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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, just one hour east of Pittsburgh, is home to 64 miles of rails to trails, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a robust Agritourism industry, 400 old order Amish families, and a wealth of history ranging from the French Indian War to our very own Hollywood actor, Jimmy Stewart.
An extensive rails to trails system, connects the ghost town, Hoodlebug and West Penn Trails. Beginning in the town of Indiana the trail travels through rural areas, small towns, over bridges and along the Conemaugh River and the Blacklick and Two Lick Creeks. The trails are abundant with history and cyclists can read about the transformation of the trial with the interpretive signs along the way. Whether you ride the entire rail system or just walk a few miles, you will relish in the scenery and enjoy the many photo opportunities available. You find restaurants, accommodations and shopping along the way.
Utilizing thousands of acres of farmland, both modern day and Amish farms work to produce an abundance of diary, organic, hydroponic and greenhouse farming. Learn where our food comes from and the process it takes to bring it to your homes. Dairy farms supply the milk needed to make the cheese, which is produced in the region. Fruits and vegetables are supplied to area restaurants and grocery stores. Indiana County, aka the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” harvests over 500,000 Christmas trees from over 80 farms.
Tucked away in a secluded section of Northern Indiana County is the community of Smicksburg, which is home to over 400 old order Amish families. Experience the beautiful country scenery of rolling farmland, the clatter of horses pulling buggies, shopping in the quaint shops and tasting the local cuisine. Shoppers can enjoy selections of pottery, locally made wine and cheese, country crafts, quilts, Amish furniture and baked goods.
Historical and interactive attractions make for fun educational experiences. Naeskahoni Village is an actual size French Indian War era village with ten interactive structures dating back to the 1750s. Children and adults can participate in such activities as grinding corn and using a bow drill as well as learning about cooking, tanning and tool making techniques. The Underground Railroad tells the story of the life of children and adults who escaped slavery during the 1800s. Travel through time while visiting our 12 National Historic Register covered bridges.
Jimmy Stewart was born and raised in Indiana County and his museum holds many artifacts of his Hollywood career as an actor portraying some of his most famous films: Harvey and It’s a Wonderful Life. While in the area, you can also see his boyhood home, the church he attended and a statue in his honor.
Indiana County hosts 31 fairs and festivals including Thunder Mountain Native American Festival, Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire and the Saltsburg Canal Days. These are just a few of an extensive celebration of ethnic, cultural and agricultural fairs and festivals.
Visit for a day or a few days; you won’t be disappointed. Come back again and again, each time bringing home a new experience and memory. You’ll soon know why we say: “Come for Fun, Take Home a Memory.” For more information call 877-746-3426 or go to visitindianacountypa.org.
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