Washington: Historic Sites and Natural Experiences

Explore Washington through several distinct themes: historic sites, river landscapes and trails for different activities. In Washington County, the places described range from archaeological traces and historic homes to lakes, riverbanks and long trails. When planning your visit, it’s worth considering the visitor conditions and highlights of each destination.

Lakes, Rivers and Outdoor Activities

At Hillman State Park, trails are open to horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. Rules for use vary by season and should be checked before your trip. Cross Creek Lake is a 244-acre reservoir in western Washington County. Canonsburg Lake is managed for public fishing and boating; it also has a fishing pier available to people with disabilities. Only non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake.

The middle section of the Monongahela River has about 40 miles of riverfront in Washington County. This stretch of the river is suitable for floating year-round; check water conditions and access before setting out. This is a different focus from the lakes: while fishing and limited boating are mentioned at Canonsburg Lake, floating is the main activity on the Monongahela River.

Trails and Historic Bridges

The Montour Trail is a non-motorized, multi-use trail in Washington and Allegheny Counties. Its main route is about 47 miles long; branches bring the total length to more than 60 miles. The Panhandle Trail is 29 miles long and follows a former railroad line through rolling terrain. Most of it lies in northern Washington County. Horseback riding is allowed in the Pennsylvania corridor of the Panhandle Trail, but not on the trail itself; check the rules before your trip.

National Pike, Route 40, also runs through Washington County and includes historic attractions. The county’s 23 historic covered bridges offer another way to explore the area: maps for the Washington County Covered Bridges Driving Tour include QR-coded information about the bridges and turn-by-turn directions for the tours. The EQT Washington & Greene Counties' Covered Bridge Festival takes place annually on the third weekend in September. It features handmade arts and crafts, comfort food and other homemade dishes. Exact dates and programming may vary from year to year.

Explore Archaeology and History

The interpretive villages at Meadowcroft depict rural life over the past 500 years. Meadowcroft’s 19th-century Historic Village includes a blacksmith shop and a one-room schoolhouse. The Meadowcroft Rockshelter offers a glimpse into a much earlier period: the region’s first inhabitants used it as shelter 19,000 years ago.

The Bradford House is a National Historic Landmark, with its founding dated to 1788. The home of Dr. Francis J. LeMoyne is preserved as a historic attraction. Francis Julius LeMoyne opened his home and grounds as stations on the Underground Railroad. These places offer different points of connection to history, from the region’s early settlement to homes and routes significant to the history of the United States.

At the Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center, visitors are welcomed without an appointment from Wednesday through Saturday, April through November. Tours are available by appointment with 48 hours’ notice. The center is fully accessible. Exhibits include a cage bar designed in the style of the 18th century and a whiskey still. A visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum also includes a tour of the Trolley Display Building.

Observations and Seasonal Activities

Mingo Creek County Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. At the Mingo Creek County Park Observatory, the experience begins with a tour of the night sky, followed by the chance to observe celestial objects through two large telescopes. Public observing sessions have been held there since 2005. Public Star Parties are free and take place several times a month.

The Monongahela Aquatorium hosts summer concerts; the program may vary by season. Farm visits at The Crafty Alpaca are available by appointment. Whether you’re interested in stargazing, a museum visit or time on a trail, the activities described differ significantly in what they offer, their historical context and visitor conditions.

Discover more destinations: Washington, Canonsburg, Bentleyville, Coal Center, Northampton, Wyoming County, Juniata, Indiana County.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.