All open air museums to visit in Pennsylvania

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Pennsylvania. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Pennsylvania:

  1. Amish Farm and House1

    Amish Farm and House

     Lancaster, PA
    This farm is the first tourist Amish attraction in the USA. Visitors can learn about the Amish people and their lifestyle here.
  2. Old Bedford Village2

    Old Bedford Village

     Bedford, PA
    Today, the Bedford Village Archeological Site is home to Old Bedford Village, an open-air museum. The museum houses a variety of historic structures that have been transported to the site from the surrounding towns of Bedford, Everett, and Rainsburg. These structures provide a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's history.
  3. Ridley Creek State Park3

    Ridley Creek State Park

     Media, PA
    Located just 5 miles north of Media, the county seat, Ridley Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking in the park. With its diverse landscapes and amenities, the park caters to a wide range of interests and fitness levels.
  4. U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center4

    U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center

     Carlisle, PA
    The USAHEC is a comprehensive center comprising several divisions, each contributing to the preservation and dissemination of U.S. Army history. These include the Military History Institute, the Army Heritage Museum, the Historical Services Division, Visitor and Education Services, the U.S. Army War College Library, and Collections Management. Each division plays a unique role, offering a diverse range of resources and services to visitors.
  5. Landis Valley Museum5

    Landis Valley Museum

     Lancaster, PA
    The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a living history museum situated on a 100-acre site that was once a rural crossroads village in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This expansive museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.
  6. Coplay Cement Company Kilns6

    Coplay Cement Company Kilns

     Hokendauqua, PA
    The Coplay Cement Company Kilns, also known as the Saylor Park Industrial Museum, is an open-air historic site. It is located in Coplay, Pennsylvania, in Lehigh County. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the cement industry in the area, and to appreciate the architectural and industrial heritage of the region.
  7. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm7

    Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

     Stroudsburg, PA
    The Quiet Valley Farm is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the past. This historic American working farm operates as an open-air museum, providing visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like on a farm in the past. Costumed interpreters are on hand to explain and demonstrate various aspects of farm life, from the daily chores to the seasonal activities.
  8. Barclay Farmstead: A Living History Museum8

    Barclay Farmstead: A Living History Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Barclay Farm House, also known as the Barclay Farmstead, is a historic site located in Cherry Hill, Camden County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  9. Newlin Grist Mill9

    Newlin Grist Mill

     Concord Township, PA
    The Newlin Mill Complex, also known as The Newlin Grist Mill, is a significant historical site in Concord Township, Pennsylvania. The water-powered gristmill was built in 1704 by Nathaniel and Mary Newlin and remained in commercial operation until 1941. This long history of operation gives the mill a unique place in the local history and makes it a fascinating site for visitors interested in historical architecture and industrial heritage.
  10. 10

    Lock Ridge Park and Furnace Museum

     Alburtis, PA
    Lock Ridge Park, located just outside Alburtis, Pennsylvania, is a unique park that has been built around a historic iron ore blast furnace. This park is situated in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, an area known for its rich history and natural beauty. The park serves as a preservation site for parts of the former Lock Ridge Iron Works, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial past.