Walk Through the Past

A Springtime Journey into History

From George Washington’s footsteps to the legendary covered bridges, history blooms in Bedford County.

Downtown Bedford PA

Spring in Bedford County isn’t just a change in weather; it’s the season when our history comes back to life. As the mountain trails clear and our historic sites reopen their doors, you can experience the stories of the American frontier in the very places they happened. 

Whether you’re exploring the site of a 1758 British fort or driving the winding roads to find our 14 historic covered bridges, spring provides the perfect climate for a journey through time.

Featured Sites

Old Bedford Village: Living History Reawakens

Step into the 18th century as Old Bedford Village opens its gates for the season, Memorial Day Weekend. Witness colonial crafts, military reenactments, and the daily life of pioneers as our living history village comes to life for the season.
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Fort Bedford Museum & The Forbes Road

Located in the heart of downtown Bedford, the museum stands near the site of the original 1758 British fort. After you finish exploring the fascinating exhibits, see how nature and history intersect by taking a spring stroll through the adjacent park along the Juniata River and imagining the frontier soldiers who once guarded the historic Forbes Road.
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Presidential Footsteps: The Espy House & Omni Bedford Springs

Walk the same streets as George Washington, who headquartered at the Espy House in 1794. Then, head south to the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, the 'Summer White House' for President James Buchanan. Spring is the ideal time to enjoy the resort's legendary mineral springs and historic architecture before the summer crowds arrive.
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The Bloody Run Historical Society & Everett Train Station

Celebrate America 250 at the Everett Train Station Museum. Reopening every Saturday starting in April, this museum offers a deep dive into the railroad and industrial history that shaped the town of Everett (formerly known as 'Bloody Run').
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Interactive Heritage: Spring Driving & Walking Tours

  • The Covered Bridge Tour: With the trees budding and the streams at their peak, there is no better time for a driving tour of our nine historic covered bridges. Grab a map and find these ‘kissing bridges’ tucked away in our lush spring valleys.
  • Historic Downtown Walking Tour: Grab the Learning Architecture in Bedford brochure for a self-guided video tour. Enjoy the spring flower displays in the gardens of our Victorian neighborhoods as you learn about the preservation of our 18th and 19th-century landmarks.
  • National Museum of the American Coverlet: For a quiet spring afternoon, explore the intricate artistry of antique woven coverlets at the only museum of its kind in the country.

The "Spring Awakening" Weekend: A 48-Hour Itinerary

Friday: Arrival & Historic Charm
  • 3:00 PM – Check-In: Arrive and settle into one of our historic downtown B&Bs, cozy cabins, unique treehouses, or any of our exceptional lodging options. Settle in and enjoy the view of the budding ridgelines.

  • 4:30 PM – A Walk Through Time: Head to Downtown Bedford for a self-guided architectural walking tour. The spring flower boxes are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to photograph the 18th-century facades.

  • 6:30 PM – Dinner and locally Crafted Beers: Enjoy a farm-to-table meal and a local flight at a brewery. If the evening is mild, grab a seat on the patio to soak in the first sounds of spring.

  • 8:00 PM – Sunset at the Fort: Take a short stroll to the Fort Bedford Museum grounds. Walk the river path as the sun sets over the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.
Outdoors in Bedford County Pic 1
Saturday: Adventure & Alleghenies Heritage
  • 9:00 AM – The Apple Blossom Drive: Start your morning with a scenic drive through the “Blossom Trail” toward the Ridgetop Orchards area. The white and pink blooms across the valley are a spring must-see.

  • 11:00 AM – The “Kissing Bridges”: Continue your drive to find at least three of our 14 Historic Covered Bridges. The rushing spring water beneath the bridges makes for incredible photos.

  • 1:00 PM – Trailside Lunch in Everett: Stop in the town of Everett for lunch. If it’s a Saturday in April, visit the Bloody Run Historical Society at the old Train Station Museum to see how the railroad shaped this valley.

  • 3:00 PM – Cast a Line or Hike the Peaks: * Option A: Head to Yellow Creek for some of the best fly-fishing in the state during the spring trout season.
      • Option B: Hike to the Cox Monument in Blue Knob State Park. The forest floor is currently carpeted with wildflowers.
  • 7:00 PM – Elegant Renewal: Experience a historic dinner at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. After dinner, enjoy a drink by the fire pits or take a stroll on one of the various trails.
Sunday: Rejuvenation & Living History
  • 10:00 AM – Morning at the Village: Visit Old Bedford Village. As the living history site reopens for the season, watch the blacksmiths, weavers, and colonial interpreters begin their spring work in the mountain air.

  • 12:30 PM – Picnic at Shawnee: Grab local deli sandwiches and head to Shawnee State Park. Rent a boat for a quiet hour on the lake or simply enjoy a picnic near the water as the migratory birds return for the season.

  • 2:30 PM – One Last Discovery: Stop by the National Museum of the American Coverlet on your way out of town. It’s a peaceful, world-class way to wrap up a weekend of heritage and craft.

  • 4:00 PM – Departure: Head home with a jar of local spring maple syrup and a fresh perspective.

Go Even Deeper into the History of Bedford County

Covered Bridge
architecture

Fun Facts and Historic Gems

Presidents and War-Time

Bedford has hosted more U.S. Presidents than almost any other small town in America.

Architecture in Focus

“Exploring Downtown Bedford? Challenge yourself to find the three distinct eras of Bedford history:

The Roads to Revolution

When you’re driving on Forbes Road and The Lincoln Highway, you’re  actually following the 1758 path of General John Forbes. As the spring canopy opens, look for the original cuts in the ridgelines along Route 30. This was the ‘superhighway’ of the 18th century that decided the fate of the frontier.

Ghost Towns & Iron Ruins

Spring is the only time to see certain ruins before the summer foliage hides them until late fall.

Before the mountain laurel reaches full bloom, spring is the best time to spot the stone remains of 19th-century iron furnaces in Hopewell or the phantom foundations of the Huntingdon & Broad Top Railroad. It’s a brief window to see the bones of Bedford’s industrial past.

Whiskey Rebellion

In 1794, local farmers turned their spring grain into ‘liquid currency.’ Today, our local distilleries carry on that craft. Follow the history of the rebellion from the courtroom to the tasting room.

Winter time at Bedford Springs Omni Resort

Winter, Unexpected

Plan Your Bedford County Getaway

Whether you’re escaping for a cozy weekend, planning a family adventure, or looking to recharge at a relaxing resort, Bedford County offers the perfect backdrop for a refreshing winter getaway.

Stay in one of our charming inns, mountainside lodges, cozy b&bs, modern hotels, or relaxing resorts.