Note: This post is brought to you by Westmoreland Heritage, but all opinions expressed are my own.
During my six years of traveling Pennsylvania, I’ve been continually amazed at how many things there are to do in every corner of the state. And Westmoreland County, which is located just east of Pittsburgh in the Laurel Highlands is no exception.
In the past, I’ve explored the county on many different occasions, but I was excited to return recently to explore it in an entirely new way.
Launched in early 2019, the Westmoreland Heritage Passport helps guide you through 34 of the best museums, historical sites, galleries, and events in the county.
At the different spots in the passport, you can mark your visit either with a sticker provided by the location, a social media post, or a ticket stub.
If you manage to visit 25 of the locations and events before the end of 2019, you’ll be entered to win a prize pack that includes a stay at the SpringHill Suites in Latrobe and a commemorative plaque. However, everyone that turns in a completed passport will get a goodie bag from Westmoreland Heritage.
However, even if you aren’t able to complete the passport, it can serve as a great guide to the best places to visit throughout this corner of western Pennsylvania.
Top Places to Visit in the Westmoreland Heritage Passport
During my visits to the county in the past, I’ve managed to visit only nine of the 34 spots that are included in the guide. While this means that I have a lot more work to do to complete my passport, it also speaks to the amazing number of great things to do within Westmoreland County, PA.
On my most recent visit, I had a chance to tour the recently remodeled Fort Ligonier. This historical spot was once a fort during the French and Indian War and George Washington was based here for several months.
The recreated fort and fantastically-remodeled museum offer a great glimpse into this little-known conflict and period of time.
I also had a chance to get my passport stamped at Historic Hanna’s Town. This recreated community was the site of the first county seat and the spot where the first English courts were held west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Visitors can tour the site to learn more about life on the Pennsylvania frontier as well as see some fascinating exhibits in the recently completed museum.
Another great spot I recently visited was the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. This free museum features several great galleries with art spanning several centuries and many different mediums. This is truly one of the region’s best collections of art.
The fourth stop I visited on my recent passport tour was Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. In addition to its amazing basilica, the college is also home to several fascinating passport spots to explore including the historic Gristmill, the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, the Saint Vincent Art Gallery, and the McCarl Coverlet Gallery.
These four destinations made for a fantastic day touring Westmoreland County using the Westmoreland Heritage Passport. Other spots that I can personally recommend include Bushy Run Battlefield, the Mister Rogers Statue, West Overton Village, and Idlewild and SoakZone.
No matter which 25 spots you choose, however, there are a lot of great places to explore with the Westmoreland Heritage Passport.
How to Fill Out Your Passport
You can pick up your copy of the Westmoreland Heritage Passport at various spots around the county and at brochure racks around the state.
On each page of the passport, there is information about the site or event as well as details on how to get your stamp.
Some of these require you to stop at the front desk to get an official sticker that will be placed within your passport. However, many other sites require you to post a photo on social media with the hashtag #WHPassport2019. (There is also a provision for those that don’t have social media.)
There are also a few theaters in the guide that require you to place a ticket stub within the passport.
If you visit 25 of the 34 spots prior to December 31, 2019, take your passport to the Westmoreland History Education Center in Greensburg by January 17, 2020.
Everyone who completes and turns in a passport will win a goodie bag from Westmoreland Heritage and will be entered to win the grand prize: a stay at SpringHill Suites in Latrobe and a commemorative plaque.
Find out more about the passport and the contest here.
Note: This post is brought to you by Westmoreland Heritage, but all opinions expressed are my own.
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I had no idea they had the passport for westmoreland county. What a wonderful way to feature the area. Thank you for your voyages and tales of each area you explore.