10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Pennsylvania That You Shouldn't Miss

May 31, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Sight & Sound Theatres, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, Fulton Theatre, Bicycle Heaven, Bury The Hatchet Bensalem - Axe Throwing, Eastern State Penitentiary, Reading Terminal Market, The Andy Warhol Museum, President James Buchanan's Wheatland.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3830 +1 412-622-6914 [email protected] http://phipps.conservatory.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,255 reviews

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.

Reviewed By Greenthumb185 - Pittsburgh, United States

We have visited Phipps multiple times over the year. A top rate conservatory with many special interests such as the cactus room, children's garden etc. Wonderful use of green technology

2. Sight & Sound Theatres

300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572-9513 +1 800-377-1277 http://www.sight-sound.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,213 reviews

Sight & Sound Theatres

Reviewed By 186marcellar

Our family has travelled to Lancaster since 1973...the magnificent building makes you feel like you are in the Middle East. This fall, we saw the most amazing production of Jesus that left us breathless! It was the most incredible experience watching this live production with so many characters and beautiful animals. We plan another trip to see Esther in early spring 2020...the plays leave you in a state of serenity and harmony. The productions merit a five star review for each play presented at this unique theatre. Looking forward to many more visits to the Sight and Sound Theatre in our favorite quaint town in Lancaster, PA

3. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034 +1 717-338-1243 [email protected] http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,610 reviews

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

"A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman, orients you to the battle; then see the sights and hear the sounds of the battle in the historic Cyclorama Painting Experience. Finally, tour the museum, packed with original artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tickets and shuttle bus to Eisenhower National Historic Site and seasonal programs at Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital from Visitor Center. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, USA Today Top 10 Places to Visit, AAA Gem. Purchase tickets prior to your arrival online and reserve a Battlefield Guide (licensed through the National Park Service) through the Gettysburg Foundation, non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Admission fee for Cyclorama, Film and Museum. Entry to Visitor Center, Museum Bookstore and Refreshment Saloon is free.

Reviewed By conimaries - Pennsylvania, United States

I strongly recommend starting your Gettysburg experience by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor’s Center. If you choose to do anything, I strongly recommend the Film, Cyclorama and Museum combination. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, paints a wonderful picture of what led up to the Civil War, the Battle at Gettysburg, and how our country has evolved (although it’s clear to see the parallel between what was going on in 1863 and what is going on in 2019). And Morgan Freeman has way of narrating that just pulls you in. After the film, you are invited to view the Cyclorama which is the most beautiful, yet saddening, image of the Battle at Gettysburg. I won’t tell you all about the image because they’ll tell you about it when you get there, but suffice to say, it’s a must-see! The museum was full of historical information, photographs, and memorabilia. If you like museums, you could spend hours there. I, am not a museum person. I like to walk through them, look at the displays and take photos, but I don’t typically read the placards or take a lot of time in them. The statute of Abraham Lincoln is just outside the main entrance and you can obtain tour information at this location. They also have a Gift Shop/Book Store which is a great place for souvenirs and historical materials.

4. Fulton Theatre

12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603-3808 +1 717-397-7425 [email protected] http://www.thefulton.org
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 643 reviews

Fulton Theatre

Central Pennsylvania’s nationally regarded premier regional theatre, producing Broadway caliber musicals, comedies and dramas, employing professionals from New York City, the local community, and nationwide, experienced within a beautifully restored 165 year old national historic landmark of ornate Victorian architecture, walking distance from Lancaster’s historic attractions and one block from the Lancaster County Convention Center. MAINSTAGE: Million Dollar Quartet NOW-05/20/18; Hunchback of Notre Dame 06/15/18-07/22/18; GROFF STUDIO SERIES–99-seat Black Box–Intimate, Experiential: Red 05/08/18-05/27/18; FAMILY SERIES (Theatre for Young Audiences) one-hour performances at 11AM Saturday mornings: The Emperor's New Clothes 04/28/18-05/19/18; Aladdin 06/16/18-07/21/18

Reviewed By BetsyA170

Saw a great performance of one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels, Murder on the Orient Express. Cast is outstanding and the staff are so helpful and friendly. We really love this theater!

5. Bicycle Heaven

1800 Preble & Columbus Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 +1 412-734-4034 [email protected] http://www.bicycleheaven.org
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 859 reviews

Bicycle Heaven

Bicycle Heaven is the World's largest bicycle museum and bike shop.

Reviewed By bridgetteb531

Free parking in a gated lot and free entrance to the museum and working bike repair shop. Amazing collection of bicycles and other items in fantastic condition! We met the owner/collector Craig and enjoyed chatting about his fun "hobby" - nice guy and truley passionate about bikes. Great trip down memory lane and seeing unique items that just put a smile on your face. If you're looking for something different to do rain or shine, pop in and visit - make sure to go to second floor to see it all! Vending machine snacks available, a nail salon/masseuse on premise and restrooms. Our 1st time in Pittsburg - We did trifecta tour of Bicycle Heaven, Music museum next door, and Randyland nearby. Fun way to spend a few hours!

6. Bury The Hatchet Bensalem - Axe Throwing

1890 Woodhaven Rd, Bensalem, PA 19116-3007 +1 267-571-8776 [email protected] http://burythehatchet.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 724 reviews

Bury The Hatchet Bensalem - Axe Throwing

*Hours subject to change* Competitive axe throwing is a well known Canadian past time that's becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Simply put, it's like playing a game of darts, except with axes! At Bury The Hatchet you'll experience the thrill of launching an axe at a wooden target in a safe and fun environment. You and your best mates will spend two hours becoming intimate with a 1.5lb piece of whirling wood and metal as you learn, practice, and then finally square off toe-to-toe in a group tournament.

Reviewed By abigailreikow - Philadelphia, United States

This was my first visit and it was really great. Staff from check in was super friendly, our axe master was patient, encouraging, and really helped make it a lot of fun. The facility was also just nice with picnic tables and refrigerators to store your beer. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

7. Eastern State Penitentiary

2124 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130-2603 +1 215-236-3300 [email protected] http://www.easternstate.org
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,299 reviews

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.

Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States

Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!

8. Reading Terminal Market

12th and Arch, Philadelphia, PA 19107 +1 215-922-2317 http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,685 reviews

Reading Terminal Market

Featuring over 80 concessions, this historic market has something for even the most eclectic of tastebuds.

Reviewed By normanandmarilyn - Caldicot, United Kingdom

This amazing market was all indoors and had every type of food offering you could possibly think of There was tables and chairs to sit at after you had chosen your wonderful food offering which went from Vegan to Chinese and from Pizza to Healthy

9. The Andy Warhol Museum

117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5890 +1 412-237-8300 [email protected] http://www.warhol.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,566 reviews

The Andy Warhol Museum

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the place of Andy Warhol’s birth, The Andy Warhol Museum holds the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials. We are one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world and the largest in North America.

Reviewed By jrweis6 - Winona, United States

The Andy Warhol Museum is able to give the casual visitor with limited knowledge of Andy Warhol's life and art a good insight into his artistic development and how his early life in Pittsburgh influenced him.

10. President James Buchanan's Wheatland

1120 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603-2550 https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/james_buchanan_wheatland.html
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 496 reviews

President James Buchanan's Wheatland

Come discover the warmth and hospitality of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. Costumed tour guides share facts and stories from Buchanan's personal and professional life. Buchanan represented Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives and later the Senate, served as Minister to Russia, Secretary of State, and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. And, in 1856, Wheatland served as the hub of his successful campaign to become the 15th President of the United States. During his presidency, Wheatland served as Buchanan’s retreat as a divided nation struggled with slavery and states’ rights. Post-presidency, Wheatland became Buchanan’s refuge as he avoided public life after his term and retired as a private citizen. Wheatland’s tangible connection to the US Presidency, Antebellum and Civil War America, and the American political process make it instrumental to teaching history to modern day visitors.

Reviewed By jmalc0m - Sydney, Canada

What a wonderful surprise .An Exceptional guide in period costume made this home come alive .How progressive it was to recognize the importance of this period of history and acquire & maintain this house from the early 1940s . Well worth a visit to see the house & learn more about the Buchanan's

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