The Meadows Racetrack & Casino – Historical Attractions

Just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the town of Washington, home to The Meadows Racetrack & Casino. There you can find just about everything, from horse races and  gambling to shows, dining, nightlife, and more.

While it may seem like there’s no reason to leave The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Washington is a charming historic town with plenty of options to entertain every history lover.

Take an exciting and informative trip to the past at these historical attractions, all of which are within a 15-minute drive of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Travel back to the good ol’ days at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. A mere 10-minute drive from The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, this museum offers rides in working trolleys and antique streetcars, all while teaching passengers about America’s fascinating trolley era.

Kick off your visit with a ride from the parking lot to the museum in a working trolley car. Movie buffs will get a kick out of getting to ride the actual car from A Streetcar Named Desire, which is one of the transportation cars from the parking lot. Then check out the various forms of old public transportation housed inside the museum.

In addition to the permanent collections that can be found there year-round, the museum has themed events that take place throughout the year. Festivities include a pumpkin trolley in the fall, a Santa trolley in the winter, and trolleys that hosts guests such as Daniel Tiger or Jim Henson characters. You can also channel your inner conductor with the museum’s “Operator for an Hour” package, which offers the opportunity to operate an antique streetcar and earn a certificate of completion.

Run by dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum operates six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.

Bradford House Museum

History lovers will enjoy the many National Historic Landmarks that the town of Washington has to offer, such as the Bradford House Museum. 15 minutes from The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, the Bradford House was the home of David Bradford, a prominent leader of the Whiskey Rebellion. He and his family were only able to live there for six years, however, since they had to flee legal repercussions once the rebellions were squelched.

Make sure to stop by the “Sign of the Seven Stars” tavern exhibit, which recreates the kind of tavern where the rebellion would have been organized.

LeMoyne House

While you’re visiting the historic houses of important Americans, stop by the LeMoyne House. Another registered National Historic Landmark, this house was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. The owner of the property, Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne, was part of the Washington Anti-Slavery Society and used his house to help the cause in any way he could.

Featured in the house are correspondence and documents from individuals thanking LeMoyne for his assistance, as well as personal artifacts from LeMoyne’s life. The three-story, stone house offers guided tours year-round.

Duncan & Miller Glass Museum

History can be found in seemingly common objects, which the Duncan Miller Glass Museum proves in its historical glassware. There you can stroll amongst historic glass artistry ranging from the 19th to the 20th century. Despite the Duncan & Miller Company being founded in Pittsburgh, the museum was built in the town of Washington since that area was pivotal in America’s westward expansion.

The glass pieces and objects in the museum demonstrate exceptional design and artistry, traits that the Duncan & Miller Glass Company were known for. The company was renowned for their skilled glass blowers and the details and colors used in their glass figurines, vases, plates and bowls.

In total, the company made glass for 115 years despite changing owners in 1955. Luckily, their most exquisite pieces are preserved at the museum for all to admire.

Frontier History Center

Located just 15 minutes from The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is the beautiful Washington Park, which features the Frontier History Center. There you can go inside a replica log cabin, a blacksmith shop, a stockade, and a blockhouse, which protected families from Native American raids. Every aspect of the center is historically accurate and interactive, each with costumed reenactors that can tell you about the lifestyles of frontier families.

The center holds themed events and festivals throughout the year, the most notable being the Whiskey Rebellion Festival in July. Full of reenactors, demonstrations, heritage music, and delicious food, the festival highlights the history of the town and its most famous rebellion with a fun, family-friendly celebration.

If you visit the Frontier History Center in October, you can experience Ghost Tales by the fire. In January, 21-and-over visitors can enjoy period-accurate refreshments, including rum punch and spiced whiskey tea.

A visit to The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is sure to be a good time, but consider checking out the rich culture and history that Washington has to offer. The town is a great place to explore and learn about how important Western Pennsylvania was throughout American history.