Pennsylvania, famed for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture, is home to several small towns that provide an insight into the state’s illustrious past and lively present. While cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh frequently get all the attention, these lesser-known treasures have charm, character, and a feeling of community that is uniquely Pennsylvanian. Let’s take you on a journey through some small towns in Pennsylvania, where history comes to life and every corner tells a tale.
10 Small Towns In Pennsylvania That Are Quite Amazing
There are countless small towns in Pennsylvania that are quite offbeat that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top picks of best small towns in Pennsylvania that you should add to your bucket list.
1. Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, located in the center of the Pocono Mountains, is a lovely small town in Pennsylvania that is known as the “Switzerland of America” because of its breathtaking alpine beauty. Jim Thorpe, named for the great Native American athlete, is known for its wonderfully maintained Victorian buildings, small boutiques, and charming cafes. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum, or go on outdoor excursions like hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting in the nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park. It is one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania.
Best Attractions:
- Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John
- Old Jail Museum
- Asa Packer Mansion
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2. New Hope
New Hope is a bustling town recognized for its booming arts scene, unique boutiques, and scenic beauty. It is located along the banks of the Delaware River. Wander around galleries displaying regional artwork, take in a show at the famed Bucks County Playhouse, or stroll along Main Street, which is lined with 18th-century structures. While nature lovers can explore neighboring parks and trails affording stunning views of the river and countryside, history buffs will enjoy sites like the Parry Mansion and the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
Best Attractions:
- Bucks County Playhouse
- Delaware Canal
- Bowman’s Hill Wildflower
3. Lititz
Lititz, located in Lancaster County, is a charming small town in Pennsylvania with a rich history and a welcoming Pennsylvanian Dutch community. Explore the lovely downtown area, which is packed with boutiques, artisanal galleries, and cozy cafes. You can take a leisurely stroll through Lititz Springs Park, which hosts the nation’s oldest Fourth of July festival. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Wilbur Chocolate Factory, where you may indulge in sweet delights while learning about the town’s chocolate-making history.
Best Attractions:
- Lititz Historical Foundation
- Wolf Sanctuary of PA
- Moravian Church Square
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4. Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a modest town with a significant significance that spans the ages. At Gettysburg National Military Park, where the critical Civil War combat unfolded, walk in the footsteps of troops and visit renowned landmarks such as Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Visit the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center to learn about the events that created the nation, and pay your respects at Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. It is one of the renowned small towns of Pennsylvania.
Best Attractions:
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Jennie Wade House
5. Doylestown
Doylestown, located in Bucks County, is a dynamic town recognized for its rich cultural heritage, strong artistic community, and scenic surroundings. Explore the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, which are a few architectural wonders designed by Henry Chapman Mercer, or visit the James A. Michener Art Museum, which has a broad collection of regional and international artwork. Stroll around the lively streets packed with charming boutiques and galleries, then dine at one of the town’s many recognized restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine and artisanal pleasures.
Best Attractions:
- Mercer Museum
- Fonthill Castle
- Michener Art Museum
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6. Sewickley
Sewickley, located just outside of Pittsburgh, is a gorgeous small town in Pennsylvania with tree-lined lanes, historic homes, and a bustling main street full with stores and restaurants. Wander through one of the town’s quaint neighborhoods, visit one of the parks or nature reserves nearby, or just kick back with a cup of coffee at one of the town’s inviting cafes. Sewickley provides the best of both worlds by combining small-town charm and metropolis proximity.
Best Attractions:
- McLaughlin Distillery
- Sewickley Cemetery
- Tuskegee Airmen Memorial
7. Wellsboro
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, is a little community surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Visitors can visit local sights such as Pine Creek Gorge, sometimes known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town’s gas-lit streets adorned with Victorian-era homes and attractive stores. Wellsboro is the ideal vacation spot for both history fans and nature enthusiasts because of its serene surroundings and old-world charm.
Best Attractions:
- Pine Creek Rail Trail
- Colton Point State Park
- Leonard Harrison State Park
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8. Honesdale
Honesdale, nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains, is a lovely town with a rich history and a thriving cultural community. Visitors can explore the town’s old architecture, visit antique shops, or ride the Stourbridge Line, a scenic railway that provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. With its small-town charm and gorgeous surroundings, Honesdale is ideal for a weekend getaway or romantic retreat.
9. Lancaster
While Lancaster is technically a city, the surrounding countryside is home to numerous attractive tiny communities that embody the essence of rural Pennsylvania. Visitors can explore the scenic farms, visit traditional Amish markets, or go on a tour of the Amish countryside. Lancaster’s downtown features historic buildings, boutique boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants providing wonderful local cuisine.
Best Attractions:
- The Amish Farm and House
- Lancaster Central Market
- Dutch Wonderland
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10. Wellsburg
Wellsburg, located along the Susquehanna River, is a gorgeous town recognized for its historic charm and outdoor recreation options. Visitors can explore the town’s historic downtown district, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, or participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Wellsburg, with its small-town feel and natural beauty, provides a pleasant respite from the stresses of daily life.
Best Attractions:
- American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Museum
- Brooke Hills Park
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There are many quaint small towns in Pennsylvania, each with its own special mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty. These ten towns have plenty to offer everyone, whether your interests lie in discovering historic places, hunting out antiques, or just taking in the peace and quiet of small town living. So why not plan your trip to the USA and discover for yourself the allure of small-town Pennsylvania?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Small Towns in Pennsylvania
What City in Pennsylvania is closest to New York?
Philadelphia is the city in Pennsylvania that is in proximity to New York.
Does Pennsylvania get snow?
Pennsylvania receives 38 inch of snowfall on average per year.Northern regions receive an average of 54 inch of seasonal snowfall, whilst southern regions receive several inches less. During the winter, three-quarters of the fields are usually covered with snow.
Which airport is closer to Pennsylvania?
There are many airports that are closer to Pennsylvania but the closest is the State College Airport.
What is the smallest town in Pennsylvania by population?
Centralia in Columbia county is the smallest town in Pennsylvania by population.
What is the fruit of Pennsylvania?
Pawpaw is the fruit of Pennsylvania that you should definitely try when you are in Pennsylvania.
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