Mars, Borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, US
Mars is a small borough in Butler County, southwestern Pennsylvania, located a short drive north of Pittsburgh. The borough center consists of a compact main street lined with local businesses, surrounded by residential neighborhoods typical of small American towns.
Mars was established in the late 19th century, when many small communities in western Pennsylvania grew around newly built roads and rail connections. Over the 20th century, the borough gradually became a suburban community within the broader Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Mars is a small borough whose name draws curious visitors who expect something out of the ordinary. Local shops and businesses play on the space theme, giving the town center a playful identity that sets it apart from other small Pennsylvania communities.
Mars sits along Pennsylvania Route 228 and is most easily reached by car, as public transit options in this part of Butler County are limited. Parking is generally available throughout the borough, and the compact center is easy to walk around once you arrive.
The name Mars was chosen by early settlers, but the exact reason for picking a planetary name for this small Pennsylvania town has never been clearly documented. This mystery makes the borough a talking point for visitors who stop along Route 228 and notice the road signs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.