1. Coudersport Ice Mine

    1. Coudersport Ice Mine

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    Coudersport, PA

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    Christopher C.

    PA is certainly known for it's mining but usually you're talking coal mining and usually you're talking NE PA and usually you're talking past tense. So by proxy one could assume that in Coudersport at one point they mined ice? Not exactly. If you care, read on. If not, good choice. So the history goes something like this. In the late 19th century the mine was found accidentally by prospector(s) looking for silver. Just that instead of silver they wound up stumbling across a deep subterranean shaft bizarrely full of ice. Now while that in and of itself is not that shocking considering that you are in the hinterlands of PA where winter can be severe what is surprising about this ice is that it forms not in winter but in the summer. Why? Who knows? From a geologic standpoint the answer as to why the ice forms when it does is still not fully understood. The working theory is the cracks in the mountain overhead draw in cold air during the winter, then expel it in the summer. Because of the pattern of these cracks, the expulsion process channels all of the cold winter air into the mine, where the environment draws moisture from the humid outside air to form ice. As the previous winter's air flows into the cave, the cracks fill with warm summer air which will subsequently be pushed into the cave in the winter, melting the ice in the process. So while silver was never found and I would imagine never will be found what you have is the same thing that has been here since the mine's accidental founding over a hundred years ago. A roadside tourist trap/curiosity that is the epitome of a one trick pony that is tough to explain and likely will leave you wondering what exactly it is that you just spent money on if you come. If you go: The ice mine is open seasonally Memorial Day to Labor Day from Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission prices are Adults: $5 & Children up to 12: $2.50. Finding it is not that hard if you are in the area as there are lots of signs as you begin to get close. Know that you could make the argument that this place is really a gift shop with a hole in the ground next to it as the gift shop is ten times the size of the "mine" itself. The mine is just one solitary room/open area behind a door. What is shocking is the extreme temperature change from just being outside in the parking lot versus being in the room with the mine. It's cold enough that they store cases of soda right by the mine. It goes without saying that this is NOT a destination type of place. If for some reason you happen to be on Route 6 in Potter County and are driving by then what the hell, spend the twenty minutes and make a stop but don't go out of your way because depending on your sense of adventure and your love of kitsch, you might leave a little ticked at what you just paid to see.

    Ice mine
    Chuck P.

    Second time visiting the ice mine. The first time was about 4 years ago in August and not much ice was in the mine. You could look down and see in the mine, this time in late may the ice was well outside the mine. I was pretty shocked at the difference. They have holes in the platform you could look down and see. It's not much to look at, but I'm a sucker for attractions like this. The owner is very personable and is excited to talk about the mine. If you are in the area it is worth the stop to check it out. The gift shop is a decent size the only thing It was missing was they didn't have any stickers for the ice mine. we try to collect them for places we have been and I always get a little disappointed when a place doesn't have one.

    Inside the mine!
    Bean B.

    Was visiting the area to go star gazing at Cherry Springs, and happened to drive by this weird sign: "Ice Mine" My partner and I looked at each other, and said "why not?" We pulled into the entrance, and we had no idea what to expect - it was a small cabin with a gift shop, a look-out area with picnic tables, and a small door that said "Ice Mine" that lead into the mountain. We got our tickets, and we were greeted by the sweetest man who truly made our Coudersport trip. His name was Gary, and he was the owner of the mine. He gave us a full history and tour of the mine, and was kind enough to offer to take photos of my partner and I! I honestly cannot believe how unreal this place was - yeah, sure, it's a chunk of ice. But like.. how?! What?! When?! Where?! WHY?!?! The mystery of the ice in the mountain I am sure will haunt me for years, and I look forward to the day I visit again and can show Gary, or Gary's kids, the pictures he took of me in my younger years. If you're looking for a place to just have a laugh, join others in curiosity, and/or "chill out," this is it!

    Inside of the ice mine

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    Pine Creek Gorge

    Pine Creek Gorge

    4.5(4 reviews)
    25.7 mi

    The Pine Creek Gorge is nicknamed the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and it certainly possesses its…read moreshare of dramatic views. There are a lot of ways to enjoy the area. The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs through the base of the gorge itself, which can be accessed by driving partway down to the parking areas and then hiking or biking in. Or you could opt to take some challenging hikes down the sides of the canyon to the bottom from one of the trailheads at the state parks located on the east (Leonard Harrison) or west (Colton Point) rims. Leonard Harrison State Park offers more amenities, with a visitor's center, and souvenirs and snacks during the busy season, while Colton Point is a bit more basic with picnic tables and overlooks. There is also a covered wagon tour available through Ole Covered Wagon Tours that provide another way to enjoy the base of the canyon, along with a knowledgeable tour guide who can provide information on the history, geology, and nature in the area. If you're unfamiliar with the area, be aware that rattlesnakes and black bears live here.

    Noted as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon the best way to get here is through Wellsboro, PA and the best…read moreview I found was from Colton State Park. Great hiking trails great views and overall a nice place to visit. The town nearby is also a great place to shop and grab something to eat. Be sure to plot everything by GPS there is minimal wireless Anal in the area probably because of how this place aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, regardless don't get lost and try not fall off. I have this place 3 Ninja stars because it was nothing close to Grand Canyon. This gorge is just that, a gorge and nothing near as close to a grand canyon.

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    Pine Creek Gorge
    Pine Creek Gorge
    Pine Creek Gorge

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    Joseph Priestley House

    Joseph Priestley House

    4.7(6 reviews)
    84.8 mi

    Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) was known for identifying carbon monoxide, but mainly as the…read morediscoverer of oxygen in 1774. He was also a theologian, educator, political activist and writer. He spent the last years of his life in then rural Northumberland, Pennsylvania. He was a strong supported of the political ideas of the french revolution and had supported many religious Dissenters (both no-no's in his homeland of England), for this his house, library & laboratory were burned down, he was accused of treason and then he immigrated to The United States. First settling in Philadelphia, then moving to northumberland, he had hoped that moving to such a rural and secluded area would perhaps give him some breathing-space and time to think. He wasn't welcome as a preacher in Northumberland, but founded the first congregation of Unitarian faith in Philadelphia. His house was equipped with a laboratory, where he conducted experiments. His ideas greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson and the Constitution, and also his education planning is the basis for the liberal arts college. This is basically a tour of his original house, it has been modified since then. takes about a half-hour. 4.00 admission per person.

    Dan pretty much hits the nail on the head in his review. I'd heard of the Joseph Priestley House…read morebefore, but I'd never visited it. Not only did Priestley discover oxygen, he also conducted early experiments in electricity and counted Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and James Watt among his friends. His teachings were so controversial that his house in Birmingham England was burned to the ground. He and his family fled Engand and Priestley spent the last decade of his life in Northumberland. The Joseph Priestley House is a National Historic Landmark and from the outside, it looks like a typically unassuming English gentleman's estate. But it's really easy to spend some time in here. Priestley and his family not only lived here, he had his laboratory here too. And I'm happy to say that the lab has been recently renovated. When the lab was renovated, it was done so without intruding on the elements of the house. The exhibit is set as though Priestley is at work investigating carbon monoxide in his Northumberland laboratory. Reproduction glassware pieces were selected, based on pieces that Joseph Priestley was known to have used here. The original laboratory glassware is now at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. Other renovations include two representative furnaces with chimneys and a fume hood spanning the width of the lab. There's also a lot of family history in the house. His spouse Mary Priestley did a lot of the planning for the new house. She passed away, however, two years after they arrived in Northumberland and she never saw the completion of the house. As a widower, Joseph Priestley lived here with his eldest son, Joesph Priestley Jr and his daughter-in-law and his grandchildren. In 1919 Dr. George Gilbert Pond bought the house at auction. Dr. Pond was dean of the School of Natural Sciences at Pennsylvania State College (now Penn State). After his death in 1926, the college purchased the house and built the Pond House in his honor. It was used as a firepoof museum for Joseph Priestley's artificats. It once served as a visitor center, however plans are afoot to adapt it for public meetings and exhibits. I think that visiting small historical houses such as Priestley's can be just as rewarding as visiting well-known museums. If you visit the Priestley House, do the "Priestley Pilgrimage" by also visitng the Joseph Priestley Memorial Chapel, Riverview Cemetery and Northumberland's Historic District.

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    Joseph Priestley House - Joseph Priestley

    Joseph Priestley

    Joseph Priestley House
    Joseph Priestley House - The Home of Joseph Priestley:Northumberland , PA

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    The Home of Joseph Priestley:Northumberland , PA

    Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park - Gift Shop

    Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park

    4.4(122 reviews)
    62.7 mi

    GREAT GREAT GREAT. AMAZING VIEWS. Definitely get the combo…read morepasses for the wildlife tour. Such a great experience will spread the word soon

    Penn's Cave has been offering guided boat tours for over 140 years and it's easy to see why it's…read morestill such a popular stop. Located in Centre County, PA (which apparently has over 130 caves!), this unique tour takes you through a beautiful limestone cavern entirely by boat. The cave tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs $25 per person. They also offer a wildlife tour by bus, but we only had time for the cave portion. Be aware there's a fairly large staircase you'll need to go down to reach the cave entrance. Something to keep in mind if anyone in your group has mobility issues. Each boat holds around 22 people, but we visited on a quiet Monday afternoon and only had 8 in our group, which made it feel more personal. Our tour guide was excellent and knowledgeable, engaging, and had a sense of humor. He encouraged questions and had thoughtful answers for everything we threw at him. At the end of the cave, you actually exit into a small lake, take a brief spin around, and then head back through the cave to where you started, very cool and peaceful. There's also a gift shop on-site that sells snacks, drinks, and the usual souvenirs. Tours typically depart every 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy they are, so timing is pretty flexible. All in all, it's a fun, unique experience that's well worth the stop!

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    Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park
    Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park
    Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park

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    Coudersport Ice Mine - landmarks - Updated July 2026

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