Cherry Springs State Park
Believe it or not, only 10 percent of Americans have seen a true dark sky. Call it an unfortunate side effect of urban life or a necessary casualty of industrialization. Either way, the city lights have overtaken our view of the stars in many places in the U.S. But not here at Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport, PA.
Our grandparents remember what dark skies looked like—and at Cherry Springs State Park, you can experience the sky as they did. One of the top dark sky destinations in the world (and the “Gold Level Dark Sky Park” designation from the International Dark Sky Association to prove it), Cherry Springs presents skies for studying, gazing, or gaining a better understanding of our place in the universe.
The Eliot Ness Museum
About the Museum
The Eliot Ness Museum in Coudersport Pennsylvania, celebrates the career of Eliot Ness. Enjoy antique Cars & Trucks, and many exhibits that capture the historic allure surrounding Eliot Ness. Learn about Elliot Ness’s life and adventures and how the story of the The Untouchables came to life while he lived in Coudersport!
Featured cars include:
- 1925 Stutz Touring Car, representative of Al Capone’s car
- 1929 Chrysler Sedan, similar to Ness’ car,
- 1928 Ford Model AA Bootleg Booze-Running Truck
- 1950 Hudson Commodore Convertible
- 1934 Pierce Arrow
- 1929 Food Model A Coup
Coudersport Ice Mine
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Potter County is one of the oddest natural wonders in Pennsylvania: The Coudersport Ice Mine.
The ice mine was discovered by prospectors searching for silver in the mountains outside of Coudersport. After removing the moss along a promising hillside, the men were shocked to discover a layer of ice on this hot summer day.
Continuing to dig, they opened a shaft that was roughly 10×12 feet and had a depth of 25 feet. Inside, they found not only large pieces of ice, but also human remains, a petrified fish, and fossils.
No one knows exactly what causes the ice to form in this narrow area.
The mine is located on a hillside, shielded from the sun and wind. Ice begins to form in April and continues to build up as the weather warms. Then, starting in September, the ice begins to melt, with only a residual amount remaining during the winter months.
Many theories have been proposed over the years, but the most widely accepted is that cold air from the mountain flows out through the crevices around the ice mine as the air warms. This creates a very cold spot where ice can form during the summer months.
The Coudersport Ice Mine has been attracting tourists since it was found, bringing things to do in Coudersport, PA. Contrary to the name, the area was never mined for ice, though some locals did use it to store food from time to time. However, despite the unique nature of the site, it was closed to visitors in the late 1980s.
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Nestled in the wooded mountains of Potter County, The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is a fun and educational experience for the entire family. The museum invites you to discover the courageous yet reckless spirit of Pennsylvania’s lumbering past while learning to care for the forests of the future.
Potter County Historical Society
Be sure to make the Potter County Historical Society part of your visit to Potter County! The Historical Society is home to antiques and artifacts that tell the story of the rich heritage of Potter County.
https://www.visitpottertioga.com/member/potter-county-historical-society
