10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Plum, PA (That Locals Actually Love)
If you live in
Plum, Pennsylvania in
Allegheny County, you already know you’re close to Pittsburgh. But what if you’ve done the museums, the ballgames, and the city stuff a hundred times already?
Sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive 30–75 minutes, and find something
new without needing a hotel or a huge budget.
That’s where these
out-of-county road trips near Plum, PA come in. Every place on this list is outside Allegheny County, in one of these nearby counties:
- Beaver County, PA
- Butler County, PA
- Washington County, PA
- Westmoreland County, PA
All are perfect for a half-day or full-day trip. Let’s hit the road.
1. Moraine State Park & Lake Arthur (Butler County)
If you only pick one day trip from Plum, make it
Moraine State Park. It’s about an hour’s drive north and feels like you’ve gone way farther.
Why go:
Lake Arthur stretches more than 3,000 acres, with quiet coves, gentle hills, and miles of shoreline. It’s a favorite for families, couples, and anyone who needs a reset.
Things to do:
- Rent a kayak, canoe, or small sailboat at the marina
- Walk or bike the paved trails along the lake
- Pack a picnic and claim a shaded table by the water
- Try fishing for bass, crappie, or bluegill
- In winter, go cross-country skiing or sledding
I once drove up on a random Sunday “just for a drive” and ended up sitting by the water for two hours doing absolutely nothing. No regrets.
2. Slippery Rock & McConnells Mill State Park (Butler County)
Just north of Moraine you’ll find a classic small college town and one of western PA’s most dramatic gorges.
Slippery Rock:
A tiny, walkable town with coffee shops, pizza places, and that classic college vibe. Great for a quick lunch stop.
McConnells Mill State Park:
- Explore the historic covered bridge and old gristmill
- Hike along Slippery Rock Creek’s rocky trails
- Watch kayakers tackle the whitewater (better for experts than beginners)
The trails can be a little rugged in spots, so toss a pair of sturdy shoes in the car. It’s not a “flip-flop” kind of hike.
3. Washington, PA & The Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Washington County)
Head about an hour southwest of Plum and you’ll land in
Washington, Pennsylvania, a small city with a mix of history and entertainment.
Top stops:
- The Meadows Racetrack & Casino – Harness racing, slots, table games, and multiple restaurants.
- Hollywood Casino at The Meadows – For nightlife, shows, and grown-up fun.
- Washington & Jefferson College area – Stroll around a charming old campus and surrounding streets.
It’s a solid pick if you want something more “adult” than a park but less intense than a full-blown Vegas-style trip.
4. Tanger Outlets Pittsburgh (Washington County)
Just down the road from The Meadows, you’ll find
Tanger Outlets in Washington County. If you love outlet shopping, this one’s an easy win.
Why it’s a good road trip from Plum:
- About an hour away – far enough to feel like a day trip, close enough to be home for dinner
- Big-name brands at outlet prices
- Lots of options for back-to-school or holiday shopping
Pro tip: Combine Tanger with The Meadows or another Washington-area stop for a full day of fun.
5. Idlewild & SoakZone (Westmoreland County)
Looking for a
family-friendly road trip from Plum, PA?
Idlewild & SoakZone, near Ligonier in Westmoreland County, is a classic.
What you’ll find:
- Gentle rides perfect for young kids
- Story Book Forest – walk-through fairy tale scenes
- SoakZone water park with slides, lazy river, and splash areas
If you grew up in western PA, there’s a good chance you rode the same rides your kids are now enjoying. It has that nostalgic, old-school amusement park feel that big theme parks just don’t have.
6. Historic Ligonier & Fort Ligonier (Westmoreland County)
While you’re out that way, don’t miss the town of
Ligonier itself.
Why Ligonier is worth the drive:
- A charming town square with a big green “diamond” in the center
- Local shops, ice cream stands, and cozy cafés
- Fort Ligonier – a full-scale reconstructed French and Indian War fort
Fort Ligonier is especially fun if you like history you can actually
walk through instead of just reading on a sign. You can see cannons, barracks, and artifacts from the 1700s.
7. Ohiopyle State Park (Fayette County – Bonus Pick)
Yes, this one jumps past your closest counties, but it’s one of the most-loved
day trips near Plum, Pennsylvania, so it’s worth slipping in as a “bonus.”
Highlights at Ohiopyle:
- Youghiogheny River waterfalls right in town
- Beginner-friendly bike trails on the Great Allegheny Passage
- Whitewater rafting options, from mild to wild
- Natural water slides you can actually ride down in the summer
It’s about 1.5 hours from Plum, so start a little earlier, pack snacks, and make it a full-day adventure.
8. Beaver & the Beaver River Waterfront (Beaver County)
Let’s swing northwest from Plum for something more relaxed.
The town of Beaver in Beaver County has a surprisingly pretty main street and a riverfront that’s perfect for low-key exploring.
Things to do:
- Walk along the river and watch the boats drift by
- Grab coffee or ice cream in town
- Check out the historic homes and tree-lined streets
If you like small towns with a slower pace, this is the kind of place where you can park once and just wander.
9. Harmony & Zelienople (Butler County)
Just north of Cranberry you’ll find
Harmony and
Zelienople, two little towns that almost feel like they were pulled from a storybook.
Why go:
- Harmony – One of western PA’s oldest settlements, with historic buildings and quiet streets.
- Zelienople – A livelier downtown with shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
This is a great “slow Saturday” trip:
- Start with breakfast or coffee
- Browse the boutiques and antique shops
- Catch a performance or event at the local theater if there’s one scheduled
If you like the idea of a “Hallmark movie” town but don’t want to drive states away, this comes pretty close.
10. North Park & Beyond… Without Staying in Allegheny
Since we’re staying out of Allegheny County itself, here’s a tip for squeezing more value out of your road trips:
Use these counties as
“jumping-off points”:
- Start with Beaver, Butler, Washington, or Westmoreland County
- Add a nearby attraction, trail, or small town in the same area
- Pack a cooler so you’re not forced into the nearest fast food stop
In a single day you might:
- Hike at Moraine State Park
- Grab dinner in Harmony or Cranberry Township (Butler County)
Or:
- Visit Idlewild & SoakZone with the kids
- Walk the square in downtown Ligonier before heading home
You’ll be surprised how many different experiences you can fit within a simple 60–90 minute drive of Plum.
Tips for Planning Your Plum, PA Road Trips
A few quick ideas to make your
short road trips from Plum, Pennsylvania even easier:
- Check the weather – Western PA weather can flip fast; bring a light jacket just in case.
- Call ahead – For parks, attractions, or small shops; hours can change by season.
- Pack a “road trip bag” – Reusable water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a phone charger.
- Leave room for surprises – Some of the best stops are places you find by accident.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Plum?
There are so many
things to do near Plum, PA once you cross into Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. From lakes and waterfalls to outlets and old forts, you can fill a lot of weekends without ever needing a plane ticket.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
- Did I miss one of your must-see spots?
- Which of these road trips are you planning to try next?
Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments so other Plum locals (and visitors) can discover new places too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, neighbors, or family who are always asking, “What is there to do around here?” The more we share, the more hidden gems we all find.
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