Bolivar PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO


Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bolivar, Pennsylvania.



1. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area

SCENIC WATERFALL DESTINATION


Buttermilk Falls Natural Area offers visitors a stunning cascade surrounded by lush woodlands in a tranquil setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the forest and provide excellent views of the falls throughout the seasons.


2. Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort

PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE


Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort features beautifully maintained fairways and challenging holes for golfers of all skill levels. The resort provides a scenic backdrop of rolling Pennsylvania hills and offers additional amenities like a clubhouse and dining options.


3. Idlewild & SoakZone

FAMILY THEME PARK


Idlewild & SoakZone is a beloved family amusement park that combines traditional rides with water attractions just a short drive from Bolivar. The park features themed areas including Story Book Forest and a refreshing water park perfect for hot summer days.


4. Laurel Mountain State Park

OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA


Laurel Mountain State Park provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation in a pristine natural setting near Bolivar. Visitors can explore miles of trails through dense forests and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Laurel Highlands.


5. Conemaugh Dam

HISTORIC FLOOD CONTROL


Conemaugh Dam stands as an impressive engineering achievement that helps control flooding in the Conemaugh River Valley. Visitors can learn about the dam's history, enjoy fishing opportunities, and take in scenic views of the surrounding landscape.



6. West Penn Trail

SCENIC RAIL TRAIL


West Penn Trail offers a picturesque route for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the countryside around Bolivar. The trail follows former railroad corridors and canal towpaths, providing historical insights alongside natural beauty.


7. The Frick Art and Historical Center

CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE


The Frick Art and Historical Center showcases an impressive collection of fine art and historical artifacts in a beautiful estate setting. Visitors can explore the mansion, art museum, car and carriage museum, and expansive grounds that offer a glimpse into Pittsburgh's industrial past.


8. Clayton

HISTORIC MANSION TOUR


Clayton is the meticulously preserved former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick that offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age. The mansion features original furnishings, art, and décor that transport visitors back to the late 19th century.


9. Bolivar Historical Society Museum

LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION


Bolivar Historical Society Museum preserves and displays artifacts and documents relating to the town's rich industrial and cultural past. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring coal mining history, canal transportation, and the everyday lives of early Bolivar residents.


10. Forbes State Forest

VAST WOODLAND PRESERVE


Forbes State Forest encompasses over 50,000 acres of scenic woodlands offering extensive recreational opportunities near Bolivar. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing across diverse terrain that includes the highest point in Pennsylvania.



11. Conemaugh River Lake

WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA


Conemaugh River Lake provides a peaceful setting for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation just outside Bolivar. The lake offers excellent opportunities to catch bass, trout, and other species while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Laurel Highlands.


12. Bolivar Community Park

LOCAL RECREATION SPACE


Bolivar Community Park offers residents and visitors alike a pleasant space for picnics, sports, and community gatherings. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic pavilions making it perfect for family outings and outdoor activities.


13. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

LONG-DISTANCE NATURE PATH


Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail stretches for 70 miles through some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful mountain scenery not far from Bolivar. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems, dramatic overlooks, and peaceful wilderness along this well-maintained footpath.


14. Yellow Creek State Park

DIVERSE OUTDOOR RECREATION


Yellow Creek State Park centers around a 720-acre lake that serves as a hub for swimming, boating, and fishing activities in the region near Bolivar. The park also offers hiking trails, winter sports opportunities, and excellent birdwatching in various habitats.


15. Compass Inn Museum

HISTORIC STAGECOACH STOP


Compass Inn Museum preserves an authentic 18th-century stagecoach stop that once served travelers on the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Turnpike. Visitors can tour the restored inn, blacksmith shop, and cookhouse while learning about transportation and daily life in early Pennsylvania.