All the United States Pennsylvania

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Pennsylvania

538 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Updated October 9, 2026
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Cities

State not visited
VISITED THIS STATE
Top Cities
All Cities
  1. Allentown
  2. Altoona
  3. Ashland
  4. Barnesville
  5. Bedford
  6. Bensalem
  7. Bethlehem
  8. Boalsburg
  9. Boyertown
  10. Braddock
  11. Carlisle
  12. Chadds Ford
  13. Clarion
  14. Cooksburg
  15. Coraopolis
  16. Coudersport
  17. Donora
  18. Doylestown
  19. Easton
  20. East Stroudsburg
  21. Emmaus
  22. Erie
  23. Everett
  24. Farmington
  25. Gettysburg
  26. Hanover
  27. Harrisburg
  28. Hershey
  29. Hummelstown
  30. Irwin
  31. Jim Thorpe
  32. Johnstown
  33. Kennett Square
  34. Kutztown
  35. Lancaster
  36. Landenberg
  37. Latrobe
  38. Lehighton
  39. Lewisburg
  40. Lewistown
  41. Lititz
  42. Malvern
  43. Meadville
  44. Mifflinburg
  45. Milford
  46. Monroeville
  47. Morrisville
  48. New Hope
  49. Ohiopyle
  50. Philadelphia
  51. Pittsburgh
  52. Pittston
  53. Pleasantville
  54. Pottsville
  55. Reading
  56. Ronks
  57. Schellsburg
  58. Scranton
  59. Sharon
  60. Slatington
  61. Somerset
  62. South Park Township
  63. State College
  64. Upper Darby
  65. Wellsboro
  66. West Chester
  67. Wilkes Barre
  68. Williamsport
  69. Windber
  70. York

Unusual Attractions in Pennsylvania

The Insider Guide to Philly's Food Scene
AO Insider Guide

The Insider Guide to Philly's Food Scene

Skip the cheesesteak and explore these dishes instead.

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See All 538 Things To Do in Pennsylvania

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Pennsylvania

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Explore Pennsylvania, Land of Natural Wonders

Sponsored by Visit Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania is known for things like Philly cheesesteaks, steel production, and a vibrant Amish community, it’s earned a proud reputation for its incredible natural features—and the many creative ways to enjoy them. Visit a stunning gorge in the middle of an urban center, savor panoramic views from atop a rocky pulpit, or see a shallow lake transformed into a sea of white during an annual migration of tens of thousands of birds. Whether you’re looking to embark on a multi-day trek through one of Pennsylvania’s largest state parks, take in an afternoon hike that encompasses 18 waterfalls, or stand among old-growth pine trees that tower over 150 feet, there’s something for you among PA’s natural wonders. Get ready to be inspired!

View Itinerary

Explore Pennsylvania

Museums 58
History 47
Architecture 40
History & Culture 35
Statues 23
Abandoned 22
Railroads 20
Art 20

Pennsylvania Leaderboard

Recent Pennsylvania Activity

Stories About Pennsylvania

Vacant, crumbling buildings line the streets of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. A slump in the steel and coal industries hit the town hard, but property hoarding by two investors drove Brownsville to decay.

Raising a Ghost Town From the Dead

Two investors bought most of the buildings in downtown Brownsville, then let them fall into ruin. Now, the Rust Belt town's residents are fighting to bring it back to life.
by Matthew Christopher, Atlas Obscura
Not only does the Albatwitch steal your apples; it throws the cores back at you.

Meet Pennsylvania's Apple-Snatching 'Little Bigfoot'

The Albatwitch will steal your fruit, then scurry back into the trees.
by Jess Simms, Atlas Obscura
Bethlehem Steel was once among the largest steel-producing companies in the world. Though the company dissolved in 2003, the blast furnaces at its flagship mill in Pennsylvania remain a local landmark.

The Steel Mill That Built America

Bethlehem Steel was the birthplace of skyscrapers, bridges, and battleships. What happened after the plant's furnaces went cold?
by Matthew Christopher, Atlas Obscura
Bethlehem loves its Peeps.

Why Pennsylvania Rings in the New Year With Bologna and Peeps

Instead of a ball drop, why not count down to midnight by lowering your favorite food?
by Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura
Creeping in the dark woods is a hideous beast—but don’t say that to its face.

Appalachia’s Ugliest Cryptid Drowns In Its Own Tears

A new festival looks to draw out and soothe the squonk in all of us.
by Jess Simms, Atlas Obscura
Punxsutawney Phil has predicted a longer winter nearly every Groundhog Day.

A Primer on Both Groundhogs and Hedgehogs

Just in time for their moment in the sun (or not).
by April White, Atlas Obscura
Chris Scott writes that peach cobbler figured in his “happiest food memories,” just as it does for many Southern children.

The Sweet and Sour Origins of Amish Soul Food

In Pennsylvania Dutch Country, African Americans have created a distinct and delicious cuisine.
by Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura
Punxsutawney Phil is far from the only weather-predicting marmot on Groundhog Day.

The Alternative Groundhogs Vying for Punxsutawney Phil's Weather Forecasting Job

Don't forget about Big Al the Alligator and Scramble the Duck's predicting powers either.
by Jennifer Byrne, Atlas Obscura

Lists Featuring Pennsylvania

Blue Sky Mausoleum.
Darwin Martin House Complex.
Skylights on the exterior porch made of red cypress.
A restored Wright house on the Burnham Block.

A 12-Stop Road Trip of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Surprising Designs

A UFO-inspired church, a futurist gas station, and more deep cuts.

12

Including Blue Sky Mausoleum, The Darwin D. Martin House, and Kentuck Knob

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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