What is Pennsylvania Known for? Discover Pennsylvania’s Famous Facts, Foods, and Landmarks

With its rich history in the formation of the US, beautiful cities along the water and in the Pocono Mountains, and popular sports teams, there are plenty of reasons to live in Pennsylvania. And if you’re considering living here you may be wondering, what is Pennsylvania known for?

Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Philadelphia or buy a home in Pittsburgh, there are many things to love about the state. Read on to find out what Pennsylvania is famous for. 

Job opportunities and economy

Pennsylvania’s main job industries encompass healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Some of the major corporations driving the state’s economy include the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Penn State University, and Comcast Corporation.

Pennsylvania’s top five employers

• University of Pennsylvania Health System
• Penn State University
• Comcast Corporation
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
• Giant Eagle Inc.

Popular tourist attractions

• Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is home to countless historic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You can also explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stroll through charming neighborhoods like Old City, and taste an iconic Philly cheesesteak.
• Hershey, known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” is home to Hersheypark amusement park and Hershey’s Chocolate World. You can enjoy rides and attractions at the park, learn about chocolate-making on a factory tour, and try the variety of Hershey’s treats.
• Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the pivotal Civil War battle, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. You can tour the battlefield, visit historic landmarks, and learn about the war at the visitor center and museum.
• Pittsburgh, known for its steel industry heritage and modern cultural scene, offers attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Duquesne Incline for panoramic views of the city skyline and rivers.
• The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania attract visitors with outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. In winter you can ski and snowboard, hike and enjoy water sports in the summer, and during autumn take scenic drives amid the colorful fall foliage.

Famous regional cuisine

Pennsylvania’s cuisine reflects its heritage, blending influences from German, Pennsylvania Dutch, and Eastern European traditions. Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks, a sandwich of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. Pennsylvania Dutch dishes like scrapple, a breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal, and shoofly pie, a molasses-based pie, are regional specialties. The state is also known for its hearty Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie and soft pretzels.

Top restaurants in Pennsylvania

• Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia
• Zahav in Philadelphia
• Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh
• Altius in Pittsburgh
• Fork in Philadelphia

Historic places and museums

Pennsylvania is shaped by its colonial history, industrial heritage, and thriving arts scene. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are cultural capitals, with theaters, music venues, and galleries. The state is home to renowned institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.

Additionally, Pennsylvania’s storied history with the American Revolution means there are countless historic sites throughout the state. 

Five historic sites in Pennsylvania

• Valley Forge National Historical Park in King of Prussia
• Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia
• Fallingwater in Mill Run
• Point State Park in Pittsburgh
• Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

Fun fact: Pennsylvania is home to the oldest continuously inhabited street in the US, Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia. It dates back to 1702 and you can tour the Elfreth’s Alley Museum located on the street.

Forests, rolling hills, and lakes

Pennsylvania’s natural land formations include the rugged Appalachian Mountains that traverse the state. You’ll see picturesque valleys and dense forests, especially in places like the Allegheny National Forest. The Pocono Mountains in the northeast provide opportunities for outdoor recreation amidst lakes and rolling hills. The Delaware Water Gap, on the border with New Jersey, showcases dramatic cliffs and the winding Delaware River.

State parks in Pennsylvania

• Ricketts Glen State Park: Known for its waterfalls, Ricketts Glen offers hiking trails that traverse past 24 named waterfalls, including the majestic 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
• Ohiopyle State Park: Situated in the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle has whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River, hiking and biking trails, and scenic overlooks.
• Presque Isle State Park: Located on Lake Erie, Presque Isle has sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

Top-tier higher education

Pennsylvania is known for its prestigious universities, including America’s oldest university, the University of Pennsylvania, dating back to 1740. Some of the colleges include:

• University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia
• Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh
• Lehigh University in Bethlehem
• Pennsylvania State University in State College
• Villanova University in Villanova

Professional and collegiate sports teams

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most well-known professional sports teams and collegiate teams – all with avid fan bases.

• Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
• Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
• Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• Penn State Nittany Lions (Competing in NCAA Division I sports) 
• University of Pennsylvania Quakers (Competing in NCAA Division I sports) 

Popular Pennsylvania phrases

In Pennsylvania, there are plenty of unique phrases you’ll only find in this region.

• “Hoagies,” means the iconic sandwich, but also refers to any kind of submarine or sub sandwich. 
• “Wit or witout,” is a way to order your cheesesteak, “wit” means with onions and, “witout” means without onions.
• “Yinz, yous, youse guys,” are all used to refer to a group of people.
• “Red things up,” is a request to clean up.
• “Jawn,” is a word to describe anything from a person, place, or a thing.

More things Pennsylvania is known for

• Keystone State: Pennsylvania’s nickname, the Keystone State, reflects its central role in the formation of the US, bridging the colonies of the Atlantic seaboard with the West.
• Independence Hall: Located in Philadelphia, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of American democracy.
• Amish Country: Pennsylvania’s Amish communities in Lancaster County preserve a traditional way of life, with horse-drawn buggies, farms, and craftsmanship that offer a glimpse into the past.
• Steel Industry: Pittsburgh was once synonymous with steel production, playing a crucial role in America’s industrial revolution. It’s now known for its transformation into a hub of technology and healthcare.
• Gettysburg: The site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield and commemorates the historic events that took place there.
• Appalachian Trail: Pennsylvania is home to a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail. This nearly 2,200-mile trail offers hikers challenging terrain, scenic vistas, and opportunities to connect with nature.

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