Best Things to Do in Columbia & Montour Counties: A Weekend Pennsylvania Road Trip

WeChoseAdventures
9 hours ago
4 min read

Heart of PA Travel Guide: A Family-Friendly 3-Day Weekend Itinerary

Looking for a family-friendly Pennsylvania road trip with outdoor adventures, great local food, and classic small-town charm? Columbia and Montour Counties make the perfect weekend getaway. From one of Pennsylvania's best farm markets to America's largest free-admission amusement park, there's plenty to do for families, couples, and anyone looking to explore a different side of Pennsylvania.

Here's our favorite 3-day itinerary, including where to stay, where to eat, and the can't-miss stops along the way.

Where to Stay

We recommend staying in the Bloomsburg or Danville area, putting you within about 20–30 minutes of every stop on this itinerary. Whether you choose a hotel, campground, or vacation rental, you'll have an easy home base for exploring the Heart of PA region without spending your entire weekend driving.

Don't Miss These Stops

Rohrbach's Farm Market

One of our favorite stops of the entire trip, Rohrbach's Farm Market is much more than a farm stand. Browse local produce and meats, homemade baked goods, handmade gifts, flowers, and seasonal treats.

Our favorite find was the apple cider slushy float, but depending on the season you can also pick your own fruit, let the kids run wild in the natural play area, attend seasonal events, and visit the on-site brewery and winery. It's an easy place to spend a couple of hours without even realizing it.

Website:https://www.rohrbachsfarm.net

Big Dan's BBQ

Located right on the Rohrbach's Farm property, Big Dan's BBQ is the perfect place to end your first day. They serve some of the best smoked barbecue we've had in Pennsylvania, and if there's one thing you order besides the barbecue, make it the hickory smoked brownies.

Website:https://bigdansbbq.com

Bloomsburg Children's Museum

If you're traveling with kids—or honestly just enjoy interactive museums—the Bloomsburg Children's Museum is worth adding to your itinerary. The museum is filled with hands-on exhibits covering science, engineering, art, and local history, making it fun for a wide range of ages.

Website:https://the-childrens-museum.org

Knoebels Amusement Resort

No visit to the Heart of PA is complete without spending a day at Knoebels.

America's largest free-admission amusement park has been welcoming families for generations. Admission is completely free, so you only pay for the rides you want, or you can purchase an unlimited ride pass if you're planning to ride all day. Between the classic wooden roller coasters, great food, and nostalgic atmosphere, it's easy to see why this is one of Pennsylvania's most-loved attractions.

Did you know? Knoebels is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is home to the only wooden bobsled roller coaster in the world.

Website:https://www.knoebels.com

Briar Creek Lake Disc Golf Course

Even if you've never played disc golf before, don't skip this stop. Briar Creek Lake Disc Golf Course was one of the biggest surprises of our trip. The course winds through the woods with beautiful lake views and is great for beginners (like us) as well as experienced players. It's a relaxing way to wrap up the weekend before heading home.

More information:https://www.visitcolumbiamontour.com/listing/briar-creek-lake-park-disc-golf-course

Our 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your weekend at Rohrbach's Farm Market. Browse local produce and meats, handmade gifts, baked goods, and seasonal treats. Don't miss the apple cider slushy float—it was one of our favorite finds.

Depending on the season, you can also pick your own fruit, let the kids run wild in the natural play area, check out family events, and visit the on-site brewery and winery.

For dinner, head to Big Dan's BBQ, located right on the property and serving some of the best smoked barbecue in Pennsylvania. Be sure to save room for the hickory smoked brownies.

Day 2

Spend a few hours exploring the Bloomsburg Children's Museum, packed with hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages.

Afterward, head to Knoebels Amusement Resort, America's largest free-admission amusement park. Since admission is free, you can pay for individual rides or purchase an unlimited ride pass if you're planning to spend the entire day there. Between the roller coasters, classic rides, games, and famous amusement park food, it's easy to spend a full day exploring.

Day 3

Wrap up your weekend at Briar Creek Lake Disc Golf Course, one of the prettiest disc golf courses we've ever visited. Whether you're trying disc golf for the first time or have been playing for years, the course offers beautiful lake views and a fun, relaxing way to finish your trip.

Know Before You Go

Rohrbach's Farm offers different seasonal experiences throughout the year, including pick-your-own fruit, festivals, and holiday events, so be sure to check their calendar before visiting.
Knoebels has free admission. You only pay for rides, food, and games unless you purchase an unlimited ride pass.
Most attractions on this itinerary are within a 20–30 minute drive of each other, making this an easy long weekend road trip.
Fall is one of the best times to visit thanks to apple season, harvest events, and beautiful Pennsylvania foliage.