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Pennsylvania is a popular destination for travellers looking for lots to do and a great variety of activities to enjoy. The tourism industry is hugely important to the state, it employs over 500,000 people and around $46 billion dollars per year through visitor spending.

Home to over 13 million residents, Pennsylvania is a highly populated area but has a very diverse geography. Over 60 percent of the state is forestry, and it has more navigable rivers than any other US state. Running through the center is the Appalachian Mountains, while the Allegheny and Pocono Mountains both cover significant portions of the north and east of the state.

There are a huge range of attractions in Pennsylvania, from natural beauty spots to entertainment centers and educational tours. Here are five of the top attractions that you may be yet to discover in the state.

1. Valley Forge Village

Valley Forge is a small settlement that is located 18 miles from downtown Philadelphia, to the west side of the Valley Forge National Historical Park, which is perhaps best known for the American Revolutionary War encampment. If you are interested in historical sites, then this destination should be at the top of your must-see list for your time in Pennsylvania.

The village encampment served the former President George Washington and his Continental Army between the years 1777 and 1778 during the revolution. Tourists are now able to take a tour of the encampment and view the Artillery Park as well as the National Memorial Arch and Washington Headquarters.

For a spot of shopping while in the area there is the King of Prussia Mall with a huge number of stores. For some outdoorsy activities, you can go horseback riding or enjoy the many miles of trails for biking or walking.

2. Casinos in Pennsylvania

If indoor entertainment is more your thing, then you can explore the state’s many casinos during a trip there. There are 14 different casinos to try out in Pennsylvania, each with their own unique features.

For horse racing fans there is Harrah’s Philadelphia that broadcasts live horse races daily. Hollywood Casino at the National Racecourse is the gaming and racing facility in the central region.

For a more laid-back vibe, there is Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin in Nemacolin. This 24-hour venue offers 600 slot machines and all the most popular table games, including poker, roulette and blackjack.

Of course, playing on online casinos is also permitted in Pennsylvania, you can find plenty of PA online casinos on the web to choose from.

3. Hershey’s Chocolate World

Got a sweet tooth? Then you simply cannot miss out on a trip to Hersey’s Chocolate World whilst in Pennsylvania. Located on 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, the venue has a range of activities and sights to see, suitable for all the family.

To learn how the chocolate is made, you can take a tour on the free chocolate ride. After that you can join in with the ‘make your own candy bar’ experience, which includes designing your own wrapper and choosing your favourite ingredients.

There is also the 4D experience. In this Chocolate Mystery Show, guests are invited to interact with the characters and help to solve a mystery.

4. York Factory Tours

For an educational experience, York, PA, offers a great selection of insightful factory tours, it is even labelled “The Factory Tour Capital of the World”. The best tour for motorcycle enthusiasts has to be at the Harley-Davidson® Vehicle Operations factory in the Dutch Country Roads region.

At this factory you will get to witness how they assemble models including Touring, Softails, CVOs and Trikes. You can even take a seat on some of the motorcycles currently in production and purchase some mementos from the onsite gift shop. For the kids, there is a special corner designed to entertain guests under 12 years of age.

Many musicians also venture out to York to visit Bluett Bros workshop. The Bluett Bros produce some of the highest quality violins and mandolins in the entire world and have been doing so in PA since 1984.

The Bluett Bros is more of a workspace than any kind of production factory, however a tour is still necessary to fully appreciate the intricate work that goes into producing these fine musical instruments.

5. Delaware Water Gap

Lastly, the Delaware Water Gap is also well worth a visit if you are in the area. In the warmer summer months, it is the ideal hiking location with beautiful rich green forests and large-scale waterfalls to explore. There are over 100 miles of hiking trails and three beachfronts that are the perfect spot for a quick swim.

In the winter months there are an array of cold weather activities to try out, there is the perfect terrain for ice climbing and snowboarding.

These are just some of the best experiences on offer in Pennsylvania, this state is a diverse and wonderful place that has something for everyone to enjoy.