New Brighton Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Brighton, Pennsylvania.
1. Merrick Art Gallery
HISTORIC ART LANDMARK
Merrick Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of 19th-century art within a charming, historic railroad town setting. Founded in 1880 by New Brighton industrialist and philanthropist Edward Dempster Merrick, it remains the only art gallery in Beaver County. The gallery serves as both a teaching and exhibiting museum dedicated to increasing understanding of fine art.
2. Rosalind Candy Castle
SWEET LOCAL TRADITION
Rosalind Candy Castle is a beloved local candy shop and tourist destination in New Brighton. Visitors can watch handmade chocolates being crafted while enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere of this family-owned business. The shop offers a wide variety of sweet treats including their famous chocolates, brittles, and seasonal specialties.
3. Christ Episcopal Church
HISTORIC GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
Christ Episcopal Church stands as the oldest continuously used church in New Brighton, dating back to its sesquicentennial from 1850-2000. It represents an outstanding example of English Small Gothic Architecture in America. The church houses a collection of superb stained glass windows created by Tiffany.
4. Grove Cemetery Walking Tour
HISTORICAL SELF-GUIDED TOUR
Grove Cemetery Walking Tour offers visitors a self-guided journey through the historic burial grounds established over 150 years ago. The half-mile tour features ten stops highlighting the final resting places of notable abolitionists, athletes, artists, war heroes, and industrialists from the New Brighton area. Visitors can pick up a tour pamphlet at the cemetery office or download a digital version to experience the beauty and history of this significant local landmark.
5. Hardy Field
LOCAL SPORTS VENUE
Hardy Field serves as an important recreational and sports venue for the New Brighton community. The field hosts local sporting events and provides space for community gatherings throughout the year. Its central location makes it accessible for residents and visitors alike who want to experience local sports culture.
6. Underground Railroad Walking Tour
FREEDOM TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Underground Railroad Walking Tour offers visitors insight into New Brighton's role in the historic network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. This self-guided experience highlights locations throughout the town that served as safe houses and passage points. The tour provides educational opportunities about this crucial period in American history and New Brighton's contribution to the abolitionist movement.
7. Raccoon Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Raccoon Creek State Park spans 7,572 acres of natural beauty just a short drive from New Brighton. The park features a picturesque 101-acre lake and offers numerous recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and nature programs. Facilities range from historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures to modern amenities, making it one of the largest and most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania.
8. Oak Grove Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Oak Grove Presbyterian Church stands as a significant historical landmark in New Brighton's religious landscape. The church has served the community for generations with its distinctive architecture and welcoming congregation. Its historical significance is recognized as part of New Brighton's cultural heritage.
9. Edward Dempster Merrick Childhood Home
19TH CENTURY HERITAGE
The childhood home of Edward Dempster Merrick represents an important piece of New Brighton's architectural and cultural heritage. Built in 1847 for his parents, Silas and Fanny Miner Merrick, this historic residence housed the family of the future 19th-century industrialist, philanthropist, and Civil War veteran. Merrick later became known for founding the Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton in 1880, leaving a lasting cultural legacy in the community.
10. Air Heritage Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Air Heritage Museum showcases historically significant aircraft and aviation memorabilia near New Brighton. Visitors can explore restored vintage aircraft and learn about aviation history through interactive exhibits and knowledgeable volunteers. The museum also functions as an active aircraft restoration facility where guests can observe preservation work in progress.
11. Beaver Area Heritage Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Beaver Area Heritage Museum preserves and displays the rich history of the Beaver County region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from early settlement to modern times. The museum complex also includes the historic 1802 Log House, offering a glimpse into early American frontier life.
12. Beaver County Industrial Museum
MANUFACTURING LEGACY PRESERVED
The Beaver County Industrial Museum documents the region's significant industrial heritage and manufacturing innovations. Exhibits highlight the area's contributions to steel production, pottery making, glass manufacturing, and other industries that shaped the region's economy. Visitors can see historical machinery, tools, and products that tell the story of Western Pennsylvania's industrial might.
13. Greersburg Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Greersburg Academy stands as one of the oldest academy buildings west of the Alleghenies and played a significant role in early American education. Built in 1802, this historic structure now serves as a museum preserving local history and educational artifacts. The academy's exhibits offer insights into 19th-century educational practices and the development of formal schooling in the region.
14. Larry's Hometown Restaurant
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Larry's Hometown Restaurant serves as a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors seeking authentic American comfort food in New Brighton. The restaurant offers generous portions of homestyle cooking in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the town's friendly character. Diners especially enjoy the breakfast specialties and homemade desserts that have made Larry's a community institution.
15. Big Rock Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Big Rock Park provides a scenic riverside retreat for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities along the Beaver River. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and fishing spots where families can connect with nature and each other. Its convenient location near downtown New Brighton makes it a popular destination for both quick visits and day-long outings in all seasons.