PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2018 | Page 42

EXPERIENCE the best of
the mountains, lakes, cities and
scenery as you explore Western
PA, which consists of the Laurel
Highlands/ Southern Alleghenies,
Allegheny National Forest,
Lake Erie and Pittsburgh
regions, Be swept away
by the awesome scen-
ery of the Pennsylvania
Grand Canyon and the
2,053 feet of Kinzua Bridge.
In Pittsburgh, you’ll want to take
in the culture at the city’s theaters,
museums and restaurants and of course,
the National Football League’s Steelers. The first
lighthoutse built on the Great Lakes will guide you to the
shores of Lake Erie, while the caverns of the Laurel Highlands will take
you deep into a spelunker’s delight. To see it all at your own pace, traverse the
scenic Route 6, which stretches long across the Northern Tier.
FOCUS ON
WESTERN PA
great lakes region | pennsylvania wilds | pittsburgh region | laurel highlands/ the alleghenies
GREAT LAKES REGION
ATTRACTIONS
Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake
Amusement park on the shore of the states largest natural
glacier lake. Highlights include the newly renovated
miniature golf course, the Blue Streak roller coaster, a
full-service campground, fishing and hiking grounds,
and the scenic boardwalk. Admission is free. Info:
814.382.5115, www.conneautlakepark.com
Daffin’s Candies, Sharon
World’s largest candy store, family-owned and operated
for more than 100 years. Home to the Chocolate
Kingdom, a world populated by solid chocolate creatures
and sculptures, with free chocolate for all visitors. Info:
877.323.3465, www.daffins.com
Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Erie
Home to more than 400 animals from 100 different
species, as well as 11 unique botanical gardens, a
carousel, and a train ride. Open Mar. - Nov. Info:
814.864.4091, www.eriezoo.org
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, Erie
Amusement park on the shore of the states largest natural
glacier lake. Highlights include the newly renovated
miniature golf course, the Blue Streak roller coaster, a
full-service campground, fishing and hiking grounds,
and the scenic boardwalk. Admission is free. Info:
814.382.5115, www.conneautlakepark.com
Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie
Educational and research center providing interactive
exhibits and tours of Presque Isle and its wildlife. Features
the 4-story-high, 45-foot-wide Big Green Screen, which
shows a variety of educational films. Info: 814.833.7424,
www.trecpi.org
Waldameer Park & Water World, Erie
Amusement and water park complex with more than 75
rides and free daily shows. Info: 877.817.1009,
www.waldameer.com
42. EXPLORE PA 2018
MUSEUMS
Battles Museums of Rural Life, Girard
Interactive museum situated in two 19th century houses,
where visitors can learn and perform the bygone tasks of
an 1860s household (such as churning butter and spinning
yarn), or just wander through the eighty acres of wooded
hiking trails and farmland. Guided tours available. Info:
814.4554.1813, www.eriecountyhistory.org/museums-
exhibits/battles-museum-of-rural-life
Drake Well Museum and Park, Titusville
Commemorates the 1859 well that help birth the
modern petroleum industry. Includes tours of operational
oil drilling machinery and scheduled explosions! Info:
814.927.2797, www.drakewell.org
expERIEence Children’s Museum, Erie
A hands-on educational experience for kids. Numerous
varied exhibits teach about physics, engineering,
history, math, and more in fun, interactive ways. Info:
814.453.3743, www.eriechildrensmuseum.org
Venango Museum of Art, Science and
Industry, Oil City
A technology and science museum focusing on the
industrial history. Features rotating series of exhibits
appropriate for children and adults. Info:
814.676.2007, www.venangomuseum.org.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Candlelight Ghost Walk, Girard
A walking tour of Girard’s local ghost stories and hsitorical
landmarks (departs at dusk on Saturdays, Memorial Day
weekend - Labor Day weekend). Info: 814.774.3653
ZooBoo, Erie
The Erie Zoo’s annual Halloween event, with trick-or-treating
for kids (12 and younger), special Halloween displays,
and a spooky ghost train. Info: 814.864.4091,
www.eriezoo.org
PENNSYLVANIA WILDS
ATTRACTIONS
Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam, Marshburg
Nestled deep in the Allegheny National Forest,
the Allegheny Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor
opportunities, from camping and hiking to canoeing and
swimming. Pack a picnic, or catch your own lunch at one
of the best fishing spots in the East. Info: 814.362.4613,
www. visitanf.com/allegheny-reservoir
Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport
An excellent stargazing location, due to its remoteness
and exceptionally dark skies. Offers both self directed
and guided stargazing opportunities. Hiking and camping
facilities also available. Info: 814.435.5010, www.dcnr.
state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/cherrysprings/index.htm
Original League Inc. “The Birthplace of Little
League Baseball,” Williamsport
Site of the first Little League game in 1939, and host of the
Little League Baseball World Series from 1947 to 1958.
Info: 570.323.1308, www.leaguelineup.com/original-
leagueinc
Straub Brewery, Saint Marys
Founded in 1872, the Straub Brewery is among the oldest
continually operatiing breweries in the country, and has
maintained family ownership throughout the entire history.
Stop in for a tour of the brewery (for ages 12 and older)
and a free beer at their “Eternal Tap” (for ages 21 and
older). Info: 814.834.2875, www.straubbeer.com
MUSEUMS
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Galeton
Experience the life of a lumberjack at this historical museum
of Pennsylvania’s lumber era. Includes an interactive
logging camp, recreated locomotive and cabin and
working sawmill. Info: 814.435.2652,
www.lumbermuseum.org
EXPLORE PA 2017 | 41.