List of National Parks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 19 National Parks:
- Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- First State National Historical Park
- Flight 93 National Memorial
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
- Independence National Historical Park
- Johnstown Flood National Memorial
- Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
- Steamtown National Historic Site
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
- Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
In this article I will write about these National Parks. I also add Pennsylvania National Parks map at the end of the article.
List of National Parks in Pennsylvania
1. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The Allegheny Portage Railroad was a groundbreaking project in the early 19th century, facilitating the movement of goods and people over the Allegheny Mountains in central Pennsylvania. It was a key component of the Main Line of Public Works, a transportation system that included canals and railroads linking Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The site showcases historic railroad structures, including the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in the United States, and the Lemon House, a tavern that served passengers. Visitors can explore exhibits on early American engineering and transportation history, walk historic paths, and enjoy scenic vistas.
Contact Details
- Address: 110 Federal Park Rd, Gallitzin, PA 16641
- Offical Website: nps.gov/alpo
- Phone: +1 814-886-6150
2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Spanning the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Delaware River carves a deep gap through the Appalachian Mountains, providing stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike along the Appalachian Trail, fish in pristine streams, canoe or kayak on the river, and camp in scenic locations. The area is rich in history, with numerous archaeological sites, historic villages, and remnants of early industrial enterprises. The park also emphasizes conservation efforts to protect its natural and cultural resources.
Contact Details
- Address: 1978 River Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/dewa
- Phone: +1 570-426-2452
3. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, commemorates the life and work of one of America’s most influential writers. Poe lived in this modest brick home with his family from 1843 to 1844, during which he wrote some of his most famous works, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Gold-Bug.” The site offers a glimpse into Poe’s daily life and literary genius through preserved rooms, period furnishings, and informative exhibits. Guided tours provide insights into Poe’s tumultuous life, his contributions to American literature, and his lasting legacy.
Contact Details
- Address: 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/edal
- Phone: +1 215-597-8780
4. Eisenhower National Historic Site
Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania, the Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the home and farm of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. Eisenhower used this property as a weekend retreat and a place to host world leaders during his presidency. The site includes the Eisenhower home, complete with original furnishings, and the surrounding farmland, which the President and his wife, Mamie, actively managed. Visitors can explore exhibits about Eisenhower’s military and political careers, his leadership during World War II, and his presidency. The site also highlights his contributions to agriculture and conservation.
Contact Details
- Address: 243 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/eise
- Phone: +1 717-338-9114
5. First State National Historical Park
First State National Historical Park encompasses several sites throughout Delaware, each representing a different aspect of the state’s rich history. Key locations include the New Castle Court House Museum, where Delaware declared independence from Pennsylvania and England; the Dover Green, where Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution; and the John Dickinson Plantation, home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” The park highlights Delaware’s colonial and early American history, offering visitors a chance to explore historic buildings, museums, and natural landscapes. Educational programs and interpretive tours provide deeper insights into the state’s pivotal role in American history.
Contact Details
- Address: 211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720 (New Castle Court House Museum)
- Offical Website: nps.gov/frst
- Phone: +1 302-544-6363
6. Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honors the 40 passengers and crew members of United Flight 93 who fought back against hijackers on September 11, 2001, preventing a larger tragedy. The memorial spans over 2,200 acres and includes the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot tall structure housing 40 wind chimes, the Memorial Plaza and Wall of Names, and the crash site, now marked by a boulder. Visitors can learn about the courageous actions of the Flight 93 heroes through exhibits at the Visitor Center, which provides a detailed account of the events of 9/11.
Contact Details
- Address: 6424 Lincoln Hwy, Stoystown, PA 15563, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/flni
- Phone: +1 814-893-6322
7. Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington, Pennsylvania, preserves the site of the first battle of the French and Indian War, fought on July 3, 1754. The battle marked the debut of a young George Washington in military command. The site includes a reconstructed fort, a visitor center with exhibits about the war and Washington’s early military career, and Mount Washington Tavern, a historic inn from the National Road era. Visitors can explore hiking trails, participate in living history programs, and gain insights into early American history and the complexities of colonial frontier life.
Contact Details
- Address: 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/fone
- Phone: +1 724-329-5512
8. Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Friendship Hill National Historic Site near Point Marion, Pennsylvania, celebrates the life and legacy of Albert Gallatin, an important American statesman who served as Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Gallatin is best known for his role in financing the Lewis and Clark Expedition and for his efforts in balancing the early federal budget. The site features Gallatin’s restored home, scenic walking trails, and exhibits detailing his contributions to American politics, finance, and territorial expansion.
Contact Details
- Address: 223 New Geneva Rd, Point Marion, PA 15474, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/frhi
- Phone: +1 724-725-9190
9. Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, preserves the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War fought from July 1 to 3, 1863. The park encompasses over 6,000 acres of battlefield, memorials, and historic structures, including the iconic Gettysburg National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The park’s Visitor Center offers extensive exhibits, a film narrated by Morgan Freeman, and the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive painting depicting the battle’s climax. Visitors can take guided tours, walk the battlefield, and attend ranger-led programs to understand the battle’s significance and legacy.
Contact Details
- Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/gett
- Phone: +1 717-334-1124
10. Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church National Historic Site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the oldest church in Pennsylvania, founded in 1700 by Swedish settlers. The church and its surrounding graveyard reflect the rich history of early European settlement in the region. The site offers insights into colonial religious practices and the multicultural heritage of the area, including the contributions of Swedish, Dutch, and English settlers. Visitors can explore the historic church building, attend services, and learn about the site’s role in Philadelphia’s early community life.
Contact Details
- Address: 916 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/glde
- Phone: +1 215-389-1513
11. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson, Pennsylvania, showcases an early American industrial community centered around a 19th-century iron furnace. Established in 1771, Hopewell Furnace was a major producer of iron goods, contributing to the nation’s growth and industrialization. The site includes restored buildings, such as the furnace, the ironmaster’s mansion, and workers’ houses, set within a scenic rural landscape. Visitors can learn about the iron-making process, explore historic structures, and participate in living history demonstrations that highlight the daily life and work of the furnace community.
Contact Details
- Address: 2 Mark Bird Ln, Elverson, PA 19520, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/hofu
- Phone: +1 610-582-8773
12. Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Key attractions include Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted, and the Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American freedom. The park also includes the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Congress Hall, and other historic buildings. Visitors can take guided tours, view exhibits, and participate in educational programs that explore the nation’s founding principles and the individuals who shaped its early history.
Contact Details
- Address: 143 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/inde
- Phone: +1 215-965-2305
13. Johnstown Flood National Memorial
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial in southwestern Pennsylvania commemorates the tragic flood of May 31, 1889, which killed over 2,200 people. The disaster occurred when the South Fork Dam failed, unleashing 20 million tons of water that devastated Johnstown. The memorial includes the remains of the dam, the floodplain, and the historic Lake View Visitor Center, which offers exhibits detailing the causes, impact, and aftermath of the flood. Visitors can learn about the heroic rescue efforts, the response to the disaster, and its significance in American history through multimedia presentations and guided tours.
Contact Details
- Address: 733 Lake Road, South Fork, PA 15956, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/jofl
- Phone: +1 814-886-6171
14. Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
The Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River encompasses nearly 67 miles of the Delaware River from the Delaware Water Gap to Washington Crossing. This stretch of the river flows through Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is noted for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance. It offers a variety of recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The river corridor includes numerous historic sites, such as the Revolutionary War-era Washington Crossing Historic Park, and provides habitats for diverse wildlife.
Contact Details
- Address: NPS Wild & Scenic Rivers, 1234 Market Street ,Philadelphia 19107, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/lode
15. Steamtown National Historic Site
Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site preserves the history of steam railroading in America. The site is centered around a restored 1902 roundhouse and features a collection of steam locomotives and railcars. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch demonstrations of steam locomotive operations, and take short train rides. The museum offers insights into the development of railroads, the lives of railroad workers, and the impact of rail transportation on the growth of the United States.
Contact Details
- Address: 350 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/stea
- Phone: +1 570-445-1898
16. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, honors the life and contributions of the Polish patriot and military engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Kosciuszko played a crucial role in the American Revolution, designing fortifications for key battles such as Saratoga and West Point. The memorial is housed in the modest row home where Kosciuszko lived during his time in Philadelphia. Exhibits highlight his achievements in both America and Poland, his efforts for social justice, and his friendships with notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson.
Contact Details
- Address: 301 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/thko
- Phone: +1 215 965-2305
17. Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
The Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River spans approximately 73 miles along the border of Pennsylvania and New York. This section of the Delaware River is known for its pristine waters, lush forests, and historic sites. It offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. Notable historic landmarks along the river include the Zane Grey Museum and Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct, the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States. The river also provides critical habitats for bald eagles and other wildlife.
Contact Details
- Address: 274 River Road, Beach Lake, PA 18405, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/upde
- Phone: +1 570-685-4871
18. Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, preserves the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Under the command of General George Washington, the army endured severe hardships but emerged stronger and better trained. The park features reconstructed huts, Washington’s Headquarters, and the National Memorial Arch. Visitors can explore the park through guided tours, hiking and biking trails, and educational programs that highlight the resilience and determination of the soldiers who camped at Valley Forge.
Contact Details
- Address: 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406, United States
- Offical Website: nps.gov/vafo
- Phone: +1 610-783-1000
19. Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, spanning approximately 200 miles from Maryland to Virginia. It is a vital natural resource and a crucial part of the region’s culture, economy, and ecology. The bay supports a diverse range of wildlife, including blue crabs, oysters, and a variety of fish and bird species. Its watershed covers over 64,000 square miles and includes parts of six states (New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia) and Washington, D.C.
The Chesapeake Bay offers numerous recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The region is also rich in history, with numerous historic towns, lighthouses, and maritime museums. Conservation efforts are critical to maintaining the health of the bay, as it faces challenges from pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. Organizations and government agencies work together to implement restoration projects aimed at improving water quality, protecting habitats, and sustaining the bay’s resources for future generations.
Contact Details
- Offical Website: chesapeakebay.net
- Chesapeake Bay Program Office: +1 800-968-7229 (for general information)
List of National Parks in Pennsylvania
Now you can answer the question: “how many national parks are in Pennsylvania?” It’s 19 national parks
Tag: List of National Parks in Pennsylvania, national parks in Pennsylvania map, national parks in Pennsylvania.
Read more:
- List of National Parks in New York
- List of National Parks in Hawaii
- List of National Parks in California
