The Alleghenies’ “coolest” attractions bring guests from around the world
The Alleghenies is home to many lakes, rivers and other swimming holes, but there are two “cool” summer attractions that have managed to draw visitors from around the state, the country and the world, benefitting the local economy in the process: Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park and DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park in Tipton.
The United States’ only all-water cavern
Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park attracts over 140,000 guests annually. While a majority of these guests are from within a 150-mile radius, a Penn’s Cave representative noted that they’ve also received guests from all 50 states and five continents. As the United States’ only all-water cavern, this Centre Hall destination attracts visitors with its nearly hour-long guided boat tour through the 1,300-foot long cavern. With the cave’s temperature remaining at a constant 52 degrees year-round, this adventure is perfect for those hot summer days.
The view from Penn’s Cave’s boat tour. | Image Credits: Penn’s Cave & Wildlife
In a past interview for HappyValley Industry, Jeanine Watson, executive business director at Penn’s Cave explained, “Penn’s Cave assists in drawing guests to this area, in addition to providing entertainment to those guests that came to this area for other reasons.”
She added that Penn’s Cave contributes to other local businesses by encouraging “guests to stay overnight in our area, thereby supporting hotels, restaurants and other stores and businesses while they are here.”
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park is also a unique tourist attraction, benefitting the local economy. While the DelGrosso’s Amusement Park is a long-standing fixture on the Allegheny family fun scene, the water park is a relatively new addition, opening in 2016. The new, Italian-themed water park was the single biggest expansion in DelGrosso’s history.
“When we did the water park, we knew that, as hot as these summers are, everybody was getting into water/dry parks,” DelGrosso President and CEO, Carl Crider, explained in a past interview for HappyValley Industry. “We knew we wanted to definitely do that, but it was nice to be reassured and reaffirmed — with some of the research, the market analysis, the demographics — that, hey, if we do build this, this would be a success.”
In the spirit of fun, July’s Super Splash Tuesdays are dedicated water park days, where only the water park is open. Outside of July, the water and amusement parks are closed on Tuesdays to give employees a break and to help with staffing.
Guests can float down the River Lazio, jump waves in the Wave Oceano, or try out one of the slides, ranging from the funky Gravity Groove Slide to the tall Twin Twisters where you can race a friend. With so many options, it’s easy to have a blast at the waterpark. If you’re looking for a drier adventure, you can check out one of the 30 amusement park rides that range in excitement from kiddie to thrill.
Twin Twisters | DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park
Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park and DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park provide endless opportunities for family fun during the heart of the summer, attracting visitors from around the state, nation, and even around the globe.
Do you have a favorite cool down destination that we didn’t include? Be sure to tell us in the comments and sign up for The Alleghenies weekly newsletter.
Sarah Taylor is a communications professional. Sarah can be reached at sarah.st.taylor@gmail.com.
