If you were to ask a Butler County resident in 1800 what he or she believed would be the top three industries in their hometown in 200 years, it is unlikely that the word tourism would enter into the conversation. But, in our Bicentennial year, tourism ranks right up there with agriculture and steel production.

Moraine State Park is clearly one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in the Pennsylvania Park system. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Moraine is the fourth largest park in the state, occupying over 15,000 acres in northern Butler County. Founded through the vision of Dr. Frank Preston, the park contains a 3,200-acre man-made lake formed at the base of a glacial deposit. Known throughout the region for its excellent fishing, boating and hiking, the park is also home to a section of the North Country Trail. Renewed interest in the trail sparked by the Butler Outdoors Club and the local chapter of the North Country Trail Association has brought even more visitors to the park and the surrounding area. Hikers also have the option of stopping overnight at the Davis Hollow Cabin, a restored century-old cabin on park property.

The county has had its fair share of tourism events, including a performance by famed magician Harry Houdini, who hung upside down in front of the Capitol Theatre in downtown Butler as part of his unique magic show. And many could not forget an amazing performance by Louis Armstrong in Alameda Park, one of the finest amusement parks in western Pennsylvania in the early part of the twentieth century. Armstrong’s surroundings included a carousel (the pavilion, which still stands in the park today), roller coaster, roller rink and food concessions. The park was even accessible by streetcar, making it an extremely popular destination, but the advent of World War II caused priorities to change, and Alameda’s popularity to fade.

Since those early days, Butler County has seen the advent of many entertainment traditions. From harness racing and nationally known acts in the Butler County Fairgrounds Grandstand, premier events at the Butler Farm Show and, "the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi" in North Washington, Butler County gives tourists plenty of reasons to stop by for a visit! The Regatta at Lake Arthur, a new event in 1999, helped to renew interest in the Moraine State Park Amphitheater, which was originally built for the International Boy Scout Jamboree in 1972.

And how about racing? The advent of Nascar’s popularity proves that Butler County had the right idea decades ago when Don Martin founded Lernerville Speedway in rural Sarver. Now known, as one of the region’s best shows around, Lernerville Speedway truly is the "greatest show on dirt."

Sports enthusiasts are happy to call Butler County home. Throughout the years, the county has supported its share of championship high school sports teams and winning college teams. At one time, Butler was fortunate enough to be home to several professional baseball farm teams. Playing at Pullman Park for sixteen seasons between the years 1935 and 1951, fans rooted for a Cleveland Indians farm team, a Detroit Tigers team and a Pittsburgh Pirates team. Most notable was when the New York Yankees came to town to play their farm team. Popular players like Whitey Ford, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig and George Selkirk all delighted baseball fans during the "farm team years."

Golfers flock to Butler County during the golf season to play at the 18 public courses available. One of the most recent additions includes an Arnold Palmer signature course at the Treesdale Golf and Country Club. Avid golfers are provided with scenic backdrops at reasonable prices when playing in the county that has become known as the golf course capital of Pennsylvania.

Butler County remains unique in the region by supporting more arts and cultural programs than any other county of our size. Known for its exquisite concerts, the Butler County Symphony celebrated its 50th season in 1998 and continues to provide residents with quality musical entertainment. Those who prefer stage shows can see talented local residents performing in Musical Theater Guild productions or plays at the Butler Little Theatre and Comtra Theater in Mars.

From exciting annual events to serene walks along peaceful country roads, Butler County continues to offer a quiet retreat for visitors and a high quality of life for residents.

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