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Where is Ligonier located?
- Ligonier is a tiny borough in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, settled in the 1760s.
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What is Ligonier known for?
- It is well known for Idlewild Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.
- The town is also famous for the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, a popular winter sports destination.
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What historical attractions can visitors find in Ligonier?
- The Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum is located in the former railroad station, preserving local rail history.
- Fort Ligonier was a British fort that was never taken by enemies, making it an important historical site.
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What can visitors buy at the Ligonier Country Market?
- The Ligonier Country Market sells fresh produce, mostly organic, along with prepared food, pickles, preserves, crafts, flowers, and more.
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1. Fort Ligonier
Explore historic fortifications and discover fascinating artifacts from the French and Indian War.
Fort Ligonier is a British fort located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, constructed in 1758, during the French and Indian War. The fort was a staging area for the 1758 Forbes Expedition. . During the 1763 Pontiac's War, the fort was a crucial link in the British supply and communication lines. It was attacked twice and surrounded by the Native Americans, but was never conquered by an enemy during the eight years of its existence. The fort was decommissioned in 1766. The fort has been reconstructed since and today has a small museum with various artifacts from its battles. Guided tours of the fort are offered to the visitors. Cannons are fired on Fort Ligonier Days.
200 S Market St, Ligonier, PA 15658, Phone: 724-238-9701
2. Ligonier Country Market
Visit this vibrant market and savor fresh produce, crafts, and local delights.
Ligonier Country Market is the largest and oldest market in Western Pennsylvania selling produce only. The market is located on the Loyalhanna Watershed Farm near Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through the first Saturday in October about 130 vendors offer their wares from eight in the morning to noon. They offer fresh produce, fruit, meats, poultry, plants and perennials. Many farmers sell heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables. Most farmers use organic farming methods and sell organic produce. Shoppers can also find freshly baked breads, pastries, hot cooked foods. honey and maple syrup. Handmade crafts are also available, including jewelry, country crafts, pottery, pet items, dog treats, candles, soaps and more.
Loyalhanna Watershed Farm, Ligonier, PA 15658, Phone: 724-858-7894
3. Idlewild and Soak Zone
Enjoy thrilling rides and cool off in exciting water attractions with kids.
Idlewild and Soak Zone, locally known as Idlewild Park, is a kids' amusement park in the Laurel Highlands near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles from Pittsburgh. The park was originally founded in 1878 by Thomas Mellon as a campground along the Ligonier Valley Railroad. Idlewild is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the States. The park has won a number of awards, including as the best children's park in the world from Amusement Today. The park expanded significantly during the first half of the 20th century, with a number of new rides. A Philadelphia Toboggan Company Rollo Coaster was added in 1938. The park hosts the Ligonier Highland Games, a Scottish athletic and cultural annual festival.
2574 US-30, Ligonier, PA 15658, Phone: 724-238-3666
4. Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
Hit the slopes and enjoy winter adventures at this scenic ski resort.
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort is revered skiers’ destination located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, within Laurel Mountain State Park. Laurel Mountain’s Laurel Ridge has the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania at 761 feet. Double diamond Lower Wildcat Slope is the steepest in the state. The slopes were originally designed by Johann “Hannes” Schneider, renowned Austrian ski guide and European skiing legend. The resort opened in 1940, and some of the original structures, such as its famous Midway Cabin, still stand. The resort was once an exclusive club for the most prestigious Pennsylvania residents, it was gifted in 1964 to the commonwealth and is now accessible to everyone.
Boswell, PA 15531, Phone: 724-238-2801
5. Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum
Discover railroad history and admire vintage artifacts at this charming museum.
Located just a few miles from Ligonier, Pennsylvania, the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum is occupying an original Ligonier Valley Rail Road station built around 1896. The Railroad was founded by Judge Thomas Mellon. It started carrying passenger in 1877 and its last run was on August 31, 1952. The Ligonier Valley Rail Road Association purchased the property in 2005 and opened the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum on May 21, 2010. The museum’s goal is to preserve and celebrate the history of the Ligonier Valley Railroad. The Museum collection includes more than 3,000 exhibits such as lanterns, locks, keys, dinnerware and a wall map of the right of way of the Ligonier Valley Railroad. There is also a video about the railroad and a few other related videos.
3032 Idlewild Hill Ln, Ligonier, PA 15658-2346
6. Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
Explore captivating exhibits and admire regional artwork in a peaceful setting.
You can’t help but feel inspired by the palpable love and passion seen for the arts at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. Established in 1976, the community art museum has been showcasing American art for the Pennsylvania community through its five satellite locations. They have continuously rotating exhibits—some of which celebrate young talent from local schools—along with a permanent collection containing more than 7,000 works of art. Seeking to serve the community, the museum also offers award-winning educational programs for local students. Through their programs, art education is made more easily accessible to the youth.
One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658, Phone: 724-238-6015
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