Loretto PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

Mount Assisi Gardens surrounds the Mount Assisi Friary and the Charles M. Schwab Estate, offering visitors a peaceful respite with beautiful grounds. The gardens feature several different themed areas, beautiful fountains, a waterfall, and many interesting statues that create a serene atmosphere for all visitors.

Cresson Lake Playhouse is a popular performing arts venue ranked as the #1 attraction in Loretto according to visitor reviews. Theatergoers can enjoy quality productions while experiencing the charm of this local cultural institution located just 2.2 miles from Saint Francis University.

Loretto Escape House offers visitors an exciting interactive challenge where teams solve puzzles to escape themed rooms within a time limit. This unique entertainment venue on Columbia Street provides a fun mental workout for friends, families, and colleagues looking for something different to do in Loretto.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is a treasured spiritual site that visitors can tour in under thirty minutes while experiencing a sense of peace and tranquility. The grounds include seven different shrines and walking paths that offer both religious significance and natural beauty for all who visit.

Loretto Pub & Grill has been serving the community for over 26 years as a beloved local gathering spot on Saint Mary Street. Visitors can enjoy casual dining and drinks in a friendly atmosphere that showcases the genuine character of this small Pennsylvania town.

Prince Gallitzin State Park is a 6,000-acre natural area featuring a large lake and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails named after the founder of Loretto. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including swimming at the beach in summer and sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in winter, with the scenic Headache Hill offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum showcases the impressive engineering feat of the historic railway tunnels that helped connect eastern and western Pennsylvania. Located just 4.9 miles from Saint Francis University, this attraction allows visitors to experience an important piece of American railroad history while enjoying informative exhibits and the impressive tunnel structures.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site preserves the remarkable engineering system that transported canal boats over the Allegheny Mountains in the early 19th century. Visitors can explore exhibits, reconstructed structures, and hiking trails that bring to life this crucial transportation link that helped fuel America's westward expansion, located just 5.7 miles from Saint Francis University.

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is an impressive feat of railroad engineering where visitors can watch trains navigate the famous curved track built in 1854. Located in Altoona about 8.2 miles from Saint Francis University, this popular attraction features a visitor center, funicular, and observation platform providing excellent views of this marvel that revolutionized rail transportation through the Allegheny Mountains.

Chimney Rocks Park offers visitors great hiking opportunities with fantastic views of Hollidaysburg and the majestic Allegheny Mountains. The easily accessible first viewing area is just a short walk from the parking lot, while more adventurous hikers can follow trails to several additional vistas and the distinctive rock formations that are visible from town.

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of American art with regularly changing exhibitions in a beautiful setting near Saint Francis University. Visitors can appreciate both traditional and contemporary works while enjoying the cultural enrichment this museum brings to the Loretto community.

Buttermilk Falls features a picturesque cascade of water that drops approximately 45 feet into a scenic pool, creating a peaceful natural retreat. Visitors can enjoy the short walking trail, observation areas, and the unique opportunity to walk behind the falls during periods of lower water flow.

The Crypt of Prince Gallitzin houses the final resting place of Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, the Russian aristocrat who became a missionary priest and founded the town of Loretto. Visitors can pay respects at this historical site that honors the "Apostle of the Alleghenies" who played a significant role in bringing Catholicism to this region of Pennsylvania.

Ghost Town Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a 46-mile converted rail-trail passing through scenic landscapes and the remnants of former coal mining towns. Hikers, cyclists, and history buffs can enjoy the natural beauty while discovering interpretive signs that tell the story of the area's industrial past.

Woody Lodge Winery invites visitors to taste locally produced wines crafted in the Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania since they went public in 2013. Wine enthusiasts can sample various vintages in a charming setting that showcases the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage.