Petersburg Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Petersburg, Pennsylvania.
1. Lincoln Caverns And Whisper Rocks
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDERS
Lincoln Caverns And Whisper Rocks features intricate limestone formations and crystal-clear pools across two illuminated cave systems. Visitors can explore these natural wonders with guided tours that highlight the geological history and unique features of each cavern. The attraction offers a cool escape during hot summer months and maintains a consistent year-round temperature underground.
2. Indian Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION
Indian Caverns offers visitors a chance to explore ancient underground passages that were once used by Native Americans. The caverns feature impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating limestone formations that have developed over thousands of years. Guided tours provide historical context and geological information as visitors navigate the illuminated pathways through this natural wonder.
3. Isett Acres Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Isett Acres Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. The museum features meticulously preserved items from various periods in American history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past through everyday objects, tools, and memorabilia. Each exhibit is thoughtfully arranged to tell the story of the area's development and the lives of its residents throughout the decades.
4. Rothrock Outfitters
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT
Rothrock Outfitters provides outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality equipment and expert guidance for exploring the natural beauty surrounding Petersburg. The shop offers rentals and sales of kayaks, canoes, bikes, and other outdoor gear perfect for adventures in nearby Rothrock State Forest and beyond. Their knowledgeable staff can recommend the best local trails, waterways, and outdoor experiences based on visitors' skill levels and interests.
5. Arch Spring
NATURAL LIMESTONE FORMATION
Arch Spring is a remarkable natural limestone arch formation that serves as the outlet for an underground stream. Water emerges from the base of the arch after traveling through an extensive cave system, creating a picturesque scene popular with photographers and nature enthusiasts. The site demonstrates the karst topography characteristic of this region of Pennsylvania, where water has slowly dissolved limestone to create unique geological features.
6. Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
NATURE EDUCATION HUB
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center serves as an educational outpost of Penn State University focused on connecting people with nature through hands-on experiences. The center features a raptor center with rehabilitated birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and owls that cannot be released back into the wild. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems while learning about local flora and fauna through interpretive exhibits and guided programs.
7. Whipple Dam State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Whipple Dam State Park centers around a serene 22-acre lake surrounded by lush forests, offering visitors a peaceful retreat for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park's sandy beach area is particularly popular during summer months, providing a refreshing escape with lifeguards on duty during peak season. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding woodland, allowing visitors to observe local wildlife and native plant species in their natural habitat.
8. Stone Valley Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Stone Valley Recreation Area offers access to over 6,000 acres of pristine forest land managed cooperatively by Penn State University and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The area features challenging hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and opportunities for rock climbing along the dramatic Stone Creek Gorge. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Perez and surrounding mountains while engaging in a variety of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.
9. Pennsylvania State University Recreation Area
CAMPUS OUTDOOR FACILITY
Pennsylvania State University Recreation Area provides extensive outdoor facilities just a short drive from Petersburg. The recreation area includes sports fields, tennis courts, and connections to regional trail systems for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained grounds and take advantage of seasonal programming organized by the university's outdoor recreation department.
10. Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge spans the Conestoga River as one of Pennsylvania's most impressive historic covered bridges. Built in 1843 by Joseph Russell and also known as Hostetter's Covered Bridge, it stands as the longest single-span covered bridge in the region. The structure showcases traditional timber framing techniques and represents the engineering ingenuity of 19th-century bridge builders while providing a picturesque spot for photography and historical appreciation.
11. Pinetown Bushong's Mill Covered Bridge
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Pinetown Bushong's Mill Covered Bridge is a historic gem spanning the Conestoga River and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge exemplifies the traditional covered bridge construction that once dominated Pennsylvania's rural landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's transportation history. Its red wooden structure creates a striking contrast against the surrounding greenery, making it a favorite subject for artists and photographers throughout the changing seasons.
12. Lancaster County Central Park
DIVERSE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lancaster County Central Park features diverse areas and trails including the Williamson Area with equestrian paths and the Kiwanis Natural Area. The park spans over 500 acres with facilities for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and environmental education programs suitable for all ages. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing in winter, fishing in Garden Pond, and various cultural events held at the park's pavilions and outdoor amphitheater.
13. Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail-Trail
SCENIC RURAL PATHWAY
The Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail-Trail offers visitors a chance to experience compact gravel paths cutting through expansive open farm fields with views stretching for miles. This converted railway corridor beautifully showcases Lancaster County's agricultural landscape while providing a safe, level path for walking, running, and cycling. The trail connects several communities and passes historic sites, offering both transportation utility and recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike.
14. Greenwood Furnace State Park
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SITE
Greenwood Furnace State Park preserves the remains of a historic 19th-century iron-making community that once thrived in central Pennsylvania. Visitors can explore restored buildings including the furnace stack, ironmaster's mansion, and worker's houses while learning about the industrial processes that shaped the region's development. The park also offers recreational opportunities with a swimming beach on Greenwood Lake, hiking trails through surrounding forests, and camping facilities for overnight stays.
15. Raystown Lake
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Raystown Lake is Pennsylvania's largest lake entirely within the state, offering 8,300 acres of clear water surrounded by 118 miles of forested shoreline. The lake is renowned for its excellent boating, fishing, and water recreation opportunities, with multiple marinas providing rentals and services for visitors. Surrounding recreation areas feature campgrounds, cabins, hiking trails, and mountain biking routes including the internationally recognized Allegrippis Trails system that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the country.