PA Counties

6 Must-See Attractions in Indiana County

This is a collage of four images featuring notable attractions in Indiana County, Pennsylvania: Top left: A serene lake surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, reflecting the colors on the water surface, with an old wooden dock extending into the lake. Top right: Thomas Covered Bridge, a white wooden covered bridge with a sign indicating its height clearance, set against a backdrop of flowering trees in full bloom. Bottom left: The entrance to the Jimmy Stewart Museum, with a historical marker in the foreground and festive decorations around the entry, honoring the famed actor. Bottom right: A picturesque waterfall flowing through lush green woodland, with a stair pathway leading down alongside it for a closer view. The images collectively highlight the natural and cultural beauty of Indiana County.

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

A map of Pennsylvania with Indiana County highlighted in red. The map shows the outline of all counties in the state, with the highlighted county located towards the western part of Pennsylvania. The rest of the counties are in white with black outlines, and the map has a plain white background. — A map of Pennsylvania with Indiana County highlighted in red.

The county was formed in 1803 and is named in honor of the Native Americans who were the first inhabitants of the area (Indiana meaning “land of the Indians”).

A historical marker in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, with the Commonwealth's coat of arms at the top. The sign is blue with yellow lettering and reads: "INDIANA COUNTY, Formed March 30, 1803 from Westmoreland and Lycoming counties, and once densely forested. Its name memorializes the first inhabitants. County seat, Indiana, was laid out 1805 on land given by George Clymer, signer of the Declaration of Independence. PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION 1981." The background shows a blurry sky with some clouds, indicating an outdoor setting. — The county was formed in 1803.

The county seat is Indiana, birthplace of legendary actor Jimmy Stewart.

A bronze statue of a man in front of the Indiana County Courthouse in Pennsylvania. The courthouse is a red brick building with white columns and a pediment bearing the inscription "INDIANA COUNTY COURT HOUSE" and the Commonwealth's coat of arms. The statue stands prominently on a pedestal with a plaque, capturing the figure in mid-stride, wearing a suit and a fedora hat, evoking a mid-20th-century style. The courthouse steps lead up to double doors, and the environment suggests clear weather with a blue sky in the background. — Statue of Jimmy Stewart outside the Indiana County courthouse.

Indiana County has long been associated with bituminous coal mining, although that industry has contracted considerably since the 1980s.

A vibrant mural on a brick wall in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, depicting a scene from the region's coal mining past. The mural is centered around a large, somber-toned image of a miner at work, swinging a pickaxe into a coal seam. To the right, there's a stark contrast with a brightly colored, oversized depiction of a yellow bird, likely a goldfinch, perched atop a miner's helmet. Below the scene, a yellow banner with black lettering reads "WHEN COAL WAS KING," alluding to the historical significance of the coal mining industry in the area. — Mural remembering “When Coal Was King” in downtown Indiana.

Since 1956, Indiana County has also been touted as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World”, due to the large number of Christmas tree farms in the county.

Indiana, PA is the home of Jimmy Stewart and the Christmas Tree Capital of the World. — Since 1956, Indiana County has been known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World.

From state parks to museums to covered bridges, here are 6 of the best things to see and do in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.

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.

A photo of the Indiana County War Memorial in Pennsylvania, featuring a large, dark panel with gold lettering and detailing. The top of the panel reads "INDIANA COUNTY WAR MEMORIAL" flanked by American emblems. Below, the panel is dedicated to the men and women of Indiana County who gave their lives and fortunes for freedom. The central part of the memorial has intricately embossed scenes of military service across different eras, above rows of names listed in honor. In front of the memorial, there's a wreath with a red bow and American flag, signifying respect and remembrance. The setting appears urban with buildings and a street in the background. — Indiana County War Memorial.

1. Yellow Creek State Park

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Indiana County, Yellow Creek State Park beckons with its 2,981 acres of pristine beauty and endless outdoor recreation.

This collage contains four images from Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a wooden dock with a bench overlooking the reflective waters of a lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees. The top right photo depicts an open grassy area with red autumn trees and a view of the lake in the distance. The bottom left image features the park's brown entrance sign with white lettering, set against a backdrop of greenery and fall foliage. The bottom right photo shows a sandy beach area with a picnic table, the lake, and forested hills in the background under a cloudy sky. — Scenes from Yellow Creek State Park.

At the heart of the park lies the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake, a destination for boaters, anglers, and swimmers.

A vibrant lakeside landscape at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. In the foreground, there are large rocks and a variety of plants, including tall grasses, wildflowers, and bushes with purple leaves, all indicative of the diverse flora of the region. The calm lake reflects the surrounding foliage, which is a tapestry of autumn colors, with trees ranging from green to shades of yellow, orange, and red. The scene is under a partly cloudy sky, suggesting a cool autumn day. — Yellow Creek Lake.

2. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is a 48 acre natural area/park in Indiana County.

Sign at the entrance to the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Indiana County Pennsylvania. — Sign at the entrance to the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area.

The focal point of the park is Buttermilk Falls, a 45 foot-tall waterfall that has historic ties to Fred Rogers (AKA Mister Rogers of children’s television fame).

View of Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County from the top of the stairs. — View of Buttermilk Falls from the top of the stairs.

A unique feature of this waterfall is a walkway and platform that allows you to stand behind the veil of the falls.

View from behind Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County. — View from behind Buttermilk Falls.

3. The Covered Bridges of Indiana County

Indiana County is home to four covered bridges, all located in close proximity to one another in an area north of the county seat of Indiana.

Exploring the four covered bridges in Indiana County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the four Indiana County covered bridges.

All four bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and to make it as easy as possible for you to visit each one, I’ve created this interactive map below.

4. The Jimmy Stewart Museum

The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana County preserves the legacy of Indiana, Pennsylvania’s favorite son – actor Jimmy Stewart.

Entrance to the JImmy Stewart Museum on the third floor of the Indiana Public Library. — Entrance to the Jimmy Stewart Museum.

Perhaps best known for his role as George Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life“, Jimmy Stewart was also a distinguished soldier, family man, and all-around upstanding citizen.

Jimmy Stewart statue inside the museum bearing his name.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum addresses all phases of his life and career, and does so in a very relaxed, informative, and enjoyable atmosphere.

A collection of Jimmy Stewart movie posters on display at the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana Pennsylvania. — A collection of Jimmy Stewart movie posters.

5. The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church

The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church in Indiana County was erected in May 2023, and it stands 108 feet-tall, making it the tallest Cross in PA!

The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church stands 108 feet tall, making it te tallest cross in Pennsylvania. — The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church stands 108 feet tall, making it the tallest cross in Pennsylvania.

Known simply as “The Cross”, this massive symbol of faith was funded and built by members of the Hilltop Baptist Church themselves.

55,000 pounds of steel were used in the construction of The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church in Indiana. — 55,000 pounds of steel were used in the construction of The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church.

The Cross was conceived as a place where people could pray or meditate, and as such 4 benches are located around its base.

The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church is situated in a beautiful parklet setting.

6. Dean’s Diner

Dean’s Diner is a 24-hour beacon for hungry motorists traveling along Route 22 near Blairsville, Indiana County.

Dean's Diner along Route 22 in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. — Dean’s Diner is famous for it’s delicious selection of pies.

Dean’s Diner is an original dining car from the 1950’s.

Lunch counter at Dean's Diner in Indiana County. — Lunch counter at Dean’s Diner.

It’s a classic American diner with all the stick-to-your-ribs good food you’d expect.

Menu at Dean's Diner in Indiana County. — Menu at Dean’s Diner.

Nearby Attractions

10 Must-See Attractions in Clearfield County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Indiana County’s neighbor to the northeast.

Must-see attractions in Clearfield County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Clearfield County.

17 Must-See Attractions in Cambria County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Indiana County’s neighbor to the southeast.

The view from the Johnstown Inclined Plane in Cambria County PA — The view from the top of the Johnstown Inclined Plane in Cambria County.

21 Must-See Attractions in Westmoreland County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Indiana County’s neighbor to the south.

Fort Ligonier on a late summer morning. — Fort Ligonier on a late summer morning in Westmoreland County.

Yellow Dog Village is a former mining company town dating back to the early 1900s that now serves as a time capsule and tourist attraction in neighboring Armstrong County.

Yellow Dog Village is Pennsylvania's Best Ghost Town. — Scenes from Yellow Dog Village in Armstrong County.

While we think of Punxsutawney Phil every February 2nd, when he makes his famous weather prediction, you can visit him any time of year in his hometown in Jefferson County, Indiana County’s neighbor to the north.

Punxsutawney Phil's burrow at the library downtown. — Punxsutawney Phil’s burrow.

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