About Us
Indiana County, Pennsylvania, located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains just one hour east of Pittsburgh is home to 64 miles of Rails to Trails and 12 miles of single track. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a robust Agritourism industry, old order Amish families, and a wealth of history to our very own Hollywood Actor, Jimmy Stewart.
An extensive rails to trails system, connects the Ghost Town, Hoodlebug and West Penn Trails. Beginning in the town of Indiana the trail travels through rural areas, small towns, over bridges and along the Conemaugh River and the Blacklick and Two Lick Creeks. The trails are abundant with history and cyclists can read about the transformation of the trail with the interpretive signs along the way. Whether you ride the entire rail system or just walk a few miles, you will relish in the scenery and enjoy the many photo opportunities available. You find restaurants, accommodations and shopping along the way.
Utilizing thousands of acres of farmland, both modern day and Amish farmers work to produce an abundance of dairy, organic, hydroponic and greenhouse farming. Learn where our food comes from and the process it takes to bring it to your homes. Dairy farms supply the milk needed to make the cheese which is produced in the region. Fruits and vegetables are supplied to area restaurants and grocery stores. Indiana County, aka, Christmas Tree Capital of the World, harvests over 500,000 Christmas trees from over 80 farms.
Tucked away in a secluded section of Northern Indiana County is the community of Smicksburg, home to over 300 Old Order Amish families. Experience the beautiful country scenery of rolling farmland, the clatter of horses pulling buggies, browsing in the quaint shops and tasting the local cuisine. Shoppers can enjoy selections of pottery, locally made wine and cheese, country crafts, quilts, Amish furniture and baked goods.
Several historical and interactive attractions make for fun educational experiences. The Blairsville Underground Railroad History Center tells the story of the life of children and adults who escaped slavery during the 1800’s. Travel through time while visiting our 22 National Historic Register sites including four covered bridges.
Jimmy Stewart was born and raised in Indiana County and a museum holds many artifacts of his Hollywood career as an actor portraying some of his most famous films: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Harvey and It’s a Wonderful Life. While in the area, you can also see his boyhood home, the church he attended and a statue in his honor.
Indiana County hosts 31 Fairs and Festivals including Thunder Mountain Lenape Nation Native American Festival, Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire and the Saltsburg Canal Days. These are just a few of an extensive celebration of ethnic, cultural and agricultural fairs and festivals.
Visit for a day or a few days; you won’t be disappointed. Come back again and again each time bringing home a new experience and memory. You’ll soon know why we say “Come for Fun, Take Home a Memory”.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Visitor Center location: Indiana Mall, 2334 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701 (inside the Mall, next to Sears)
Office phone: 724-463-7505
Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
