PA Counties

5 Must-See Attractions in Perry County

Collage of four scenic attractions in Perry County, Pennsylvania, including a dock extending into the calm waters of Little Buffalo State Park’s Holman Lake, a hiker exploring the dramatic interior of a tunnel, the historic Shoaff's Mill, and two hikers overlooking the Susquehanna River from a rocky vista near Hawk Rock.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Perry County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with Perry County highlighted in red.

The county was established in 1820 and named for Oliver Hazard Perry, a U.S. naval commander and War of 1812 hero best known for his decisive victory at the Battle of Lake Erie.

Perry County historical marker in New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, surrounded by fall foliage and historic buildings under a bright blue sky.

The county seat is New Bloomfield, named for the blooming clovers near the original town site.

The historic Perry County Courthouse in New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, featuring a brick façade, ornate columns, and a gold-domed clock tower under a vibrant blue sky with autumn foliage and a parked car in front.

Famous natives of Perry County include James A. Beaver, Civil War hero, former Governor of Pennsylvania, and the namesake of Penn State’s Beaver Stadium.

James A. Beaver historical marker in the center of Millerstown, Perry County, Pennsylvania, with American flags, small-town storefronts, and a blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.

From state parks and abandoned railroad tunnels to antique stores and museums, here are 5 of the best things to see and do in Perry County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

Exterior of the Blue Ball Tavern Museum at Little Buffalo State Park, showing a historic tan building with red shutters, a wooden porch, and a hanging sign in the foreground, with a “Open Today” sign on the lawn under a partly cloudy blue sky.

1. Little Buffalo State Park

Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County offers visitors a mix of history and outdoor recreation across its 923 scenic acres.

Collage of scenes from Little Buffalo State Park showing Holman Lake with boats along the shore under a blue sky, the park’s swimming pool with water slides and visitors on the lawn, Clay’s Covered Bridge surrounded by green trees, and the stone-based entrance sign for the state park set among lush summer foliage.

Whether you’re looking to explore historic structures, hike wooded trails, or relax lakeside, Little Buffalo State Park has something to enjoy in every season.

Angler fishing from a wooden pier extending into Holman Lake at Little Buffalo State Park, with calm water reflecting clouds and tree-covered hills under a bright summer sky.

2. The Abandoned Conococheague Mountain Tunnel

The Conococheague Mountain Tunnel is a 19th-century unfinished railroad tunnel located in the present-day Tuscarora State Forest, near Big Spring State Park.

A collage of four images showcases different perspectives of the abandoned Conococheague Mountain Railroad Tunnel in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a hiker in a red jacket and orange beanie standing at the rugged entrance of the tunnel, surrounded by fallen branches and moss-covered rocks. The top right image captures the hiker exploring the interior, with jagged rock walls arching overhead and a partially frozen pool of water on the tunnel floor. The bottom left image looks toward the bright entrance from deep inside the tunnel, emphasizing the rough, unfinished excavation of the failed Path Valley Railroad project, which was abandoned in 1895. The bottom right image shows the hiker standing at the back of the tunnel, where the passage narrows into darkness, highlighting the eerie, isolated atmosphere of this historic site within the Tuscarora State Forest.

Today, the partially excavated northern entrance of the tunnel extends nearly 200 feet into the mountain and can be reached via the 0.4-mile Tunnel Trail, which begins at Big Spring State Park and winds through Tuscarora State Forest.

A wooden signpost marks the entrance to the Tunnel Trail in Perry County, Pennsylvania, indicating a 0.4-mile hike to the abandoned Conococheague Mountain Railroad Tunnel, with a round-trip distance of one mile. The narrow dirt path winds through a dense forest of tall trees and thick undergrowth, covered in fallen leaves and scattered moss-covered rocks. A small blue trail marker stands nearby, guiding visitors toward the historic, unfinished tunnel. The surrounding landscape, part of the Tuscarora State Forest, provides a secluded and rugged setting for exploring the remains of the failed Path Valley Railroad project, which was abandoned in 1895.

3. The Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop

The Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop near Duncannon is a scenic yet challenging 2-mile hike that rewards hikers with spectacular views from a pair of fabulous overlooks.

A collage of four images taken along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, featuring hikers admiring the scenic views at Eagles Edge Vista, a hiker posing atop Hawk Rock overlook, a hiker ascending a rocky staircase portion of the trail, and a hiker standing beside the trailhead sign for the Duncannon Borough Watershed.

The trail, which involves nearly 750 feet of elevation change, includes portions of the famous Appalachian Trail, making it an exciting journey for hiking enthusiasts.

A scenic view from Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, capturing a train crossing a bridge over Shermans Creek near its confluence with the Susquehanna River. The vista overlooks the broad river, surrounding wooded hills, distant mountains, and portions of the town of Duncannon, all under clear skies, highlighting the area's natural beauty and unique vantage point.

4. Penn Avenue Trading Company

Penn Avenue Trading Company is a two-story treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, tucked inside a historic red brick building in downtown Newport.

Collage of four photos from the Penn Avenue Trading Company in Newport, Perry County, PA, featuring interior views filled with vintage decor, tools, and collectibles, a festive Halloween display with retro decorations, a rustic section showcasing antique hand tools and advertising tins, and the exterior of the historic red brick building housing this two-story, multi-vendor antique store.

With dozens of vendors under one roof, this Perry County antique store offers a nostalgic and ever-changing shopping experience.

Wooden shelves at the Penn Avenue Trading Company in Newport, Perry County, PA, displaying an assortment of ornate vintage clocks, antique tools, collectible toys, kitchenware, oil lamps, decorative vases, and nostalgic tins, all arranged against a cream-colored brick wall in this eclectic, multi-vendor antique shop.

5. Stitch in Time Antique & Gift Mall

Located just off Route 322 in Millerstown, Perry County, the Stitch in Time Antique and Gift Mall is a treasure trove for antique lovers and primitive decor enthusiasts alike.

A collage of four photos showcasing the Stitch in Time Antique and Gift Mall in Millerstown, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a large yellow sign for the mall, advertising antiques, gifts, collectibles, and crafts, with directions to the Millerstown exit. The top right photo captures a cozy interior view with string lights, benches, and vendor booths filled with vintage items, creating a welcoming ambiance. The bottom left image highlights a well-stocked vendor booth with shelves of vintage glassware, figurines, and various collectibles, offering a glimpse into the diverse items available. The bottom right photo displays the exterior of the red-brick building, decorated with autumnal elements like pumpkins and corn stalks, which enhance the inviting atmosphere. This collage provides an overview of the mall’s charming setting and extensive collection of unique treasures.

Housed in a historic sewing factory, this charming building has been transformed into a multi-floor shopping experience that blends nostalgia with rustic charm.

The basement level of the Stitch in Time Antique and Gift Mall in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, filled with an eclectic mix of antiques and vintage decor displayed across vendor booths. The narrow aisle is lined with wooden furniture, shelves filled with collectibles, and various decorative items. Holiday lights are strung across the ceiling, adding a festive glow to the space, while Halloween-themed decor, such as pumpkin figurines, gives the area a seasonal touch. Vintage clothing, including a red vest with patches, hangs near the entrance to a vendor’s booth, contributing to the mall's charming, nostalgic atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions

16 Must-See Attractions in Cumberland County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Perry County’s neighbor to the south.

A collage of four photos highlighting attractions in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a serene lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, with a wooden bench overlooking the water. The top right image shows a Civil War memorial in a cemetery, with a statue of a soldier, an American flag flying above, and headstones and memorial markers in the foreground. The bottom left image displays a preserved World War II Sherman tank on a concrete platform, set against a bright sky and open landscape. The bottom right image captures a bustling car show with colorful classic and modern vehicles, vendor tents, and crowds of visitors at a large outdoor venue.

10 Must-See Attractions in Franklin County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Perry County’s neighbor to the southwest.

The best things to see and do in Franklin County Pennsylvania.

Discover more than 1000 exceptional destinations worth exploring all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.