Things to Do in Johnstown

Extending up to 140 feet below ground level beneath a foothill of the Allegheny Front, the natural limestone formations of Indian Caverns yield beautiful glimpses of the Earth's inner geological mechanics. The majority of the cave's stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone are actively growing at a pace of 1 cubic inch every 120 years, just like the hair of a petrified cave mouse. Knowledgeable guides lead tours along nearly 1 mile of the cave's length in an hour, pointing out limestone formations and such cave wildlife as brown bats and salamanders from the comfort of an artificially lighted walkway. Guides recommend that visitors wear comfortable walking shoes and a light sweater, jacket, or the warmer half of a two-person horse costume as the cavern stays a constant 56 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

As tour-goers gaze on the cave's beautiful features, a guide elucidates its rich history from the first limestone deposit formed 405 million years ago to its opening to the public four months before the stock-market crash of 1929. Many Native-American artifacts were found in the cave during development and can be seen both inside the cavern and at the gift shop.

Sprawling across 16 acres of mountain terrain atop Wisp Resort and the 550-acre Fork Run Recreation Area forest, Adventure Sports Center International immerses thrill seekers in a range of river sports, climbing, hiking, and other outdoor programs. On the river, experienced rafting guides—some of whom are U.S. Olympians—pilot adventurers down a one-third-mile artificial whitewater river, through four classes of changeable but authentic rapids bordered by boulders excavated onsite. Those who have reached the bottom return to the starting pool on a raft conveyor belt that defies gravity better than when Newton threw apples back into the trees. In the forest preserve, visitors frolic along rugged mile-long trails on bike or on foot, or scale natural limestone boulders and ledges. Climbing guides teach basic bouldering and rappelling while keeping the ledges clear of heckling mountain goats, or send adventurers off geocaching to hunt for a container hidden somewhere on the rocks or forest floor.

As visitors explore freely, youths hone academic and social skills through outdoor adventure and learning programs where guides teach them to raft, kayak, climb, mountain bike, and hike using only their imaginations and any required gear. The center’s artificial aquatic park and preserve have also hosted a range of festivals and competitions, including seven national whitewater championships and a bouldering championship.

Since 1984, Three Rivers Rowing Association has become one of the largest community-based rowing and paddling clubs in the country, converting neophytes into boating lovers and helping experts hone their form. With the use of two boathouses located on the Allegheny River, the club is home to crews from three local colleges and nine high schools and was named the 2010 Club of the Year from USRowing. In addition to winter and summer rowing leagues, the club runs amateur dragon-boating leagues and sponsors the Pittsburgh Paddlefish, a dragon-boating team that competes at the international level.

More than 50 years ago, Mr. John E. Connelly set his sights on cleaning up Pittsburgh's polluted three rivers and returning them to their former glory as the Steel City's heart and soul. As then-treasurer of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, John was in a prime position to complete his ambition. With the belief that he could get the public engaged and committed to a cleanup, he decided to give the local people access to the rivers via boat tours, knowing the city's characteristic architecture as viewed from the rivers would engender a genuine appreciation for the region's waterways and environment.

After getting his nephew, Captain Jack Goessling, on board, John purchased a 100-passenger fishing boat they would christen the Gateway Clipper, which would later launch from Monongahela Wharf for the first of its many pleasure cruises. Today, with Gateway Clipper Fleet, his dream of engaging locals and visitors in the city's history and waterways thrives with a fleet that has grown to five boats capable of accommodating 2,500 guests. Through the years, the fleet has ferried more than 25 million passengers, treating them to dinner cruises, sightseeing tours, and entertainment jaunts along the clean, blue waters of Pittsburgh's three rivers.:m]]

Once deemed an eyesore, the winding, 46-mile-long Stonycreek River has undergone a transformation. Today, it abounds with natural life, such as beavers and smallmouth bass, as well as the longest stretch of continuous rapids on the East Coast. With its fleet of inflatable kayaks and tubes, Coal Tubin’ provides a variety of ways for customers to experience the area’s scenery. Knowledgeable guides lead group tours inside inflatable kayaks, whereas inner tubes leisurely float under bridges and down gentle waters lined with pine trees and perplexed coal miners who took a wrong turn. Outdoors adventures also unfold on land, where guided hikes trek to nearby vistas.

Rolling over the naturally hilly landscape, the bright-green turf of Statler’s Fun Center’s miniature-golf course winds around the center’s 1,528-foot go-kart track. Engines roar as racers 10 or older zip through the over-and-under bridge’s tight turns or give their lead foot free rein on the straightaways.

The soundtrack of purring motors underscores high-stakes games of miniature golf as players putt their way through deviously landscaped greens, expertly maneuvering the cave with a hidden waterfall and defeating the final hole guarded by squatting gophers. An air-conditioned snack shop provides respite from summer heat with cool drinks and an arcade full of excuses to hang out indoors, such as the classic air-hockey table and skee-ball.