About Us
Come visit Indiana County, Pennsylvania, located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, just one hour east of Pittsburgh. It is home to an extensive Rails to Trails system, a variety of yearly festivals and a community of Old Order Amish families. Along with being the birthplace and childhood home of Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart, it is also known as “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World.” The Indiana University of Pennsylvania, attended by over 15,000 students, is also located within Indiana County.
Indiana County hosts fairs and festivals including the Hoodlebug Festival, Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire and the Historic Saltsburg Canal Days. These are just a few of the many ethnic, cultural and agricultural fairs and festivals. While these festivals only happen once a year, you can enjoy hiking or walking our trails year-round. The expansive Rails to Trails systems covers 69 miles. Trails in the area include the award-winning Ghost Town Trail (voted Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year 2020 by PA DCNR), Hoodlebug, Blairsville Riverfront and West Penn Trails. The trails aren’t the only way to enjoy the picturesque views of Indiana County. There are also 5,452 acres of parks and 792 acres of lakes for you to explore. Additionally, Indiana County is home to Yellow Creek State Park.
Indiana County is also known as “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World”. During the holiday season, families can come to pick out a tree and learn more about why the evergreen is used for these celebrations. Plenty of other farms call Indiana County their home too, including dairy, fruit and vegetable farms. Get to know other aspects of life in Indiana County while you’re here, including the unique Amish communities. Tucked away in a secluded section of Northern Indiana County is the community of Smicksburg, home to over 325 Old Order Amish families. Experience the beautiful country scenery of rolling farmland, the clatter of horses pulling buggies, browsing in the quaint shops and tasting the local cuisine. Shoppers can enjoy selections of pottery, locally made wine and cheese, country crafts, quilts, Amish furniture and baked goods.
Several historical and interactive attractions make for fun educational experiences. The Blairsville Underground Railroad History Center tells the story of the life of children and adults who escaped slavery during the 1800’s. Travel through time while visiting our 24 National Historic Register sites including four covered bridges. Learn more about famous people who have connections to the area too. Jimmy Stewart was born and raised in Indiana County. The Jimmy Stewart Museum holds many artifacts of his Hollywood career as an actor portraying some of his most famous films: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Harvey and It’s a Wonderful Life. While in the area, you can also see his boyhood home, the church he attended and a statue in his honor.
Visit for a day or a few days; you won’t be disappointed. Come back again and again, each time bringing home a new experience and memory. You’ll soon know why we say, “It’s A Wonderful Life” in Indiana County, PA!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Visitor Center Location: Indiana Mall, 2334 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701 (inside the Mall)
Office phone: 724-463-7505
Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
info@visitindianacountypa.org
INDIANA COUNTY TOURIST BUREAU STAFF
Laura Herrington – Executive Director
Jennifer Buckles – Graphic Artist/Office Coordinator
Debbie Isenberg – Tourism Associate/Membership Coordinator
Valerie Balogh – Financial Associate
Tony Greenawalt – Brochure Distribution
INDIANA COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gregg Van Horn – President
Jacquelyn Hathaway – Vice President
Lori Lundberg – Treasurer
Larissa Csanyi – Secretary
Rick Fuellner – Member at Large
Commissioner Robin Gorman
Mark Hilliard
Angela Kellar
Sam Kenly
Daniel Lashinsky
Sam Phillips
Cindy Rogers
Dr. Stephen Shiring
Niel Stiteler
