Between Philadelphia in the east and Pittsburgh in the west is the wide expanse of central Pennsylvania: largely farmland and forests, with long drives separating towns. When you think of vacationing in central Pennsylvania, the towns that come to mind first are likely to be places such as Gettysburg, Hershey and Lancaster. While these are worthy destinations, lesser known attractions in this part of the Keystone State are also worth a visit.
Baseball lovers planning an August vacation in central Pennsylvania can get their fill of American’s favorite pastime in Williamsport, when the Little League World Series comes to town. Held in Williamsport since 1947, the baseball tournament for children aged 11 to 13 has grown in popularity over the years. Admission to the games is free, and seating is first-come, first-served for early games. If watching the games isn’t enough (or in case of a rain-out), visit the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, which houses a variety of baseball memorabilia, including a baseball hit by Babe Ruth in a 1923 exhibition game in Williamsport. A ride on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat on the Susquehanna River is an alternative for vacationers who want to spend a day outside the ballpark.
Little League International Baseball and Softball
539 US Route 15 Highway
Williamsport, PA 17701-0485
570-326-1921
littleleague.org/Little_League_Online.htm
Tucked into the woods in central Pennsylvania is Knoebels Amusement Resort, an entertainment park filled with rides, history and education. The country’s largest free-admission amusement park, the property officially became an amusement park when a steam-powered carousel was installed in 1926. Today Knoebels has more than 60 rides and attractions. Education plays a large role here, and the park features a physics program geared toward school groups. Among other honors, Knoebels has regularly been awarded a Golden Ticket Award by industry publication "Amusement Today" for having one of the top wooden roller coasters in the country. An amusement park may not be a vacation destination on its own, but Knoebels has a 500-site campground straddling the park, with campsites and log cabins for rent by the day or the week. With the extra time, you can explore the other attractions in and around Knoebels, including a miniature golf course, Three Ponds Golf Club and Crystal Pool, a large family water park at Knoebels with swimming, water slides and a special water park for children.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
391 Knoebels Blvd.
Elysburg, PA 17824
800-487-4386
knoebels.com
The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, also known as Pine Creek Gorge, is a large canyon in the central Pennsylvania town of Wellsboro, with maximum depths up to 1500 feet. At the bottom of the gorge, the Pine Creek Trail follows Pine Creek along a converted railroad bed for nearly 60 miles. Pine Creek is a water trail that can be navigated by kayak or raft. Above the gorge to the east is Leonard Harrison State Park, and to the west is Colton Point State Park. Each park offers trails that lead you through a forest of deciduous hardwood trees, with scenic overlooks into the canyon. In addition to hiking, the parks have mountain biking and horseback riding trails, fishing, boating, seasonal hunting and camping. If you are looking for some indoor activities, there are accommodations, shops and restaurants in the town of Wellsboro, featured in a 2007 :New York TImes" article, " A Quaint Town With ‘Quiet Things’ to Do." (See Resources.)
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Wellsboro, PA 16901
570-376-2348
pacanyon.com
