In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence and statehood.
There’s no better place to hear the American story than Pennsylvania, the state where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. It’s a story of trials and triumphs, with a cast of characters both long studied and only recently celebrated. From the major shifts on the world’s geopolitical stage brought about by the American Revolution to the internal conflict that would test the durability of the young nation, it’s a history worth knowing. Here are five cities in Pennsylvania that tell a generous portion of that story.
Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park
During the years leading up to the American Revolution and for many decades after, Philadelphia was the epicenter of social and political change that spawned the young nation. It even served as the U.S. capital for 10 years, from 1790 to 1800, until it was moved to Washington, D.C. Spanning more than 51 acres in downtown Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park is often called the “Birthplace of America” — and for good reason. It’s home to many of the most significant sites in Revolutionary War history, including Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and later adopted the Constitution.
Visitors to the park will find another iconic symbol of American Independence: the Liberty Bell, housed in the Liberty Bell Center. The park is also home to the Benjamin Franklin Museum, which explores the life of the iconic inventor and Founding Father, as well as Congress Hall, where Congress convened during Philadelphia’s tenure as the nation’s capital. The National Constitution Center is a partner site of the park and the country’s only museum dedicated entirely to the U.S. Constitution. Admission is free to many of the park’s historic buildings and museums. Ranger-led tours of Independence Hall are offered daily.
While You’re There: Philadelphia has a wealth of museums for groups to explore, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol; the Penn Museum, which contains archaeological artifacts from around the world; and the Museum of the American Revolution, another great find for history buffs. Each of these museums offers group programming, from guided tours to add-ons like private lectures.
Lancaster Central Market
First established in 1730, the Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operated market in the country. In 1742, King George II designated Lancaster a “royal market town” because of the market’s success and decreed two markets a week would be held there. The revered tradition has continued since, with the market located in a historic building in downtown Lancaster’s Penn Square, keeping the city a hub of culture and commerce for centuries. The market is technically owned by the public and managed through a trust that maintains the red-brick market building. In 2026, the trust is hoping to add large fans to keep the building cooler in the summer.
Today, the market is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. During their visit, groups can shop, eat and socialize with locals as they wander through the market’s dozens of stands, some of which have been managed by the same families for generations. They’ll find everything from ready-made coffee and pastries to Amish-grown produce and home goods like candles and gift baskets. They can also opt for an after-hours market tour that details the market’s history and significance to the city.
While You’re There: Lancaster has many wonders for groups, including stunning productions at Sight & Sound Theatres, just outside the city. Lancaster is also home to a large Amish population, and groups can visit several Amish attractions to learn about their distinct culture and way of life, from farmsteads to bakeries.
York County History Center
Before the Founding Fathers ratified the Constitution, they adopted the Articles of Confederation, their first attempt at creating a government for their newly independent (and often unwieldly) group of states. Though the Articles of Confederation wouldn’t last, it was a pivotal step toward self-governance by the nation’s Second Continental Congress, and it happened in 1777 in York, Pennsylvania. That puts this small, historic town on the map when it comes to the American story.
Groups can explore its rich history at the York County History Center, a complex of multiple museums and buildings that delve into different aspects of the county’s past. The History Center Museum details everything from the role the county played in the formation of the new nation to its understated role in the Underground Railroad. The Agricultural and Industrial Museum details how innovation has long been part of York’s DNA, while the Colonial Complex, open seasonally, is a living history museum that shows visitors firsthand what life was like during the 18th century. Groups can walk through historic structures and reconstructed buildings to see where both everyday folk and pivotal figures in the Revolution lived and worked.
While You’re There: A day in York can be well spent diving into its history, including some additional Civil War history at Wrightsville, a borough in York County. But there’s also an abundance of outdoor attractions in York, from family-owned farm markets and orchards to boat tours and pristine parks.
The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg
Nearly 100 years after the United States declared its independence, it would face another violent struggle to cement its identity; the Civil War claimed the lives of an estimated 620,000 Americans, roughly 2% of the country’s population at the time. The conflict between the Union and Confederacy came at great cost to life, but it brought about the legal end of slavery. It resulted in a country that was intact but forever changed, making it an essential part of the American story to study.
The Pennsylvania museum commemorating this grave but important war is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The National Civil War Museum is located in the state’s capital city of Harrisburg, a short drive from the capitol building. The museum, found at the city’s Reservoir Park, spans 60,000 square feet and contains 17 galleries of exhibits on every aspect of the war, from the abolition of slavery to how women contributed to the war effort, with artifacts ranging from weaponry to uniforms and photographs. Special rates are offered for groups of 10 or more. Groups can also opt for guided tours and arrange a catered lunch at the museum in advance.
While You’re There: Aside from The National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg has several other appealing options for groups. The Pennsylvania State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, offers guided and self-guided tours, while The State Museum of Pennsylvania offers reduced admission prices for groups of 10 or more. They can also head to the nearby town of Hershey, home of the world-famous chocolate company, for a sweet visit to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World.
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought between July 1 and July 3, 1863, was the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War, with an estimated 51,000 casualties. More than four months after the Union emerged victorious, President Abraham Lincoln gave his famed Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where an estimated 3,500 Union soldiers were buried. Today, Gettysburg National Military Park is an essential national monument to educate visitors about the high cost of the Civil War.
Groups should start their trip at the park’s museum and visitor center, where they can watch an orientation film that introduces the Battle of Gettysburg and places it in the larger context of the Civil War. They’ll also see the Cyclorama, the largest painting in the country, which depicts the battle. They can then tour the battlefield with either a park ranger-guided walking tour or bus tour. Once they’ve seen the battlefield, they can head to the Gettysburg Cemetery to see where President Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. Tours of other buildings on the property are available, such the Eisenhower National Historic Site, President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s home and farm that’s adjacent to the battlefield. Other ranger-led programs include battle walks and campfire talks, which tell the story of the battle around a fire.
While You’re There: While the national park is the area’s best-known attraction, Gettysburg has a range of other historical sites, agritourism ventures and entertaining evening options for groups. They can explore historic homes, take guided walking tours of town and even opt for paranormal tours of the battlefield and the city’s other allegedly haunted attractions.
