Austin PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Austin, Pennsylvania.
1. Austin Dam Memorial Park
HISTORIC DISASTER MEMORIAL
Austin Dam Memorial Park commemorates the site of Potter County's worst disaster, where 89 lives were tragically lost when the Austin Dam collapsed in 1911. Visitors can explore the ruins of the dam and learn about the historical significance of this touching memorial while appreciating the natural beauty that now surrounds it.
2. Sinnemahoning State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURE HAVEN
Sinnemahoning State Park offers visitors excellent fishing opportunities and beautifully maintained picnic areas, as well as a small park for children to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts can hike, bike, boat, or camp in this scenic park where resident elk are often spotted roaming freely.
3. The Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park
EDUCATIONAL NATURE EXPERIENCE
The Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park is an amazing place where visitors can observe and learn about local fauna in their natural habitat. From the center, travelers can explore the surrounding wilderness on easy walking trails that are accessible for most fitness levels.
4. Prouty Place State Park
SERENE NATURAL RETREAT
Prouty Place State Park provides a peaceful escape into nature where visitors can enjoy the pristine environment of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The park features walking paths through majestic forests where curious wildlife can often be spotted in their natural setting.
5. Cherry Springs State Park
PREMIER DARK SKY DESTINATION
Cherry Springs State Park is the only Dark Sky Park on the east coast, offering an astronomer's paradise with zero percent light pollution for incredible stargazing opportunities. Visitors can witness breathtaking views of the Milky Way, planets, and other celestial phenomena that are rarely visible in most parts of the country.
6. Austin Campground
SCENIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION
Austin Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to set up camp and enjoy its 28 scenic acres of natural beauty in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's numerous attractions while providing a comfortable and rustic outdoor experience.
7. Susquehannock Trail System
EXTENSIVE WILDERNESS HIKING
The Susquehannock Trail System offers hikers an 85-foot loop trail that showcases Pennsylvania's majestic forests and diverse wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the PA Wilds while experiencing varying terrains and breathtaking vistas along this well-maintained trail network.
8. Keating Summit
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWPOINT
Keating Summit provides visitors with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Pennsylvania Wilds landscape. Nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the breathtaking vistas and opportunities to observe wildlife in this picturesque mountain setting.
9. Elk Herds of Benezette
MAGNIFICENT WILDLIFE VIEWING
The Elk Herds of Benezette offer visitors a chance to observe majestic wild elk in their natural habitat within driving distance of Austin. Wildlife enthusiasts can witness these impressive creatures grazing in meadows, particularly during the fall rutting season when bull elks can be heard bugling across the valleys.
10. PA Grand Canyon
BREATHTAKING NATURAL WONDER
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge, showcases a spectacular 47-mile gorge with depths reaching nearly 1,000 feet at its deepest point. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the rim for dramatic views, explore the canyon floor via the Pine Creek Rail Trail, or experience the changing seasons that transform the landscape with vibrant colors.
11. Dam Stock Music Festival
UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Dam Stock Music Festival, held in August at the Austin Dam, offers a music experience like no other where original bands play classic rock tributes against the impressive backdrop of the historic dam ruins. Festival-goers can enjoy live performances while projections illuminate the concrete remains of the Austin Dam, creating a memorable audiovisual experience in this unique outdoor venue.
12. Coudersport Ice Mine
PUZZLING NATURAL PHENOMENON
The Coudersport Ice Mine is an unusual ice cave that forms icicles in the spring and summer but not in the winter, defying typical freezing patterns. Visitors can experience this fascinating natural curiosity located in Sweden Township, just a short drive from Austin.
13. Kinzua Bridge State Park
ENGINEERING MARVEL AND DISASTER
Kinzua Bridge State Park features the impressive Kinzua Skywalk, built on the remains of a historic railway bridge partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Visitors can walk out onto the reinvented pedestrian walkway that extends 624 feet into the Kinzua Gorge, offering breathtaking views and a glass-bottomed observation platform that reveals the mangled remains of the original structure below.
14. Eastern Continental Divide
SIGNIFICANT GEOGRAPHICAL LANDMARK
The Eastern Continental Divide near Austin marks the boundary that separates watersheds flowing to the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing to the Gulf of Mexico. Geography enthusiasts can visit this significant natural boundary and learn about its importance to the region's hydrology and ecosystem development.
15. Austin Local Pub
CHARMING SMALL-TOWN DINING
Austin Local Pub welcomes visitors with friendly service and a cozy atmosphere typical of small-town Pennsylvania establishments. Guests can enjoy appetizers like fried cauliflower alongside local favorites such as chicken wings and authentic Philly cheesesteaks while experiencing genuine local hospitality.