2026 marks the 250th birthday of the United States of America, and there’s nowhere better to celebrate than in the country’s birthplace, Pennsylvania.
I’ve put together a list of great spots to visit to truly learn the story of Pennsylvania and how it was both founded and stayed together. There’s also some great local art around the state that is celebrating this great milestone.
Here are my top picks for where to check out to celebrate America in 2026.
Independence Hall
There’s nowhere better to visit during the celebration of America’s 250th birthday than the place where it all started.
Independence Hall is the focal point of Independence National Historical Park in Old City Philadelphia; a spot that has been dubbed the most historic square mile in the US. It was in this largely rebuilt building, that the Continental Congress ratified and signed the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776.
Tours of Independence Hall are free and offer a fascinating look into the history of the site and the men who met here.
While here, don’t miss the other great buildings in the historical park, in particular the Liberty Bell, which sits in a modern building across the street from Independence Hall.
Gettysburg Battlefield
If Independence Hall is where America began, the Gettysburg Battlefield is where America was saved. That’s because this spot in south-central PA is considered to be the turning point of the Civil War after a decisive Union victory in the July 1863 battle.
The battlefield in Gettysburg is completely free to visit for self-guided tours, though guided tours and visiting one (or more) of the many great museums in town are highly recommended to really get a full grasp of the battlefield.
Adjacent to the battlefield, you’ll find Soldiers’ National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address.
York Colonial Complex
Did you know that some consider York, PA to be the birthplace of the United States of America? While it sounds odd, it actually has some basis in the truth.
In 1777, the Continental Congress was forced to flee Philadelphia and ended up settling in York’s provencial courthouse for nine months. During this time, the term “The United States of America” was first used as the country’s official name, and the Articles of Confederation were passed.
While the courthouse there today is a reconstructed building, the York Colonial Complex is a great spot to learn about some of America’s founding history that is often overlook.
Valley Forge
Valley Forge is one of the most well-known Revolutionary War sites in the country, and its the spot where Washington’s army really became a fighting force capable of taking on the British.
Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves the site of the Continental Army’s encampment over the winter of 1777-1778, and tells the story of this impactful period of American history.
Visitors can tour an excellent museum and drive, walk, or bicycle, through the grounds to learn more about the army’s time here.
Fair Play Men
Of all the spots on this list, it’s likely the story of the Fair Play Men is the least known. However, they play a unique and fascinating role in American history that’s worth learning about.
On July 4, 1776 in present day Clinton County, PA, the Fair Play Men got together and declared their independence from British rule under a large tree along the banks of the Pine Creek. While they would later learn of the events in Philadelphia, their determination in the face of tyranny is quite inspiring.
Today, a small monument marks the spot where this event occurred.
Wheatland
James Buchanan is one of two Presidents who were born in Pennsylvania (the other being Joe Biden), and visitors wanting to learn about Buchanan’s life can visit Wheatland, his home in Lancaster.
Buchanan lived in this home for the last twenty years of his life, a time that includes his presidency. Many of the home’s original furnishings remain where they were when Buchanan passed away in 1868.
Today, visitors can tour the home and learn about Buchanan’s life, career, and legacy, which I found quite fascinating since he is often overlooked and maligned.
Those wanting to learn even more about his life can visit his birthplace in James Buchanan Birthplace State Park near Mercersburg, but note that the home no longer stands there.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
While it might not be overly well known today, you could make the argument that Fort Necessity National Battlefield in southwestern PA is where the march to the American Revolution began.
On a ridge overlooking the main portion of the battlefield, a detachment of soldiers under the command of a young George Washington fired upon French soldier and started what became known as the French and Indian War. A battle a few weeks later at Fort Necessity was the only time that Washington would ever surrender his army.
Today, this battlefield is preserved and allows visitors to learn about its incredible impact on American history and one of the most important figures in the country.
Museum of the American Revolution
Located in Old City Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution is a must-visit spot for those wanting to learn about the conflict.
The museum offers a compelling lesson on the war, including the events that led up to it, told through artifacts, text, dioramas, and more. There are also a lot of great interactive elements for kids to help them have fun whle learning.
Eisenhower House
Did you know that President Dwight Eisenhower spent his post-military years at a home in Gettysburg, PA? Located adjacent to the battlefield, his home, now known as the Eisenhower National Historic Site, offers a compelling into into Eisenhower’s life and his impact on the world.
The home contains all of his family’s furnishings, and it was really interesting to learn about his life, and the many famous world leaders who visited the home during his presidency.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
There might be no more well-known image of the Revolutionary War than Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas 1776.
His crossing, which started from the now-preserved Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County, led to a major defeat of British-aligned forces in Trenton, and gave hope to the weary army that they could win the war.
Visitors can explore the grounds to learn what life was like in this part of the country in 1776 and how the crossing occured.
Don’t miss the nearby Thompson-Neely House, where a young James Monroe recovered after being wounded in the battle.
Bells Across PA
Bells Across PA is a modern program and part of Pennsylvania’s 250th celebration that’s worth checking out as you travel around the state in 2026.
Each county in PA had a local artist design a fiberglass replica of the Liberty Bell (sans crack) to highlight the history and culture of the county. These are placed are various spots in each area, the full list of which can be found here.
So far, I’ve only seen the one in Cumberland County, which was done by the talented Phil George, but I can’t wait to see more during my travels around PA this year.
How are you celebrating America’s 250th Birthday in PA this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking to explore more of Pennsylvania? Check out my list of 101 Things to See in PA Before You Die.
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