Do you like chocolate, pianos, and zoos? Well, Pennsylvania is home to America’s Chocolate Capital, the birthplace of the first piano, the first public zoo, and even where the Declaration was signed. Needless to say, the state has a lot going on, helping write history. It’s perfect for group travel and for renting out a Pennsylvania charter bus.

With a state so full of treasures, where should you and your group go?

Pennsylvania Group Travel Guide

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

This first stop is perfect for people who love a good ghost story or those who are just interested in a bit of history. The Eastern State Penitentiary was in use from 1829 to 1971 and held infamous inmates like Slick Willie and Scarface. The Eastern State Penitentiary was the most expensive prison in the world and today stands as a dreary ruin that 250,000 people visit each year. The penitentiary offers two different tours to choose from: daytime and nighttime. What’s the difference? The nighttime tour involves beer and low lighting, which might be followed by a bit of spook. At the Eastern State Penitentiary, you can see celebrity prisoners were held and get a little history while you’re at it.

The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

In these past few years, the world has been all too familiar with diseases and vaccines. It might make you wonder about the history of our medical evolution. In 1863, Thomas Dent Mütter, MD, donated 1,700 objects and quite a bit of cash to create the museum that stands today to improve medical education. At The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, you can witness countless collections of anatomical specimens and medical instruments. The museum showcases the history of diagnosis and treatments. This place will have you leaving with your Internet medic degree and a whole lot of answers to some lifelong questions.

The Haines Shoe House

If you’re one of the many children who have read “James and the Giant Peach,” you’re going to love this stop. Is it a giant peach? No, but it is a house shaped like a shoe! The story behind the house is pretty extravagant too. Built in 1948, this giant shoe of a house was built to promote Mahlon Haines’s shoe stores (we sure hope it worked). After its promotional value was lost, the house was used as an ice cream shop and a museum, and now, you can even rent it out to stay in through Airbnb. The interior decor is stunningly retro, and it goes without saying that if you and your group haven’t chosen a place to stay, try this shoe on for size.

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Coming up on Candy Mountain (or Orrtanna, PA) with a hankering for something sweet, this emporium is selling more than your average candy store. The date was 1975 when Ed and Pat Gotwalt opened Mister Ed’s: The Territory’s Most Unusual General Store (they have a nacht for quirky names). It was a place to get hoagies, snacks, jewelry, and antiques, with, as you may have guessed, a smidgen of candy. So how did this become an elephant collection and candy store? After the unfortunate closing of the first store, Mr. Ed stumbled upon an abandoned Victorian home. With a collection of 2,000 elephant miniatures, some candy, and gifts, Ed opened a shop that became his second obscure business name and what it’s known as today: Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium. At Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, you can find an elephant you like to take home from your travels or snag some delicious candy; this shop is truly unforgettable.

Gravity Hill

This next spot is more or less a fun party trick visit for you and your Pennsylvania travel group. Have you heard of a gravity hill? Well, neither had we before we started working on this article, but let’s get into it. Urban legends say it’s the ghosts of children pushing you uphill to save you from something tragic even though it appears as if you’re going down. Now that we’ve had a bit of fun, let’s talk about the actual science of what a gravity hill is, including this specific one that can be found in New Paris, PA, Lewisberry, PA, and Wexford, PA. To put the science simply, it’s an optical illusion; the landscape that surrounds these hills can make them appear as going uphill when they’re downhill. Ask one of our Pennsylvania charter bus drivers to point it out on the journey to your next stop!

Mattress Factory

We know what you’re thinking: a mattress factory? Why on earth would anyone on vacation want to go to one of those? Oh no, no, no, this is a contemporary art museum—or, as the factory refers to itself, a “laboratory.” The whole thing is a fortuitous and immersive art experience that is like the off-brand half-sister of Meow Wolf. Without spoiling the fun, what can you expect here? The unexpected. Their exhibits are always changing, so check out their site.

Pennsylvania Charter Bus: The Best Solution for Group Travel

With this remarkable collection of destinations, Pennsylvania proudly reveals its myriad charms. But what could elevate this already exceptional journey? None other than a charter bus with Motor Coach East. Envision yourself, stress-free, wrapped in a cocoon of opulence and comfort. With Motor Coach East, your Pennsylvania group exploration transcends mere travel. Chart your course, rally your people, and prepare for an adventure—all while in the comfort of a voyage that only Motor Coach East’s Pennsylvania charter buses can deliver.