Pennsylvania’s York is often called the ‘architectural museums’ because of its many beautiful, old buildings. It’s a charming place to wander around. It is considered the first American capital. There are many interesting historical sites as well as important cultural landmarks that you can visit.
It is affectionately known as “The White Rose City” because of its name in England’s Royal symbol. The city was established in 1741 on the banks of Codorus Creek. It played a pivotal role in American Revolutionary War. Later, it was an important industrial and agricultural center. Many of the main attractions and museums explore its rich past.
York is known for being the “factory tour capital” of the globe. Tours take you to various companies such as candy, chip, and motorcycle manufacturers. York is an undiscovered gem with its beautiful green spaces, vibrant performing arts scene, and vibrant music and dance scenes.
14. Hall of Fame for Weight Lifting
The Weight Lifting Hall of Fame is a fascinating spot to visit. It reveals the rich heritage and history of the strength sport. York Barbell headquarters’ first floor is home to its exhibits and artifacts, which are located in the north-eastern part of the town.
It is fitting that the small museum is located in the heart of the sport’s most famous sponsor, the “Father of World Weightlifting”. It tirelessly supported the sport, with the Olympic lifting teams dominating from the 1930s through to the 1970s.
You’ll find many old weights, bars and statues of champions as you walk through the lobby. The exhibits provide information about both the history of the sport and the place it played in the ancient mythology. Its hall of fame is filled with both amateur and professional strengthmen, as well as current superstars.
13. Appell Center for the Performing Arts
York County. PAThe Hall of Fame can sometimes host competitions, but the Appell Center for the Performing Arts offers a better option if you’re looking for a truly spectacular performance. It has two renowned venues that are located in central London. There guests can experience everything, from comedy nights and Broadway shows to movie screenings, and much more.
It is the undisputed highlight of any evening out in New York. The cultural center, which includes the Capitol Theater and the Strand Theatres, has been a popular attraction for many years. The first theater dates back to 1906 while the second opened in 1925. Their elegant interiors, old-world charm and beautiful architecture make them memorable places to see a show.
The stage has seen many big names like Blondie, B.B. On their stages, big acts such as George Carlin, Ella Fitzgerald and King have appeared.
12. Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Gerry Dincher/FlickrThe serene and scenic Samuel S. Lewis State Park rises high above the countryside. It is dominated by Mount Pisgah (885 feet high), and its elevated location makes it a great spot for hiking, biking, sledding, stargazing, as well as kite flying.
It is located approximately twenty minutes from town, overlooking the Susquehanna Valley River Valley. Although most of the area is covered in lush forests and open spaces, there are some rock formations that can be seen and picnic pavilions.
You can bike and hike along the winding trails, but you also have the option to sled down this hill in winter. It is an extremely exposed area and is the highest point of the region. This park allows you to fly your kites, or gaze down at the Susquehanna River below.
11. Heritage Rail Trail
Oanhnhi/WikipediaThe Heritage Rail Trail is a wonderful way to explore the area and the surrounding areas. It connects various communities, historic landmarks and takes you through beautiful landscapes, scenery, and nature.
The multi-purpose path, which measures just more than twenty miles long, runs parallel to the Mason-Dixon Line. It begins at the Colonial Courthouse and ends at the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, Maryland.
It is flat and passes through most of the historic train stations, including Hanover Junction, New Freedom and New Freedom. The railroad bridges cross the track and it then goes under the Howard Tunnel. The line once was used by manufacturers, merchants and President Lincoln. Today, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the scenic route to hike, ride horses, or ski cross-country.
10. Nixon Park Nature Center
c) ShutterstockThe Nixon Park Nature Center is another beautiful, but interesting place to visit. It’s located near York Reservoir. It offers information about local fauna and flora as well as a variety of beautiful ponds and streams for tourists to enjoy.
It is located just 15 minutes south of York County’s downtown. The waterways and forests cover large stretches of York County. You can spot many different species of aquatic birds and animals while you stroll along the shady trails.
You can visit the small museum at the nature center after exploring the outdoors. It houses a variety of mounted animals as well as dinosaur murals, and colorful butterflies collections. You can also find more details about the behavior of various animals and their natural habitats through dioramas and in-depth displays.
9. Haines Shoe House
c) ShutterstockThe Haines Shoe House is a unique piece of architecture that can be found along US Route 30 in the eastmost part of York. It is instantly recognisable by its unique design and makes great photos. There are tours that take you around the interior as well.
The huge home was designed after a workboot and built by Mahlon Haines, a shoe salesman. The five-story house has several bedrooms and bathrooms, and includes a kitchen. It also features a living area in its toe with an ice cream shop at the instep.
Visitors can view original advertisements from the company and see a stained glass window showing Mahlon holding some shoes. You can take photos of the distinctive shoe-shaped house and then enjoy ice cream on one of the many picnic tables scattered around.
8. Rocky Ridge County Park
c) ShutterstockThe Rocky Ridge County Park is just a stones throw away from the Haines Shoe House and offers many exciting outdoor activities. You can bike or hike through the hillstops’ verdant forests with stunning views.
The park is named after the numerous rock formations found within its boundaries. It overlooks the rolling hills and valleys surrounding the Susquehanna River. There are many trails that wind along the ridge, with some offering breathtaking views.
Hidden amongst the trees are picnic areas, playgrounds and benches. They can also be found next to horseshoe pits and barbecue facilities. The best time to visit is during Christmas, when hundreds of fairy lights strung among the trees are illuminated by Santa Claus.
7. Historic Downtown
DreamstimeYork’s Historic Downtown, a delight to walk around is filled with beautiful buildings and architecture. It is the heart of town and has many shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment choices.
It dates back to the Victorian period but downtown still preserves three centuries worth of American history. Apart from Codorus Creek’s Colonial Complex, you can also visit old churches and market houses, as well as a museum that focuses on the city’s industrial past.
Within a short distance, there are many stories and sights that relate to Revolutionary War soldiers, early pioneers and nineteenth-century farmers. The Historic Downtown is a vibrant area with bustling shops and tempting eateries.
6. York County History Center
York County History CenterYork County History Center is a great place to find out more about the rich heritage, culture, and history of this region. It is located at the east end of downtown and its extensive collection of artifacts covers over 300 years of local history.
The museum was first opened to the public in 1989. It now houses historic photographs, fine art, and period pieces. It contains approximately 90,000. Exhibits include exhibits on historical figures and influential places, as well as important events.
The museum also manages several historic sites scattered throughout the city. They include Bonham House, Murals of York and the Colonial Complex. These museums offer fascinating insights into York County and the country.
5. Martin’s Potato Chip Factory Tour
DreamstimeMany consider Central Pennsylvania to be the “Snack Capital of the World”. It is home to many factories and lines of major snack companies. Many visitors visit Martin’s Potato Chip Factory Tour in order to learn more about the industry as well as sample delicious treats.
Although initially a family business, Martin’s crispy and crunchy potato chips soon became a huge success. A large plant was eventually established just southwest of York. Later, popcorn, pretzels, and other salty snacks were produced in the area and made available for sale in several states. During the presidencys of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, these delicious snacks were available aboard Air Force One.
You’ll be able to see the huge factory in action as you visit. There are potatoes being fried on the production lines and popcorn being made. You can learn about their process and purchase souvenirs from the souvenir shop.
4. Peoples Bank Park
Jeffrey Hayes/FlickrThe Peoples Bank Park is located just a few minutes from the centre, up Codorus Creek. It is home to the York Revolution and is an excellent place to catch a baseball match. The season runs from May to September.
The small, family-friendly stadium was built in 2006. It is the second-highest standing in baseball. Apart from the “Arch Nemesis”, the stadium’s most notable features are its original, manual-operated scoreboard, and Brooks Robinson’s magnificent statue.
To keep the kids entertained, there is a playground and carousel available for those who are not interested in watching the Revolution. The actual cannon, which is fired when the team wins or scores a run, only adds to the thrill.
3. York Central Market
York Central Market is a long-standing favorite among tourists and locals alike. It has been selling fresh fruits and vegetables for over 100 years. A wide variety of stands and stalls can be found in the historic, huge hall. They seem to have almost every product under the sun.
It is located right beside the Appell Center for the Performing Arts and occupies nearly an entire block of downtown. Farmers and sellers have been flocking to this location since 1888 when they opened, selling baked goods, meat, and other artisanal items.
It is a fun, vibrant place to shop or just grab something to eat. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, there are approximately fifty vendors selling fresh vegetables, flowers, and other food items from all over the globe.
2. Perrydell Farm Dairy
Wally Gobetz/FlickrThe Perrydell Farm dairy is another popular attraction in the region. You can visit the sprawling farm just south of town to see milking cows, meet cute calves, and taste homemade ice cream.
The family farm, which has been providing fresh milk to the local community since the 1960s, now boasts over 120 dairy cows. You can take a look at their fancy frolics in the pastures or stroke them in small enclosures.
After the event, be sure to try some sweet sundaes or scrumptious scoops ice cream with fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and juices.
1. Harley Davidson Factory Tour
(c) DreamstimeYork is home to the Harley Davidson factory, which is one of York’s most popular tours. It is located in the northern suburbs and offers a fascinating behind-the scenes tour that reveals how legendary motorcycles are built. The gift shop sells apparel, merchandise, and other items to motorheads.
It is one of a few places that manufacture motorbikes in America. You can view an introduction video and visit the assembly line to learn more about the people and products that go into this process.
The tour covers everything you need to know about these iconic bikes, including fuel tanks, fenders and paints. It is nearly impossible to go without buying a few souvenirs from the shop to remember your trip to New York.
York Map of Things to Do
Faqs
With a crime rate of 42 per one thousand residents, York has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 24.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in York, PA are White (Non-Hispanic) (36.2%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (23.7%), White (Hispanic) (22.2%), Other (Hispanic) (6.19%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (4.34%).
11.09%
York County property crime is 24.7. (The US average is 35.4) NOTE: The city of York, Pennsylvania does not have FBI Crime Statistics. The closest similar sized city with FBI crime data is the city of Alexandria, Virginia.
Overall, York is a good place to have grown up and live. York is, overall, a wonderful place to live. Above-average schools, fair weather, little traffic, and more. We enjoy the benefits of small-midsize town life, while also having the convenience of being an hour away from Baltimore.