The Magical History Tour

Recently and article was posted on the Magical History Tour Facebook page about the decline in people visiting historic places. On the post there were several comments about the cost to visit many historic places. So I felt that it was time to research what places people could visit for free or at a low cost. Low cost sites we will consider any place where the adult price is less than $10 and the Child price is under $6. In the coming days, We will add sites in Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland/DC areas.

Historic Moravian Bethlehem, Bethlehem PA – Historic Moravian Bethlehem features 18th century German Colonial architecture and many buildings preserved to look as they did centuries ago. There are many free events and you can visit all of the stores in the town. The town guided walking tour, apothecary tour and museum all require admission fees.

Valley Forge National Historic Park, Valley Forge, PA – Discover the place where George Washington and his troops camped during the brutal winter of 1777-1778. You can also explore cabins used by the soldiers, as well as Washington’s headquarters. You can bike, walk or ride horseback around designated areas in the park and attend special events such as storytelling and culture programs for free.

Fort Pitt Blockhouse, Pittsburgh PA – The Fort Pitt Blockhouse is the oldest standing building within the City of Pittsburgh, It is currently run by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The building itself is part of the original Fort Pitt and is inside Point State Park. Entry to the Blockhouse is free, donations are accepted.

Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh PA – The Fort Pitt Museum is dedicated to the British and eventually United States fort at Fort Pitt. The Fort played and important role in the Fur Trade in the Ohio Country, the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s Rebellion. The Fort Pitt Museum is a low cost site.

Braddock’s Battlefield History Center, North Braddock PA – This museum, founded and opened by Mr. Robert T. Messner in 2012, is located on the original site of the Battle of the Monongahela. On July 9, 1755, French and Native American forces defeated British and American troops at the onset of the French and Indian War. Braddock’s Battlefield History Center is a low cost site.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Farmington PA – The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal of French power from North America.

Historic Hanna’s Town – Established in 1773, Hanna’s Town was the site of the first seat of government for Westmoreland County and hosted the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains, signaling settlers foothold on the Pennsylvania frontier and the push to move west. The town was an oasis for travelers, settlers, and those seeking justice and order in the often chaotic environment of the western Pennsylvania frontier. Historic Hanna’s Town is a low cost site.

Old Bedford Village, Bedford PA – Old Bedford Village offers a rich variety of educational and entertainment activities. Visitors of all ages will enjoy our military and civilian re-enactments, colonial crafts, exhibits and instructions, festivals, murder/mystery evenings, old fashioned Christmas celebrations and more!  Old Bedford Village is a low cost Site.

Fort Bedford Museum, Bedford PA – For 57 years, the Museum displayed its entire collection as many museums once did: in rows of wood and glass cases. 
In 2015, the Bedford Heritage Trust began a five-year plan to renovate and update Fort Bedford’s exhibits, collections management practices, and educational programming. If you haven’t visited us lately, come see what we’ve done!! Two new interpretive exhibits—Becoming Bedford and Cave to Empire—are now open, and we’re planning a major celebration for 2018: the Museum’s 60th and original Fort’s 260th anniversaries! Fort Bedford Museum is a low cost site.

Gettysburg Military Park, Gettysburg PA – The site of the deadliest battle of the civil war. People may tour the battlefield and it’s monuments for free. There is a cost to enter the museum and view films. There are also varying costs for different sites and museums around the city of Gettysburg.

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, Philadelphia PA – The six years Edgar Allan Poe lived in Philadelphia were his happiest and most productive. Yet Poe also struggled with bad luck, personal demons and his wife’s illness. In Poe’s humble home, reflection the human spirit surmounting crushing obstacles, and celebrate Poe’s astonishing creativity. The Poe Historic site is free, and tours are free.

Independence Hall, Philadephia, PA – The building where the Declaration of Independence was approved and the U.S. took it’s stand against Great Britain. You can visit the hall for free, however, tickets and reservations are recommended . you can find ticket information on the website.

Pennsylvania State Museum, Harrisburg, PA – The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, the official museum of the commonwealth, is a great place for exploration, fun, and discovery. The PA stat museum is a low cost site.

Brandywine Battlefield, Chadds Ford, PA – The Brandywine Battlefield is the site of the largest land battle of the American Revolution. You can walk the entire battlefield for free, there is a charge for the Museum.

Bushy Run Battlefield, Harrison City, PA – The 213 acres of forested and grassy areas that comprise Bushy Run Battlefield, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, can be viewed as one large historical entity. The events that transpired here in August 1763, during Pontiac’s War, forever set Bushy Run apart as a place of historical significance. The battle near Bushy Run and the events of Pontiac’s War leading to the battle add to the understanding of the Indian-European culture clash, which is an important theme in American history. Bushy Run is a Low Cost site.

Erie Maritime Museum, Erie PA – The Erie Maritime Museum is the home to the U.S. Flagship Niagara which won a decisive victory during the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The Erie Maritime Museum is a low cost site.

Drake Well Museum, Titusville, PA – Visit the Drake Well Museum and Park, home of the first oil well, the discovery of which changed the modern world. Drake Well Museum is a low cost site.

As a reminder, many of these sites offer Senior Citizens, Active Military and Veterans discounts. Check their websites to see what discounts are available.