3 Great Places to Visit in Each Mid-Atlantic State
Disclosure: In our articles, we independently choose products and services to feature that we think you'll find useful. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of our links, we may earn a small commission.Are you going on a trip to any Mid-Atlantic States? With big cities, large rivers, and huge forests, there is much to do in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The Mid-Atlantic states include Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Here are the three top things to do in each of those states!
Delaware
Fun Facts:
- First state to ratify the US constitution
- Second smallest state, with 1,948 square miles
- Home of the nation’s first railroad
1. Cape Henlopen State Park
On its 5,193 acres, you’ll find Cape Henlopen State Park to be entertaining. With its coast lines, museums, forests, and trails, you can find much to do in only a small park. There is even a World War II fort at the park, called Fort Miles. Find out more at the website: https://www.visitdelaware.com/beaches/cape-henlopen-state-park/.
2. Air Mobility Command Museum
In the Dover Air Force Base, you’ll find the Air Mobility Command Museum to be a very interesting and specialized museum. With 20,000 square feet of airlift and air refueling aircraft, you can learn a lot about the importance certain aircraft held throughout the history of the air force. More information at https://amcmuseum.org/.
3. Winterthur Museum
As the home of Henry Francis du Pont, a well-known horticulturist and antiques collector, there is much to see at the Winterthur Museum. With a garden, a mansion, a library, and an Americana collection, all sorts of people can be entertained at the museum. If you wish to learn more, go to their website: http://www.winterthur.org/.
Maryland
Fun facts:
- It is illegal to throw hay bales from second story windows
- Named after Queen Henrietta Maria
- Richest state in the US, with a median income of $70k.
1. Washington, D.C.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is famous enough in its own right. With the Supreme Court, the Capitol building, and the White House, it is perfect for those interested in politics. For those interested in science, history, and art, there are the Smithsonian museums and the other national museums. There are also multiple memorials and sites that are part of the National Park Service. Website: https://www.nps.gov/state/dc/index.htm.
2. Antietam National Battlefield
With a battle fought right before the Emancipation Proclamation, Antietam National Battlefield is a historic site with much history. Fought on for 12 hours, about 23,000 soldiers fought and died. That battle kept the Confederates from further invasion of the North. With five square miles of history, you can have a very educational trip to Antietam National Battlefied. Website: https://www.nps.gov/anti/index.htm.
3. U.S. Naval Academy
Established in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is a famous naval academy in Annapolis, Maryland. At 512 acres, it is a wonderful place for people to walk around. There are about 4,600 students at the prestigious school, though half of them drop out. For more information, check out the website: https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php.
New Jersey
Fun facts:
- New Jersey has the most diners in the world, at about 525 of them
- Home of the first baseball game
1. Liberty State Park
Opened for the bicentennial celebrations in 1976, the Liberty State Park has been open since. There are fees to get into the park, but the views are great. At not even 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty, the park has stunning views of the Upper New York Bay. There are also direct ferries from the park to the Statue of Liberty. Website: http://www.libertystatepark.org/.
2. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
At a little under 27 square kilometers, the Delware and Raritan Canal State Park openned in 1974 and has been a favorite for locals since then. With a 77-mile trail, you can stay entertained for hours by walking, biking, or hiking through nature. As the largest multi-use trail in the state, the park actually goes through three counties. Website: https://www.dandrcanal.com/.
3. Stairway to Heaven Trail
With not even 3 miles of trails, but wonderful views, the Stairway to Heaven Trail is very popular. With 3,922 steps, it takes about three to four hours to get to the top, and a whole one to two hours to get back down. Otherwise known as the Haiku Stairs, many say that the views are worth it, and it is thus the Stairway to Heaven. Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/stairway-to-heaven-trail.
Pennsylvania
Fun facts:
- Hershey is the Chocolate Capital of the US
- Home of the first baseball stadium
- Also home of the first automobile service station
1. Philadelphia
Philadelphia is full of history. As home to 1.58 million people, it is the largest city in Pennsylvania. It is where many national monuments are, and it is a very important city for the founding of the United States. When visiting, stay safe. It is the most dangerous city of the top ten largest cities in the US. Website: https://www.visitphilly.com/.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park
As the most visited Civil War battlefield, Gettysburg National Military Park attracts more than two million visitors each year. In 1863, a three-day battle was fought that stopped the Confederates from their second invasion of the North. It was the bloodiest Civil War battle, with over 50,000 casualties. Website: https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm.
3. Independence National Historical Park
As the most historical site in Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park has over a dozen historical buildings on its 55 acres of land. It is the heart of the American Revolution. With the Liberty Bell, the Independence Hall, and multiple other important sites, history lovers will be in their happy place. Website: https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm.
Virginia
Fun facts:
- Named for England’s “Virgin Queen”, who was Queen Elizabeth I
- The birthplace of the most US presidents, at 8 currently
- Known as “the birthplace of the nation” because of the Jamestown settlement
1. Great Falls Park
Where the Potomac River speeds up to fall down into the Mather Gorge, Great Falls is a wonderful park in Virginia. It is along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Though it is only 800 acres, it is full of rugged, unpredictable lanscapes. It is a must-see for Virginia visitors. Website: https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm.
2. Shenandoah National Park
As another must-see in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park boasts some of the best autumn forests in the country. In the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley has a lot to offer. With much recreation, and beautiful trails and drives, such as the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, you can easily have a wonderful weekend in the 311 square miles of the Shenandoah National Park. Website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm.
3. Manassas National Battlefield Park
Known for the location of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, Manassas National Battlefield Park shows the history of some of the most important Civil War battles in US history. With over 7 square miles of historical fields, and 700,000 visitors each year, Manassas NBP is a popular visit for many history lovers. To learn more, visit the website: https://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm.
West Virginia
Fun Facts:
- West Virginia is 75% covered in forests
- Lowest crime rate in the country
- Outputs 15% of the country’s coal production
1. Grandview State Park
As a main part of the New River Gorge National River, Grandview is a peaceful place for many to relax in nature. You can find many recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, walking, driving, and kayaking. For more info, check out https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/grandview.htm.
2. The Point Harpers Ferry
This is a popular place where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. Though it is only 3/4 of an acre, it has stunning views and rapid waters. It’s a must-see for West Virginia. To learn more, visit the website: https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/the-point.htm.
3. Blackwater Falls State Park
With a 62-foot cascade, Blackwater Falls State Park is a wonderful place for a daytrip of relaxation. With rugger, wondrous beauty on its 2,358 acres, you can be entertained for a long time. The falls, of course, are the main attraction at the state park, so don’t miss them. Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/.
I hope you have a great trip to the Mid-Atlantic states! With so much to do in the Mid-Atlantic, you can have a wonderful trip with unending entertainment!
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Sources:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28929-Activities-Delaware.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28941-Activities-Maryland.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28951-Activities-New_Jersey.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28959-Activities-Pennsylvania.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28967-Activities-Virginia.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28971-Activities-West_Virginia.html
Steve is a staff writer at Plan and Organize™. He specializes in articles about technology and education yet often delves into home, business and finance topics.
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