21 Must-See Attractions in Westmoreland County

A collection of four photos depicting attractions in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A large historic cannon displayed outside with the Fort Ligonier museum entrance in the background. Top right: A whimsical, large book-shaped mural with a fairy tale theme, inviting visitors to walk through to a park. Bottom left: A person stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stunning autumn forest vista. Bottom right: A lineup of colorful kayaks and canoes on the grassy shore of a tranquil lake with a dock in the background.

Westmoreland County, founded in 1773, makes up one-third of the Laurel Highlands in western PA (Somerset and Fayette counties making up the other two-thirds).

Springtime at Wolf Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest
Springtime at Wolf Rocks Overlook in Westmoreland County.

From historic forts to museums to state parks, here are 21 of the best things to see and do in Westmoreland County.

Enchanted Castle inside Storybook Forest at Idlewild Park.
Enchanted Castle inside Storybook Forest at Idlewild Park.

1. Fort Ligonier

Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County is a historically accurate reproduction of a British fort originally constructed in 1758 during what would become known as the French and Indian War.

Fort Ligonier on a late summer morning.
Fort Ligonier on a late summer morning.

The museum at Fort Ligonier contains one of the most complete collections of French and Indian War artifacts in existence, many excavated from the ruins of the original Fort Ligonier itself.

Weaponry on display inside Fort Ligonier museum.
Weaponry on display inside Fort Ligonier museum.

2. Idlewild Park

Idlewild Park is Pennsylvania’s longest-operating amusement park!

Idlewild Park is the oldest operating amusement park in Pennsylvania.
Idlewild Park is the oldest operating amusement park in Pennsylvania.

Idlewild Park as been named “Best Childrens’ Park” by Amusement Today, and “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

Exploring Idlewild Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Some of the rides and attractions at Idlewild Park in Ligonier.

3. Historic Hanna’s Town

Historic Hanna’s Town, established in 1773, was the first county seat of Westmoreland County, and hosted the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains!

Exploring Historic Hanna's Town in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Historic Hanna’s Town near Greensburg.

Today, the historic site consists of the reconstructed Hanna’s Tavern, three re-located log houses, the reconstructed fort, and a wagon shed that houses an authentic 18th century Conestoga wagon.

The fort at historic Hanna's Town is a reconstruction of the original Revolutionary-era fort and blockhouse.
The fort at historic Hanna’s Town is a reconstruction of the original Revolutionary-era fort and blockhouse.

4. Mill Creek Falls

Mill Creek Falls is a picturesque, cascading waterfall on an idyllic mountain stream in Westmoreland County.

Fall foliage around Mill Creek Falls in Westmoreland County PA.
Fall foliage around Mill Creek Falls in Westmoreland County, October 2021.

Located on State Game Lands 42, Mill Creek Falls is an easy 1/2 mile walk along 2 forest roads to reach the falls.

Several of the tiers making up Mill Creek Falls in Westmoreland County.
Mill Creek Falls on State Game Lands 42 in Westmoreland County.

5. The Lincoln Highway Experience

The Lincoln Highway Experience is a museum dedicated to telling the story of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental automobile route linking the east and west coasts of the United States.

A map of the Lincoln Highway on display at the Lincoln Highway Experience.
A map of the Lincoln Highway on display at the Lincoln Highway Experience.

Some of the artifacts on display are authentically old, while others are eclectically modern and part of the efforts to revitalize tourism along the Lincoln Highway.

Vincent van Gas pump at the Lincoln Highway Experience in Westmoreland County.
Vincent van Gas pump at the Lincoln Highway Experience in Westmoreland County.

6. Fish Run Falls

Fish Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest may be the prettiest little waterfall in Westmoreland County that you’ve never heard of!

Downstream view of Fish Run Falls near Linn Run State Park.
Downstream view of Fish Run Falls near Linn Run State Park in Westmoreland County.

Not only is the waterfall beautiful, but it’s located next to a historic railroad aqueduct built more than 120 years ago!

Stone viaduct built by the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad around 1899.
Stone viaduct on Fish Run built by the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad around 1899.

7. Spruce Flats Bog

Spruce Flats Bog in Westmoreland County is one of the most unique ecosystems in all of Pennsylvania – a high altitude bog featuring plants and trees found nowhere else in the state.

How to find Spruce Flats Bog in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania.
Spruce Flats Bog in Westmoreland County.

The strong westerly winds at Spruce Flats Bog cause the trees to take on a bent shape known as Krummholz – German for “crooked wood”.

The windswept pines at Spruce Flats Bog in the Forbes State Forest.
The windswept pines at Spruce Flats Bog in the Forbes State Forest.

8. Adam Falls

Adam Falls at Linn Run State Park is a picturesque 12 foot tall waterfall in Westmoreland County.

Looking down on Adams Falls at Linn Run State Park after heavy spring rains.
Looking down on Adams Falls at Linn Run State Park after heavy spring rains.

Adam Falls is normally no gusher, but if you’re lucky enough to catch it after the spring thaw or a heavy rain it can be quite impressive!

Side view of Adams Falls at Linn Run State Park in the Laurel Highlands.
Side view of Adams Falls at Linn Run State Park in the Laurel Highlands.

9. Wolf Rocks

Wolf Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest is an outstanding west-facing scenic vista in Westmoreland County.

Wolf Rocks Overlook near Linn Run State Park.
Wolf Rocks Overlook near Linn Run State Park in Westmoreland County.

Wolf Rocks are quite expansive – nearly 150 feet of jutting cliffside to explore.

Wolf Rocks Overlook on an October morning.
Wolf Rocks Overlook on an October morning.

10. The Abandoned Hunting Lodge

The abandoned hunting lodge at Linn Run State Park is a remarkable set of ruins from the early days of “retreat camping” in Westmoreland County.

The abandoned McGinnis Rod and Gun CLub at Linn Run State Park.
The abandoned McGinnis Rod and Gun Club in Westmoreland County.

The abandoned hunting lodge at Linn Run State Park is located along the Flat Rock Trail, which runs parallel to Linn Run.

 

Inside the ruins of the abandoned hunting lodge at Linn Run State Park.
Inside the ruins of the abandoned hunting lodge at Linn Run State Park.

11. Linn Run State Park

Linn Run State Park is a 612 acre park popular with hikers, campers, and picnickers.

Linn Run State Park office.
Linn Run State Park office.

There are ten rental cabins at Linn Run State Park, nine rustic (no indoor plumbing) and one modern.

Rental cabin at Linn Run State Park.
Rental cabin at Linn Run State Park.

12. Laurel Mountain State Park

Laurel Mountain State Park is a 493-acre ski resort in Westmoreland County, donated to the state in 1964 by Richard K. Mellon.

Exploring Laurel Mountain State Park Ski Area in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania
Laurel Mountain State Park.

Started in 1939 as a private facility by Mellon and other wealthy Pittsburgh industrialists, it was opened to the public following World War II and became popularly known as the “Ski Capital of Pennsylvania.”

Laurel Lodge at Laurel Mountain State Park Ski Area.
Laurel Lodge on a February morning.

Laurel Mountain boast the highest vertical drop on the Laurel Ridge in Pennsylvania at 761 feet.

Ski lift at Laurel Mountain State Park in Westmoreland County, PA.
Ski lift at Laurel Mountain State Park in Westmoreland County, PA.

13. The Jonnet Flea Market

The Jonnet Flea Market along Route 22 in Westmoreland County is one of PA’s largest indoor flea markets.

The Jonnet Flea Market along ROute 22 just west of Blairsville in Indiana County, PA.
The Jonnet Flea Market along Route 22 in Westmoreland County.

You could easily spend an entire afternoon picking through the treasures for sale in this former car dealership turned massive bazaar of bargains.

Perusing the collectibles at Jonnet Flea Market in Blairsville, Indiana County, PA.
Perusing the collectibles at the Jonnet Flea Market.

14. Keystone State Park

The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County is a great place for day-trips and family vacations year round!

Exploring Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County PA
Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County.

Featuring a beautiful 78 acre lake as its centerpiece, Keystone State Park provides an ideal setting for camping, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, swimming, or other outdoor adventures.

Bench along the Lakeside Trail at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Bench along the Lakeside Trail at Keystone State Park.

15. The Kecksburg UFO Festival

The Kecksburg UFO Festival is a 3-day fire company fundraiser inspired by a 1965 UFO crash that occurred nearby in Westmoreland County.

Experiencing the Kecksburg UFO Festival in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
The Kecksburg UFO Festival takes place every July in this small town in Westmoreland County.

If you can’t make it to the festival, you can visit the Kecksburg “Space Acorn” any time of year, on the grounds of the Kecksburg Fire Department.

This replica of the Kecksburg UFO was created by the television show Unsolved Mysteries and donated to the town after the show aired.
This replica of the Kecksburg UFO was created by the television show Unsolved Mysteries, and donated to the town after the episode dedicated to the 1965 crash aired.

16. The Big Mac Museum

The Big Mac Museum in Irwin celebrates the Pennsylvania origins of the world’s most famous hamburger – the Big Mac!

Visiting the Big Mac Museum in Irwin Pennsylvania.
Scenes from the Big Mac Museum in Irwin.

17. The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail

The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail is a beautiful 1.5 mile loop hike featuring two suspension bridges at Cedar Creek Park.

The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail features two beautiful suspension bridges over Cedar Creek.
The Cedar Creek Gorge Trail features two beautiful suspension bridges over Cedar Creek.

18. The Compass Inn Museum

The Compass Inn Museum in Westmoreland County is a historically-accurate representation of what an early-to-mid 1800s stagecoach stop would have looked like.

Exploring the Compass Inn Museum in Westmoreland County.
Scenes from the Compass Inn Museum.

19. Ligonier Beach

Ligonier Beach along the Lincoln Highway in Westmoreland County was once the largest swimming pool in the United States.

Remembering Ligonier Beach in Westmoreland County.
For 93 summers, Ligonier Beach in Westmoreland County was an iconic spot to cool off in western PA.

20. Bushy Run Battlefield

Bushy Run Battlefield is the only historic site in PA that deals exclusively with Pontiac’s War.

Exploring Bushy Run Battlefield in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from the Bushy Run Battlefield Park.

The Battle of Bushy Run took place during Pontiac’s War on August 5-6, 1763, pitting British and American colonial forces against members of several Native American tribes.

A mannequin in the Visitor Center depicting what a Native American combatant at the Battle of Bushy Run might have looked like.
A mannequin in the Visitor Center depicting what a Native American combatant at the Battle of Bushy Run might have looked like.

21. Hyde Park Walking Bridge

The Hyde Park Walking Bridge, at 600 feet long and rising 20 feet above the Kiski River below, is the longest swinging bridge in Pennsylvania.

Various scenes from Hyde Park Walking Bridge, connecting Westmoreland and Armstrong counties in western Pennsylvania.
Scenes from the Hyde Park Walking Bridge.

Nearby Attractions

19 Must-See Attractions in Fayette County shows you the best things to see and do in Westmoreland County’s neighbor to the south!

Collage of four seasonal outdoor scenes in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a hiker photographing the autumn foliage, Fallingwater house surrounded by winter snow, a photographer capturing a frozen waterfall, and a person jogging on a wooden bridge amidst vibrant fall colors.
Scenes from Fayette County.

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

A lone fisherman on Brush Creek below the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA.
The Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

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

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

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

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.
Scenes from Indiana County.

24 Must-See Attractions in Allegheny County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Westmoreland County’s neighbor to the west.

A collage of four images showcasing attractions in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: Top left shows a dinosaur skeleton exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History; top right displays a creative arrangement of Heinz ketchup bottles in the shape of a larger bottle at the Heinz History Center; bottom left features three elephants near a watering hole at the Pittsburgh Zoo; and bottom right is an aerial view of PNC Park during a baseball game with the city skyline in the background.
Scenes from Allegheny County.

7 Man-Made Wonders of the PA Laurel Highlands is your guide to the 7 most iconic structures in the region.

Jumonville Cross in Fayette County is the tallest cross in Pennsylvania
The Jumonville Cross in Fayette County is the tallest cross in Pennsylvania.

With one of its four locations along Route 22 in Westmoreland County, Gene and Boots Candies is a western PA tradition!

Gene and Boots Candies along Route 22 near Greensburg, PA.
Gene and Boots Candies along Route 22 in Westmoreland County.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.