Get Ready for Adventure: Things to Do in Somerset, Pennsylvania.
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, Somerset is a charming town known for its rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation.
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway in a serene and scenic environment.
One of Somerset’s most prominent attractions is the Flight 93 National Memorial, which honors the passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93, who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
The memorial features a visitors center, a walking trail, and the Wall of Names, a monument that bears the names of the 40 passengers and crew members who perished that day.
For nature enthusiasts, Somerset is a paradise, offering many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Among the top destinations for nature lovers is Laurel Hill State Park, a sprawling 3,935-acre park that boasts a pristine lake, miles of hiking trails, and scenic vistas. The park is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
History buffs will also find plenty of attractions in Somerset, including the Somerset Historical Center. This 150-acre site showcases the area’s rural heritage through interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations.
The center features several historic buildings, including a 19th-century farmstead, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a woodworking shop, and a weaving studio.
Quecreek Mine Rescue Site
Located close to Fallingwater, Gettysburg, and Washington, D.C., the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site has long attracted visitors nationwide. Mostly, they come from the eastern side of the Mississippi River, Georgia, and Florida.
The Quecreek Mine Rescue Site is an attraction and a working museum. A new education center/museum is in the works. The building would house artifacts and photos from the rescue.
During the rescue, the airlock was used to equalize the pressure between the mine and the surface. As a result, the airlock prevented an influx of water from the pressure imbalance.
The monument to the rescue is located in front of a Red Oak tree surrounded by nine pine trees. It also includes a small museum and a 7-foot bronze miner statue.
Somerset Historical Center
Located four miles north of Somerset on SR 985, the Somerset Historical Center is an impressive and diverse rural history museum. It contains exhibits about the history of farming in western Pennsylvania and educational programs.
The historical center features an education center, a museum, a visitor’s center, a genealogy library, and two restored 1830s farmsteads.
There are also several workshops and lectures available. The center is also a base of operations for many historical societies in the county.
The Somerset Historical Center also includes a visitors center, which features a permanent local history exhibit and changing exhibits. The center also houses the Genealogical Research Library of the Somerset Historical Society.
Flight 93 Memorial Chapel
During the September 11 attacks, UAL Flight 93 crashed in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County. Families of the victims found support and good wishes in Somerset County.
The Flight 93 Chapel, which the Catholic Church of the East owns, is a spiritual memorial dedicated to the memory of all those who perished. It is open to anyone of all faiths.
A non-denominational worship service will be held at the Chapel. Music will be provided by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. The Chapel will also be available for individual faith groups to worship together.
The Chapel was originally a Lutheran Church. It was acquired in 2002. It was later used as a seed storage building. The building needed a lot of work. 84 Lumber helped to rebuild the interior of the building.
Fishing and Boating in Lake Somerset Pennsylvania
Located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Lake Somerset is a 253-acre impoundment. It supports thousands of migrating waterfowl and provides a home for a pair of osprey.
Lake Somerset is a popular fishing spot, providing opportunities for various species such as bowfin, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and muskie.
The Fish and Boat Commission manages the lake and has historically stocked it with different species.
The Fish and Boat Commission is working to remove the remaining fish from the lake. This effort began on Tuesday and will continue through Thursday. In preparation for this project, the lake was drained.
A few years ago, a project was initiated to improve the lake’s bottom. As a result, a Dirt and Gravel Road Program was implemented to reduce sediment runoff.
The project also included a new path along the lake for mobility-challenged users. In addition, an associated parking facility is available.
In recent years, the number of anglers has increased. As a result, the lake is also an important breeding ground for a pair of osprey.
In addition, the lake supports an aquatic plant community that supports nesting habitats for many species. The Fish and Boat Commission has worked to enhance the lake’s habitat through fish habitat structures. The commission also managed the Big Bass Program regulations.
In addition to the Fish and Boat Commission, many volunteers have worked to improve the lake. The Somerset County Conservancy, the Lake Somerset Area Council, and the Somerset Conservation District all helped to enhance the lake’s habitat.
Guild of American Papercutters
Located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, the Guild of American Papercutters National Museum is the first museum in the United States. The guild was founded in 1988 to celebrate papercutting as an art form and promote its preservation and advancement.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of paper-cutting artworks. The museum has many members, including artists, collectors, and instructors. The guild encourages its members to learn and grow their technical skills as an organization.
The guild also hosts a biennial papercutting conference called the Collection. In addition, the museum is home to an extensive cuttings collection and a shop selling publications.
The museum is an appropriate resource for developing one of the thirteen original colonies. The Guild of American Papercutters is a nonprofit organization that promotes and preserves the art of paper cutting.