We love a good living history museum! It’s fun to walk around and explore old building and learn about what life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries.
When you’re exploring Pennsylvania, don’t forget to stop at the Old Bedford Village. It’s a beautiful property containing almost 40 historic buildings that were built between 1750 and 1900.
We enjoyed visiting Old Bedford Village. It was fun to learn about old trades, like broom making and candle making, and also how technology changed over 150 years.
If you think Old Bedford Village would be a fun stop for you and your family, the guide below has everything you need to know before you visit. So, let’s go!
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Old Bedford Village: A Fun Activity in Bedford, PA
Old Bedford Village is one of the top draws in Bedford, PA. With more than three dozen historic buildings built during the 18th and 19th centuries (with a few replicas mixed in), it’s one of the best living history museums in Pennsylvania.
The village is fun to walk around and explore. Each building came from Bedford County and was moved to the village.
Visitors can learn about the history of each structure either from an interpreter working inside or by scanning a QR code. The codes take them to a video on YouTube describing the building’s history and other exciting details.
What to Know Before You Visit Old Bedford Village
Location and Parking
Old Bedford Village is located at 220 Sawblade Road in Bedford, PA.
After you cross the Claycomb Covered Bridge (moved to that location in 1975), you’ll drive past an unused guard house and then arrive at the parking area. There is a large lot to your left, but if that is full, additional parking is to the left of the Welcome Center.
Hours and Admission
You can visit Old Bedford Village from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October. It is open Thursday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the last admission is sold at 4 p.m.).
As of publication, Old Bedford Village charges $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-18. Children under 6 years old are FREE.
Accessibility
Thanks to the village’s wide and flat gravel paths, strollers and wheelchairs should have no difficulty getting around. There are also ramp entries into almost every structure.
However, due to the age of the buildings, doorways may be too narrow, and inside the structure may be cramped. Floors also are uneven.
Food Options
At one point, I think Old Bedford Village sold food at the Pendergrass Tavern. However, that was not the case during our visit (Labor Day Weekend in 2024).
They sell snack items in the General Store, like ice cream, but no significant food for lunch. There were also some baked goods for sale in the Welcome Center.
There are some picnic areas in the village. A few tables are right outside the visitor center, and others are next to Fisher’s Pottery.
Exploring the Village
Welcome Center
Before entering Old Bedford Village, you must go through the Welcome Center to purchase admission. Inside the Welcome Center are bathrooms and a gift shop and an older water fountain.
The Square
The square is across from the events barn and next to the Fungaroli and Semanek houses. Here, you’ll find a pillory that makes for a fun photo op. When we visited, they also had wooden horses for kids to “gallop” around on.
The Buildings
Over three dozen historic buildings are within the village. Each structure has a QR code inside. Scan it to access a YouTube video with history and information about the building and its contents.
Sometimes, you can talk to an interpreter. We learned a lot from the broom shop and pottery building during our visit. Other times, you’re on your own to take in the exhibits inside. We enjoyed some unique buildings, like the Eight Square School.
Because most of these buildings are original and were built 100-150 years ago, some of the floors are uneven or sloping. But it’s crazy to see how well they have stood the test of time.
There is also a building dedicated to the indigenous people in the area, including artifacts found on the property.
Another favorite building was the Corner Shop. Inside they had old toys that the kids could try out and play with.
Shopping
There are several opportunities to take home a souvenir from the Old Bedford Village. You can shop at the General Store or the Fisk House. Handmade pottery is for sale in Fisher’s Pottery. Or you can make your own tin punch design in the Tin Shop.
The Barn
Remember to visit the barn while in Old Bedford Village. They have a horse, pony, goat, and some chickens on the property.
Special Events
Old Bedford Village hosts several different events throughout the year. During our visit, re-enactors from the 6th Pennsylvania Union Soldiers & Civilians encampment were present.
Other events throughout the summer included Civil War Weekend, Wild West Weekend, and Napoleon Grand Tactique Weekend.
In the fall, Old Bedford Village hosts events like Pumpkinfest and Murder Mystery Weekends. Visit their website for more information.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Bedford and the surrounding towns offer lots of fun things to do.
You can shop and stroll through downtown Bedford (don’t forget to check out the Big Coffee Pot!), hike the trails at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, or swim and boat at Shawnee State Park.
If you enjoy history, check out the Fort Bedford Museum or the National Museum of the American Coverlet, both located downtown.
Wrapping up Our Visit to Old Bedford Village
We enjoyed our visit to the Old Bedford Village. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the past lives of the people and businesses from the area.
We spent about 90 minutes exploring the village, but didn’t enter every building. You could easily spend two hours or more if you take the time.
If you’re in Bedford County or close by, the Old Bedford Village is definitely worth the visit!
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