List of Pennsylvania state parks Facts for Kids

Map of state parks in Pennsylvania
(Each dot is linked to the corresponding park article)

As of 2023, Pennsylvania has 124 state parks! These parks are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). They directly run 116 parks, while others are looked after with help from different groups.

Pennsylvania's very first state park, Valley Forge, opened way back in 1893. It was later given to the National Park Service (NPS) in 1976 for the United States Bicentennial. Over time, some state parks have changed hands. For example, four parks went to the NPS, and others went to different state or federal groups.

Pennsylvania's state parks come in all sizes, from just 3 acres (1.2 ha) to a huge 21,122 acres (8,548 ha). Together, they cover about one percent of Pennsylvania's total land. Did you know that only Alaska and California have more park land than Pennsylvania?

What Makes Pennsylvania's Parks Special?
A Look at Park History
Images for kids
See also

What Makes Pennsylvania's Parks Special?

There are state parks in 62 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. This means most people in Pennsylvania live within 25 miles (40 km) of a state park!

Not all parks have "State Park" in their name. Some are called "Conservation Areas," like Boyd Big Tree Preserve. Others are "Environmental Education Centers," such as Jacobsburg, where you can learn about nature. There's even a "Preserve" and a "Farm Park"!

Some parks are still wild and undeveloped, like Allegheny Islands, which you can only reach by boat. Others are small picnic spots, perfect for a quick stop. Many parks feature large lakes or dams built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, like Bald Eagle.

Pennsylvania's parks also protect history. You can find old lime kilns at Canoe Creek or former iron furnace sites at places like Pine Grove Furnace. Eight parks even contain parts of National Natural Landmarks, which are special places recognized for their unique natural features.

The DCNR says Pennsylvania's state parks cover more than 300,000 acres (121,406 ha). They have over 600 full-time and 1,600 part-time staff. About 36 million people visit these parks every year! The best part? Admission to all Pennsylvania state parks is free! However, you might pay a small fee to use cabins or boat marinas. The parks offer more than 7,000 family campsites, 286 cabins, almost 30,000 picnic tables, 56 major lakes, 10 marinas, 61 swimming beaches, 17 swimming pools, and over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of trails.

Presque Isle State Park,
on Lake Erie
Worlds End State Park, Loyalsock Creek canyon
Point State Park,
in downtown Pittsburgh
Ohiopyle State Park,
Jonathan Run Falls

A Look at Park History

Pennsylvania's first state park, Valley Forge State Park, was bought on May 30, 1893. It was created to protect the historic site of Valley Forge. Many state parks still preserve history today. As of 2012, 42 Pennsylvania state park sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes two National Historic Landmarks and many sites built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Besides history, Pennsylvania also wanted to protect natural beauty and offer fun activities. In 1902, Mont Alto State Forest Park became the second park. It was created a year after the state "Bureau of Forestry" started. This group worked to buy, protect, and restore Pennsylvania's forests, which had been damaged by logging and fires.

More parks were added over the years. A big expansion happened in the 1930s under Governor Gifford Pinchot. He worked with President Franklin Roosevelt to create many new parks and facilities. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a huge role. They set up 113 camps in Pennsylvania, building roads, buildings, picnic areas, swimming spots, and campgrounds. They also fought forest fires and planted trees.

By 1956, Pennsylvania had 44 state parks. Most were in rural areas. By 1979, 45 more parks had been added, many near cities. This growth was largely thanks to Maurice K. Goddard, who led the DCNR for 24 years. During his time, park visitors more than tripled! New funding helped expand and improve the parks. Since 2000, programs like "Growing Greener" have continued to make parks even better.