All aboard! Is there any better sound than the sound of a train whistle in the distance? Discover the magic of the railroad when you visit this Pennsylvania town that's perfect for a train-themed day trip. The tiny town of Ronks, home to less than 400, boasts the National Toy Train Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and Strasburg Railroad. And, that's just the beginning.
1. Choo Choo Barn – 226 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA 17579
Discover the magic of the miniature railroad at The Choo Choo Barn. The 1,700 square foot miniature train has delighted visitors since it opened in 1961. Watch as 22 miniature trains chug around the track that boasts 150 different figures and vehicles, all hand-built and animated. The Choo Choo Barn is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
advertisement
2. National Toy Train Museum – 300 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572
The National Toy Train Museum has earned recognition for housing one of the world's largest toy train collections. Explore the trains in the museum, discovering that the oldest train on display dates back to 1840. Many of the exhibits can be operated by visitors with a push of a button. Hours to the National Toy Train Museum depend upon the day and the month.
3. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania – 300 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
Explore more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits indoors then go outdoors to the Train Yard for more at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Home to 100 railroad cars, the museum features collections of diesel locomotives, steam locomotives, and passenger cars. (And, that's just the beginning.) The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. from November through March. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October.
advertisement
4. Strasburg Railroad – 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
All that exploring model, toy, and vintage trains just might have you yearning for a train ride right about now. Head across the street from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to the Strasburg Railroad. The railroad offers both scenic train rides and special events. Scenic rides typically last 45 minutes. Special events include the Great Train Robbery and a Day Out With Thomas (the Train).
5. Casey Jones Restaurant – 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572
What's a train-themed day trip without a meal in a restored train car? Casey Jones' Restaurant, part of the Red Caboose Motel, promises a delightful meal in an unforgettable setting. Sit down for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Popular lunch dishes include burgers, sandwiches, Shepherd's Pie, and salads. A kids' menu is also available. Casey Jones' Restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday's hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
6. Red Caboose Motel – 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572
Ready to head home after an eventful day? Or, perhaps you'd rather kick back, relax, and spend the night at the Red Caboose Motel. The motel, comprised of restored rail cars, promises an unforgettable experience. Book your night in a caboose in advance by calling 717-687-5000.
advertisement
Ronks is perhaps the perfect Pennsylvania town for those who love trains. Wine connoisseur? Then, this wine and cheese train aboard the Strasburg Railroad might just be the perfect fit for you.
Are you wondering what to do this weekend? Maybe your parents are visiting and you want to take them on a fun mini-trip. Perhaps friends from far away are headed your way, or you're looking for "spontaneous day trips near me" online. No matter the occasion, these 10 unique day trips in Pennsylvania showcase some of the best that our beautiful state has to offer. Take your pick, and enjoy one of the best day trips in PA.
advertisement
1. Fallingwater, Mill Run
Frank Lloyd Wright designed Fallingwater in 1935. Since then, it has been declared a National Historic Landmark and lauded as the architect's most beautiful creation. The house, with the famous waterfall underneath its foundation, is tucked away in the mountains. Originally, the Fallingwater was built as a residence for the owners of Kaufmann's Department Store, but it is now open to visitors for guided tours. Advanced reservations are required, and several tours are offered, including the Architectural Tour, the Guided Grounds Walking Tour, and the In-Depth Guided Tour. If you prefer just exploring the grounds, you can also purchase a day pass.
2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennysylvania, USA.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the United States, and it is well worth traveling to from anywhere in the state. If it's your first visit, join a free guided tour or explore on your own. Save time to go outdoors to wander through the sculpture garden, and grab a bite to eat at the Stir Restaurant, the museum cafe, or Balcony Cafe. If you've been searching for the best "spontaneous day trip near me," you won't find better than the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
3. Bethlehem
Bethlehem is an often overlooked town that has much to offer. If you're looking for something unique to do, explore the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest bookstore in the world, and the row of shops and businesses on Main Street. Throughout the year, Bethlehem rings in various seasons with different festivals and events. Every fall it holds Celtic Classic, and every summer it hosts Musikfest.
It's also one of the best day trips in PA during the Christmas season. Known as the Christmas City, Bethlehem transforms into a wonderland during the holidays. Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German market that runs from late October through early December, is perfect for finding Christmas gifts and indulging in delicious food. Plan a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and spend the night at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, which gets decked out for the holidays.
4. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
Beautiful Fountain and Gardens at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
One of the top botanical gardens in the United States, Longwood Gardens promises an enchanting experience. Open year-round, it has extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits and events for every season. Stroll through the gardens and past fountains, and check out a pipe organ with 10,000 pipes. Longwood Gardens hosts events and programs throughout the year. Get into the Christmas spirit, for example, with a visit during A Longwood Christmas, usually held from late November through mid-January.
5. The Amish Experience, Bird-in-Hand
Pennsylvania is famous for its thriving Amish community who inhabit much of the countryside. The Amish Experience, located at Plain & Fancy Farms in Bird-in-Hand, allows visitors to explore the area's culture with guided tours of farmlands, a theater that plays "Jacob's Choice," and an Amish house and a one-room school that is open for exploration. While in town, take a buggy ride and try decadent baked goods at one of the local bakeries, including the Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe.
advertisement
6. Carnegie Museums, Pittsburgh
Beth Price-Williams
Pittsburgh has plenty to offer, but the Carnegie Museums are one of the first stops we'd recommend. You'll have a difficult time deciding which museum to visit first. There are four: the Carnegie Museum of Art, which was one of the first museums of modern art in the country; the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which has one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world; the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Science Center, which is the most visited museum in Pittsburgh.
The Carnegie Science Center is a must-stop, especially if you have little ones. Kiddos can have fun and exercise at Highmark SportsWorks. Stargaze or jam to a laser show set to music in the planetarium, or tour the USS Requin, a submarine docked right outside the science center. Because there is so much to do, I had annual passes to take my daughter and her friends when they were younger. (It's a solid investment if you plan to visit more than once.) It's one of the best day trips near me in Pittsburgh.
7. Crystal Cave, Kutztown
One of the most popular natural attractions in Pennsylvania, Crystal Cave promises plenty to do. Start your day with a guided tour of the cave before playing a round or two of mini golf, panning for gems, stocking up on souvenirs at the gift shop, and exploring the nature trail. Follow up your outdoor adventure with a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant before indulging in a sweet treat at the ice cream parlor. Crystal Cave is open seasonally, from March through November. Hours vary.
8. Gettysburg
A Union canon looks out from the main union lines on Cemetery Ridge toward the Confederate positions across the fields of Gettysburg during a beautiful sunset
The Battle of Gettysburg is famous for incurring the largest number of deaths of any battle during the American Civil War, and it is also considered the war's turning point. Gettysburg, one of the best small-town getaways in the United States, is also rumored to be incredibly haunted. The Gettysburg Battlefield is a popular destination for those who wish to explore a rich piece of our country's heritage or to seek paranormal encounters.
9. Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon admiring the animals at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, including the Mexican Wolves, North America's most endangered land mammal. The non-profit zoo houses more than 300 animals across 130 species, including red pandas, giraffes, North American otters, and African penguins. One of the best day trips in PA, Lehigh Valley Zoo offers animal encounters, and giraffe feeding, and hosts special events throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo during Halloween and the Winter Light Spectacular.
10. Hersheypark, Hershey
One of the best weekend getaways in Pennsylvania, Hershey is famous for its kisses and other chocolate treats, drawing thousands of locals and tourists to the small town in Pennsylvania to tour Hershey's Chocolate World before heading to Hersheypark, an amusement park and waterpark. The park's roller coasters, including Candymonium and Great Bear, promise an epic adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers. Hersheypark also holds seasonal events, including Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-thru display with nearly two million lights, and Christmas Candyland, which features rides, lights, and seasonal treats.
With the world as noisy as it is, I know I can always escape the stress by spending a bit of time outdoors. One of the things that I'm continuously reminded of is just how many outdoor spaces - from neighborhood parks to nature preserves - there are to explore in all corners of the state. With its diverse landscapes, various wildlife, and short and sweet trails, this nature sanctuary in Pennsylvania is a must-visit in any season.
advertisement
Whether you have all day or just an hour or so to spare, you'll quickly realize that Black Rock Sanctuary in Phoenixville provides an easy and relaxing way to explore.
The nature sanctuary is open 364 days a year from 8 a.m. to sunset. It is closed on Christmas Day.
While it's rather snug at just 119 acres, each acre is packed with scenic beauty - from a meadow of wildflowers to ducks floating on the one-acre pond.
Two easy trails meander through the nature sanctuary. At nearly a mile, the Meadow Trail will lead you through the forest and past ponds and a meadow, where you might just spot...
An ADA-accessible path, the Interpretive Trail tallies .80 miles and promises something for everyone. Stop along the way to learn more about the sanctuary from the seven interactive stations.
If you enjoy fishing, bring your gear. You'll happen upon a pond that's popular with catch-and-release fishing near the halfway point of this short but sweet trail. The pond predominately features largemouth bass, but you might catch (and release) bluegills and sunfish, too.
Have you been to this nature sanctuary in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! After all that fresh air, you've likely worked up a mighty appetite. Head over to Nook & Kranny Cafe, a quaint restaurant in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, for a hearty bite to eat.
Why not spend more time exploring Phoenixville? Book a stay at a local Vrbo and make a weekend of it.
