Butler is a charming town with plenty of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or something more active and fun, Butler has something for you.
Here’s a list of 16 of our favorite Butler County activities.
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Things To Do In Butler
1. Todd Nature Reserve
The Todd Nature Reserve, which is part of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP) and is located in Sarver, is a must-see for all nature lovers. This wildlife reserve, which spans 176 acres, is a haven for individuals who enjoy being outside.
There are five miles of trails that lead through a beautiful environment, including a forest, stream, and pond, all of which can be explored independently.
You can also go for a public walk if you’re visiting in the spring or summer.
It’s a beautiful spot to take in nature’s splendor, and it’s also a great place for aspiring or professional photographers to capture some breathtaking landscapes.
2. Succop Nature Park
Succop Nature Park is a beautiful park with a lot more to offer than just beautiful scenery.
The property includes a beautiful 170-year-old mansion, two ponds, walking trails, and open spaces where the family’s four-legged relatives can enjoy the great outdoors as well. The park also serves as an educational center, hosting classes, retreats, and art exhibits.
3. The Snowman
What better way to end a day of fun in Butler County than with a delicious treat from The Snowman? This one-of-a-kind attraction is housed in a 13-foot-tall snowman-shaped fiberglass structure.
Numerous variations of shaved ice, smoothies, frappés, and ice cream are among the many icy, sweet pleasures available.
The Yeti (shaved ice with Hershey’s vanilla or chocolate ice cream swirled in) is highly recommended.
4. Butler County Beer Circuit
Who doesn’t enjoy a refreshing beer after a long journey, a challenging trek, or an exciting day on the water? I certainly did, and I had a great time exploring some of the area’s craft breweries.
There are ten breweries in Butler County, each with its distinct brews and vibes. Your first stop should, of course, be at North Country Brewing, the first brewpub to open in Butler County.
It features the widest range of beers on tap in the area and is located in the center of Slippery Rock. They’ve made over 100 distinct types of beer since 2005, ranging from the deepest stouts to the lightest lagers and everything in between.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins Train
Take a guided tour of the facility to learn about the complex’s inner workings and everything it has to offer. From hockey camps to personal training, this twin-pad rink has a lot to offer the local community.
It was fascinating to learn how they maintain the ice in the same condition as the PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh, where the Penguins play.
The dressing rooms are not open to the public, but that didn’t stop me from trying to sneak a peek inside!
6. Step Foot on Mars
The town of Mars has to be the most ‘ out-of-this-world destination in Butler County. When you see the flying saucer in the main town square, you’ll know you’ve arrived.
The city adores and celebrates its name, which has attracted a lot of attention, including from NASA.
You won’t want to miss their annual events, which promote the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math towards the end of May.
And, just in case you’re wondering, yes, there is life on Mars… At the very least, this one!
7. See Where the Brooklyn Bridge Was Born
Although it is a long way from New York City, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania is where John Roebling invented the wire rope.
Roebling co-founded the town with his brother in 1832 and went on to create the famed Brooklyn Bridge with his wire rope invention.
8. Visit Western Pennsylvania’s First Landmark District
In the small village of Harmony, take in the stunning ancient brick and log structures. This charming German community, founded in 1804, is today home to a variety of lovely specialty shops and eateries.
I’ve heard that the WunderBar in town is a must-see because they serve locally produced fare and excellent coffee in a historic opera house. Don’t miss Harmony’s Christmas Market if you’re visiting in the winter!
9. Follow the Steps of George Washington
On a self-guided tour of Washington’s Trail, learn about the area’s history since the 1700s.
It will take you from Zelienople to Harmony, Portersville, Moraine State Park, Slippery Rock, Harrisville, Prospect, Evans City, and Cranberry Township. It’s a fantastic way to get about Butler County quickly!
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10. The Maridon Museum
The Maridon Museum focuses on art and culture from China and Japan. The museum’s collection, which includes jade and ivory sculptures, tapestries, landscape paintings, scrolls, and 300 Meissen porcelain pieces, was donated by Mary Hulton Phillips, who also donated the building.
11. Living Dead Museum
The small town of Evans City should be on your list of places to visit if you enjoy the film Night of the Living Dead, as it was filmed here. There’s even a fantastic tiny museum dedicated to the Living Dead.
It’s located across the street from a funeral home and includes a gallery, a movie history, a screening room, and a wall known as ‘The Maul of Fame,’ which is covered in bloody handprints and signatures of celebrities.
Don’t miss the Evans City Cemetery, where the majority of the movie was shot.
12. Harmony, Pennsylvania Historic District
Harmony is home to Western Pennsylvania’s first National Historic District, which is ideal for history aficionados.
The Harmony Museum, situated inside an 1809 building, tells the tale of Harmony’s 250-year history through multiple mediums, including displays on George Washington, Harmonists, and Mennonites, as well as collections of sporting rifles.
The museum, along with numerous other properties in the district, is owned by the preservation group History Harmony. Check out the Original Mennonite Log Cabin for a glimpse into life in the nineteenth century.
13. Playthings
When visiting Butler County, a stop at Playthings Etc. is a must for the young and the young at heart. The ‘World’s Best Toy Store,’ billed as the ‘World’s Best Toy Store,’ is brimming with excitement and specializes in a wide range of toys, from classics to futuristic delights to educational options, and is located inside a building reminiscent of a stealth bomber.
What’s great about this store is that kids can be kids and try out some of the fun toys while watching employee demonstrations.
There are over 3,000 toys to choose from, so there is something for everyone. Visit at night to see the building lit up with blue lights — it’s a spectacular sight!
14. North Country Brewing Co
North Country Brewing Co. is a fantastic place to enjoy some delectable food and a refreshing beer.
Relax and enjoy meals like the sausage cheese plate, hummus pita with veggies and cheese, the Harbourmaster, a house-made jumbo lump crab cake covered with seafood aioli on a toasted kaiser bun, and pepper bourbon chicken sautéed with green peppers and topped with bourbon sauce.
Lunch wouldn’t be complete without a homemade brew, of course.
15. Log Cabin Inn
Grab a bite to eat at the Log Cabin Inn. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with rustic decor. When the weather permits, they also have an outdoor deck with a beautiful view of the woodland surroundings.
Their cuisine emphasizes meaty dishes, as well as some delectable seafood selections.
The pot roast with roasted red potatoes and vegetables; the ‘Knuckle Sandwich,’ a Cajun-seasoned burger with bacon, blue cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted kaiser; and the balsamic chicken with sautéed spinach, diced tomato, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic sauce are among the highlights.
16. The Glass Blowing Center
Anyone who enjoys art, particularly glass art, should add The Glass Blowing Center to their bucket list of things to do while in Butler County. A gift shop in Hilliards sells one-of-a-kind things like jewelry, sculptures, and marble.
The best thing, though, is that the facility has artists working on-site so that everyone who comes by can see it. You can even try your hand at glass blowing. Except on Wednesdays, they’re open every day.
Romantic Things To Do In Butler For Couples or Lovers
These five places below highlight the romantic things you can do with your loved one in Butler County.
1. Go Skating At UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Visit a public skate at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex to enjoy a great indoor winter activity; skate under the lights and to music where the Pittsburgh Penguins train.
Plan to watch the Penguins game on the big screen as you skate, or to attend a theme night like Star Wars Skate or DJ Skate.
2. Have Fun Bowling at Mars Lanes
A little friendly competition is always fun to see. Go bowling at Mars Lanes and step back in time to the 1960s, complete with manual scoring.
3. Play an Escape Game At Butler’s Great Escape
Try an escape room for a novel date. You’ll be required to follow clues, solve a problem, and work as a team to solve a mystery. This is a fantastic concept for a double date.
4. Have Fine Wine At Rustic Acres Winery
Visit a winery with your date for more than “just a drink.” Try award-winning wines at Rustic Acres Winery and Winfield Winery; with a variety of dry and sweet varieties, you’re sure to discover one that suits your palate and can be brought to enjoy at home.
5. Play Games with Family at Bowlaway
Visit Family Bowlaway Fun Center for a more cutting-edge experience, complete with automatic flat-screen scoring and glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes.
The indoor 11th Frame Bar & Grille offers meals and drinks in addition to various activities and games.
Things To Do In Butler For Kids
Your kids can also have fun in Butler too, check out these five fun things to do in Butler For Kids.
1. View Train Display at Entertainment Junction
This experience is unique compared to others. Start by taking in the largest train display in the world, which spans over 25,000 square feet and will take your children through several historical eras.
Children can play and interact with the Coney Island Display, and for a brief history lesson, go to the American Railroad Museum to learn about American railroads.
2. Get Artistic at You’re Fired Pottery Studio
If your kids enjoy crafting! The Pottery Studio is the ideal setting for children to express their creativity.
Parents and their kids can collaborate and create together in their special studio.
The team will assist you at every stage as you choose your clay item and paint it yourself. a wonderful location to create a souvenir and remember Summer!
3. Visit Wake Nation
The ideal location to wakeboard, wakeskate, water ski, and kneeboard without a boat is Wake Nation.
They have an enormous inflatable obstacle course in the water in their Adventure Park, which you may also visit.
4. Eat Tasty Snacks at Donut Trail
The ideal family excursion! All you have to do to finish the Donut Trail is get a passport, visit 13 nearby doughnut shops, and get a stamp at each one.
You can exchange your completed passport for your very own Donut Trail T-shirt. A lot of tasty doughnuts are consumed while creating wonderful family memories in this way.
5. Play Games at The WEB Extreme Entertainment
For kids of all ages, WEB Extreme Entertainment has something to offer.
Everyone will find something they enjoy, whether it be arcade games, go-kart racing, entertaining laser tag activities, mini-golf, or rock climbing.
Kids of all ages love their new mini-golf course with a magical theme
Free Things To Do In Butler
Looking for things to do in Butler? Check out these five free attractions!
1. Take A walk around the historic district
There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore here, and it’s an easy walk from one end of town to the other.
2. Visit the Butler County Historical Society Museum
This museum has a variety of exhibits that cover the history of Butler County. It’s also a great place to learn about local folklore.
3. Check out The botanical gardens
This garden is home to more than 10,000 plants and is a great place to take a walk or relax in a shady spot.
Cheap Things To Do In Butler
Looking for a cheap way to spend a day in Butler? Here are five ideas:
1. Take a walk around town
Butler is a small town with plenty of things to see and do. A nice walk will give you a taste of the town and its history.
2. Explore The local library
This is an ideal place to read a book or take a break from your busy schedule. The library has ample seating, so you can relax or study.
3. Take a walk in Butler Park
This public space features a variety of trees and flowers, as well as a pond. There’s also a playground and basketball court located within the park.
4. Visit the local museum
Butler Museum of Art is only $5 for adults, and free for children under 12.
Cool Places To Visit In Butler
If you’re looking for a place to spend a day or two, Butler has plenty to offer visitors.
Visit Butler Heritage Museum
This museum is dedicated to the history of Butler County and is home to a variety of exhibits, including a historical farm exhibit and a collection of local memorabilia.
2. Donut Trail
The Butler County Donut Trail highlights small, family-run donut shops and invites visitors to explore the county through donuts.
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FAQ
What is Butler PA known for?
One of Butler’s claims to fame is that it is home to the original military “jeep” that made American forces mobile during World War II.
Is Butler PA A good place to live?
Butler, PA, is a quaint city that’s been named by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the best small towns in America.
Does Butler serve food?
Great Western Dining provides Butler with outstanding food service every day.
Is Butler a nice town?
Butler is in Morris County and is one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
How far is Butler from Mars?
12.94 mi
Who owns the Butler dog house?
owner Daniel Gray
How much should I tip the butler?
Customarily, for a private butler, you want to tip at least 5% of the nightly room rate—for each night they serve as your butler.
What clothes does a butler wear?
In the United States, a butler will usually wear a business suit, a light-colored shirt, and a business-style tie.
To Sum Up
Butler County, Pennsylvania is a must-see for everyone visiting the state.
The area has so much to offer over the ten towns that appeal to visitors of all interests. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Butler County, whether you’re just passing through or staying for the weekend.
Are you prepared to plan your trip? please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
