Outdoors in Mercer County, Pennsylvania

Located in the northern part of the county, this 2,856 acre state park is centered around the 1,440 acre Lake Wilhelm. It is a premier destination for kayaking, pontoon boating, and fishing. The park also features a 12 mile paved multi use trail that loops entirely around the lake for cyclists and runners.

Visit Maurice K. Goddard State Park

One of Hempfield Township's standout holiday events is “Light Up the Park with Santa” at Hempfield Park! This festive gathering brings families together for an evening of holiday cheer! Complete with decorations, lights, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s a joyful way to celebrate the season and experience the warm, close-knit spirit that makes Hempfield a great place to live. 🎅✨

👉 Learn more about seasonal events in Hempfield Township here!

Located in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Keystone Safari is a 144-acre interactive animal and adventure park offering an unforgettable experience for families, animal lovers, and visitors of all ages. With walk-through and drive-through safari experiences, guests can encounter exotic wildlife, participate in animal feedings, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. It’s a distinctive local attraction that makes exploring Mercer County even more exciting.

Experience Keystone Safari:

• Walk-Through Safari: Get up close with giraffes, llamas, and other fascinating animals, with opportunities for interactive feeding experiences.
• Drive-Through Safari: Explore the park from your vehicle while observing zebras, bison, elk, and other wildlife roaming through open spaces.
• Animal Encounters: Discover special experiences featuring animals such as sloths, penguins, and anteaters, subject to availability.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy playgrounds, gemstone mining, camel rides, and other interactive attractions.
• Zipline Adventures: Experience the park from above with an exciting zipline course.

Click here to learn more about Keystone Safari →

Image credit: Keystone Safari Facebook page

Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this reservoir provides massive flood control and recreational opportunities. It offers numerous boat launches, campgrounds, and picnic areas. The lake is particularly popular for water skiing, paddleboarding, and bass fishing.

Experience Shenango River Lake

(Image Source: Visit Mercer County PA)

Held multiple times each summer, WaterFire is a world-class arts festival that transforms the Shenango River in downtown Sharon. Over 50 custom-built braziers are anchored in the river and lit at dusk, accompanied by live music, artisan vendors, and food trucks, drawing thousands to the downtown area.

Experience WaterFire Sharon