York County, quiet and peaceful, with a mild climate and rich soil farmed by the Pennsylvania Dutch for generations, is perhaps most well known for serving as the initial capital of the United States while the Continental Congress met there from 1777 to 1778. 

More recently, the county is famous for being home to both the York Barbell Company as well as the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame. In this article, we will go over many exciting locations that really show why this county is seen as so buff!

The York Barbell Company

We can’t begin talking about York County before giving a mention to the “Father of World Weightlifting”. Founded in 1932 by Bob Hoffman after buying out a barbell manufacturer, this company would go on to create what is now known as the modern barbell.  

A prolific health writer, the founder would also go onto write countless books and articles on the benefits of proper diet and exercise. Dedicated to him, the Weightlifting Hall of Fame resides on the first floor of the company’s HQ.

Weightlifting Hall of Fame

Speaking of, this historic hall of fame is well known for housing some of the most interesting highlights of the weightlifting world. Take yourself on a self-guided tour, where you’ll start off quite literally strong with bronze busts of Steve Stanko(Most Muscular Man in America in 1946 and Mr. Universe in 1947) and Bob Huffman. 

Standard York Barbell Weights

Just beside them stands displays of 19th and early 20th-century classic barbells, with the iconic balls on the ends rather than the current disc design. From there, you’ll get to experience countless displays of some of the incredible people who would redefine what it means to be seen as strong.

AACA Museum

Speaking of muscles, how about muscular vehicles! Muscle cars! Located in Hershey, PA, prepare to take a tour down literal memory lane with a car museum featuring everything from the earliest automobiles all the way up to ones from the 1980s. Famously, this museum also contains the world’s largest collection of Tucker automobiles. 

With its many interactive exhibits and even an indoor train, there’s something to do regardless of if you even have a license!

Heritage Rail Trail County Park

The Heritage Rail Trail County Park is located in the city of York. Established in 1992 and covering 176 acres, it begins at the Colonial Courthouse and heads south for 21 miles all the way down to the Maryland state line. 

Witness the location of where America truly began and experience all the splendor and sightseeing that our founding fathers took for granted. 

Nixon Park Nature Center

Nestled in a stream valley just 5 miles south of the city of York, this 187-acre park is one of the only of its kind in the county set aside solely for wildlife and education, allowing only pedestrian traffic on the trails. 

Centrally located and spanning 14,000 square feet, the nature center holds a kid-friendly interactive animal museum that’s chock full of wildlife from all over the globe. 

Perrydell Farm

After all that talk of exercising, driving, and walking, there’s no better place to go than the local farm. Founded in 1963, you’ll struggle to find a more welcoming establishment in the entire county. 

Offering guided tours that show how an actual farm operates at every level, you’ll get to learn everything there is to know about what it takes to keep the whole operation running in this day and age. If you’re looking for food, you’re in luck. 

The locals swear by the quality of the food, especially the dairy. What could possibly be more refreshing after a long hike than getting a cone of ice cream, fresh from the farm?

Conclusion

York county, with all its history, from pumping iron, driving fast, and being the center of America right at the start, surely deserves all the recognition in the world. Ladies, if you’d like to show your pride for living in one of the best counties in the state, or just want to show how much you love it in general, consider picking up a new sweatshirt, hoodie, or t-shirt today from our online store!