Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Buffalo, NY to Springettsbury Township, PA

If you're planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania, you might be wondering what sights and experiences are worth seeing along the way. From scenic views to unique attractions and great dining options, there are plenty of unexpected places to discover on this approximately 6-hour drive. Here are five places to add to your itinerary:

1. Potter County: God's Country

Located just southeast of the halfway point of Blossburg, PA lies Potter County, also known as "God's Country." This area is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it offers a wide range of outdoor experiences, from hiking to fishing, kayaking, and hunting. The county has 13 state parks and eight publicly accessible natural areas, as well as miles of winding roads offering breathtaking vistas of the rolling hills and lush forests that make up the region.

A great place to start your exploration of Potter County is at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Ulysses, where you can learn about the area's rich history of timber harvesting and see exhibits on the tools, machinery, and techniques used in the industry. Be sure to grab a bite at the museum's Log Cabin Inn Restaurant, which offers classic American fare like burgers and fries.

2. Coudersport Ice Mine

A short drive from Potter County, the Coudersport Ice Mine is a natural wonder that's sure to intrigue both kids and adults. Located near the town of Coudersport, the ice mine is a spot where ice appears to grow on the walls and ceiling of an abandoned mine shaft, even during the hot summer months.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine, which includes a walk through the abandoned workings and a chance to see the ice formations up close. There's also a gift shop selling locally made items like jams and jellies, as well as snacks and drinks. For a taste of local flavor, try the Pennsylvania Dutch-style pretzels.

3. Corning Museum of Glass

If you're a fan of beautiful glasswork, make sure to stop at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. This world-class museum showcases more than 50,000 pieces of glass art, from ancient Roman glass to contemporary works by contemporary artists.

Visitors can watch glassblowers at work in the museum's hot glass studio, take workshops in glass fusing, beadmaking, and other techniques, and browse a vast collection of glass wares in the museum store. A great place to refuel is at the museum café, where you can sample local specialties like beef on weck sandwiches and grape pie.

4. National Warplane Museum

If you're a history buff or an aviation enthusiast, make sure to add a visit to the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo to your itinerary. This museum is home to a large collection of vintage military aircraft, including a B-17 Flying Fortress, a C-47 Skytrain, and a P-51 Mustang.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the aircraft and learn about their history and role in military operations. There's also a gift shop selling model planes, aviation-themed books, and other souvenirs. For a snack, try the museum's award-winning pulled pork sandwiches.

5. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Finally, for a fun family-friendly experience, head to the Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Halifax. This 150-acre park is home to over 500 animals representing more than 140 species, from lions and tigers to alligators, kangaroos, and giraffes.

Visitors can take a safari-style tour of the park in an open-air bus, getting up close to the animals and learning about their habitats and behaviors from knowledgeable guides. There's also a petting zoo area where kids can interact with friendly farm animals, and a snack bar offering classic park fare like hot dogs and funnel cakes.

Conclusion

On your next road trip from Buffalo, New York to Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania, don't miss the chance to explore some of these unexpected and unique locations. From the natural beauty of God's Country to the fascinating artifacts at the Corning Museum of Glass, there's something for everyone along this scenic route. So pack up the car and get ready to embark on a journey away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.