Pleasantville Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Pleasantville, Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
1. Old Bedford Village
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Old Bedford Village is a living history museum featuring nearly 40 authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings, relocated and restored to recreate early American life. Costumed interpreters demonstrate colonial crafts, trades, and daily activities, offering an immersive glimpse into the region’s past. Special events and reenactments throughout the year make it a dynamic destination for families and history enthusiasts.
2. Fort Bedford Museum
FRENCH & INDIAN WAR HERITAGE
The Fort Bedford Museum tells the story of the original fort built during the French and Indian War, exploring the area's strategic importance and rich history. Exhibits include artifacts from the colonial era, Native American culture, and the Whiskey Rebellion. The museum’s riverside location and interactive displays make it a must-visit for those interested in early American history.
3. Shawnee State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR ESCAPE
Shawnee State Park offers 4,000 acres of natural beauty, centered around the 451-acre Shawnee Lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park features miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Its year-round recreational options make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
4. Claycomb Covered Bridge
HISTORIC BRIDGE LANDMARK
The Claycomb Covered Bridge, built in 1880 and relocated to its current site at Old Bedford Village, is a classic example of 19th-century Burr Truss engineering. Spanning the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, the bridge is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians. Its picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for photography and local history tours.
5. Dunkle’s Gulf Station
ART DECO ROADSTOP
Dunkle’s Gulf Station is a working gas station and a striking example of 1930s Art Deco architecture along the historic Lincoln Highway. The building’s unique design and vintage appeal attract both car enthusiasts and history buffs. Visitors can fuel up and step back in time at this iconic roadside landmark.
6. The Coffee Pot
ROADSIDE NOVELTY
The Coffee Pot is an 18-foot-tall novelty structure built in 1927 to draw travelers along the Lincoln Highway. Once a lunch stand, this quirky piece of Americana now serves as a photo stop and symbol of Bedford’s roadside history. Its whimsical charm continues to delight visitors of all ages.
7. Jean Bonnet Tavern
COLONIAL TAVERN & HAUNTED HISTORY
The Jean Bonnet Tavern, dating back to the 1760s, offers colonial-era dining and lodging in a beautifully preserved stone building. The tavern is renowned for its hearty fare, historic ambiance, and stories of ghostly encounters. Guests can enjoy a meal, explore the tavern’s history, or even stay overnight in one of Pennsylvania’s most storied inns.
8. Blue Knob State Park
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE HUB
Blue Knob State Park is home to Pennsylvania’s second-highest peak and offers year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. The park’s expansive vistas and forested trails attract nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In winter, the Blue Knob Ski Resort provides the highest skiable slopes in the state.
9. Bedford County Covered Bridges
SCENIC BRIDGE TOUR
Bedford County boasts 14 historic covered bridges, each with unique architectural features and scenic surroundings. Visitors can take a self-guided driving tour to explore these picturesque structures, many of which are still drivable. The bridges offer a charming window into the region’s 19th-century transportation history.
10. National Museum of the American Coverlet
TEXTILE HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The National Museum of the American Coverlet is dedicated to the art and history of woven coverlets, showcasing hundreds of intricate textiles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Interactive exhibits highlight weaving techniques, patterns, and the stories of the artisans. The museum provides a unique cultural experience for those interested in American folk art and craftsmanship.
11. Coral Caverns
ANCIENT CAVE FORMATION
Coral Caverns features a 420-million-year-old fossilized coral reef, making it a geological wonder in Bedford County. Guided tours reveal fascinating rock formations, fossils, and the cave’s storied history as a tourist destination. The site’s educational displays and underground beauty appeal to both families and geology enthusiasts.
12. 1806 Old Log Church
HISTORIC CHURCH SITE
The 1806 Old Log Church stands as the oldest surviving church in Bedford County, constructed entirely from hand-hewn logs. Visitors can explore the simple yet enduring structure and the adjacent pioneer cemetery. The church is a testament to the area’s early settlers and their enduring faith.
13. Founders Crossing
ANTIQUES & ARTISAN MARKET
Founders Crossing is a sprawling 20,000-square-foot antique mall and local artisan market housed in a historic building from 1890. With over 100 vendors, it offers a diverse selection of antiques, collectibles, and handcrafted goods. The market is a treasure trove for shoppers seeking unique finds and regional crafts.
14. Halls Mill Covered Bridge
PICTURESQUE RURAL BRIDGE
Halls Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1872, spans Yellow Creek and is celebrated for its pristine condition and scenic valley setting. The bridge’s open sides provide beautiful views of the creek below, making it a favorite for photographers and history lovers. Its well-maintained structure highlights the craftsmanship of Bedford County’s historic bridges.
15. The Lost Children of the Alleghenies Monument
TRAGIC HISTORIC MEMORIAL
The Lost Children of the Alleghenies Monument commemorates the heartbreaking story of two young brothers who perished in the mountains in 1856. Located at the site where their bodies were found, the marble monument honors the community’s search efforts and enduring memory. The site offers a poignant reflection on local history and the resilience of early settlers.