Five landmark towers located in Pennsylvania that are great tourist attractions and all offer great views of the surrounding areas. Some of these towers are great historical landmarks while others have been recently built. All are open to the public and are great places to visit and learn about the history, science and culture of Pennsylvania.
Bicentennial Tower in Erie
Located at 7 State Street along Dobbins Landing in Erie, Pennsylvania is the 138 foot tall Bicentennial Tower. The tower was built in 1995 to celebrate Erie’s 200th anniversary and overlooks Presque Isle Bay and the historic bayfront district. Visitors can ride elevators to the observation decks for great views. For more info call 814-455-6055.
Bowman’s Hill Tower in Washington Crossing Historic Park
Bowman’s Hill Tower is located at River Road and Lurgan Road in Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania along the Delaware River. The 125 foot high tower was built in 1931 and visitors can ride an elevator to to an observation point in the tower and then climb 23 more steps to the very top of the tower for a 14 mile view of the Delaware River and Delaware River Valley. For more info call 215-862-3166.
Cathedral of Learning Tower in Pittsburgh
Located at the quadrangle on the University of Pittsburgh’s college campus is the 535 foot high 42 story Gothic Cathedral of Learning stone tower. This famous historic landmark tower in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the 2nd tallest educational building in the world and was built from 1926-1934. The Cathedral of Learning is open to the public and guided tours of the tower building are available. For more info call 412-624-6000.
National Patriot’s Bell Tower in Valley Forge
Located on State Route 23 in the Valley Forge National Historical Park is the National Patriot’s Bell Tower which is part of the Washington Memorial Chapel. The bell tower houses a 58 bell carillon and was built by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Both the Washington Memorial Chapel and the National Patriot’s Bell Tower are open to the public and are popular tourist attractions in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Tom Ridge Environmental Center Tower in Erie
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is a 65,000 square foot facility located at 301 Peninsula Drive right at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. The facility was opened in 2006 and connected to the center is a 75 foot high observation tower that offers tourists and visitors outstanding panoramic views of Lake Erie. For more info call 814-833-7424.
