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Pennsylvania is one of America's most remarkable states, rich in history and particularly famous for hosting the site where the US Declaration of Independence was signed. On July 4, 1776, at the Philadelphia State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Thirteen Colonies declared independence from the British Empire and began signing the official document of the declaration on August 2 of the same year. More than 80 years later, in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest in the Civil War, was fought in Pennsylvania, proving the state is full of American history. Moreover, the state is endowed with natural attributes like the Delaware River, the Pocono Mountains, and the massive Lake Erie. Discover all of these features, including impressive arts and fascinating cultures, in these small towns in 2025.

Hawley

Hawley is a stilly, small, and pretty town along the Lackawaxen River in Wayne County, ideal for laid-back visitors seeking a quiet escape from the mundane. While here, the Ritz Company Playhouse is a recommended place to visit to catch shows. The 1880 Hawley Silk Mill is another great spot in town to check out as it is the town鈥檚 most vibrant spot, featuring restaurants, the Looking Glass Art Gallery, a fitness center, and several shops. Also, Hawley is home to the 5,700-acre Lake Wallenpaupack, where tourists are always welcome to boat, fish, kayak, and enjoy picnics with scenic lake views.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe is one of the coolest small towns in America worth visiting. Also known as the Little Switzerland of America, the town sits in the Pocono Mountains and on the Lehigh River, where it dazzles in picturesque natural scenery. Its location also makes it a playground for outdoor buffs, and the Mauch Chunk Lake Park is a great starting point. In this park, tourists can swim or boat on the lake, sunbathe at its small beach, enjoy picnics, and stroll around to admire its enchanting scenery. More outdoor adventures are available at the Lehigh Gorge State Park, which is centered around a gorge created by the Lehigh River. The park is a haven for whitewater rafting and fishing on the river, hiking, and wildlife sightings.

In addition to outdoor attractions, Jim Thorpe invites visitors to step back in time and explore the Old Jail Museum, built in 1871, and the Asa Packer Mansion, completed in 1861 and the home of the founder of Lehigh University in nearby Bethlehem.

Hershey

Hershey is an exciting town famously known as the sweetest place on Earth, due to being the birthplace of America鈥檚 most famous chocolate brand, Hershey鈥檚. This town is a chocolate lovers' paradise as it is home to Hershey鈥檚 Chocolate 麻豆AV, where a host of chocolate-related attractions and treats await. Visitors here can begin by embarking on the free Hershey鈥檚 Chocolate Tour to learn about how the brand鈥檚 chocolate is made. The tour ends with free chocolates, but visitors hungry for more can head to the marketplace to purchase a wide variety of treats. Hershey鈥檚 Chocolate 麻豆AV also offers a creat-you-own-candy bar and an interactive movie experience that takes guests on an expedition through different candy 麻豆AVs.

Besides the chocolate, Hershey features ZooAmerica, a private zoo housing more than 200 animals, including bears, deer, mountain lions, porcupines, and other animals found across North America. For nature lovers, the 23-acre Hershey Gardens is a pleasant place in town to visit to see colorful flowers, shrubs, and butterflies.

Bellefonte

Bellefonte is a historic small town famous for its Victorian architecture, which earned it the self-acclaimed nickname Central Pennsylvania鈥檚 Victorian Secret. A walk through this town鈥檚 downtown area is like a journey back in time as the district is full of structures like the Bush Arcade Building (1880s), and Hasting Mansion, which served as the home of Pennsylvania Governor Daniel H. Hastings who served from 1895 to 1898. Also, the town has more iconic buildings featuring other architectural styles like the Greek Revival and Italianate styles. The Center County Courthouse is a great example of the Greek Revival style in town, while the Brockerhoff House is a combination of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Second Empire architectural styles. Basically, a walk through this town is a fine recipe for architectural inspiration.

In the meantime, Bellefonte invites visitors to relax at Talleyrand Park, positioned along enchanting Spring Creek. This 3.5-acre park has an edible garden, a sculpture garden, fountains, picnic tables, a waterfront path, and a monument commemorating five Pennsylvania governors and two governors from other states. Art lovers can head downtown to see art exhibits at the Bellefonte Art Museum, while adventurers can visit the nearby Bald Eagle State Park to fish, boat, swim, and watch wildlife.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg is one of the most historic towns in America and a must-visit place in Pennsylvania. From July 1 to 3, 1863, this area witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest armed conflicts in American history that claimed over 50,000 lives. The battle was won by the Union forces and proved to be one of the major turning points in the Civil War. Today, visitors can learn more about this epic battle at the Gettysburg National Military Park, as it is the site of the fight and also features a national cemetery dedicated by President Abraham Lincoln. Enjoy a better experience of the park by hiking to the observation area at Little Round Top, where the area鈥檚 scenery comes in full view, including Devil's Den and its boulders. Additionally, the park has a museum and visitor center lavish with artifacts like cannons, firearms, and uniforms from the American Civil War.

Gettysburg also has several other historic establishments, like the Shriver House Museum, where visitors can learn about life in the area during the Civil War. For something different, tourists can head outdoors to see the Sachs Covered Bridge over Marsh Creek and stop by the Dobbin House Tavern afterward to enjoy authentic American fares.

Milton

Milton is a quaint town along the Susquehanna River with natural beauty, interesting history, and alluring arts. Travelers here can start from the town鈥檚 artsy side by taking the Mural Tour of Downtown Milton to see murals reflecting the town鈥檚 transportation history. Next, head to the 82-acre Milton State Park to fish, boat, or paddle on the Susquehanna River or hike through the tree-shaded trails. For more time outdoors, be sure to visit Lincoln Park, which features gazebos and river views for picnics. Before leaving, thrillseekers can go to Boulders and Bubbles (Previously Milton Rock Gym) to enjoy some exciting indoor rock climbing adventures.

Easton

Easton is a naturally gorgeous town at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers, with something for everybody. Here, history buffs and nature lovers alike will love Hugh Moore Park. This park is home to the National Canal Museum, featuring Pennsylvania鈥檚 only mule-drawn canal boat ride and thousands of materials, including artifacts, short films, and photographs, reflecting America's canal history. Between the Lehigh River and the restored Lehigh Canal, this park also offers picnic sites, a multi-use trail, and opportunities to kayak and canoe.

For visitors with kids, the historic Bushkill Park in town is a must-visit for a fun time as it has a skating rink, arcade games, and antique rides. The Crayola Experience is also a great place in town to visit with kids for a colorful adventure. In the meantime, nature enthusiasts can always visit the Nurture Nature Center to learn more about environmental risks.

New Hope

New Hope is a lovely town on the west bank of the Delaware River, rich in culture, arts, and history. First, this town is an artist colony and invites visitors to check out some of its galleries, like the Arete Gallery and New Hope Art House. Next, history lovers can explore some of the town鈥檚 historic homes, including Cintra, built in 1824, and William Kitchen House, which dates back to 1770. The Parry Mansion is also a worthy stop for a historical experience as it was built in 1784 by one of New Hope鈥檚 founders, Benjamin Parry.

Later, tourists can head outdoors to the Bowman鈥檚 Hills Tower to savor views of the Delaware River and the surrounding countryside from 125 feet. This stone tower is in the 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park, which preserves the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War in 1776. The park also hosts more than a dozen historic buildings, including McConkey's Ferry Inn, where George Washington and his troops ate dinner before embarking on the crossing. Even more exciting, New Hope is home to the New Hope Heritage Railway, where visitors can see restored historic trains and experience rides through the beautiful Bucks County.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a university town in Union County, along the West branch of the charming Susquehanna River. Travelers here will be stunned by the town鈥檚 vibrant historic downtown and its attractions, like the Modern Art Alley, where tourists can see colorful murals. The town center also hosts a historic district featuring buildings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, including the Derr House (1773), the Union County Courthouse (1856), and the Campus Theatre (1941). The art deco-style Campus Theatre is particularly impressive and a must-visit place for movie lovers.

In the meantime, travelers can enjoy views of the Susquehanna River from its bridge at the end of Market Street or visit the Fence Drive-In for some delicious fries and more great river views. Afterward, laid-back visitors can enjoy picnics at Soldier鈥檚 Memorial Park and then grab antiques at Rollermills Antique Mall as souvenirs.

Wellsboro

Wellsboro is one of Pennsylvania鈥檚 most exciting towns, especially for travelers who love adventures and the outdoors. This town features the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, otherwise known as Pine Creek Gorge. This 1,500-foot-deep gorge stretches for more than 47 miles and is best seen via the Pine Creek Rail Trail. This trail is 62 miles long and is great for biking, hiking, and horse riding. Notably, the Pine Creek Rail Trail cuts through Leonard Harrison State, which also has the 0.6-mile Overlook Trail and the 1-mile Turkey Path Trail, both offering breathtaking views of the entire gorge and its colorful vegetation. More activities like fishing and whitewater rafting can be done in the park.

Alternatively, adventurers can head to Colton Point on the gorge鈥檚 west end to enjoy more hiking, fishing, and boating experiences. For something different, Wellsboro invites visitors to catch a movie at Arcadia Cinema, taste delicious wines at the Oregon Hill Winery, and experience therapeutic massage at Emerge Healing Arts & Spa. When hungry, Wellsboro Diner is the best place in town to visit for delicious home-cooked meals.

Milford

Milford is a beautiful small town near the Upper Delaware River, offering some of the best water adventures in Pennsylvania. The town is the gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where activities like boating, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hiking, and camping can be enjoyed. The park even hosts Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania鈥檚 tallest waterfall, and Milford Beach, which is a great place to safely swim and picnic.

Milford is also rich in history as it was founded in 1796 and now preserves several 19th and 20th-century buildings. The 19th-century French chateau-style mansion and gardens are worth seeing. In the Grey Towers National Historic Site, this historic house was built in 1886 and was the home of the two-time governor of Pennsylvania and founder/first chief of the US Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot. Visit this mansion and then head to the Columns Museum later for a more detailed history of Pike County. Remember to catch a show at the Milford Theatre before leaving town.

Pennsylvania's Must-Visit Towns Await in 2025

The Keystone State is truly a paradise full of towns, all lavish with some of America's most prestigious attractions and landscapes. In these towns, there鈥檚 always something to make you happy, whether you鈥檙e an adventure junkie or a lover of American history. From Gettysburg and its iconic battle site to Wellsboro and its jaw-dropping canyon, these towns in Pennsylvania are great places that should be at the top of any 2025 bucket list.