Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor

Pleasure driving along the Lincoln Highway has long been a popular pastime. Motorists sought and continue to seek scenic beauty and amusements, such as Idlewild Park.



For most of its history, the Lincoln Highway was lined with attractions, amusements, and scenic vistas. Motorists often took day trips through the countryside to an attraction such as Idlewild Park, now called Idlewild and Soak Zone. Families would spend the day riding the Carousel, the Skooter and the Swan Ride, the park's first kiddie ride. They could also cool off in the pool and enjoy a picnic lunch.



During World War II, with strict gasoline rationing, most pleasure driving became a memory of happier times. People stopped driving to the park, forcing it to close. To the delight of the public, the park reopened in 1946 and continues to be a popular attraction.



In the early 1900s, motorists has to travel dirt roads in open cars, many with no windshields. These cars were very similar to carriages pulled by horses. Here, Dr. Blackburn and his family are shown driving to the park in 1910. Motoring at this time was difficult, and as you can see, the kids definitely felt the visit to Idlewild was worth the dusty trip.



The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is one of eleven special heritage areas in Pennsylvania, each designed by the Governor. It stretches 200 miles through six counties.



to travel the Lincoln Highway route, follow signs like this one across southwestern Pennsylvania.



Yhis exhibit was funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program.

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Show me all markers in:  Ligonier, PA  |  Westmoreland County  |  15658  |  Pennsylvania  |  United States of America

Idlewild Park Depot / Smallest Train Station
Railroad Signs
Philadelphia Tobaggan Company Carousel Number 83
Idlewild In 1938 - The Rollo Coaster Opens
Idlewild Park
In Memory of Richard Beatty Mellon
Road versus Rail
Ligonier Depot
Welcome to Holy Trinity Parish
Roadside Enterprise

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