Westmoreland: History, Art and Nature

Westmoreland combines impressive historic sites with art, trails and waterscapes. On your trip, you can choose between visits to historic sites, longer stretches outdoors and activities centered on lakes and nature. The region’s art and a nature reserve with research and educational programs also give your stay a range of different highlights.

History and Art in Westmoreland

Bushy Run Battlefield is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield. The site preserves and interprets the history of a decisive battle between the British and Native Americans during Pontiac’s War, from 1763 to 1764. Visitors interested in the history of this period will find a tangible connection to the conflicts of the time here.

West Overton Village preserves 19 historic buildings on a 40-acre site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On seasonal tours, you can visit the 1838 Overholt Homestead and the museum in the 1859 distillery building. Check tour dates before you arrive to make sure your visit fits your travel dates.

The permanent exhibition galleries at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art offer a different focus: they showcase an extensive collection of American art, particularly works and artists from southwestern Pennsylvania. Historic sites and visual art thus offer distinct options for a culturally focused stay.

Historic Hanna’s Town is open by appointment to bus groups and groups of 20 or more from May to mid-December. Seasonal scheduling depends on the host’s availability. If you’re planning a group trip, take this into account when making arrangements.

Trails, Lakes and Outdoor Activities

The Great Allegheny Passage runs directly through Cedar Creek Park. There, the route can be used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. In Cedar Creek Gorge, water cascades down natural shale steps. The park thus combines a designated route with a striking landscape feature.

At Twin Lakes Park, a 2.5-mile figure-eight trail loops around both lakes. The lakes are stocked with hardy sport fish. Accessible amenities include paved stone paths, fishing piers, and adapted picnic and play areas. Trail length and fishing are two distinct aspects of a visit; the listed amenities offer additional guidance for getting around.

Mammoth Park’s 24-acre freshwater lake offers an opportunity to fish; the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks it with fish. Another standout attraction is the Giant Slide Complex, with two stainless-steel slides about 100 feet long and a 40-foot plastic slide. The lake and three slides of different lengths are distinct attractions at the same location.

Northmoreland Lake is stocked with warm-water fish and trout, and the park holds an annual fishing contest. Bridgeport Dam offers opportunities for fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. Its permanent pool covers 70 acres and has a boat launch. Chestnut Ridge Park, in turn, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports; its recreation pool covers 25 acres and also has a boat launch.

The Westmoreland Heritage Trail includes an 8.5-mile section from Saltsburg to Delmont and a 9.3-mile section from Export to Trafford. Section lengths and future connections may change as construction progresses. The two stated route lengths provide a concrete comparison for planning; keep in mind that further construction may bring changes.

Nature and Research at Powdermill

Powdermill Nature Reserve is located in Rector, in Westmoreland County, and protects natural habitats where researchers and educators study ecological processes. The reserve offers more than 2,200 acres of woodland, streams, fields and ponds for research and educational programs. At the nature center, you’ll find exhibits on native wildlife, an indoor stream and the Marsh Machine. The reserve thus combines protected habitats with research, education and hands-on insights into nature.

Discover more destinations: Acme, Jones Mills, Scottdale, Greensburg, North Belle Vernon, Latrobe, Donegal, Delmont, New Kensington, Hyde Park, New Stanton, New Florence, Irwin, Adamsburg, Ligonier.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.