The Definitive Guide To Pennsylvania's Hidden Gems
Pennsylvania has a unique selection of cities worth visiting, from the hilly landscapes of Pittsburg in its western half to the coastal metropolis of Philadelphia to the east. Whether you want to explore a wonderful park or simply need a cozy spot to rest your head for the night, check out these hidden gems from Pennsylvania the next time you pass through.
Zelienople
Founded in 1802 by Baron Dettmar Basse of German heritage, and named after his daughter Zelie, the town has maintained its interesting historic character while becoming a modern-day hotspot in Pennsylvania for tourists.
The downtown area of Zelionple features a nice selection of independent shops, eateries, hotels, and other businesses, many of which are housed in its well-preserved buildings. For example, the Strand Theater, a 1914 venue that has been restored meticulously, still serves as a local entertainment hub with live performances and classic film screenings. History can be further explored at landmarks like the Passavant House, which offers insight into some of the region's earliest settlers and the town’s deep German roots.
Beyond its historic draws, Zelienople and its surrounding area is a wonderful place to see the great outdoors. The nearby Connoquenessing Creek is a popular locale for boating and fishing, while a selection of community parks provide walking trails a bit closer to town.
Moreover, each summer, this town hosts the Zelienople Horse Trading Days, a festival with crafts, food, and entertainment that draws visitors from across the region, especially equestrian enthusiasts.
Honesdale
Honesdale, the seat of Wayne County, played a pivotal role in America’s transportation history as the first place to run a steam locomotive, the British-built Stourbridge Lion. That legacy can be explored in the town’s museums, services like The Stourbridge Line Train Excursions that offer rides through the Pocono Mountains, and other landmarks dating back over 200 years.
Downtown Honesdale is defined by its historic streets, where brick storefronts house fun and informative locales. Destinations like the Wayne County Historical Society Museum provide a deeper look at the town’s industrial past, including exhibits about the nearby Delaware & Hudson Canal, which once made Honesdale a key shipping hub for northern Pennsylvania.
Honesdale also maintains a strong arts and cultural presence for residents and visitors alike, with community events such as the Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival bringing live performances downtown.
No trip to the Poconos is complete without some sort of outdoor adventure. Honesdale has easy access to protected wildlands like Prompton State Park, where hiking, canoeing, camping, and fishing can be found just a short drive from town. During winter, nearby ski resorts, like Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain and Hideout Ski Slope, make this town an attractive travel option throughout the whole year.
Jim Thorpe
This town, located in the scenic Lehigh Gorge in eastern Pennsylvania, stands out for its historic landmarks and abundance of exciting outdoor recreation. Originally called Mauch Chunk, it was renamed in 1954 in honor of the Native American Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe.
For history fans, the Asa Packer Mansion will give you an up-close look into the life of the influential railroad magnate who once called the town home. At the same time, the Old Jail Museum details the town’s connection to the Molly Maguires, a secretive 19th-century labor organization. The Mauch Chunk Opera House, which dates back to 1881, continues to host live performances on a regular basis, a perfect spot to catch a show during an evening out.
Outdoor activity here revolves around Lehigh Gorge State Park, where hiking and biking trails follow the river through its rugged scenery. On the other hand, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides an alternative way to take in the landscape, with vintage train rides departing from the historic station downtown. Seasonal events, such as the Fall Foliage Festival, highlight the town’s appeal year-round, drawing leaf peepers in particular to the surrounding forests as they dramatically change after the summer.
Lititz
Lititz, Pennsylvania, is known for its Moravian (a region of eastern Czechia) heritage, thriving downtown, and long-standing traditions that are celebrated by the community every year. If you're feeling hungry during your day out, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861, allows you to learn about America’s first commercial pretzel bakery and to try your hand at twisting dough. Wilbur Chocolate, another local culinary staple since the late 19th century, draws visitors looking for a tasty treat with its signature Wilbur Buds.
Get another dose of this town' Moravian forward culture at the Lititz Historical Foundation, which is famous for showing off the area's early history through guided tours of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House.
Lititz Springs Park serves as the heart of the community, hosting events such as the annual Fourth of July celebration, one of the oldest in the country that draws thousands from nearby cities like Lancaster.
If you are looking for more adventure just outside of town, Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail-Trail is home to scenic walking paths and bike routes through the countryside. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is another cool local attraction, providing an expansive refuge for wolves and guided tours and other events for visitors year-round.
Discover Pennsylvania's Best Hidden Treasures Today
From the picturesque, historic architecture to deep-seated cultural traditions brought over from abroad, these Keystone State destinations provide compelling alternatives to the region's larger cities. Whether exploring Zelienople’s community-focused Main Street or taking a scenic train ride in Honesdale, you can experience Pennsylvania's best attractions in a less crowded, more intimate setting.
Outdoor recreation, historic sites, locally owned businesses, and beyond are all reasons for you to uncover the hidden gems in this northeastern part of the United States this year!
