Attractions
The Maridon Museum
Address: 322 N McKean St, Butler, PA 16001, USA .The Maridon Museum, located in Butler, Pennsylvania, is a unique cultural institution dedicated to Asian art and German porcelain. Established in 2004 by local philanthropist Mary Hulton Phillips, the museum showcases her extensive personal collection.
Highlights
Asian Art Collection: Features over 800 objects, including jade and ivory sculptures, tapestries, paintings, and artifacts from Chinese and Japanese cultures.
Meissen Porcelain Gallery: Houses a significant collection of German Meissen porcelain, with pieces dating back to the early 18th century.
Visitor Information
Address: 322 North McKean Street, Butler, PA 16001
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more details, visit the official Maridon Museum website
Rustic Acres Winery
Address: 456 Pittsburgh Rd, Butler, PA 16002, USA .Rustic Acres Winery is a family-owned winery in Butler, Pennsylvania, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of handcrafted wines.
Overview
Founded by vintner Gary Matson, Rustic Acres began as a hobby over 20 years ago and evolved into a full-time winery in 2005. The winery prides itself on producing wines that cater to diverse palates, including dry reds, sweet whites, and fruit-infused varieties.
Features
Tasting Room: Offers wine tastings, flights, and wine slushies.
Beverage Options: In addition to wine, beer is available.
Events: Hosts various events; check their event calendar for details.Rustic Acres Winery
For more information, visit their official website
Moraine State Park
Address: 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA .Moraine State Park, located in Butler County, Pennsylvania, spans 16,725 acres and features the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur with 42 miles of shoreline.
Established in 1970, the park is a reclaimed landscape that was once impacted by mining and drilling activities.
Today, it serves as a popular destination for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.
Key Features
Lake Arthur: Ideal for boating (up to 20hp motors), fishing, and sailing. The lake hosts events like the annual Regatta at Lake Arthur and offers boat rentals, including kayaks and pontoon boats.
Trails: Offers 71 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. Notable trails include the 14.8-mile Glacier Ridge Trail and the Sunken Garden Trail.
Beaches: Two swimming areas—Lakeview Beach (North Shore) and Pleasant Valley Beach (South Shore)—are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wildlife & Birding: The park is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and osprey, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
Picnicking & Cabins: Features 705 picnic tables and 11 modern cabins available for rent, equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and lake access.
Winter Activities: In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and ice fishing.
Visitor Information
Location: 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA 16051
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Contact: Park office open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM; weekends during summer.
McConnells Mill State Park
Address: 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA .McConnells Mill State Park, located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, spans 2,546 acres and is renowned for its rugged beauty and rich history.
The park features the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago, characterized by steep cliffs and massive boulders.
Key Features
Historic Gristmill: Built in 1852 and rebuilt after a fire in 1868, the mill was modernized by Thomas McConnell in 1875 with water turbines and roller mills. It operated until 1928 and now offers seasonal tours showcasing 19th-century milling techniques.
Covered Bridge: The McConnells Mill Covered Bridge, constructed in 1874 using the Howe truss design, spans Slippery Rock Creek and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hiking Trails: The park offers several trails, including:
Alpha Pass Trail: A moderate 1.5-mile trail along Slippery Rock Creek.
Hell's Hollow Trail: An easy 0.5-mile trail leading to Hell's Hollow Falls and a historic lime kiln.
Kildoo Trail: A moderate 2-mile loop starting at the covered bridge.
Slippery Rock Gorge Trail: A challenging 6.1-mile trail through diverse geological areas.
Water Activities: Slippery Rock Creek offers whitewater boating opportunities with Class II-III rapids, suitable for experienced paddlers.
Rock Climbing: Designated areas near Breakneck Bridge provide spots for experienced climbers and rappellers.
Fishing & Hunting: Anglers can fish for trout and bass in Slippery Rock Creek, while hunting is permitted in designated areas following state regulations.
Scenic Overlooks: Cleland Rock offers panoramic views of the gorge, especially vibrant during the fall foliage season.
Visitor Information
Address: McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Contact: 724-368-8811Pennsylvania Government
For more details, visit the official park website.
