Looking for a historic small town with scenic charm, local eats, and access to the outdoors? Head to Butler! Located about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh, Butler is known for its industrial history, welcoming community, and proximity to rolling countryside. Whether you're exploring museums, hiking forest trails, or enjoying small-town events, Butler offers a laid-back Pennsylvania getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Butler is during the spring through fall (April to October). Enjoy mild weather, blooming parks, and seasonal festivals. Summer is perfect for farmers markets and outdoor recreation, while fall brings colorful foliage and cozy events. Winters are quiet but charming with holiday lights and snow-covered landscapes.
How to Get There
- By Car: Butler is easily accessible via U.S. Route 422 and PA-68. It’s about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh and 2 hours from Erie.
- By Air: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest major airport, located about 1 hour southwest of Butler.
- By Bus: Bus service is available via regional carriers, and the local Butler Transit Authority provides transportation within the area.
Where to Stay
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Butler/Centre City – Modern and centrally located with free breakfast and a fitness center.
- Hampton Inn Butler – Comfortable lodging near shopping centers with an indoor pool and free hot breakfast.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Butler – Great value with spacious rooms and easy access to downtown Butler and nearby highways.
Top Attractions
⮕ Relax or Catch a Game at Historic Pullman Park
See a historic ballpark or enjoy a quick visit filled with local sights.
Pullman Park was a minor league baseball stadium opened in 1934 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Historic Pullman Park hosted minor league baseball teams affiliated with the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The ballpark closed after the baseball season in 2004 and was reopened in 2008 after the reconstruction was completed. Today, the stadium hosts the baseball teams of a number of local high schools: Karns City High School, Knoch High School, Moniteau High School and Butler High School. In 2008, Pullman Park hosted a boxing match between Butler native Brian Minto and John Poore. It was the first major event hosted at the ballpark after the reconstruction.
100 Pullman Park Pl, Butler, PA 16001, Phone: 724-841-0540
⮕ Wander Peaceful Trails at Succop Nature Park
Walk along scenic trails and admire birds during a peaceful spring outing.
Succop Nature Park is a nature reserve in Western Pennsylvania near Butler, one of few that belong to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. The park provides environmental and cultural education to the Butler community. The property is located near the Butler Airport and has two ponds, a network of walking trails and large open natural spaces that can be used for a range of outdoor activities such as picnics, walking dogs, watching birds and much more. Succop Nature Park also has 170-year old historic mansion that can be used for business meetings, classes, retreats, weddings, art exhibits and more. The mansion and its surrounds are tastefully decorated in charming rustic style, with original art and period antiques in rooms on the first floor.
185 Airport Rd, Butler, PA 16002, Phone: 724-586-2591
⮕ Explore Asian Art and Culture at The Maridon Museum
Explore Asian art and discover unique pieces on an unusual cultural trip.
The Maridon Museum, located in downtown Butler, Pennsylvania, opened in 2004 and is the only museum in the Western Pennsylvania that focuses exclusively on Chinese and Japanese art and culture. The museum building and all exhibits were gifted to the city of Butler by the long time city resident Mary Hulton Phillips. The Museum's permanent collection includes more than 800 art objects. The collection of Asian art includes ivory and jade sculptures, landscape paintings, tapestries, scrolls and various artifacts. Some of the objects in the collection date back to the Neolithic Period -2nd and 3rd millennium B.C. The collection also includes a set of six 6 foot by 8 foot ink-on-paper scrolls created in 2002 by the contemporary Chinese artist Wan Qingli.
322 N McKean St, Butler, PA 16001, Phone: 724-282-0123
Where to Eat
⮕ Enjoy Homestyle Comfort Food at Valley Dairy Restaurant
Savor classic comfort food and enjoy an affordable family-friendly meal.
Valley Dairy Restaurant started in 1884 as an ice cream place, quickly growing into a nationwide chain of 12 restaurants that are still famous for their home-made natural ice creams. Beside ice creams, they now offer all three meals, with freshly made sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, burgers and desserts. Their Butler restaurant is a spacious, modern, friendly place on Butler Commons, where locals love to stop by for the Valley Dairy famous Banana Split, Banana Parfait, Cherry Ice Cream Soda, Rootbeer Float, Sundays, milkshakes, pies and ice cream by scoop in flavors such as Vanilla, Chocolate, Butter Pecan & Cashew, Rainbow, Buckeye Classic, Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, Moose Tracks, Raspberry Fudge Cordial and more.
275 Butler Commons, Butler, PA 16001, Phone: 724-287-5984
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Moraine State Park – Just a short drive away, this park offers hiking, swimming, boating, and picnicking around Lake Arthur.
- Butler County Symphony Orchestra – Enjoy a local cultural gem with seasonal concerts held in downtown Butler.
More Places to Eat
- The Chop Shop – Popular local restaurant offering creative American dishes, craft cocktails, and a cool industrial vibe.
- Pizza Joe’s – Regional chain beloved for its pizza, subs, and casual, family-friendly feel.
- Rachel’s Roadhouse – Comfort food and classic diner dishes served in a cozy setting with retro decor.
- Reclamation Brewing Company – Microbrewery with small-batch beers and a menu of hearty bites in downtown Butler.
If you are interested in local events:
- Butler Italian Festival (August) – Enjoy Italian food, live music, and cultural heritage celebrations downtown.
- Butler Fall Festival (September) – A seasonal celebration featuring vendors, crafts, food, and entertainment.
- Butler County Farm Show (August) – Classic agricultural fair with livestock, carnival rides, food stands, and 4-H exhibits.
- Spirit of Christmas Parade (December) – Kick off the holidays with festive floats, lights, and family fun on Main Street.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Butler, Pennsylvania:
- Pittsburgh (45 min) – Explore museums, neighborhoods, and three rivers in this vibrant and historic city.
- Zelienople (25 min) – Visit charming boutiques, antique shops, and local restaurants in this nearby small town.
- Slippery Rock (30 min) – Home to Slippery Rock University, with a small-town college vibe and nearby hiking trails.
- McConnells Mill State Park (35 min) – Discover waterfalls, rugged hiking, and a historic gristmill in this scenic natural area.
- Harmony Historic District (30 min) – Step back in time in this early American settlement with preserved buildings and museums.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Butler, Pennsylvania located?
- Butler is a small town and the county seat of Butler County, located about 35 miles from Pittsburgh.
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What recognition has Butler received?
- Smithsonian Magazine named Butler as one of the 7 best small towns in America.
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What is Butler’s historical significance?
- Established in 1803, Butler has a long history as a manufacturing and industrial center.
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What is notable about Connoquenessing Creek?
- Connoquenessing Creek, which runs through Butler, was once ranked as the second most polluted waterway in the country.
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What unique museums and parks can visitors explore in Butler?
- The Maridon Museum is the only museum in Pennsylvania dedicated to Asian art.
- Succop Nature Park is an Audubon Society nature reserve, perfect for outdoor exploration.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Butler – A comfortable stay with great amenities.
Visit Succop Nature Park – Enjoy scenic trails and birdwatching.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities.
Hampton Inn Butler – A modern and convenient lodging option.
Explore Moraine State Park – Enjoy boating, hiking, and swimming at Lake Arthur.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn colors.
The Old Stone House Inn – A historic and cozy bed & breakfast.
Attend the Butler Fall Festival – Experience local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Plan Your Trip