12 Best Destinations For A Winter Vacation In Pennsylvania

At first glance, Pennsylvania might not seem like a prime wintertime destination. But once you take a look at all that the Keystone State has to offer, you will discover a treasure trove of underrated ski resorts, beautiful snowy expanses of mountain wilderness, and adorably cozy small towns. Upon closer examination, you will even find a well-preserved Victorian village, captivating American war history, and one of the Northeast’s premier resorts tucked into one the most scenic corners of Appalachia. Whether you’re up for an exhilarating winter sporting adventure or a relaxing spa getaway, here are the 12 best destinations for a winter vacation in Pennsylvania.

Macungie

Macungie may only be about 53 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 95 miles west of New York City, yet this lovely village provides one of the Northeast urban corridor's easiest escapes into the Appalachian Mountains. Just outside of town lies the Bear Creek Mountain Resort, a ski and snowboard resort offering three progressive terrain parks, designated areas for beginner and expert skiers, their in-house Snowsports School with certified instructors, and even a snow tubing area for additional fun without the ski equipment.

Back in town, feel free to explore local historic landmarks like the Macungie Institute, an old schoolhouse built in 1856 that now functions as a community center. Also, check out the Domaine Pterion Winery to experience a 283-year-old farm that now grows its own grapes and produces varietals like Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Whenever you’re done exploring, head back to Bear Creek and enjoy a comfy stay at their hotel offering lovely mountain views and all the creature comforts you crave.

Stroudsburg

Located about 75 miles northwest of New York City and 95 miles north of Philadelphia, Stroudsburg provides a fun and festive mix of classic charm and contemporary cool in the Pocono Mountains. After Thanksgiving, the Snowmen of Stroudsburg emerge with their eclectic and whimsical hand-painted designs. You can easily develop your own snowmen scavenger hunt while also keeping your eyes out for galleries like Gamut Art Gallery and Andrei Art, showcasing original works from local artists.

For some edible and drinkable works of art, head to Mountain View Vineyard for the Poconos’ only working farm with a winery, a brewery, and a distillery all on-site, and try everything from their Mountain Goat Red and Verona wines to their apple pie moonshine and made-to-order pizzas. For chill thrills on the open snow, go to Blue Mountain Resort for Pennsylvania’s highest vertical drop at 1,082 feet, over 40 ski and snowboard trails, the United States’ largest snow tubing park, and a full-service sports shop. And once you’re ready to settle down, head back to town for a stay at the historic (built in 1833) and newly renovated Penn Stroud Hotel.

Farmington

With some of the Keystone State’s most robust amounts of winter snowfall, the Laurel Highlands in Southwestern Pennsylvania may have the state’s most promising ski terrain. The quaint village of Farmington (about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh) places you within easy reach of three ski areas: Laurel Ridge State Park, Seven Springs Ski Resort, and The Peak at Nemacolin. Laurel Ridge State Park offers over 20 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while Seven Springs has 285 acres of skiable terrain with groomed trails suitable for skiers at all levels.

Then, there’s Nemacolin: This famed luxury resort has its own 25-acre course spanning six slopes for skiers and snowboarders, plus they offer Sno-Go ski biking, snowshoeing, and a year-round heated pool area at The Peak sports and recreation complex. You can also take your pick of three hotels (The Chateau, The Grand Lodge, and Falling Rock) and select private residences to stay at Nemacolin. Or, if you prefer a more rustic mountain experience, you can reserve an overnight camping stay at Laurel Ridge State Park.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg may be best known for the July 1863 battle in this area that marked a major turning point in the U.S. Civil War, as Union forces ended the Confederates’ second attempt to win the war by invading the North. You can see for yourself where history was made at Gettysburg National Historic Park (about 130 miles west of Philadelphia), including the spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in November of that year. While here, you can also head to the Eisenhower National Historic Site to discover the farm that President Dwight Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower liked to use as a weekend retreat, as well as a critical meeting site that the Eisenhower administration used to host world leaders during the trying early days of the Cold War in the 1950s.

While there’s plenty of American history to observe and explore all around Gettysburg, you’ll also have opportunities to craft your own story and enjoy yourself while doing so. Try the Pour Tour, which is a local craft beverage-tasting adventure that will lead you to fun local businesses like the Dawg Gone Bees honey farm and meadery, Fourscore Beer Co., and the family-run Gettysburg Moonshine Company. In addition, you can hit Liberty Mountain Resort for over 100 miles of skiable terrain and trails suitable for skiers and snowboarders at all levels, and you can stay at the Fairway Hotel, the Alpine Lodge, or the Highland Lodge for a cozy mountainside retreat.

Conneaut Lake

Home to Pennsylvania’s largest natural glacier lake, Conneaut Lake is a surprisingly pleasant and inviting place to enjoy a leisurely winter break. Located about 46 miles southwest of Erie and 95 miles north of Pittsburgh, Conneaut Lake throws an epic seasonal celebration with their Ice House Festival, where you can admire the incredible ice sculptures crafted by local artists, enjoy a “Trees of Light” cruise on the lake, and check out the local vendors offering everything from hot cocoa to creative holiday gifts.

Beyond Conneaut Lake’s own namesake lake, you can also head to the nearby Pymatuning State Park for ice fishing and ice skating on the lake, along with cross-country skiing on designated trails. Back in town, you can warm up at Conneaut Cellars and sample a unique variety of locally crafted ciders, wines, and spirits. From there, take shelter and enjoy a comfy stay at the historic Hotel Conneaut, which has operated in town since 1903.

Bedford

Nestled in between the state capital of Harrisburg (about 102 miles east) and Pittsburgh (about 107 miles west), Bedford has long functioned as a scenic mountain resort town thanks to its location in the Alleghenies and its seven soothing hot springs. If you’d like to experience some hot spring action for yourself, head to the Omni Bedford Springs Resort spa to indulge in the Bedford Baths ritual, and access is automatically included if you also book a treatment. Once you’re ready to get more active, go to Shawnee State Park just outside town to try some sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and even snowmobiling (on designated trails).

While driving around, look out for some of Bedford’s famous covered bridges, including (but not limited to) Palo Alto, Jackson’s Mill, Felten’s Mill, and Cuppett’s. Back in town, stop at the Fort Bedford Museum to explore this town’s heritage as a British military fort that was first built during the French & Indian War in 1758. Whenever you’re ready to unwind and relax, try the Chancellor’s House Bed & Breakfast for a cozy stay at a lovingly restored historic home in town, or do the Omni Bedford Springs for a full-service luxury resort.

Bellefonte

Located around 88 miles northwest of Harrisburg and 150 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, Bellefonte provides an abundance of epic winter scenery. In mid-December, the town hosts Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, a lovely festival that encompasses everything from an arts and crafts show and live music dates to “Breakfast with Santa” and kid-friendly Victorian tea time. While in town, take some time to appreciate the historic charm of Bellefonte Art Museum, a Trenton Limestone house originally built in 1810 that now displays original works from over 165 local artists.

For more natural scenery and outdoor adventures, head out to Black Moshannon State Park for ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Also check out Bald Eagle State Park for amazing wildlife watching: Look out for animals like northern shrike, song sparrows, cottontail rabbits, and bobcats during the winter season. Once you’re ready to return to civilization, enjoy a royally stately stay at The Queen, a grand 1880s Queen Anne manor that’s been lovingly restored and converted into a welcoming bed & breakfast in the heart of town.

Eagles Mere

Eagles Mere may merely be about 70 miles west of Scranton and 161 miles northwest of Philadelphia, yet it’s situated in a region known as the Endless Mountains that offers views of a seemingly endless array of mountains and rolling hills. To catch some of these epic views, go to Worlds End State Park to hike a variety of mountain trails. For more seasonal fun, the nearby Loyalsock State Forest has 21 miles of cross-country ski trails, almost 130 miles of roads for snowmobiling, and two ponds (Sones’ and Bear Wallow) that are perfect for ice fishing.

For the ultimate Endless Mountains escape, Worlds End State Park has cabins and campsites available to book year-round (including winter), and backpacking and roadside camping are allowed at Loyalsock State Forest. If you prefer having a few more creature comforts on hand, lodges are available at Keystone Mountain Park.

Portersville

Just 39 miles north of Pittsburgh, the village of Portersville offers an easy escape into Western Pennsylvania’s wondrous wilderness. A very short drive from town, you’ll encounter Moraine State Park, and its dazzling centerpiece is the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur—Try your hand at ice fishing and see if you can catch any largemouth bass or bluegill, and stay to enjoy some cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling as well. Also nearby is McConnells Mill State Park, where you’ll encounter spectacular views of Slippery Rock Creek Gorge and the historic (19th century) grist mill that sits by a covered bridge.

Though most of the local private campgrounds are closed for the winter season, Moraine State Park does have cabins and designated backpacking space available for reservation. Or, for more comfortable digs, try The Country House vacation rental in town.

Schuylkill Township

Only 22 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Schuylkill Township provides the ultimate wintry time travel adventure back into the earliest days of the United States as a nation. After all, here is where you’ll find the Continental Army's 1777-78 winter encampment at Valley Forge National Historical Park. In addition, this national park preserves some 3,500 acres of pristine meadows and woodlands, and it has 35 miles of trails to wander and explore this remarkable winter wonderland. Once you’re ready to warm up inside, head to the Wharton Esherick Museum to learn about the early 20th-century Expressionist artist who lived and worked on this mountainside farm, or make your way to the historic Colonial Theatre (first opened in 1903) and revel in the offerings of one of the Delaware Valley’s premier arthouse cinemas.

Since Schuylkill Township is so close to Philly, you can take your pick of a huge variety of hotels, resorts, and vacation rental units. If you want to stay as close as you can to Valley Forge, try the Valley Forge Casino Resort for Southeastern Pennsylvania’s only full-service casino resort with a 40,000 square-foot gaming floor and plenty of restaurants, live shows, and nightlife on site.

Renovo

About 127 miles northwest of Harrisburg and 173 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, Renovo looks and feels far removed from all the troubles of the outside world. As part of the Pennsylvania Wilds, or a vast expanse of about 2 million acres of public lands, you really can let loose and run wild and free out here. Sproul State Forest is the largest protected forest in the state parks system, and it has the Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Trail for long and scenic rides, and the Hiding Bear Ski Trail system for cross-country skiing. In addition to the forest, you can also hit Bucktail State Park Natural Area for wonderfully scenic drives and the chance to spot wildlife like elk, white-tailed deer, ospreys, and bald eagles.

For even more adventures outside, go to Kettle Creek State Park for a variety of hiking trails offering great wilderness views, along with ice fishing at Kettle Creek Reservoir (which always has trout for winter), sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Though Renovo’s rural location means you won’t find much in terms of hotels and motels, Kettle Creek State Park and Sproul State Forest do have campsites available to book in advance.

Ligonier

Returning to the Laurel Highlands, we have to note the many wonders of Ligonier. About 51 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Ligonier abounds in incredible natural beauty. Start your explorations at Powdermill Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy the views along the trails and learn more about the critical work that the Carnegie Museum of Natural History does in scientific research and environmental preservation. From there, head to Laurel Mountain State Park and take your time driving the park’s many scenic routes, including the Northern Loop that takes you to Pennsylvania’s third-deepest gorge and through the world’s steepest vehicular incline.

Once you’re ready to “siege the day,” march over to Fort Ligonier to retrace George Washington’s steps as he led British forces to defend the colonies during the French and Indian War, and marvel at the fully reconstructed military fort that was originally built here in 1758. If you prefer a smoother and more elegant ride downhill, go to Laurel Mountain Ski Resort for 70 acres of skiable terrain and 19 trails with plenty of beginner-friendly easy paths. Finally, kick back with a cozy night in at Thistledown, or settle into a warm and inviting country lodge at Foggy Mountain.

For a Wonderful Winter Vacation, Pennsylvania’s Where It’s At

The Keystone State truly does provide the key you want to unlock the ultimate winter escape. Whether you want to rediscover the revolutionary spirit at Valley Forge or stand in Gettysburg, where Abraham Lincoln sought to reunite a nation at war with itself, Pennsylvania has a wealth of historical treasures worth exploring any time of the year, including winter. At the same time, though, Pennsylvania also has epic ski resorts in and around towns like Farmington and Stroudsburg, and you can even soak up the festive winter spirit in uniquely beautiful villages like Bedford and Bellefonte. No matter how you want to do your winter vacation, Pennsylvania is the place to (almost) do it all.