The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum (readingrailroad.org) is located in the town of Hamburg, Pennsylvania. The museum includes the largest collection of a single railroad stock in the country, with more than 70 freight cars, passenger coaches and locomotives from the Reading Railroad. All of the guided tours begin with a 15-minute video presentation that summarizes the history of the railroad followed by a walk through the large train yard. The property also includes the main exhibit hall, which contains a wide array of artifacts and a replica of a station agent's office that dates back to the 1930s. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and the guided tours last approximately one hour.
The Crystal Cave (crystalcavepa.com) is a 125-acre underground cave located near Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Discovered in 1871 by a landowner in search of limestone, it was named after its shining calcium crystals that cover the walls of the cave. The 45-minute guided tour begins with an eight-minute video presentation followed by a 125-foot descent into the cave that offers views of stalactites, stalagmites, pillar and waterfall formations, which are all illuminated with special lighting. The paths are paved with concrete and include steel railings for the added safety of all visitors. The cave is open every day from March through November with extended hours during the summer.
Dutch Wonderland (dutchwonderland.com) is a family-oriented amusement park located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The 48-acre park includes two operating rollercoasters and 24 family-fun rides, as well as 11 just-for-kids rides. The property also includes a water park, miniature golf and live, daily entertainment such as Thomas & Friends Live and Duke the Dragon Dance Party. A wide variety of dining options are provided at the air-conditioned Mill Stream Eatery and Castle Cafe, but for those who enjoy outdoor dining, there is the Treehouse Terrace. The park is open daily from June through August with weekend operation during the months of May and September.
Mast Farms (mastmaze.com), located in Morgantown, includes a 12-acre corn maze that is the largest in eastern Pennsylvania. This family-oriented location also includes the Lil Sprouts soybean maze and small hay-bale mazes for younger children, as well as other special activities such as a petting zoo, swing sets, a wooden Noah's ark and hayrides. For additional fun, guests can complete the maze as late as 9 p.m. with the use of flashlights, which are required once the sun goes down. The primary maze can take between 45 minutes and two hours to complete. The farm is open to the public Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from September through the beginning of November with extended hours on Saturdays.
