Doylestown PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
1. Fonthill Castle
CONCRETE ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
Fonthill Castle, once the home of Henry Mercer (1856-1930), is a magnificent concrete castle boasting 44 rooms with interior walls, floors, and ceilings adorned with a dazzling array of the artist's original handcrafted tiles. Visitors can explore this unique architectural marvel that showcases Mercer's eccentric vision and artistic talent through its Gothic, Medieval, and Byzantine design elements.
2. Mercer Museum
AMERICAN HISTORY COLLECTION
The Mercer Museum, managed by the Bucks County Historical Society, pays tribute to Henry Chapman Mercer, a noted archaeologist, antiquarian, artist, and writer. The museum houses an extensive collection of pre-industrial American artifacts, tools, and everyday objects that provide a fascinating glimpse into early American life and craftsmanship.
3. Kids Castle
MAGICAL PLAYGROUND ADVENTURE
Kids Castle is considered the best free public castle playground in the USA, featuring a huge wooden castle as its main focal point with mazes, rope bridges, ladders, and stairs leading to twisty slides. Located within Central Park, this popular attraction offers additional play structures, various swings, and a fenced-off section specially designed for toddlers.
4. Michener Art Museum
DELAWARE VALLEY ART HERITAGE
The Michener Art Museum is an American art institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Delaware Valley region and beyond. Welcoming 135,000 visitors annually, the museum showcases an impressive collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and contemporary works that celebrate the artistic legacy of Bucks County.
5. Pearl S. Buck House
NOBEL LAUREATE'S HOME
The Pearl S. Buck House promotes the legacy of author and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck through her pre-1825 Pennsylvania stone farmhouse. Visitors can walk through this historic home and gain insight into the remarkable life of the first American woman to receive both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes for Literature.
6. Vampa: Museum Of Vampires And Paranormal Activity
SUPERNATURAL CURIOSITIES COLLECTION
Vampa: Museum Of Vampires And Paranormal Activity offers visitors a unique exploration into the mysterious world of vampiric lore and supernatural phenomena. The museum houses an eclectic collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits related to vampire mythology and paranormal investigations from around the world.
7. Moravian Pottery and Tileworks
HISTORIC CERAMIC ARTS
The Moravian Pottery and Tileworks, part of the famous Mercer Mile, was built by Henry Chapman Mercer to preserve traditional ceramic arts and techniques. Visitors can observe artisans creating handcrafted tiles using methods dating back to the early 20th century and purchase authentic replicas of historical designs.
8. Bucks County Civil War Library & Museum
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE
The Bucks County Civil War Library & Museum preserves and presents the rich history of Bucks County's involvement in the American Civil War. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and memorabilia that tell the stories of local soldiers and civilians who experienced this pivotal period in American history.
9. County Theater
HISTORIC ART DECO CINEMA
The County Theater is a beautifully restored art deco movie house in the heart of Doylestown that screens independent and foreign films, classic movies, and special events. This community-supported nonprofit theater combines historic charm with modern amenities, providing a unique cultural experience for film enthusiasts.
10. Hellerick's Family Farm
AGRICULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Hellerick's Family Farm offers seasonal agricultural attractions including a massive corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and various family-friendly activities. The working farm provides visitors with hands-on experiences connecting them to agricultural traditions while enjoying outdoor recreation and farm-fresh produce.
11. Peace Valley Lavender Farm
FRAGRANT PURPLE FIELDS
Peace Valley Lavender Farm features over 3,000 lavender plants on a sun-soaked hillside, creating a sensory paradise for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy guided tours, pick their own lavender during season, and browse the gift shop filled with lavender products made on-site.
12. Pine Valley Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN CROSSING
The Pine Valley Covered Bridge is one of Bucks County's 12 historic covered bridges, located on the border of Doylestown and New Britain. This picturesque wooden structure spans a waterway with classic craftsmanship, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century engineering and a perfect spot for photography.
13. Delaware Canal State Park
HISTORIC WATERWAY RECREATION
Delaware Canal State Park features a picturesque towpath along a historic 19th-century canal, perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing with access points throughout the region. The 60-mile linear park follows the Delaware River, offering scenic views, wildlife watching, and a peaceful escape into nature with rich industrial history.
14. Central Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
Central Park in Doylestown offers extensive recreational facilities including sports fields, tennis courts, bocce courts, and trails for hiking and biking. The park is also home to the town's amphitheater which hosts concerts and community events throughout the year, making it a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
15. Doylestown Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Doylestown Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of this Pennsylvania town that was founded in 1745 and incorporated into a Borough in 1838. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the town's development from William Doyle's Tavern to the cultural hub it is today, with artifacts and stories spanning nearly three centuries of local history.