10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Monroeville, PA
Living in or visiting
Monroeville, Pennsylvania and itching to get out of town for a day? You’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can explore farms, small towns, rivers, history, and some very “only in Western PA” experiences – all without hopping on a plane.
The best part? These road trips keep you
outside Allegheny County, so you’ll really feel like you’ve gotten away for a bit.
Below are
10 short road trips from Monroeville, all in neighboring counties: Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland. Pick one for a Saturday adventure, or save this list and slowly check them off.
1. Historic Harmony & Zelienople Stroll (Butler County)
If you love small towns with a story, head north to
Harmony and
Zelienople in Butler County. They sit right next to each other, about a 50–60 minute drive from Monroeville, and feel like a step back in time.
- Harmony Historic District – Walk the old streets, peek into antique shops, and learn about the 19th‑century religious community that once lived here.
- Shops & cafés in Zelienople – Park your car and wander Main Street. You’ll find ice cream, coffee, local boutiques, and a relaxed small‑town vibe.
- Events & festivals – Summer car cruises, fall festivals, and holiday markets pop up throughout the year.
If you like an easy day with
no big agenda, this is perfect. Just walk, browse, grab lunch, and enjoy being somewhere that feels a world away from busy highways.
2. Moraine State Park & Lake Arthur Escape (Butler County)
Looking for fresh air and water views? Set your GPS for
Moraine State Park, about an hour and 15 minutes from Monroeville in Butler County.
- Lake Arthur – A huge lake with about 42 miles of shoreline. Rent a kayak, bring a paddleboard, or just watch boats go by.
- Beaches – Pack a towel and head to Pleasant Valley or Lakeview Beach in summer.
- Hiking & biking – Easy trails for families, plus paved paths for bikes and strollers.
- Picnics – Lots of picnic areas with grills, restrooms, and parking nearby.
On a hot July afternoon, floating on Lake Arthur with a cold drink in hand feels like a mini‑vacation, even if you left Monroeville just an hour earlier.
3. Riding the Rails at the Kiski Junction Area (Westmoreland County)
For something a little different, head east into
Westmoreland County along the Kiskiminetas River corridor. The old rail towns around the former
Kiski Junction Railroad area near Vandergrift and Apollo offer a fun, off‑the‑beaten‑path day.
- River views – Drive the back roads along the Kiski River for classic Western PA scenery.
- Rail history – Explore old train bridges, stations, and rail lines now used for walking and biking.
- Small‑town stops – Grab a bite in places like Vandergrift, with its unique planned‑town layout.
This is a great trip if you enjoy photography, rustic bridges, and that “lost railroad” feel. It’s also a nice change of pace from the usual mall‑and‑movie weekend.
4. Laurel Highlands Gateway: Greensburg & Surroundings (Westmoreland County)
About 30–40 minutes southeast of Monroeville,
Greensburg makes an easy day trip and a good starting point for exploring the edge of the
Laurel Highlands.
- Downtown Greensburg – Stroll the historic streets, check out local restaurants, and hunt for murals and street art.
- Parks & trails – Nearby county parks offer walking paths and picnic spots.
- Live events – Keep an eye out for concerts, small festivals, and local theater through the year.
If you want a flexible day where you can mix food, light walking, and a bit of sightseeing, this is an easy pick that doesn’t require a long drive.
5. Ligonier & Fort Ligonier: A Storybook Town (Westmoreland County)
About an hour southeast of Monroeville,
Ligonier feels like a town from a postcard. The drive itself, especially as you get closer, is half the fun.
- Ligonier Diamond – The town square (called “the Diamond”) has a pretty park, shops, and places to eat.
- Fort Ligonier – A carefully rebuilt British fort from the French and Indian War era. Great for history buffs and kids.
- Scenic drives – In the fall, the surrounding hills explode with color. Even in summer, the rolling farmland is beautiful.
If you’ve ever wanted to spend the day in a charming small town where you can walk everywhere and never feel rushed, Ligonier is your spot.
6. Covered Bridges & Country Roads (Washington County)
Washington County, southwest of Monroeville, is known for its
covered bridges. It’s perfect for a relaxed Sunday drive when you just feel like wandering.
- Covered bridge trail – Plan a loop to see a handful of historic wooden bridges. Many sit on quiet country roads by streams and fields.
- Photo ops – These bridges make gorgeous backdrops for family photos or engagement pics.
- Picnic stops – Throw a blanket in the car and stop when you find a shady spot by the water.
You can turn this into a fun scavenger hunt: how many bridges can you find before you get hungry enough to head home?
7. Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village (Washington County)
For something truly unique, drive about an hour and a half to
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Washington County. It’s often called the
oldest site of human habitation in North America.
- Rockshelter tours – See the dig site where archaeologists found evidence of people living there thousands of years ago.
- Historic village – Walk through cabins and buildings that show how people lived in different time periods.
- Hands‑on learning – Great for kids and anyone who loves history you can actually see and touch.
Standing under that rock overhang and realizing people once camped there before written history is a powerful feeling – and it’s only a short road trip from Monroeville.
8. Beaver & Bridgewater Riverfront Ramble (Beaver County)
Head northwest to
Beaver County, about an hour from Monroeville, and explore the river towns of
Beaver and
Bridgewater.
- Beaver’s main street – Tree‑lined, walkable, and full of local shops, cafés, and bakeries.
- Riverfront views – Watch the Ohio River roll by, especially around sunset.
- Food & drinks in Bridgewater – A short hop across the bridge, where you’ll find laid‑back bars and restaurants near the water.
If you like the sound of slow walks, coffee in hand, and maybe a glass of wine or a burger by the river later on, this is a great out‑of‑county escape.
9. Amish Country Flavors Around New Wilmington (Beaver/Butler Region)
About an hour and 15 minutes from Monroeville, north and slightly west, you’ll find pockets of
Amish country near the Beaver and Butler County lines, especially around the New Wilmington area (right over the border in Lawrence County, but easy to pair with Beaver/Butler stops).
- Roadside stands – In season, look for farm stands selling fresh produce, baked goods, and homemade jams.
- Country drives – Roll down your windows and enjoy the sound of buggies and the smell of fresh‑cut fields.
- Local markets – Some shops carry Amish‑made furniture, quilts, and crafts.
This is a peaceful road trip, best enjoyed when you don’t have a tight schedule. Just drive, stop when something catches your eye, and enjoy a quieter pace of life.
10. Hidden Lakes & Trails in Westmoreland County Parks
You don’t always need a famous “must‑see” attraction. Sometimes a quiet park is exactly what you’re craving.
Westmoreland County is filled with lakes, trails, and family‑friendly parks within a quick drive of Monroeville.
Look for parks that offer:
- Fishing lakes – Toss a line in the water and see what bites.
- Paved walking paths – Nice if you’re pushing a stroller or prefer a flat, easy loop.
- Playgrounds – Great if you’re road‑tripping with kids who need to burn off energy.
- Open fields – Bring a frisbee, a soccer ball, or just a comfortable blanket and a good book.
If you only have a half‑day and want something low‑stress, exploring a new park in Westmoreland County can feel surprisingly refreshing.
Tips for Planning Your Monroeville Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Monroeville:
- Check drive times – Most spots are 30 to 90 minutes away. Leave a little extra time for scenery and stops.
- Pack a simple “day‑trip bag” – Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and maybe folding chairs or a blanket.
- Look up local events – Festivals, farmers markets, and fairs can turn a simple visit into a full day of fun.
- Mix and match – Pair a park or hike in the morning with a small‑town dinner in the evening.
One of the best things about living near Monroeville is how quickly you can go from busy suburbs to farms, forests, and rivers. In less than an hour, you can be watching kayaks on Lake Arthur, exploring Ligonier’s streets, or crossing a covered bridge from another century.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip Near Monroeville?
Have you taken any of these out‑of‑county drives from Monroeville? Did I miss one of your favorite hidden gems in
Beaver, Butler, Washington, or Westmoreland County?
- Drop a comment below and share your go‑to spots.
- If you found this helpful, please share this guide with friends, family, or anyone looking for new things to do near Monroeville, PA.
Your ideas and stories help other travelers discover new places, so don’t be shy—tell us where the road takes you!
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