Looking for a family-friendly day activity this summer? There are plenty of places to visit in and around Somerset County, from Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, to Laurel Caverns, the largest cave in Pennsylvania. Here are 12 places to consider when planning your next adventure.
Pennsylvania Maple Museum
Located at the Historic Centre of SomersetThis new museum, which opened in late June, features exhibits and shows how maple syrup is produced and why Somerset County is the largest maple syrup producer in the state.
Or: 10649 Somerset Road, Somerset.
Hours: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday
Admission fee: $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, $3 for children ages 3 to 11. Admission is free for children under 2.
Phone number: 814-445-6077
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Mount Davis
Part of Forbes State Forest, Mount Davis Natural Area Mount Davis is the highest elevation in Pennsylvania, at 3,200 feet (970 meters) above sea level. The area sits on the crest of a 30-mile (48-kilometer) ridge that extends from central Somerset County south to Garrett County, Maryland. Visitors can climb the observation tower at the highest point to view the entire state from its highest point. There are also hiking trails and a picnic area about a mile (1.6 km) from Mount Davis, along Mount Davis Road.
Or: Mount Davis Road, Meyersdale.
National Flight 93 Memorial
On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists boarded four planes and hijacked them to attack the United States. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when the hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon near Washington, and when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville. National Flight 93 Memorial is a place to learn about the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 whose actions thwarted the hijackers' plan to fly that plane into a target in Washington, D.C., possibly the United States Capitol.
Listen to the Tower of Voices, walk the trail to their final resting place, read the Wall of Names and honor the courage of those who fought against terrorists. Outdoor exhibits, a mobile phone guided tour, rangers and volunteers provide additional information to visitors.
Or: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, Pennsylvania.
Phone number: 814-893-6322.
The Great Allegheny Passage
THE The Great Allegheny Passageconnecting Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, offers 150 miles of hiking and biking adventures, with a gentle incline and smooth surface through scenic views, trail towns, 16 bridges and four tunnels. There are bike rentals, trailhead parking and wayfinding signage, lodging, restaurants, dairies, breweries and shuttle services along the trail. C&O Canal Towpath is a 184.5 mile trail between Cumberland, Maryland and Washington, DC, along the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park and parallel to the Potomac River. The towpath provides access to the canal's historic locks, seven restored blockhouses, 11 stone aqueducts, and nine canal towns in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, with their breweries, bed and breakfasts, cafes and restaurants, bike shops, and local stores.
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Mountain Ridge Mountain Bike Park
Mountain Ridge Mountain Bike Park The park offers over 150 miles of trails and 3,000 acres for a full day or week of adventure. There are hill climbs, night rides, mud bogs, a kiddie trail, a motocross track, a drag strip, and 40 miles of singletrack. The park also offers camping and rustic cabins. There is a small grocery store that sells camping gear, firewood, and personal hygiene items.
Or: 517 Boone Road, Downtown
Phone: 814-279-3147
Summer hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day
Powdermill Nature Reserve
It's the environmental research center for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where scientists come to study the plants, birds, animals and wildlife of western Pennsylvania. Its public exhibits offer visitors a closer look at Pennsylvania's natural environment, including bird migration, aquatic life in local streams, native plants and more.
There’s even a taxidermy exhibit of animals native to Pennsylvania and a working “Marsh Machine” that shows how the facility’s wastewater is collected and treated for reuse using natural plants and organisms. Nature trails are open from dawn to dusk for strolling around the property.
Or: 1795 Route 381 in Rector
Admission: Free
Hours: 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Sunday in summer. 11am-3pm on Friday and Saturday in winter
Phone: 724-593-6105
Idlewild and SoakZone
For generations, families from the Laurel Highlands and beyond have planned day trips to Idlewild to rides, amusements, entertainment and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Visit Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood or Storybook Forest, ride the Loyalhanna Limited Railroad, play at Jumpin' Jungle, enjoy rides at Olde Idlewild, Racoon Lagoon Kiddieland and Hootin' Holler, and cool off with water-themed fun at SoakZone.
Daily and weekend schedules vary, so visit the website for more details and to take advantage of special promotions and admission discounts when purchasing tickets online.
Or: 2574 Lincoln Highway (Route 30 East), Ligonier
Phone number: 724-238-3666
Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center and Children's Museum
Find out why people come from other parts of the world live and work in Johnstown and western Pennsylvania, building lives and families in the region and shaping its social climate in the process. There is also a Iron and Steel Gallery It shows how steel and coal brought economic prosperity to the region for more than a century.
THE Johnstown Children's Museum offers a variety of educational and entertaining play areas that help children learn about the history of the area and explore career opportunities in medicine, business and other fields.
Or: 201 6th Avenue, Johnstown
Hours: 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, noon to 5pm on Sunday, May to December.
Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children.
Phone number: 814-539-1889
Horseshoe curve
Considered one of the “Eight Engineering Wonders of the World” when it was built in 1854, the Horseshoe curve allowed the Pennsylvania Railroad to carry freight and passengers across the Allegheny Mountains from central Pennsylvania to cities in western Pennsylvania, including Johnstown.
Visitors can climb the steps to the observation deck to watch Norfolk Southern trains haul freight east and west across the mountains. There is also a small museum and gift shop. Railway Workers' Memorial Museum is also located nearby at 1200 Ninth Ave.
The Horseshoe Curve and Railroaders Museum are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online and must be used on the day for which tickets are reserved.
Or: 2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona
Hours: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday
Tickets: $17 for adults, $14 for children.
Phone: 814-946-0834, ext. 2101
Laurel Caves
Laurel Caves is a large natural sandstone cavern with over four miles of passages to explore underground at a constant 52 degrees year-round. Visitors can choose from guided tours, self-guided tours, and group tours; reservations are only required for groups of 15 or more, including Boy Scout troops and field trips. Other activities include learning caves, gem panning, and a scenic overlook above ground on Laurel Ridge. Laurel Caverns is open during the visitor season (spring through fall) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
Or: 1065 Skyline Drive, Farmington
Tickets: $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $13 for children 12-17, $11 for children 5-11, $3 for children under 4, free for infants.
Hours: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day
Phone: 800-515-4150.
Living Treasures Animal Park
A family business wild animal park The park is home to more than 300 animals of 50 different species, according to its website. Visitors can walk through the park, feed the animals (with food sold by the park), and take pictures. A picnic area is available on-site for those who bring a picnic, and lodging is also available on-site at the Log Cabin Lodge and Suites. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. spring through fall; there is a park admission fee.
Or: 288 PA 711, Jones Mills
Hours: From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day until fall.
Admission: $18.50 for adults 12 and older, $16.50 for adults 62 and older with ID, $15.50 for children 3 to 11, free for children under 2.
Phone: 724-593-8300
Caddie Shak Family Recreation Center
Located less than a mile from Living Treasures Animal Park, Caddie Shak Family Recreation Center The park features three go-kart tracks, two miniature golf courses, a driving range, bumper boats, small rides and other activities for the whole family. Open spring through early fall; hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. “Funny Card” Credits can be purchased online in advance for use in person or to give as a gift.
Or: 132 Caddie Shak Road, Donegal
Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday
Phone: 724-593-7400
