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Written by Sairam on September 8, 2020 Share on

Best Places To Visit in Pennsylvania For A Cultural Experience

Pennsylvania is an integral part of American history, culture and its evolution. This was one of the 13 original states of America, it is where the declaration of Independence was signed and here is where the British colonial rule was wiped out. Along with a rich cultural heritage, it is also home to natural vegetation and diverse terrains. It includes forests, farmland and major waterways. Let us look at some of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

The Pennsylvania State Capitol is situated in the location of Harrisburg. The building is one of the most exemplary architectural works in the relatively smaller city of Pennsylvania. This historic building was built in the year 1906 and has a rich historical significance attached to it. The giant dome of the building is one such example of its many striking features. It is to be noted that the some of the interior designing inspiration for this particular building was taken from the Paris Grand Opera House. This striking figure is an important landmark in the city of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Capitol building
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol is one of America’s greatest pop culture artists. He has inspired generations of artists with his line of work and persona. The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest in the United States of America dedicated to one single artist. The museum celebrates the work and life of the great artist. The museum has a lot of display pieces including his most famous portrait of Elvis and tomato soup. The Andy Warhol Museum is a must-visit if you are someone who appreciates pop art and want to learn more about or simply because you love the work of Andy. It is one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania.

Andy Warhol Museum
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Valley Forge and Valley Forge National Historic Park

Valley Forge and Valley Forge National Historic Park is one of the most important landmarks in the city of Pennsylvania. As the story goes, back in the day this was a supply centre. The British destroyed the supply centre in 1777 and as a result of which more than 2000 Americans succumbed to hunger, disease and exposure. The Valley forge tells these forgotten stories through films, tours and exhibits. The Washington’s Headquarters and National Memorial Arch are some key hang out spots along with several trails.

Intercourse

Intercourse is one of the old town neighbourhoods near Pennsylvania giving the countryside vibes. The town is located in the east of Lancaster and is a short drive away from Pennsylvania. The main streets of intercourse is where the community gets together. This is a great place to learn about the various crafts such as Hutterite, Mennonite and Amish. The old country stores in Intercourse are a great place to grab some local delicacies and local handicrafts. Quilts are famous in this region and there is also a dedicated quilt museum for the curious and the enthusiastic. It is a great place to check out some handmade quilts.

Gettysburg National Military Park

The battle of Gettysburg plays an important role in the American civil war and the history of Pennsylvania. The war took place in the year 1863 and more than 51000 people lost their lives during this war. The Gettysburg National Military Park is an ode to the war of Gettysburg and the memory of all the people. There are several markers and monuments throughout the park telling the story of the war and is the best places to visit in Pennsylvania. The Oak Ridge, the cite of the battle on the first day, the cemetery ridge and the site of union lines in the last days of battle are some of the important landmarks.

Gettysburg National Military Park
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Strasburg

Strasburg is a historic old town in Pennsylvania. It is famous for its ancient railroad system and its Amish culture. The Strasburg railroad runs one of Americas oldest steam trains. This is a great way to experience the history as well as see the city. Going onboard in the steam train is a must to experience in Pennsylvania. If you are someone who is into cars and locomotives you should check out the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. It has over 100 locomotives and cars in the display including trains from the early and mid 19th century.

Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary is one of Americas most notable and high tech prisons. It held some notable inmates including the famous Al Capone as a prisoner. Built-in the year 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary has stood the test of time with nearly two centuries about to be complete in 10 years. The building was closed in the year 1971. The arched ceilings and long distinctive corridors of the original construction have largely been unchanged. The prison is home to some famous tales and legends. The site of Eastern State Penitentiary also offers tours and exhibits telling the story of this famous prison.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the largest collection of art in the entire country of the United States of America. The museum has a live collection of art pieces numbering over 227,000. One of the key standout points for the Philadelphia Museum of Art is its diversity in its collection of artworks. The museum is home to varied art forms such as paintings, prints, drawings from America and the rest of the world with Europe being the second predominant region. The building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is in itself a famous landmark in the region. The staircases were famously featured in Rocky movies and give a great view of the city hall tower and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It is one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Art Museum
Photo by Chris Murray on Unsplash

Fallingwater

The Fallingwater is an architectural masterpiece that was built in the year 1939. It was designed and built by the world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house was built as a weekend retreat for the Kaufmanns. The Kaufmanns were the owners of the Kaufmann Departmental Store which is now a part of the Macy’s Chain. The house is recognized as a national historic landmark and it appears to hover above a 30-foot waterfall. The house is designed in such a way that it effortlessly blends into the environment. This house tour can be taken with an advanced booking with the operator.

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