CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your Guide to Somerset, Pennsylvania

trees in Autumn

Know Before You Go: About Somerset

From historic sites to outdoor adventure—Somerset is the place you want to visit. Find out what else makes this city so special.

Get ready for small town charm and plenty of family-friendly fun when you visit Somerset.

Paradoxical Somerset Weather

Its 2,190-foot elevation combined with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes, along with nor’easters, creates many outdoor snow events from October all the way through June. Daytime average temperatures rise from the 30s in January and February to the 60s in May, 70s in summer, and then dip down to the 60s in early fall and 40s in late fall.

Recreation in Snowy or Summery Somerset

Go outside and play at Laurel Hill State Park, just 15 minutes west of Somerset. In the summer months, you can rent, purchase or moor watercrafts. To see Kings Bridge, one of the county’s famous covered bridges, paddle the 6-mile water trail. Gather at tables or under pavilions in the lawn and beach picnic areas. Hike or snowshoe one of 15 trails. Under autumn’s fiery canopy, watch squirrels with their cheeks stuffed with acorns scurry up trees. With snow, comes sledding. Race the kids to the bottom for hot cocoa at the fire pit!

In between town and the state park, you can drop by Glades Pike Winery to sip some of Pennsylvania’s best wine. Back in the borough, stroll the Uptown Somerset Historical District, viewing architecture varying from Craftsman to Queen Anne, and featuring the stained-glass domed courthouse.

Doing Business in the Borough

Most of Somerset’s main industries add to its welcoming appeal. While manufacturing leads, contributing 20 percent to the economic pie, other top industries include tourism, retail, health care and social assistance. A public library, golf courses, movie theaters, two newspapers, three radio stations, sports complexes and schools also contribute greatly to the town's economy.

Flying Down the Highway

Highways leading to Somerset include the Pennsylvania Turnpike and State Routes 31, 281 and 601. U.S. Route 219, about 3 miles north of the region, connects to SR 281 that takes you westward into town. Regional airports abound, but for fewer flight restrictions and better savings, consider the Pittsburgh International Airport, roughly 90 minutes northwest. About 48 percent of Somerset’s workers commute, leaving less traffic for you to navigate through.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Somerset.

Things to Do in Somerset

Enjoy the outdoors as you explore the rugged countryside filled with pristine parkland, hiking trails and more.