Butler: Nature, Trails and Cultural History

Lake Arthur is the defining feature of Moraine State Park: the lake covers 3,225 acres and has 42 miles of shoreline. Natural areas, trails and cultural history offer other possible focuses for a trip to Butler—from quiet observation in distinctive landscapes to events and historic sites.

Lakes, Landscapes and Seasonal Events

Public fishing and boating are the main activities at Glade Run Lake. Only non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted. Electric motors may be used only at slow speeds and without creating a wake. At Moraine State Park, the Trail of Geology scenic drive leads to the Jacksville Esker Glacial Deposit north of the park. This makes a lakeside outing and a look at the geological landscape two distinct trip ideas.

The two-day Moraine State Park Regatta takes place every August, with boat races, educational activities, entertainment and family programming. Jeep fans can enjoy experiences on and off paved roads at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, which celebrates the vehicle’s history. The festival is held every year on the second weekend in June; check the event dates for your travel plans.

Choose Natural Areas and Trails

The Jennings Environmental Education Center includes a 20-acre prairie ecosystem with characteristic prairie plants and the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. The center offers environmental education and recreation programs for the public; program days may vary. It is open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset, though office and facility hours may differ. The Glacier Ridge Trail connects the Jennings Environmental Education Center with Moraine State Park. The North Country National Scenic Trail also passes through the Jennings grounds.

At Succop Nature Park, nearly two miles of trails wind through a 50-acre former farm with two ponds. Unless otherwise noted, the trails are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset and are free to access; seasonal or temporary exceptions may apply. Todd Nature Reserve offers a different landscape: its 220 secluded acres of woodland include numerous streams and just over five miles of trails. These are free to access daily, year-round, from morning to evening; conditions may affect individual trails.

At Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area, a 1.5-mile loop trail winds through a stream-cut gorge with cliffs up to 50 feet high. In spring, flowers there include Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, trout lilies and white trilliums. For those interested in longer trail sections, Butler County is also home to the North Country Trail section from the Lawrence-Butler County line to the Armstrong-Clarion County line at the Allegheny River.

The Butler-Freeport Community Trail follows Buffalo Creek for more than three miles through Buffalo Creek Gorge. It also preserves the route of Butler County’s first railroad, built in 1871. The route offers two distinct points of reference: its path along the creek and the history of the former railway line.

Historic Sites and Culture in Butler

Downtown Harmony has been a National Historic Landmark District since 1974 and includes more than 50 preserved buildings. Historic Harmony, Inc. offers nine sites: seven historic buildings, as well as the Harmony Society Cemetery and the Mennonite Meetinghouse Cemetery. Built in 1828, the Senator Walter Lowrie House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and furnished with original items belonging to the family who lived there. The Cooper Cabin is also furnished with family heirlooms, memorabilia and other period objects.

The Maridon Museum is dedicated to Asian art and culture, as well as German Meissen porcelain. In Butler, the Penn Theater is the only surviving movie house from the 20th century; it officially opened in April 1938. Today, its program includes live shows, music, comedy, films and performing arts events.

Regional Experiences and Getting Around

For a leisurely break, try the Butler County Coffee Connection, a self-guided tour of local coffee shops. Participating businesses may change. Freedom Farms hosts seasonal U-pick festivals and fairs. At farmers markets in Butler County, you’ll find farm-fresh produce, plants, handmade goods and seasonal specialties; locations and dates may change.

Butler County is accessible via Interstate Highways I-79 and I-80, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. As a general regional reference, the county is about 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh. When choosing where to stay, consider which experiences you want to shape your trip: nature trails, cultural history or a seasonal event.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cranberry Township, Butler, Slippery Rock Borough, Mars, Wyoming County, Luzerne, Crawford County, Cambria County.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.