PA Counties

6 Must-See Attractions in Jefferson County

Rusty Glessner

A collage of 4 photos showing some of the best things to see and do in Jefferson County PA.

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

A map of Pennsylvania with the location of Jefferson County highlighted in red.

The county was formed in 1804 and is named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson.

A historical marker in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Brookville, Pennsylvania. The marker provides information about Jefferson County, noting its formation on March 26, 1804, from Lycoming County and its naming after President Thomas Jefferson. It details the county's administrative changes, including attachment to Westmoreland County until 1806 and to Indiana County until 1830. The marker highlights the county's notable coal and lumber industries and mentions that Brookville, the county seat, was incorporated in 1834. The courthouse's clock tower and red brick facade serve as a backdrop to the marker.

The county seat is Brookville, incorporated in 1834.

The front view of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Brookville, Pennsylvania, showcasing its striking red brick facade and impressive architectural design. The courthouse features tall, arched windows with white trim, a grand staircase leading to the main entrance, and an ornate clock tower that stands prominently against a backdrop of a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The surrounding area includes well-maintained lawns, historical markers, and nearby buildings, adding to the historical ambiance of the scene.

Perhaps the most famous resident of Jefferson County is Punxsutawney Phil, a weather-predicting groundhog who emerges from a tree stump on Gobbler’s Knob every February 2nd to predict either an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

The stage at Gobbler's Knob where Phil makes his prediction every February 2nd.

From museums and historic sites to scenic overlooks and famous rodents, here are 6 of the best things to see and do in Jefferson 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.

Fall foliage views near the Beartown Rocks trail head in Jefferson County Pennsylvania.

1. Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania, and quite possibly in the entire world.

A photo of a large mural in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, welcoming visitors to the town. The mural features the text "Welcome to Punxsutawney, PA. Weather Capital of the World" in bold, colorful letters. At the center of the mural is an illustration of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous weather-predicting groundhog, wearing a top hat and tuxedo, sitting on a tree stump. The background includes a scenic landscape with trees, flowers, and mountains under a bright sky with clouds. The mural is painted on the side of a building, adding a vibrant and welcoming touch to the town. — Punxsutawney Phil is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and most beloved residents.

And while we think of Phil every February 2nd, you can visit him any time of year at his deluxe man-made burrow attached to the Punxsutawney Library, which he shares with his wife Phyllis and his kits Sunny and Shadow.

A photo showing Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, along with another groundhog on a rock structure inside their habitat. The background features a mural of a natural outdoor scene with greenery and flowers. Two baby groundhogs are partially visible, resting in the straw bedding beneath the rock ledge. The scene is part of an exhibit in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, highlighting the famous weather-predicting groundhog and his companions.

Naturally the most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania has his own official souvenir shop as well.

A photo of a sidewalk sign for Phil's Official Groundhog Souvenir Shop & Visitors Info in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The sign features an illustration of a cheerful groundhog, presumably Punxsutawney Phil, and provides the shop's website, groundhogstuff.com. The sign is positioned on a metal stand with a potted plant on top. In the background, a colorful statue of Punxsutawney Phil is visible, adding to the town's festive atmosphere. The street scene includes buildings and a parked car under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

2. Beartown Rocks

Beartown Rocks in Jefferson County features an exceptional scenic overlook perched high atop a “rock city” dating back to the last Ice Age!

Beartown Rocks Overlook in the Clear Creek State Forest.

Beartown Rocks is essentially a roadside attraction, meaning you can park right next to it and take a leisurely stroll through this “rock city.”

Climbing on boulders at Beartown Rocks in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.

3. The Jefferson County History Center

The Jefferson County History Center in Brookville features a diverse array of artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the history of both the county and prehistoric western Pennsylvania.

A collage of four photos taken at the Jefferson County History Center in Brookville, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the front entrance of the history center, featuring a brick building with green and white striped awnings and large display windows. The top right image depicts a historic parlor room with period furnishings, including a grand piano, fireplace, and antique seating, showcasing 19th-century decor. The bottom left image features the Twyford Motorcar, a blue early automobile with yellow wheels, recognized as the first four-wheel-drive vehicle, prominently displayed inside the museum. The bottom right image shows a vintage poster for "Brookville's Big Fair" held in 1905, with an illustration of an equestrian event and details about the fair's attractions.

Occupying two floors of the historic Nathan Greene Edelblute Building (and just a block from the county courthouse), the museum is a hidden gem that offers a captivating journey through time.

A display at the Jefferson County History Center in Brookville, Pennsylvania, showcasing the history of Native Americans and early settlers in the region. The exhibit features several glass cases containing artifacts such as tools, pottery, jewelry, and agricultural implements. Above the cases, a mural depicts petroglyphs and rock art. The display includes detailed information panels about the daily life, hunting and fishing practices, and European contact with Native Americans. Taxidermy animals, including a beaver and a squirrel, are positioned on top of the cases, alongside antlers and other natural elements, enhancing the educational presentation. Decorative elements like sunflowers and pumpkins are arranged at the base of the exhibit, adding a touch of seasonal decor.

4. Scripture Rocks Heritage Park

Scripture Rocks Heritage Park is a 4.5-acre natural area that is home to 65 boulders engraved by Douglas M. Stahlman between 1910 and 1913, as part of his personal religious calling.

A collage of four photos from Scripture Rocks Heritage Park in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features the entrance sign welcoming visitors to the park. The top right image shows a rock with the word "HOPE" engraved on it, surrounded by lush vegetation. The bottom left image displays a large rock with the word "FAITH" inscribed, highlighting the intricate carvings by Douglas M. Stahlman. The bottom right image captures a serene gravel trail winding through the forest, flanked by vibrant green ferns and tall trees.

In 1915, Stahlman was declared insane by a local commission and was transferred to Dixmont State Hospital, where he spent the last 27 years of his life, passing away on August 26, 1942.

An interpretive panel at Scripture Rocks Heritage Park in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, detailing the history of Death Rock. The panel explains the significance of the rock, which stands erect like a tombstone and features a cryptic and ominous inscription from Isaiah (49:17-26). It describes how Douglas M. Stahlman's later carvings, including Death Rock, reflect his increasingly pessimistic outlook. The panel includes an image of Death Rock, along with quotes from Stahlman, providing context about the darker tone of his later work.

5. The Greenberg Cadillac Museum

Housed in a former Cadillac dealership in Brookville, the Greenberg Cadillac Museum displays more than 80 Cadillacs, spanning every model group and decade, making it the largest collection of Cadillacs in the world!

A collage of four photos taken at the Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County, PA. The top left photo features a vibrant red 1959 Cadillac with other vintage cars in the background. The top right photo shows a lineup of 1970s Cadillacs, including models in brown, beige, and white. The bottom left photo displays a row of vintage Cadillacs, including a maroon model with its hood open, alongside other cars in gray and blue. The bottom right photo showcases various classic Cadillacs with distinctive chrome detailing, including a silver model from the late 1950s, all arranged on a checkered floor in a well-lit museum setting.

Remarkably, all the cars are fully drivable, complete with charged batteries and license plates.

Two beautifully restored 1930s Cadillacs on display at the Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County, PA. One vehicle features a sleek gray and white exterior with vibrant red wheels, while the other showcases a dark green body with a beige convertible top. The checkered floor and industrial lighting enhance the elegance and historical value of these classic cars.

6. Clear Creek State Park

Clear Creek State Park covers 1,901 acres in Jefferson County.

Fall foliage reflections on the lake at Clear Creek State Park. in Jefferson County Pennsylvania.

Nestled in the picturesque Clear Creek Valley, the park stretches from PA 949 to the Clarion River.

Small lake created by damming up Clear Creek in Jefferson County Pennsylvania.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, and access the Clarion River for fishing and boating.

Fall foliage around the picnic pavilions at Clear Creek State Park

Nearby Attractions

10 Must-See Attractions in Clearfield County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Jefferson County’s neighbor to the east.

Must-see attractions in Clearfield County Pennsylvania.

6 Must-See Attractions in Indiana County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Jefferson County’s neighbor to the south.

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.

10 Must-See Attractions in Elk County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Jefferson County’s neighbor to the northeast.

The Best Things to See and Do in Elk County PA.

Discover even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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