Discover Bedford

Bedford offers two distinct historical themes for a stay: the history of the fort and the tradition of American coverlets. The Fort Bedford Museum also explores the Whiskey Rebellion and the development of the local landscape; the National Museum of the American Coverlet is dedicated to historic American coverlets. The subjects that interest you most can help shape your visit.

Fort history at the museum and in the park

The Fort Bedford Museum was built downtown near the site of Fort Bedford, established in 1758. Its historical exhibits explore the fort’s role in the French and Indian War, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the development of the local landscape. The collection includes more than 4,000 objects from Bedford’s past.

The original outlines of Fort Bedford are also visible in a small park behind the Anderson House at 137 E Pitt Street; they can be reached via the walking trail beside the river. If you are especially interested in the original layout, the park offers a separate point of interest alongside the historical exhibits.

For children, the museum offers a scavenger hunt, a craft kit for making a Native American bracelet, a hands-on activity measuring Conestoga wagons, and a Lincoln Log building table. Activities may change. If a particular activity is important to your visit, check in advance whether it is currently available.

American coverlets and an annual seminar program

The National Museum of the American Coverlet is an independent institution open year-round and dedicated to historic American coverlets. It is located in Bedford’s former schoolhouse, built in 1859. Compared with the Fort Bedford Museum, this museum offers a different subject area: the history of American coverlets.

Each year, the museum hosts the Coverlet College seminars, with presentations, hands-on activities, and a demonstration and discussion session. Dates and topics may change. If you plan to attend a particular seminar, check the current dates and topics before your trip.

Getting to Bedford and getting around

Bedford is accessible via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-70, State Route 99 (the north-south Route 220 corridor), and I-68 from the south. Check current route conditions before you leave.

The Shuster Way Heritage Trail currently connects Omni Bedford Springs Resort with downtown Bedford and Fort Bedford Park. The trail is not entirely on unpaved ground: the route includes both an unpaved section and public roads and sidewalks. If you include the trail in your travel plans, take these different types of routes into account and check current conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Breezewood

Return to the main travel overview: Bedford.