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Pittsburgh Itineraries
- Museum Lovers Pittsburgh
- Classic Pittsburgh
- Immerse Yourself in Frank Lloyd Wright
- Triumph and Tragedy in the Laurel Highlands
- An Old World Experience: McConnell’s Mill, Volant and Lawrence County Amish Driving Tour
- River Rapids Day
- The Bridges of Washington County
About the Western Pennsylvania Amish
There are 1,500 Old Order Amish in Lawrence County, the third largest sect in the United States. Please be mindful of the Amish; they do not like to be photographed or videotaped, so please respect their privacy. Cautious driving is important throughout this area; there will be many horse drawn buggies/carriages on and along the roads. Passing is legal but it is important to be very careful. Amish products are highly sought after and include naturally grown produce, farm-raised eggs and homemade baked goods. Stop at their roadside stands to see what’s in season and the craft and furniture shops to admire their handiwork.
McConnell’s Mill State Park
McConnell’s Mill State Park is located on 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. The natural character of McConnell’s Mill State Park, the scenic gorge, waterfalls, rugged hiking trails and whitewater creek, are all directly caused by the geology of the area The Gorge was created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, it has steep sides and huge boulders are scattered along the valley floor in and along the stream. The park is open sunrise to sunset year-round.
Things to Do
- Tour the gristmill built in the 1800s. Open from Memorial Day (late May) to Labor Day (early September).
- Drive through the covered bridge.
- Have a picnic at one of the two picnic areas with grills.
- Climb and rappel in areas for those properly equipped/experienced climbers.
- Fish in Slippery Rock Creek. Trout is stocked yearly.
- Hike one of the many scenic trails in the park.
Slippery Rock Creek is very swift and dangerous; therefore, swimming is not allowed. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked trails for their safety.
Volant
Volant is a quaint town nestled in the rolling hills of scenic Pennsylvania Amish Country. The town is comprised of over 30 unique shops, restaurants and a winery, all housed in turn-of-the-century buildings including an old mill and post office. Enjoy shopping on an old-fashioned main street. Shops include antique, clothing, Amish made goods, candles, dolls, bears, furniture, local craft and artisan merchandise and much more.
Amish Driving Tour
Follow Route 208 and on your right, you will see one of the three Amish schools in the area. There are also numerous Amish farms along the road. Amish do not use electricity so there are no electrical wires going to these farmsteads. Most of their buildings are wooden structures painted white, many with blue doors, and commonly the curtains drawn are to one side of the window.
For the abbreviated tour, turn left onto Covered Bridge Road to drive past Amish farms and businesses. Turn left on Gerber Road then left on Route 168 and back to Volant.
If you have time, proceed on Route 208 to Cotton Road on your left. Then go to Cranberry Road and finally either Poverty Point Road or Yoder Road. Throughout these roads, you are in the midst of Amish-only land. When you come to Route 18, turn left, and that will take you back to Route 208. Turn right on Route 208 to return to Volant.
Exit Volant on Route 208 West to begin the Amish driving Tour.
Route 208 East will take you to Route 79 at exit 113. The Grove City Prime Outlets are also at this juncture, just 8 miles from Volant.
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