Explore The Best Of Columbia County, Pennsylvania With This Comprehensive Travel Guide
Columbia County, Pennsylvania is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, adventure, and culture. Located in the eastern part of the state, this county has something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs to foodies. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Columbia County. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful county.
Top Attractions in Columbia County
Columbia County has several top attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Some of the must-visit places include:
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is a natural wonder that features 22 waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping sites. It’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, swim, and camp.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort is a family-friendly destination that offers thrilling rides, games, and food. It’s a perfect place for families with kids who want to have fun and create memories.
The Bloomsburg Fair
The Bloomsburg Fair is an annual event that takes place in September. It’s one of the largest fairs in Pennsylvania and features food, rides, games, and entertainment.
Hidden Gems in Columbia County
Columbia County has several hidden gems that are worth visiting. These places are often overlooked by tourists but offer a unique experience. Some of the hidden gems in Columbia County include:
The Catawissa Railroad Museum
The Catawissa Railroad Museum is a small museum that showcases the history of railroads in Pennsylvania. It’s a perfect place for history buffs who want to learn about the railroad industry.
The Columbia County Covered Bridges
Columbia County has several covered bridges that date back to the 1800s. These bridges are a perfect place for photographers and history enthusiasts who want to capture the beauty of the past.
The Roaring Creek Tract
The Roaring Creek Tract is a hidden gem that offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Food Scene in Columbia County
Columbia County has a diverse food scene that offers something for everyone. From traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine to modern fusion dishes, you’ll find it all in this county. Some of the must-try dishes include:
Scrapple
Scrapple is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish that consists of pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices. It’s a perfect breakfast dish that is often served with eggs and toast.
Shoo-Fly Pie
Shoo-Fly Pie is another Pennsylvania Dutch dish that is made with molasses, brown sugar, and flour. It’s a perfect dessert that is often served with coffee or tea.
Pierogies
Pierogies are a popular Polish dish that is made with dough and filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut. It’s a perfect comfort food that is often served with sour cream and onions.
Budget-Friendly Tips in Columbia County
Columbia County can be a budget-friendly destination if you know where to look. Here are some tips that can help you save money while exploring this beautiful county:
Visit State Parks
State parks in Columbia County offer free admission and are a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, swim, fish, and camp without spending a dime.
Explore Small Towns
Small towns in Columbia County offer a unique experience and are often overlooked by tourists. You can explore these towns on foot and discover hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
Eat Local
Local restaurants in Columbia County offer affordable and delicious meals. You can try traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes or modern fusion cuisine without breaking the bank.
Outdoor Adventures in Columbia County
Columbia County is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to fishing to camping, you’ll find it all in this county. Some of the outdoor adventures that you can enjoy in Columbia County include:
Hiking
Columbia County has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of waterfalls, forests, and mountains. You can explore these trails on foot or bike and discover the beauty of nature.
Fishing
Columbia County has several lakes and streams that offer fishing opportunities. You can catch trout, bass, and catfish in these waters and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Camping
Columbia County has several camping sites that offer a perfect escape from the city. You can camp under the stars and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Historical Landmarks in Columbia County
Columbia County has a rich history that is reflected in its landmarks. From covered bridges to museums to historical sites, you’ll find it all in this county. Some of the historical landmarks that you can visit in Columbia County include:
The Columbia County Historical Society
The Columbia County Historical Society is a museum that showcases the history of the county. It’s a perfect place for history buffs who want to learn about the past.
The Old Berwick Historical Society
The Old Berwick Historical Society is a museum that showcases the history of Berwick and its surrounding areas. It’s a perfect place for history enthusiasts who want to learn about the local history.
The Danville Railroad Bridge
The Danville Railroad Bridge is a historical landmark that dates back to the 1800s. It’s a perfect place for photographers and history buffs who want to capture the beauty of the past.
Family-Friendly Activities in Columbia County
Columbia County is a perfect destination for families with kids. From amusement parks to museums to hiking trails, you’ll find it all in this county. Some of the family-friendly activities that you can enjoy in Columbia County include:
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort is a perfect destination for families with kids. It offers thrilling rides, games, and food that everyone can enjoy.
The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is a perfect place for kids to learn and play. It offers interactive exhibits that focus on science, art, and culture.
The Bloomsburg Fair
The Bloomsburg Fair is a perfect place for families to enjoy food, rides, games, and entertainment. It’s an annual event that takes place in September and draws visitors from all over the world.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Columbia County
Columbia County has several off-the-beaten-path experiences that offer a unique perspective of the county. These experiences are often overlooked by tourists but offer a memorable experience. Some of the off-the-beaten-path experiences that you can enjoy in Columbia County include:
The Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is a perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. You can explore the beauty of the river and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
The Catawissa Railroad Museum
The Catawissa Railroad Museum is a small museum that showcases the history of railroads in Pennsylvania. It’s a perfect place for history buffs who want to learn about the railroad industry.
The Columbia County Covered Bridges
Columbia County has several covered bridges that date back to the 1800s. These bridges are a perfect place for photographers and history enthusiasts who want to capture the beauty of the past.
Natural Wonders in Columbia County
Columbia County is a perfect destination for nature lovers. From waterfalls to forests to mountains, you’ll find it all in this county. Some of the natural wonders that you can explore in Columbia County include:
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is a natural wonder that features 22 waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping sites. It’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, swim, and camp.
The Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is a natural wonder that offers kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. You can explore the beauty of the river and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
The Roaring Creek Tract
The Roaring Creek Tract is a hidden gem that offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle