Southwestern Pennsylvania is a region filled with natural beauty, history, and a wide range of activities for visitors and locals alike.
The Laurel Highlands is a beautiful region located in southwestern Pennsylvania, known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.
Some of the most popular attractions are the Laurel Ridge State Park and Ohiopyle State Park which offers visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
The Laurel Highlands is also home to several historic sites, such as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house Fallingwater and the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, where a young George Washington fought in his first battle during the French and Indian War.
Kennywood is a historic amusement park located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. The park was founded in 1898 and has been a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike for over 120 years.
Kennywood features dozens of rides and attractions, including several classic wooden roller coasters like the Thunderbolt, Racer, and Jack Rabbit, as well as newer, high-tech rides like the Phantom's Revenge and the Sky Rocket. The park is also home to several themed areas, including Kiddieland, where young children can enjoy gentle rides and attractions, and Lost Kennywood, which features retro-themed rides and attractions.
The park also hosts several special events throughout the year, including summer concerts and Halloween-themed attractions in the fall.
Idlewild Amusement Park is a family-friendly amusement and water park located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, approximately an hour's drive from Pittsburgh. The park was founded in 1878 and has been a popular destination for families in the region for over 140 years.
Idlewild offers visitors a wide range of rides and attractions, including several gentle rides for younger children in the Raccoon Lagoon area, and thrilling roller coasters like the Rollo Coaster and the Wild Mouse for older kids and adults. Other popular attractions include the Story Book Forest, where visitors can explore a magical world of fairy tale characters, and the SoakZone water park, which features water slides, pools, and other water attractions.
Southwestern Pennsylvania is home to several important historical sites and battlefields that played a key role in shaping the region and the nation.
One of the most significant historical sites is the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, which commemorates the Battle of Fort Necessity, a key early battle in the French and Indian War that took place in 1754. Southwestern Pennsylvania is also home to several Civil War battlefields, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, which is located roughly 150 miles east of Pittsburgh.
The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a 335-mile non-motorized route trail from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. The trail is a popular destination for biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including rivers, mountains, and historic towns. Along the way, travelers can stop at various trail towns to rest, eat, and explore local attractions, making the GAP a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty and history of southwestern Pennsylvania.