12 Notable Attractions Near Parx Casino

Parx Casino and Racing is a slice of a 12-piece pie, featuring the richest ingredients known to humankind. Located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, you will lose your breath regarding the number of attractions here.

Many of which epitomize nature, culture, history, and aesthetics. You can scratch the idea of any attractions regarding sports or even other forms of gambling. There aren’t many here. But if you’re a nature lover or if you’re attracted to well-kept historic sites, the following 12 attractions are for you. 

Well, most of them. There’s also a cool shopping mall to get excited about and an entertainment venue featuring the latest and greatest live entertainment. 

Ready for a tour of Bucks County? 

Let’s get started. 

1 – Upper Bucks

Are you looking for the best natural scenery and farmland around?

Well, the Upper Bucks is where you’ll find it. Located in the county’s northern regions, brace yourself for a breathtaking scenic experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This place is absolutely majestic, and you can bet it could rival that of Middle Earth or Narnia. 

It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the endless casino gaming at Parx Casino and Racing and a great way to entwine yourself with nature. 

2 – Tyler State Park

Bucks County is the home to six state parks in the region with perhaps Tyler State Park listed as the most popular destination. Located in the eastern portion of Bucks County, Tyler State Park sits on 1,711 acres of land. And like the Upper Bucks, it’s a scenic experience torn from the pages of a fantasy novel.

Also notable in the area are the many covered bridges the county is known for, including the Schofield Covered Bridge among others. 

Recreational activity is tremendous at this park, featuring a 36-hole disc golf course, and a former landfill now used for archaeological digs for the local grade schools. 

3 – Peddler’s Village

On 42 acres of land is Peddler’s Village, a countryside property full of over 60 retail shops, boutiques, full-service restaurants, and year-round entertainment. This is a great destination to venture to if the entertainment at Parx Casino lacks your flair. 

And it’s likely you’ve heard of Peddler’s Village, given its popularity as the third-most visited tourist destination in the Philadelphia area. 

And if you’re in town on the weekends between April and December, you’re in for a real treat as the property hosts special events like Murder Mystery, seasonal displays, outdoor movie nights, and more. 

4 – Washington Crossing Historic Park

This park sits on 500 acres of land, and it marks arguably one of the most historic locations in American history as the site where Washington crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War on his way to a decisive victory at the Battle of Trenton. 

This park includes 13 historic buildings like the McConkey’s Ferry Inn. The Upper Park contains structures like Bowman’s Hill Tower and the Thompson-Neely House while you’ll find the Visitor’s Center in the Lower Park. 

The Visitor’s Center also acts as a small museum where you can view historical Revolutionary War artifacts. If you’re into the American Revolution, this place is a must-visit if you’re gaming at Parx Casino. 

5 – New Hope Railroad

If you’re into old steam engines, you’ll find them here at New Hope Railroad. This short-line, heritage set of train tracks still runs those old steam engines, but you’ll also see some modern diesel engines on the railroad. 

New Hope Railroad operates an expansive roster, many of which still include passenger cars, they built many of which in the early 20th century. 

6 – Quakertown Farmers Market

Also known as the Q-Mart, the Quakertown Farmers Market is arguably one of the most popular shopping destinations on weekends. And if you’d rather find the freshest food in the area, this is the place you need to be. 

Come in and browse the freshest farm to store selection of produce, meats, bakery products, and more. All of which you can place a winning bet on being preservative-free. So, if you like your food fresh and unprocessed, this is the place to shop when you’re in the area. 

7 – Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

This history museum contains some of the most breathtaking pieces of tile-based artwork around. The building itself is also one of just three National Historic Landmarks built by Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer comprising cast-in-place concrete. 

Even if the exhibits within the walls of this magnificent structure don’t interest you, perhaps you’ll find some interest in the architecture of the fascinating place. 

And best yet, the reproduction tiles made today still use locally acquired clay said to come from Mercer’s original sources. So when you’re walking through this museum, remember the recreations here boast a lot of authenticities. 

8 – Fonthill Castle

Also known as Fonthill Castle, this structure acted as Henry Mercer’s place of residence and I’ll tell you right now, the structure is the architecture enthusiast’s dream destination. So, if you love historic architecture, perhaps there is no better place to venture off the Parx Casino grounds for. 

The castle is open seven days a week, and it offers guided tours. But keep in mind that the staircases in this building are steep and uneven. If you plan on visiting, watch your step in this place. 

The castle also hosts community programs all year long, so if you’re in town during an event that piques your interest, look no further than Fonthill Castle. Even if Parx has a show going on that night, it’s more than worth taking a ride to Fonthill. 

9 – Mercer Museum

Completing the Mercer Trifecta in the area is the Mercer Museum. I’ll warn you, however, that if you step foot into the Mercer Museum, brace yourself. The funhouse effect is in full bloom here and some of Mercer’s creations were a bit off the wall, even if the man himself reached genius status. 

So, if cigar store figures freak you out, you may steer clear of this museum. But if you’re cool with the funhouse effect and a perpetual draft within the place, then nothing is stopping you from exploring one of the most historical locations in the area. 

10 – Neshaminy Mall

Alright, so if you won a profit at the slots, tables, or at a real money sportsbook, you’ll want to reward yourself with something new, right?

Well, look no further than the Neshaminy Mall, which boasts over 1 million square feet of retail space, 70 stores and services, and four anchor tenants on one convenient level. This mall is definitely for you if large crowds aren’t your thing, given its smaller, more intimate atmosphere. 

Oh, and if you’re looking for a two-for-one deal, the mall is located across the street from Belmont, which is one of the most prominent and historical mansions in the area.

It just gives you another reason to visit Neshaminy, right?

11 – Bucks County Playhouse

This playhouse is one of the most historic landmarks in all of Bucks County, and it can trace its roots all the way back to the 1700s, even if the present building didn’t grace the spot until long after the original building burned down in 1790.

The current building has its own roller coaster of an existence, having nearly been demolished in 1930 before a group of playwrights saved it from such a fate and converted it into a theater. The building has put on productions ever since despite a brief foreclosure in 2010. 

This entertainment venue continues to put on illustrious productions, so if you’re more into theater than music and mainstream entertainment, this is the perfect venue for you. 

12 – Xcite Center

And finally, you got the Xcite Center, which serves as Parx Casino’s number one entertainment venue. If you’re done gaming for the day, head on over to Xcite Center where you’ll find the latest and greatest world-class performances in music and comedy. 

While Bucks County boasts stellar entertainment venues all over the place, the best may be in the casino’s own backyard. So, when you head over to Parx, check the event schedule and discover what’s playing for the night. 

It’s a surefire bet you’ll find a great way to relax and enjoy some of the best acts in music and comedy after a long, hard day of gaming at the casino or betting on horse racing at the racetrack.

Conclusion

Alright, so are you excited to tour this area outside of the magnificent Parx Casino and Racing venue? 

Hey, with history, culture, and scenery Bucks County, Pennsylvania is known for, what isn’t there to get excited over? And even if the above doesn’t appeal to you, keep in mind how close the area is to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

So, if you’re a city person, you won’t go far to find your sports and other top attractions that didn’t make this list but are nonetheless impressive. But if you aren’t into the quaint dwellings that Bucks County offers, you still got the mall and the event center to look forward to. 

Have you ventured to Parx Casino and Racing? If so, tell us about your experience at the casino and if you have visited any of the listed attractions before. We want to hear from you.