Pennsylvania Parks and Recreation Areas with Interpretive Programs

On July 3, 1754, in the wilderness of the Allegheny Mountains, Colonial troops commanded by 22 year old Colonel George Washington were defeated in this small stockade at the Great Meadow. This opening battle of the French and Indian War began a seven year struggle between Great Britain and France for control of North America. read more...

Phone: 724-329-5512   Price Range: $2 - $3   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Farmington   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Battlefield   Activities: Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Fort Necessity

The men and women of the Continental Army were ordinary men and women like many of us, but these everyday men and women were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the collective sacrifices and dedication of the Revolutionary War generation, it pays homage to the ability of everyday Americans to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. read more...

Phone: 610-783-1077   Price Range: $0 - $3   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Valley Forge   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Park   Activities: Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Auto Touring, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Valley Forge National Historical Park

Located 50 miles northwest of Baltimore, the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War. Fought in the first three days of July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in a hallmark victory for the Union. read more...

Phone: 717-334-1124   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Gettysburg   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: N/A   Activities: Biking / Bicycling, Hiking, Auto Touring, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Gettysburg

There was no larger news story in the latter nineteenth century after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The story of the Johnstown Flood has everything to interest the modern mind: a wealthy resort, an intense storm, an unfortunate failure of a dam, the destruction of a working class city, and an inspiring relief effort. read more...

Phone: 814-495-4643   Price Range: $0 - $4   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: South Fork   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Johnstown Flood National Memorial

The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains. This inclined plane railroad operated between 1834-1854 and was considered a technological wonder in its day and played a critical role in opening the interior of the United States to trade and settlement. read more...

Phone: 814-886-6150   Price Range: $0 - $4   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Gallitzin   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: N/A   Activities: Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Allegheny Portage Railroad

Steamtown National Historic Site preserves an era that slipped from public consciousness virtually unnoticed. Today, you can relive that era as the fire-breathing behemoths lumber back to life. The cinders, grease, oil, steam and people of railroading have returned. read more...

Phone: (570) 340-5200   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Scranton   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities: Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Steamtown National Historic Site

This park preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. At the south end of the park, the river cuts eastward through the Appalachian Mountains at the scenic Delaware Water Gap. read more...

Phone: (570) 588-2451   Price Range: $1 - $10   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Bushkill   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: Recreation Area   Activities: Backpacking, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting and Shooting, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Auto Touring, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs, Snowshoeing, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Delaware Water Gap