The Towns of the County

A New Way to Explore Butler County

Planning the perfect day in Butler County just got a lot easier! Download our mobile app, Visit Butler County, PA!, a digital mapping tool designed to help you explore the area. You’ll find upcoming events, popular restaurants, top attractions, shopping, and points of interest.

Itineraries at Your Fingertips

Map out your own itinerary or choose from a pre-built one and take it with you on your phone. If there’s a festival or restaurant you want to visit, click “Join” or “Add to Plan” and it will be added to your itinerary.

Once you’ve planned your day, share it with your friends via email, SMS, or social media. Explore all that Butler County has to offer by downloading the app or going to ButlerCounty.VisitWidget.com to start planning your day.

Join the Conversation!

Whatever sites and apps you prefer, connect with us. We love to share events, photos, videos, specials, and other exciting happenings in Butler County. Likewise, we’d love to hear from you!

The Towns of Butler County

When visitors come to Butler County, they are never disappointed by what our small towns have in store... and the offerings keep getting better! The revitalization bug has hit Butler County and many of our small towns are taking advantage— beautifying the streetscapes, encouraging new businesses and partnerships, creating signature events, and making these towns a true destination for visitors.

Butler

Butler has emerged as an ‘artsy’ town, bursting with vibrant color and creativity that adds a fresh perspective to downtown. Its significant building structures have seen new life, and many locallyowned businesses line Main Street, attracting visitors and residents alike. Did You Know:

Did you know that Butler has an intriguing automotive history and is known around the world as the birthplace of the Jeep? Downtown Butler features 10 hand-painted murals created by a group of Walldogs (international mural artists) that define the people, places, and products that helped shape Butler’s rich history.

Cranberry Township and Mars

Both Cranberry Township and Mars are bustling areas in Butler County filled with dynamic restaurants, modern hotels, and great shoppong options. They offer something unique for everyone to enjoy. From Far-out festivals to a top-notch golf course and everything in between, Cranberry Township and Mars continue to thrive and many residents call it home. Did You Know:

Cranberry Township is one of the fastest growing communities in Pennsylvania and in the country. Did you know that the town of Mars has a flying saucer parked within the town square? (it’s the perfect spot for offbeat photos and “saucer selfies”) In 2015, Mars created an event that was “out of this world,” celebrating the Martian New Year with a festival highlighting education and innovation. Mars Exploration Celebration Days, attracts thousands of visitors, along with representatives from NASA. The next festival is scheduled for August 27-28, 2021.

Harmony

Take a step back in time with a visit to Historic Harmony, the site of western Pennsylvania’s first National Historic Landmark District. Like most, this quaint village will captivate you with its old brick and log buildings, unique shops, museums, and restaurants. Did You Know:

Did you know that the oldest barn in Butler County is located in Harmony? The Harmonist Cemetery is one of eight properties operated by the Harmony Museum, but you won’t find any grave markers for the approximately 100 Harmonists buried there. A large stone wall surrounds the cemetery and visitors enter through its one-ton revolving stone gate that still turns easily with a push of your hand.

Evans City

This small town plays a big role in movie history. In 1968, George Romero filmed the cult classic “Night of the Living Dead.” Movie buffs and zombie fans alike flock to the town and visit the Evans City Cemetery, the location where the opening scene was shot. Did You Know:

Did you know that in 1973 George Romero returned to Evans City to film “The Crazies,” a movie in which the town was blown up?

Zelienople

Affectionately described as “similar to Mayberry,” the quaint town of Zelienople is lined with locally-owned businesses all while preserving the charm and delightful beauty of its Main Street. This town attracts visitors with its trendy boutiques, gorgeous historic homes, unique dining options, and art scene. Did You Know:

Zip over to the new Zelienople Memorial Skate Park located in the community park. This bowl-shaped concrete structure features plenty of flat areas and contoured walls enjoyable for skaters of all levels.

Saxonburg

Saxonburg is one of those towns that completely captivates you with its rich history and 18th-century old-world charm. Saxonburg’s Main Street was designed featuring distinctive architecture modeled after a quaint German hamlet, and the town still retains much of its original character. After one visit, you’ll be back for more. Did You Know:

John A. Roebling founded the town in 1832, invented the wire rope and designed the Brooklyn Bridge. Main Street was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 and features a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge in the community park.

Slippery Rock &Portersville

Both Slippery Rock and Portersville are the perfect locations for outdoor enthusiasts. Slippery Rock features a charming college town with a top-notch university and a plethora of options to enjoy the great outdoors. Portersville is home to Butler County’s top attraction, Moraine State Park, and also offers a wide array of shopping, dining, and various activities to keep you busy year-round. Did You Know:

Harrisville

Harrisville is an idyllic town nestled among the tall trees along the northern border of Butler County. This cozy community is home to an award-winning campground, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, and features a variety of quaint shops along the way.

Slippery Rock University (SRU) is a top-ranked university that offers 150 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition, students can take a variety of minors, concentrations, and certificates that allow them to tailor their academic experience to meet their career goals. SRU has also won several accolades from a wide range of national publications. Slippery Rock is home to Butler County’s first brew pub, North Country Brewing Company. Critically acclaimed, this unique pub serves sturdy fare straight from the farm and offers a large variety of handcrafted beers and sodas. Taking the old, transforming it into something new and still preserving the old world charm is a skill Saxonburg has perfected. Many new shops and businesses that have popped up have maintained the town ’ s history, complete with plaques explaining the historical significance of the structures that line the street.

V Visits to the Saxonburg Museum provide an in-depth look at the town ’ s interesting history and community life. John Robeling ’ s impact, as well as exhibits on blacksmith, general store, school and communications, give insight to the town ’ s beginnings.