Pennsylvania, U.S. state in the Mid-Atlantic region, United States
Description
The state spans 46,000 square miles (119,000 square kilometers) between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coastal plain, with the Allegheny Plateau and Appalachian ranges shaping its central topography. Philadelphia in the southeast and Pittsburgh in the west anchor a predominantly forested and agricultural territory.
History
William Penn received a land grant from English King Charles II in 1681 and established the colony as a refuge for religious minorities. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776, and the Constitutional Convention met there in 1787. The Civil War reached the territory in 1863 at Gettysburg, site of a decisive battle.
Culture
Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities in Lancaster County preserve 18th-century German traditions, attracting millions of annual visitors who come to learn about their crafts, farming methods and religious practices. Pittsburgh transformed from a steel manufacturing powerhouse into a center for medicine, technology and higher education.
Practical
The best time for outdoor activities runs from May through October, with autumn offering spectacular foliage displays in mountain regions. Three international airports in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg provide access, while Amtrak trains connect major cities. Most state parks charge no admission but require parking fees ranging from four to ten dollars.
Did you know?
The town of Hershey produces 70 million pieces of chocolate daily at its factories and transforms the entire downtown area into a winter wonderland with millions of lights during Christmas season. Street lamps are shaped like Hershey Kisses and street names include Chocolate Avenue and Cocoa Avenue.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (United States).
Pennsylvania offers visitors a notable mix of stories from the past and natural sights. You will see waterfalls tumbling down the sides of the Pocono Mountains, underground museums in old coal mines, and colonial houses that tell the story of the first settlers. Many parks, lakes, and forests invite...
Fallingwater
206.4 km
Acrisure Stadium
221 km
Liberty Bell
230.8 km
SS United States
233.6 km
USS New Jersey
232.7 km
Lincoln Financial Field
232.4 km
Eastern State Penitentiary
228.1 km
First Bank of the United States
231.1 km
Beaver Stadium
36.5 km
Rocky Steps
227.7 km
Independence Hall
230.8 km
Flight 93 National Memorial
158.8 km
Lynnewood Hall
224.6 km
Watkins Glen International
156.3 km
Philadelphia City Hall
229.6 km
Second Bank of the United States
231 km
Hersheypark
106.5 km
Oakmont Country Club
203.2 km
Three Rivers Stadium
220.7 km
Philadelphia Museum of Art
227.6 km
Carlisle Indian Industrial School
92.2 km
PPG Paints Arena
219.1 km
Pocono Raceway
167.1 km
Lawrenceville School
246.7 km
Cathedral of Learning
216 km
Watkins Glen State Park
161.9 km
Franklin & Marshall College
145.7 km
Kennywood
210.8 km
Lebanon County
Crawford County
Lycoming County
Butler County
Schuylkill County
Northampton County
Cambria County
Fayette County
Allegheny County
Mercer County
Chester County
Beaver County
Lackawanna County
Erie County
Venango County
Clearfield County
Lawrence County
Warren County
Armstrong County
Luzerne County
Westmoreland County
Northumberland County
Clinton County
Philadelphia County
Lehigh County
Berks County
Dauphin County
Washington County
Lancaster County
Delaware County
Blair County
Elk County
McKean County
York County
Monroe County
Snyder County
Susquehanna County
Tioga County
Pike County
Wyoming County
Montour County
Union County
Juniata County
Perry County
Sullivan County
Potter County
Adams County
Montgomery County
Bradford County
Columbia County
Carbon County
Somerset County
Huntingdon County
Greene County
Franklin County
Cumberland County
Cameron County
Indiana County
Jefferson County
Mifflin County
Wayne County
Bedford County
Bucks County
Clarion County
Fulton County
Forest County
Centre County
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes