Gasoline prices are high, so plan your summer vacation close to home in Butler County! Just 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh and accessible via the Pennsylvania Turnpike or I-79, Butler County offers a wide variety of activities and events to make your vacation fun and exciting. Our center of outdoor life is Moraine State Park, with 3,225 acre Lake Arthur. The park is surrounded by more than 12,000 unspoiled acres waiting to be explored. It offers six scenic hiking trails ranging in both difficulty and distance (up to 14 miles), with trailheads accessible at various locations throughout the park.

Self-guided tours along the Native Plant Butterfly Trail allow families to learn about the area’s native plants and butterflies through the use of signs and educational kiosks along the trail. The Glacier Ridge Trail, running 14 miles through Moraine State Park, is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which extends more than 4,000 miles from North Dakota to New York.

Of course there are plenty of boating opportunities in Butler County, including sailing, kayaking, wind surfing and canoeing. Bring your own boat or rent a craft. Lessons are also available.

As one of the most popular fishing spots in Butler County, Lake Arthur and its tributaries are the perfect destination for anglers. Boat launches and shore fishing provide fishermen the chance to catch a myriad of species from bass, to pike, to trout. Moraine’s Lake Arthur offers two swimming areas as well, one with a sand beach along the shoreline.

Summertime means fairs and festivals are coming to Butler County! Mark your calendar for the 30th Annual Pittsburgh Parts-A-Rama, June 16-18. The event includes a parts flea market, vehicle sale corral, collector toys, a burn out contest, a sport compact-custom tuners-mini truck show, stereo competition, swimsuit contest, neon light competition and a collector vehicle show.

Experience the Big Butler Fair, June 30-July 8, featuring carnival rides, live concerts, livestock exhibits and judging, school bus and car demolition derbies and much, much more.

Zelienople’s Annual Horse Trading Days, July 20-22, provides three days of crafts, concerts and sidewalk sales along with great food. Carnival rides, baking contests, livestock competitions, contests and craft shows are highlights of the event.

The Portersville Steam Show, August 3-6 features sawmilling, cider pressing, gas engines, tractors, blacksmith, trading post, log home, barn animals, train rides, steam engines, flea markets, crafts, great food, carpenters shop, print shop, tons of tractors, large traction engines, ice cream, tractor pulls, pedal power, machine shop, steam building, tractor pulls and more.

The Regatta at Lake Arthur, August 5-6, features water, air and land events such as sailboat races, canoe and kayak activities, hot air balloon launches, games, fishing, swimming, entertainment, good food and more.

The Butler Farm Show, August 7-12, showcases farm equipment annually. Carnival rides, baking contests, livestock competitions, contests and craft shows are also highlights of the event.

Butler County fairs and festivals wouldn’t be complete without the 47th Annual North Washington Rodeo, August 15-19. See steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bull riding and team roping each night. Specialty acts and bull-fighting clowns create even more fun.

If you like the outdoors, but prefer to chase a white ball rather than hike, Butler County gives visitors over a dozen golf courses to choose from, all within 30 minutes of each other. Golfers will find both newer and long-established courses that offer an enjoyable challenge for any skill level.

Historically minded? Historic Harmony and the county’s many museums and historical sites will peak your interest. Our rich history provides the springboard for a variety of events ranging from gun shows to steam shows to a Native American pow wow.

Our indoor activities include the Maridon Museum of Asian Art, the Glass Blowing Center, spas, plays, shopping, and of course, great places to eat!

Too much to do in one day? You can always stay overnight! Our campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and hotels provide a multitude of choices to match your desires. From the sophisticated to the primitive, Butler County offers accommodations for everyone.

For more information or to plan your summer visit to Butler County, call 1-866-856-8444 or www.visitbutlercounty.com