Top 3 Unique Day Trips in PA

I have lived in Pennsylvania all my life, and, while I love traveling far and wide, sometimes I’m short on time or just want to explore what’s already in my backyard. That’s what makes PA so great – from historic cities to sprawling farmland to wacky hideaways, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning your next road trip or just interested in what’s around, here are the three most unique day trips in PA.

Randyland

Randyland is this crazy, eclectic collection of, for lack of a better word, stuff in Pittsburgh. Created by artist Randy Gilson, Randyland is open noon-dusk every day and is an outdoor courtyard art museum. There’s no fee, but it does accept donations. I spent about an hour there, but I’ve heard about some people who spent all day exploring the quirks. Street parking only since it’s in a residential area. Commonplace Coffee, right down the street, is super cute if you’re looking for a caffeine fix.

Punxsutawney

Obviously the only time to go to Punxsutawney is February 2. Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow to predict the weather as per Pennsylvania tradition. Basically if Phil sees his shadow, then we’re in for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, it’s an early spring! And you wouldn’t believe how many people show up to watch him do it – when I went in 2020 there were 40,000 people in attendance! If you want good seats to see Phil, get there early. Phil makes his predication around 7:30AM but people start arriving around 3AM. 

Columcille Megalith Park

Located in Bangor, PA, Columcille is “rooted in Celtic spirituality and inspired by the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland.” The park has over eighty standing stones and is regarded as a space for quiet meditation. In addition to the trails, there are a bunch of structures to explore including the Saint Columba Chapel and the Saint Oren Bell Tower and a moon circle. Very whimsical. I visited in January so there wasn’t a lot of foliage, but I can’t wait to go back in summer. This place is absolutely magical.

Honorable Mention: Centralia’s Graffiti Highway

Unfortunately, this place closed in 2020. Centralia was once a thriving coal town in PA that was devastated by a mine fire, creating an underground blaze that still rages today. According to PA’s Department of Environmental Protection, if the fire is left unattended it will burn for another century! Graffiti Highway, once part of Pennsylvania Route 66, was a little under a mile of road devoted to colorful images and mottos. For anyone who was able to visit, you know what a cool place it was.

Pennsylvania is home to so many interesting nooks. For anyone looking for a unique day trips to take in PA, look no further than Randyland, Punxsutawney, or Columcille! And for anyone who’s already ticked these off their bucket list, let me know where I should visit next :))