What Are The 19 National Parks In Pennsylvania

What Are the 19 National Parks in Pennsylvania? A Complete Guide to the State’s National Park Service Sites

Pennsylvania’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage are reflected in the many places managed by the National Park Service (NPS). While the state does not have 19 distinct “national parks” in the classic sense of vast wilderness reserves like Yellowstone or Yosemite, it is home to 19 official NPS units that carry the designation of national park, national historic site, national memorial, national battlefield, or national recreation area. Together, these sites tell the story of America’s founding, industrial growth, civil rights struggles, and natural beauty.

Below you’ll find an in‑depth look at each of the 19 Pennsylvania NPS destinations, practical tips for visiting, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or family looking for a weekend getaway, this guide will help you plan your next adventure across the Keystone State.

Introduction: Why Pennsylvania Matters to the National Park System

When most people think of “national parks,” they picture towering mountains, sweeping canyons, or pristine coastlines. Pennsylvania’s contribution to the NPS portfolio is different but equally important: the state preserves pivotal moments in American history and unique natural corridors that shaped the nation’s development. From the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg to the industrial remnants of Hopewell Furnace, each site offers a tangible connection to the past while providing recreational opportunities for today’s visitors.

The term “national park” in the article’s title is used loosely to encompass all NPS‑managed places in Pennsylvania that carry a “national” designation. Understanding this distinction helps set realistic expectations and highlights the variety of experiences available.

How Many National Parks Are Actually in Pennsylvania? Strictly speaking, Pennsylvania has one true national park: the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (though it is labeled a “recreation area,” it functions similarly to a national park in terms of size and visitor amenities). The remaining 18 units fall under other NPS categories—national historical parks, national military parks, national memorials, national historic sites, and national battlefields.

For the purpose of this article, we treat all 19 units as “national parks” because they are all administered by the National Park Service, receive federal funding, and are promoted under the NPS brand. This approach aligns with how many travel guides and educational resources refer to the collection.

The 19 National Park Service Units in Pennsylvania

Below is the complete list, grouped by designation for easier reference. Each entry includes a brief description, the year it was established, and the primary reason it matters to visitors.

1. Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia)

• Established: 1948
• Highlights: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated), Congress Hall, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. - Why Visit: The birthplace of American democracy; ideal for school groups and history lovers. ### 2. Gettysburg National Military Park (Gettysburg)
• Established: 1895
• Highlights: Battlefield tour routes, Cyclorama painting, Museum and Visitor Center, and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery (site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address).
• Why Visit: One of the most studied Civil War battlefields; offers guided tours, reenactments, and extensive hiking trails.

3. Valley Forge National Historical Park (King of Prussia)

• Established: 1976
• Highlights: Washington’s Headquarters, reconstructed huts, Memorial Arch, and miles of scenic trails. - Why Visit: Shows the Continental Army’s winter encampment of 1777‑78; great for walking, biking, and ranger‑led programs.

4. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Delaware Water Gap)

• Established: 1965
• Highlights: 40‑mile stretch of the Delaware River, waterfalls (e.g., Dingmans Falls), Appalachian Trail segment, and abundant wildlife.
• Why Visit: Premier spot for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping; straddles Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

5. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (Gallitzin)

• Established: 1964
• Highlights: Incline planes, Lemon House, Staple Bend Tunnel (first railroad tunnel in the U.S.), and visitor center exhibits. - Why Visit: Illustrates early 19th‑century engineering that moved cargo over the Allegheny Mountains.

6. Eisenhower National Historic Site (Gettysburg)

• Established: 1967
• Highlights: President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farm and home, putting green, barns, and guided tours of the property.
• Why Visit: Offers a personal glimpse into the life of a WWII supreme commander and U.S. president.

7. Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville) - Established: 2002

• Highlights: Memorial Plaza, Wall of Names, Tower of Voices (wind chimes), and the Sacred Ground where United Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001.
• Why Visit: A place of reflection and remembrance for the heroic passengers and crew who thwarted a terrorist attack.

8. Fort Necessity National Battlefield (Farmington)

• Established: 1931
• Highlights: Reconstructed fort, Jumonville Glen site, museum exhibits, and interpretive trails.
• Why Visit: Marks the opening battle of the French and Indian War (1754), a precursor to the global Seven Years’ War.

Beyond the eighthighlights already mentioned, Pennsylvania’s National Park Service portfolio includes several other gems that deserve a spot on any itinerary.

9. Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia) – Often called “America’s Birthplace,” this park preserves Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed, along with the iconic Liberty Bell. Ranger‑led talks and the nearby Congress Hall offer deep dives into the nation’s founding era.

10. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (Elverson) – A well‑preserved 19th‑century iron plantation, Hopewell Furnace showcases the technology, labor, and community life that fueled America’s early industrial boom. Visitors can tour the blast furnace, historic buildings, and surrounding woodlands while learning about charcoal production and the lives of the workers who kept the furnace burning.

11. Steamtown National Historic Site (Scranton) – Located on the former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad yard, Steamtown brings the steam‑railroad era to life with operational locomotives, restored freight cars, and interactive exhibits. Seasonal steam excursions let riders feel the chug of iron horses as they wind through the Lackawanna Valley.

12. Johnstown Flood National Memorial (Johnstown) – This solemn site commemorates the catastrophic 1889 dam failure that claimed over 2,200 lives. The memorial includes a visitor center with artifacts, a restored clubhouse of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, and walking trails that follow the flood’s path, offering both education and reflection.

Planning Your Visit - Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall provide mild temperatures ideal for hiking and battlefield walks, while summer offers full‑schedule ranger programs and occasional reenactments. Winter can be quieter, with some indoor exhibits remaining open and snowshoeing opportunities at higher‑elevation sites like Valley Forge.

• Passes and fees: Most of these locations charge modest entrance fees; the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass covers admission for a year and is worthwhile if you plan to explore multiple sites.
• Accessibility: Many visitor centers, museums, and key trails are wheelchair‑accessible, and several parks provide audio‑described tours or tactile exhibits for visitors with visual impairments. Checking each park’s website ahead of time ensures you know what accommodations are available.
• Combine experiences: Because several sites are clustered—Gettysburg, Eisenhower, and Flight 93 lie within a short drive of each other—you can easily build a thematic road trip that moves from Revolutionary‑War origins through Civil‑War sacrifice to modern‑day remembrance.

Pennsylvania’s National Park Service sites weave together the threads of revolution, industry, transportation, and collective memory. Whether you’re tracing the steps of soldiers at Gettysburg, feeling the heat of a historic furnace, or standing in quiet reflection at a memorial, each location offers a tangible connection to the stories that shaped the United States. By exploring these diverse landscapes, visitors gain a richer, more nuanced appreciation of the nation’s past—and perhaps inspiration for its future. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey through Pennsylvania’s living history.