Knoebels Amusement Resort is the perfect example of a local attraction that the entire family can enjoy together. With free admission, free parking and free entertainment, Knoebels has something for everyone with award-winning food and over 60 rides. This year Knoebels is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Haunted Mansion.
While exploring the Susquehanna River Valley, it is common to see deer, squirrels, rabbits and maybe even a bear, but our region is also home to two zoos (with two others nearby) that allow you to learn more about some non-native species. Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood lets you get up close and personal to reptiles, amphibians, birds and animatronic dinosaurs. T&D’s Cats of the World in Penns Creek is the home to nearly 300 rescued animals - from monkeys and tigers to bobcats and bear. Just a short drive away, you can enjoy Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Halifax. Lake Tobias features walk through and a drive through exhibits, as well as, a petting zoo and an education center. Finally you can meet some warm and wooly friends at Country Vale Alpacas in New Columbia.
The fun doesn’t have to come to an end on rainy days in the Susquehanna River Valley. Our region is home to a number of great indoor children’s attractions designed to challenge the mind and body. Bluebird Atelier in Lewisburg, Hoopla’s Xtreme Family Fun Center in Shamokin Dam, Lewisburg Children’s Museum, and the YMCA Arts Center in Sunbury are great local options. Just a short drive away, you will find Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Corning Museum of Glass, Hoopla’s Family Fun in Muncy, Lykens Children’s Museum in Elizabethville and Treasure Castle Playland in South Williamsport.
You have to travel a little bit out of the region to explore the depths of PA, but we have three caves/caverns nearby. Centre Hall is home to Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, an all-water cavern you experience by boat and a 90-minute ride through pastures, mountain trails and forest. Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks in nearby Huntingdon offers an array of activities and events throughout the year. Woodward Cave is a large cavern and one of the third largest hibernating sites for bats in PA.
Residents of the Susquehanna River Valley are proud of their history and heritage. The historical societies and museums of the area work to preserve and honor that history as do the historical attractions found here. Pioneer Coal Tunnel and Steam Train in Ashland is one such attraction. Pioneer takes visitors on a ride through an actual coal mine to experience what miners throughout PA experienced every day. They also offer rides on a 1920s steam locomotive. Other great options include the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, Eagles Mere Historic Village, Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat in Williamsport and the Millersburg Ferry.
Two close to home attractions that hit a home run with families in our region are World of Little League Museum and Official Store in South Williamsport and Williamsport Crosscutters at Historic Bowman Field. The Crosscutters are members of the new MLB draft league and feature top MLB draft eligible prospects from across the country.
To learn more about all of the wonderful attractions in your own backyard, go to VisitCentralPA.org or contact the team at the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau at 570-524-7234. We are here to connect you with the attractions and amenities within this beautiful region we call home!
