In 1877, a humble boat landing was constucted on Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania's largest natural lake. Colonel Frank Mantor, a visionary, discovered and purchased the property and convinced investors from the Pittsburgh, Shenango, and Lake Erie Railroad to extend the railroad line to a newly built resort on the site. In 1892, Exposition Park--a permanent fair exhibiting machinery and livestock--was founded. Amusement rides were added alongside hotels, cottages, restaurants, and other businesses. The resort grew into an amusement park and was renamed Conneaut Lake Park in 1920. Conneaut Lake Park illustrates the evolution of this lakeside resort with images of long-gone attractions such as the Hotel Elmwood, Temple of Music, Jungle Cruise, Fairyland Forest, and Wild Mouse. Recent favorites such as the Blue Streak, Tumble Bug, Ultimate Trip, and Devil's Den are also included.

A comprehensive guide to 13 parks in the state, complete with information on rides and attractions. Packed with vintage postcard images and photos.

Pennsylvania's mid-20th-century Route 6 brought together appealing natural environments, historical events, and cultural landscapes. The eastern length of the route crosses an area featuring rolling mountains and tranquil valleys dotted by farms and towns. To the west, Route 6 traverses a more level landscape that also includes lakes. This book presents the 370-mile scenic drive as a destination in itself. It covers the secluded setting of northern Pennsylvania where Route 6 and its towns have experienced minimal changes associated with larger metropolitan regions and interstate highways. As a result, the mid-20th-century landscapes of Route 6 have lingered a little longer. The authors give the reader a peek of a past not entirely swept away.

Idlewild and SoakZone has charmed people across Western Pennsylvania and beyond since the late 1800s. The park was developed by Pittsburgh's Mellon family as a picnic grove to boost traffic on the Ligonier Valley Rail Road. When C.C. Macdonald took the helm in 1931, rides, entertainment and other attractions came to Idlewild over the next half century, along with the adjacent Story Book Forest. After joining the Kennywood family of amusement parks, Idlewild added a Wild West town, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe and a water slide complex. Author Jennifer Sopko tells the heartwarming history of a Pennsylvania amusement park that continues to delight generations of families.

A photographic retrospective covers more than 100 years of images from the history of the American amusement park.

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a bicycle rail trail extending 150 miles between Pittsburgh, PA, and Cumberland, MD. Defunct railroad lines function as a restored corridor, connecting southwestern PA and northern MD. Visualize a crushed limestone trail that rambles through urban neighborhoods, fertile farmlands, and panoramic mountain ranges. The weight of your body propels you through a marvelous natural world that dovetails scenic waterways. Listen to rustling leaves through a cacophony of bird songs, or breathe in the sweet aroma of blossoming wildflowers and fruit trees. Marvel at ancient ruins from the region's rich coal and steel heritage. Pedal across iron giants-refurbished bridges and viaducts- or travel through the cold, ghostly, darkened train tunnels. All these experiences, and many more, await you on the Great Allegheny Passage. Whether you are a twowheeled explorer or an armchair adventurer, it's time to decide. Are you ready for a truly amazing ride? Biking the GAP is a visual documentary of the trail, focusing on all unique and historical points of interest; the strength of this trail lies in the total sum of its parts rather than a handful of specific spectacles. The photography comprehensively represents the complex trail in all its character, charm, and personality.