Travel Nurse Life

5 Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania for Travel Nurses

October 25, 2019

There's so much to see in Pennsylvania while you’re on a travel nursing assignment. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the U.S.A and the home of many important moments in our nation’s history. From George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River to the Battle of Gettysburg, there's plenty to see in Pennsylvania for travel nurses.

Pennsylvania’s popular attractions are fascinating. However, the state contains a wealth of unconventional places of interest that are just as unique. They range from strange and quirky to downright bizarre.

We’ve created a list of cities with hidden gems in Pennsylvania for travel nurses that prefer traveling off the beaten path. Read on to learn about these lesser-known, amazing attractions in Pennsylvania.

Erie

Floating peacefully on Lake Erie, the USS Niagara is one of two surviving ships from the War of 1812. It defended the shores of what is now Erie against British forces. The USS Niagara still actively sails, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to be one of its passengers!

A short drive away in the small town of Waterford lies another relic. In Waterford, you'll find a statue of George Washington in a British Military Uniform that commemorates the first US president’s early military career. The statue is the only of its kind.

Allentown

Following General George Washington’s defeat at Brandywine Creek, the people of Philadelphia moved several artifacts out of the city to prevent their destruction by enemy forces.

For example, the Liberty Bell was taken to the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown. Here, the bell was hidden under the floorboards and remained for 2 years. Today, a replica of the bell is on display in the original church building.

Nearby, in Bethlehem, you’ll find the Hoover-Mason Trestle. Once the internal railway of one of the biggest steel plants in America, it has been converted into a four-story public park.

Allentown is the perfect city in Pennsylvania for travel nurses with interest in American history.

Wilkes-Barre

The downtown train station in Wilkes-Barre has a colorful history. The facility fell into disuse after the closure of the town’s mines and later reopened as a cocktail bar and club. It features bars, dance floors, and old train cars converted into hotel rooms.

Following its purchase by a local developer in 2016, the station is being restored to its original condition, with the surrounding development containing apartments, restaurants, and more. It's definitely a more lively stay in Pennsylvania for travel nurses on assignment.

Reading

The Reading Pagoda was built in 1908 to be the centerpiece of a luxury resort. Those plans fell through, but the structure proudly remains atop Mount Penn overlooking the town of Reading. The seven-story Japanese-inspired building is worth the trip, if only for the mystifying sight of a piece of ancient East-Asian architecture on top of a hill in Pennsylvania.

Danville

Danville hosts a multitude of experiences for just about anyone. The Geisinger Medical Center, the Historic and West Market Street Districts, and the Susquehanna River are all lovely attractions in Danville, Pennsylvania. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a drive to the fascinating ghost town of Centralia, under which a mine fire has been burning continuously since 1962.

Find Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania with Gifted Healthcare

Whether you’re looking for historic attractions, major cities, or an idyllic American countryside, Pennsylvania is a great destination for travel nurses. Join Gifted Healthcare today to begin your travel nursing adventure.

©2025 Gifted Healthcare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
“Gifted Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Gifted Healthcare does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.”