvania to enjoy kayaking, swimming, or fishing is the Juniata River.
Wildlife
Most people don’t think of wild animals and beautiful birds when it comes to Pennsylvania, but there are plenty. The Keystone State is home to 480 species of wild birds and wild mammals. Some of the most iconic mammals in this state are the whitetail deer, American black bear, coyote, bobcat, and the North American river otter.
Pennsylvania is considered a bird watcher’s paradise. When visiting, you have a chance to see birds like golden eagles, bald eagles, song sparrows, swallow-tailed kites, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Mountains
Pennsylvania is pretty mountainous. The state is home to more than just the Poconos. In Pennsylvania, there are 1,520 mountains. The most well-known mountains in the state, aside from the Poconos, are the Appalachian mountains.
The tallest mountain in Pennsylvania is Mount David, which is also the highest point in the state. Mount David is 3,213 feet tall and is in the Forbes State Forest. Plenty of trails pass through this mountain, including the 5.7-mile Mount Davis Pennsylvania Highpoint Loop.
Incredible Actors, Artists, and Sports Players
American actor Kevin Bacon and his partner, actress Kyra Sedgwick, circa 1985. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
So, what else is Pennsylvania famous for? Pennsylvania is famous for its incredible sports, music, and movie stars. Some of the best actors and sports players were born in Pennsylvania. For instance, Kevin Bacon, an actor known for his role in “Footloose,” was born in Philadelphia. Also born in Philadelphia is Will Smith.
What about sports players? Some of the best sports players from Pennsylvania include Ed Walsh, Honus Wagner, and Joe Montana.
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens conservatory in June 2022
Pennsylvania is also known for the stunning Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. The surface area for these very popular gardens is over 1,077 acres. There are indoor and outdoor spaces to see exotic and unique plants. Longwood Gardens receives over a million visitors each year.
While here, visitors can see beautiful plants like spring snowflakes and camelia flowers. There are also multiple gardens, including the East Conservatory, Acacia Passage, Hillside Garden, and Green Wall.
Shoofly Pie
Last but not least is shoofly pie. This delicious pie has its origins in Pennsylvanian Dutch culture and history. This sweet pie is made from molasses and is connected to Moravian, Mennonite, and Amish culture.
Shoofly pies are found across Pennsylvania. It’s a popular dessert in the state and is a must-try food in Amish or Mennonite markets and restaurants.
Interested in learning about other delicious desserts? Click here to read about iconic desserts from every state you must try.