Museums & Living History

The Pennsylvania State Capitol (Harrisburg) — Described by President Theodore Roosevelt as "the handsomest building I ever saw," and often cited as the most beautiful capitol building in the U.S. Don't miss the Moravian floor tiles, gold leaf rotunda, and guided tours.

Cornwall Iron Furnace (Cornwall) — Described by Smithsonian curators as a site of "transcendent significance," this is one of the world's best-preserved 19th-century charcoal iron furnace complexes (operated 1742–1883).

Union Canal Tunnel Park (Lebanon) —Almost walking distance from Annville Inn Bed & Breakfast. A living history park featuring the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States (built in 1827). Enjoy 109 acres of walking paths, connecting rail-trails, and seasonal moonlight canal boat tours.

Gettysburg National Military Park (Gettysburg) — Explore over 40 miles of battlefield roads, historic monuments, Devil's Den, Little Round Top, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Fort Indiantown Gap & PA National Guard Military Museum — Watch military aircraft training, tour historic military vehicles (including a WWII French Freedom Train car), and visit the dignified Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The cemetery is respectful, quiet, dignified and strikingly beautiful. The architecture of the cemetery is intentionally designed to represent bombed-out buildings of the European WWII era. In 1976, a section of Fort Indiantown Gap was selected as the national cemetery for the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia.

U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center (Carlisle) — Extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits detailing military history, located on the grounds of the historic Carlisle Barracks.

National Civil War Museum (Harrisburg) — A premier Smithsonian Affiliate featuring high-definition digital presentations and comprehensive Civil War artifacts.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (Lancaster) — A 100-acre living history museum dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania German rural culture, crafts, and heritage.

Historic Ephrata Cloister (Ephrata) — A historic 18th-century religious commune featuring unique Germanic timber-frame architecture.

1719 Museum (Lancaster) — The oldest standing structure in Lancaster County, offering deep insights into early Mennonite history.

Wheatland (President James Buchanan’s Home) (Lancaster) — Tour the beloved 19th-century estate of the 15th U.S. President.

Lebanon County Historical Society (Lebanon) – From the French and Indian War to Milton Hershey’s location for his chocolate factory based upon the verdant Lebanon County (for milk for his mass-produced milk chocolate) to major food brands that launched here, the Museum traces PA Dutch history through the centuries.

Cornwall Furnace (Lebanon) - Described by the Smithsonian’s Robert Vogel, “ With the exception of a mere handful of similar preservations in Sweden and Germany – and possibly a few in eastern Europe – I doubt that elsewhere in the world is there a 19th century iron furnace complex with the degree of historical integrity to be found at Cornwall

National Watch & Clock Museum (Columbia) — Home to the national collection of horology, with thousands of historic timepieces from around the world.

PA State Police Museum (Hershey) — Traces the fascinating history of the nation’s first state police constabulary. Major expansion completed in 2026 with addition of large new campus.

Golden Age Air Museum (Bethel) — A living museum dedicated to early aviation history (you might even see their vintage biplanes flying over the inn’s pool!).

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum (Harrisburg) — Set inside an authentic 1899 firehouse showcasing hand-drawn pumpers and vintage fire engines.

Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster) – Changing exhibition of renowned artists’ work while exploring the role of art in shaping world cultures.