The Keystone State is teeming with myths, legends, and ghost stories. The history of Pennsylvania, interesting enough when taken straight up, offers fertile ground for folklore and fairy stories, which makes it one of the most interesting and unusual states in the country to explore.
One of the best ways to take a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s rich, alternative history is by putting together your own scavenger hunt. With creativity and a passion for mysterious tales, you can explore the historical oddities and natural phenomena that make the state such an interesting place.
So whether you are a history buff or a ghost hunter, join us as we help you put together a scavenger hunt that takes you through the fascinating legends and the rich history of Pennsylvania, from the Susquehanna Valley to the naval shipyards of Philadelphia.
Pick Your Theme
The theme of your Pennsylvania scavenger hunt is the first element you will want to consider. The Keystone State is a rich repository of fascinating historical narratives and interesting stories, so there is plenty to get your teeth into. You might like to dive into colonial-era history or the Civil War, or perhaps base your hunt around some of the spooky myths and legends from around the state. Whatever theme you choose, it will help you to focus your hunt, give it some consistency, narrow down the locations, and engage the participants.
Research Locations
While your theme will inform where you hold your scavenger hunt, you’ll still need to research each location carefully to ensure that they fit the narrative. Luckily, Pennsylvania offers plenty of scope for intrigue everywhere you turn,
Susquehanna Valley
The Susquehanna Valley is a superb place for fans of the macabre and the unusual. This picturesque region is packed full of folklore, myths, and legends, from the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, rumored to be haunted by a former governor, to the mysterious Marietta Mystery Stones, whose strange inscriptions have been puzzled over for generations.
Gettysburg
History fans need look no further than Gettysburg, one of the most significant historical sites in the US. This was the location of one of the bloodiest and most consequential battles in the Civil War, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. Gettysburg makes the perfect spot for a scavenger hunt that blends the historical with the otherworldly, with locations like Devil’s Den, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the Jennie Wade House, and the Sachs Covered Bridge.
Philadelphia’s Naval Shipyards
The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was the first naval shipyard in the US and has been one of the most historically significant sites in Pennsylvania for over two centuries. It built some of the most important and impressive ships the US has ever seen, like the USS Olympia and the USS Franklin.
Life on board vessels like the USS Olympia was not quite like on a cruise ship, and the naval shipyards are full of tales of heroism and tragedy…and even a few weird goings-on! Ships from Pennsylvania played a crucial part in the Spanish-American War, the First World War, and the Second World War, and the naval industry was a huge part of Pennsylvania’s prosperity. You might also like to look into the Pennsylvania Experiment, when the Navy attempted to make a warship disappear!
A Pennsylvania scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the fascinating history and intriguing myths and legends of the state. A well-created scavenger hunt can take you on a journey through time, and through the landscapes and events that have defined the Keystone State, creating an unforgettable experience that highlights the best of Pennsylvania, past and present.
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