If you’re looking for things to do in Bucks County, PA, you’ve come to the right place. Having spent many days traveling through its cities, small towns, and countryside, I’ve uncovered many great things to do in this eastern PA county. In fact, of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, Bucks County is one of my favorites to visit.
Located north of Philadelphia, Bucks County is one of the original counties of Pennsylvania, and it has a history that can be seen around every corner. However, the county isn’t just for history lovers. There are so many fantastic state parks, odd natural attractions, and cultural sites to keep the whole family busy.
Here a few of my favorite things to do in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Fonthill
Fonthill is a concrete castle built in the early 20th century on the outskirts of Doylestown by artist Henry Chapman Mercer. Fonthill was Chapman’s home, and he incorporated many of his famous Moravian tiles into when during construction.
The home is open for tours for those that want to see inside this amazing Pennsylvania castle.
Fonthill, along with the next two places on this list, make up what is known as the Mercer Mile. While there are many great things to do in Doylestown, the Mercer Mile is undoubtedly at the top of the list.
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
Located steps from Fonthill, Mercer built his workshop: the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. The architecture of this workshop was inspired by a Spanish monastery, but the design also had practical benefits for producing tiles.
The business continued producing tiles here until the early 1960s. Since then, it’s been open for tours with artisans continuing to craft these famous Moravian tiles in much the same way that Mercer did over 100 years ago.
Mercer Museum
The Mercer Museum is the last of the three structures within the Mercer Mile in Doylestown. The Mercer Museum is another castle-like structure built by Mercer. This building was designed to house his collection of hand-powered tools from the 19th and 20th centuries.
This amazing collection is housed in an equally amazing setting, and you might feel like you are standing on the set of a Harry Potter film while exploring the museum.
Ringing Rocks County Park
Throughout all my travels in Pennsylvania, I don’t think I’ve come across a stranger natural attraction than Ringing Rocks County Park. Located in northern Bucks County, the rocks in the park’s boulder field ring like a bell when they are struck with a hammer. While it’s not the only ringing rock field in the county (there’s another in State Game Lands 157), it’s the most accessible.
The park is also home to High Falls, the tallest waterfall in Bucks County.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
One of the most famous scenes from the Revolutionary War is George Washington and his army crossing the Delaware River on Christmas day. Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves this historic site and the village that popped up afterward.
The park does an annual Christmas day reenactment, but it’s a great spot to visit throughout the year to learn more about this famous event.
While visiting the park, take a drive over to the nearby Bowman’s Hill Tower, which is part of the park, for fantastic views of the Delaware River Valley.
Covered Bridges
Throughout Bucks County, there are beautiful covered bridges. Visiting these dozen bridges offer the chance to not only see some of the county’s most historic structures but also to take in the rural settings that surround them.
The county’s covered bridges are almost all located in the northern half of the county and are great spots for a quick detour while you are out exploring the many things to do in Bucks County.
Pennsbury Manor
Pennsbury Manor is the rebuilt home of Pennsylvania’s founder: William Penn. Penn lived in the original home at the end of the 17th century, but by the start of the 19th century, the home was no more. However, in the 1930s, a project was undertaken to recreate Penn’s home along the Delaware River.
Today, visitors can still tour this stately manor and learn about Penn’s life and what it was like in the colony’s earliest days.
New Hope and Ivyland Railroad
The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad is an excursion train that takes riders on a trip through the countryside of Bucks County. The train departs from a train station on the edge of New Hope before taking visitors along track that was once part of the Reading Railroad.
Along the way, narration is provided to help riders better appreciate this part of eastern Pennsylvania.
Nockamixon State Park
Nockamixon State Park is a large park located in northern Bucks County. The park is home to the largest lake in southeastern PA, mountain biking trails, and a disc golf course. There are also many miles of hiking trails that are perfect for short loops or all day hikes.
One highlight of the park is the large dam overflow that creates one of the most impressive man-made waterfalls in all of Pennsylvania. A viewing area for this waterfall can be found on the southern edge of the park.
Michener Museum
The Michener Museum is an art museum in Doylestown. One of my favorite things to do in Bucks County, this museum highlights the work of artists from the county. However, don’t like the local nature of this museum fool you. The quality of art at the Michener Museum is one par with some of the larger art museums in the region.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in the Philadelphia region and is one of my favorite Bucks County Breweries. Opened in 2010, Neshaminy Creek takes its name from the nearby creek that it draws its water from to make beer.
Neshaminy has won several awards at the Great American Beer Festival and visitors can sample their flagship beers and many harder-to-find varieties in their tasting room in Croydon.
Ralph Stover State Park
Ralph Stover State Park is a small park located in northeastern Bucks County. The park is best known for its 150 foot high cliffs that offer panoramic views of Tohickon Creek far below.
Visitors can hike along these cliffs and enjoy the spectacular views from here. Those that are a bit more adventure-oriented can try the 60 climbing routes that have been created along the cliffs or go white-water kayaking on the creek.
The park is also home to the only uncovered covered bridge in Pennsylvania.
Shopping in downtown New Hope
Without a doubt, New Hope is one of the most charming small towns in Pennsylvania. The community’s main streets are filled with great restaurants and many fantastic shops.
One of the most popular things to do in Bucks County is simply to walk the streets of New Hope and take time to go shopping in the town’s locally-owned stores.
Sesame Place
If you have kids that love Sesame Street, a visit to Sesame Place is a must. The only theme park in the world dedicated to Sesame Street, this park is perfect for the youngest members of the family. However, that doesn’t mean the rest of the family will be bored. In addition to many great attractions for young kids, the park also features a rollercoaster and a water park.
Sesame Place also has the distinction of being the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center.
Bucks County Civil War Museum
The Bucks County Civil War Museum is one of the most overlooked things to do in Doylestown, PA. Located in a residential building on the outskirts of downtown, this museum showcases the story of those that lived in Bucks County and fought in the Civil War.
The museum features a great collection of uniforms, weapons, and other pieces of interest from the Civil War. There’s even a music box that was once owned by Mary Todd Lincoln.
Neshaminy State Park
Located in the southeastern corner of Bucks County is Neshaminy State Park. While this park is more urban than the other parks in the county, Neshaminy State Park is still a great place to visit.
The park is home to several miles of trails, and the River Walk Trail along the Delaware River is quite beautiful. From the start of the trail, there are even fantastic views of Philadelphia’s skyline on clear days.
The park is also home to a popular swimming pool and marina.
Route 32
During my five years writing about Pennsylvania, I’ve driven tens of thousands of miles all throughout the state, and I don’t think there is a most beautiful road than Route 32 between New Hope and Kintnersville.
This 24-mile roadway features many twists and turns with centuries-old barns and farmhouse clinging to the edge of the roadway. Combine this with fantastic views of the Delaware River and, when water levels are high, many seasonal waterfalls along the roadway, and you have one of the best drives in PA.
Bucks County Playhouse
The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope dubs itself “America’s Most Famous Playhouse.” Since 1939, this playhouse, which is located inside an 18th-century grist mill, has been playing host to great shows and some of the greatest actors of past decades.
Famous stars to have graced its stage include Grace Kelly, Dick Van Dyke, Liza Minelli, and Robert Redford.
Today, the playhouse still showcases fantastic shows that are sure to delight, and you never know what future stars you might find performing there.
Delaware Canal State Park
Delaware Canal State Park is a 60-mile long state park that is primarily in Bucks County. The park follows the remains of the Delaware Canal that once ran along the Delaware River. Today, the park extends from Easton in the north to Bristol in the south.
The main highlight of the park is the bike path that runs adjacent to the canal. Those looking for a great walk or bike ride in PA are sure to enjoy this great trail.
Pearl S. Buck House
Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck spent many years living in an early 18th-century farmhouse in Bucks County. Today, her home, known as Green Hills Farm or the Pearl S. Buck House, in Perkasie is open for tours for those that want to learn more about her life, career, and legacy.
Many of Buck’s personal belongings can be seen in the home, including the typewriter on which some of her books were written.
Fans of the author can also visit her nearby gravesite on the grounds.
Tyler State Park
Located south of Doylestown, Tyler State Park is another great park in Bucks County. This state park is centered around Neshaminy Creek and features 25 miles of hiking trails and a disc golf course.
Another highlight of the park is its covered bridge. Schofield Ford Covered Bridge crosses the creek in the middle of the park and was rebuilt after being destroyed by arson in the early 1990s. It is the longest covered bridge in Bucks County.
Planning a trip to Bucks County? Check out our suggestions for the best places to stay and eat while visiting the area.
Did we miss one of your favorite things to do in Bucks County? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more to do in Philadelphia and its suburbs? Check out our weekend guide to Philly, the Byers’ Choice Christmas Museum, the nearby Glencairn Museum, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
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I am a Bucks County native and have known, visited and loved all but 2 of your “21” places to visit in Bucks all my life. (Sesame Place and Neshaminy Brewing Co. being those 2).
But you need to make a correction: Your “tallest waterfall in Bucks County” In Stover Park is misleading, for 2 reasons: 1) It seldom runs w/ water anymore; and 2) even when there is a trickle of water coming over, the little cliff is not very tall at all – maybe 15 feet or so. I wouldn’t want people to come to the park to see this “waterfall” and be disappointed!
Thanks for your great website! Sincerely, Marilyn Arbor
The waterfall isn’t in Stover Park. It’s in Ringing Rocks County Park. The article that is linked from the piece notes that it’s seasonal, as many waterfalls are, but it does flow after a nice rain and isn’t that hard to catch flowing. It does completely dry up when water levels are low, though.
As for the height, many people will hike miles just to see a waterfall that high. This is only about 5-10 minutes. Even if the waterfall were dry, Ringing Rocks is a worthwhile destination, so it’s not a wasted trip at all.
HI Jim
Great article about Bucks County. I was born and raised in Bristol Borough!!! And still living here, right on the Delaware River!
Have been to most of the places, that were mentioned in your article. Bristol was founded in 1681, one of the oldest towns in Pa. We have a **HISTORIC BRISTOL DAY** every October!!!
You may enjoy it Jim!!!
Thank You
Dave
We lived in Newtown for 11 years and loved it. The Brick Hotel is where my daughter’s Rehearsal dinner was held and she was married in the old St. Andrews Catholic Church on Main Street in Newtown. Two of my sons worked at the Brick Hotel as waiters also. Newtown is a jewel in the heart of Bucks County.
What about Bowman’s Tower?
That’s on the list as part of the Washington Crossing Historic Park since it’s apart of that site.