10 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania welcomes more than 180 million annual visitors, making it one of the top holiday destinations in the United States. While most travelers gravitate towards the glitz and glamor of renowned cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, there are many places to discover on the fringes of the Keystone State, promising a fresh and invigorating experience. From Stroudsburg's unprecedented natural beauty to Gettysburg's immersive history, these underrated gems are worth exploring.

On your next travel adventure, consider ditching the urban jungles for charming small towns to explore in Pennsylvania. From Victorian river enclaves and Welsh hilltop hamlets to rural farm towns and heritage villages along scenic byways, exploring these hidden havens offers a taste of unspoiled small-town culture and nature during an intriguing journey back in time.

State College

This bustling college community in central Pennsylvania promises a mix of attractions, from a bustling art scene and beautiful natural scenery to exciting college sports. Home to Pennsylvania State University, State College is a celebrated arts hub, hosting world-class visual and performance art centers. The Palmer Museum of Art interests connoisseurs in an enviable collection of works by Asian, European, African, and American artists. Meanwhile, the State Theatre treats them to compelling stage performances in a historic venue.

The outdoors beckon at the Arboretum at Penn State, a cozy nature space with well-maintained botanic gardens, scenic woodlands, and a limestone trail for lazy walks to soak in the serenity. Like any other college town, sports are a mainstay in State College, and visitors can join the local fans in cheering the home teams at the Beaver Stadium or the Bryce Jordan Center.

Ridgway

A gateway to the sprawling Allegheny National Forest, Ridgway is a dream destination for ardent outdoorsmen. Its rich surroundings consist of beautiful nature spaces and parklands, providing every reason to revel in Mother Nature's bounty. Sandy Beach Park is a nice spot to relax, stroll, sit, and enjoy beautiful scenery. It has several amenities, including picnic pavilions, ball fields, and camping sites, ensuring visitors get an all-round outdoor experience. Those who fancy a relaxed golfing session can test their technique at the 9-hole Laurel Mill Golf Course.

Ridgway's curious heritage dates back to the 1800s; it once was a thriving hub for the lumber and leather industries. The Elk County Historical Society, using a collection of archives and artifacts, sheds more light on this and other interesting facts about the town's past. Finally, Mudslide Pottery invites guests to witness the delicate pottery-making technique.

Titusville

Titusville is often associated with the advent of oil exploration in America. At its peak, it was among the top oil-producing regions of the world. The town preserves fond memories of its petroleum-producing heydays at the Drake Well Museum & Park. Between the defunct 1859 oil well and various related artifacts, guests enjoy a unique perspective of the early years of oil exploration in America. Riding the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad delivers a more authentic experience. This vintage train journey transports you into the past during a scenic excursion through Oil Creek State Park.

The Tarbell House Museum provides a window into Victorian-era Titusville. It sports beautiful Italianate architectural details and showcases exhibits in a vintage 1870 home. After the historical tour, consider unwinding with tasty craft beers and beer cheese at Orr's Brewing Company.

Phoenixville

Situated less than 30 miles from Philadelphia, Phoenixville's small-town charm is a far cry from the constant chaos in its more famous neighbor. The inviting Phoenixville Farmers' Market best embodies the town's character, where friendly locals get into good-natured chit-chat with tourists shopping for fresh and organic produce, including fruits, eggs, and vegetables. The experience is just as surreal at Forge Theatre, a modest community-based center with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for watching family-friendly theatrical productions.

Meanwhile, a classic movie experience at the rustic 1900s Colonial Theatre is an excellent alternative. Phoenixville's riverfront location results in pristine nature areas like Black Rock Sanctuary, a 119-acre oasis and home to various species of birds and small mammals.

Ephrata

This Amish Country gem in Lancaster County promises visitors a pleasant cultural experience and amazing historical discoveries while indulging in simple life pleasures. The down-to-earth community houses several vintage treasures, highlighted by the Ephrata Cloister. Here, you will explore a complex of preserved rustic buildings from an ancient religious community that transports you back to the 1700s. Travelers visit Ephrata for its festivals and live performances, accessible at the Ephrata Performing Art Center. Besides the moving stage shows, the overall ambiance and warmth of the venue keep guests returning for more.

Tourists have a prime opportunity to interact with receptive locals while shopping for fresh produce and Amish goods at the Green Dragon Market. Ephrata also boasts a vibrant craft brewery scene, and fans can stop by Pour Man's Brewing Company for tasty locally-made beers.

Gettysburg

One of the most historic small towns to explore in Pennsylvania, Gettysburg is a rich tapestry of American war history. It played a vital role during the American Civil War by hosting the Battle of Gettysburg, which changed the trajectory of the conflict in favor of America. A Gettysburg National Military Park tour allows guests to relive the war in the precise site it played out. However, you can learn more about the country's conflict-laden history at the Gettysburg Museum of History. The fascinating facility houses over 4,000 artifacts documenting various American wars, mainly focusing on the Civil War and WWII.

Beyond its history, Gettysburg invites theater enthusiasts to catch enthralling live performances at the Majestic Theater. This restored venue from 1925 features a rustic interior with retro decor. You can also dine at the Dobbin House Tavern to take in the 18th-century heritage of one of the country's oldest taverns.

Stroudsburg

This beautiful town in Monroe County is surrounded by scenic nature, flanked by the picturesque peaks of the Pocono Mountains. The fertile region allows vineyards to thrive, resulting in a lively wine-making scene. Oenophiles can sample some of the best wines in the region at Eagles Rest Cellars. Meanwhile, the Monroe Farmers Market allows residents to benefit from the produce of the land, inviting them to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables in a welcoming atmosphere.

Downtown Stroudsburg is a vibrant corridor with a charming blend of galleries, theater venues, restaurants, and shops. Art lovers can find exciting opportunities to witness intimate art at the Gamut Art Gallery or watch a live performance at the Sherman Theater.

Tionesta

This quintessential rural community in Forest County presents an escape from the urban grind, with a rich natural setting perfect for unwinding and decompressing. Toniesta encourages visitors to embrace the outdoor lifestyle by playing golf on the lush grounds of Hunter's Station Golf Course. This course has challenging greens, dense forest surroundings, and a secluded atmosphere. The town's deep Native Indian heritage is celebrated during the annual Tionesta Indian Festival, a great time to explore local culture and indulge in various family-friendly activities.

Those keen to discover Tionesta's past can stop by the Forest County Historical Society and peruse the archives on exhibit. Finally, casual shoppers with a few dollars to spare will find something worthwhile to buy at the Tionesta Market Village, from jewelry and antiques to wines.

Jim Thorpe

A gateway to the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe charms visitors with its beautiful outdoors, rich heritage, and overall small-town atmosphere. Newcomers will enjoy riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to experience the community's unmatched natural scenery. This exceptional journey takes them through the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park, exposing dense forest cover that is best experienced in the fall. Jim Thorpe has a colorful heritage that is preserved at various venues in the town. Visiting the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center provides a look into local historical facts, including how the town came to be named after an iconic Native American athlete.

Jim Thorpe has several landmarks to show for its storied history, including the Asa Packer Mansion Museum. This historic homestead, with its Italianate architecture and period decor, takes guests back to the Victorian era. When you need a place to lay your head for the night, the Harry Packer Mansion Inn promises a rustic accommodation experience.

New Hope

This riverine town in eastern Pennsylvania is famous for its historical and cultural attractions. It also boasts a scenic natural setting on the banks of the Delaware River. One of the best experiences for first-timers is riding the New Hope Railroad for a sightseeing tour inside a vintage steam locomotive. New Hope boasts an adorable art scene, and enthusiasts from the rest of the county constantly meet at the Bucks County Playhouse to enjoy a lineup of stage performances, including live music, drama, concerts, and children's plays.

However, the Bucks County Children's Museum presents a more apt alternative if you visit with kids. Finally, those interested in the town's background can check out the impressive collection of old-world artifacts inside the Parry Mansion Museum. Touring the venue is a vivid journey into different eras of New Hope.

Venturing off the tourist trail to hidden towns like Jim Thorpe and Titusville rewards visitors with a genuine experience of Pennsylvania's heartland character. Nestled in or near the Pocono Mountains, these underrated communities offer their own heritage, scenery, and hospitality. These small towns make for an unforgettable holiday experience, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, history lover, culture vulture, or nature explorer.