Historic Lincoln Highway Turns 100

Take a leaf peeping drive through the Laurel Highlands along the 100-year old Lincoln Highway (mostly US Route 30) and see why the historic route continues to inspire travelers' love affairs with their cars. From the scenic landscape, roadside art, historic landmarks and quirky attractions, you'll experience an unforgettable road trip. By 1912, the automobile was well established, but not good roads. A group of businessmen put their heads and money together to promote the idea of a cross country highway - the Lincoln Highway - named after our 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Designed in 1913, it stretched from Times Square in New York City through Pennsylvania to San Francisco.

Start your trip at the new Lincoln Highway Experience Museum located in an 1815 stone house on the original Lincoln Highway in Latrobe. Visitors get a glimpse into the Lincoln Highway era (1912-1940) with black-and-white photos, a lively film that shows quirky Highway architecture, Lincoln artifacts and museum staff who share stories about the must-see stops along the route. 

Along with many of the original historic landmarks which made the route famous, the Lincoln Highway is dotted with 12 colorful Lincoln Highway murals painted on barns and buildings, 65 interpretive exhibits where you can press a button and hear a story about life along the Lincoln, and 21 painted fiberglass vintage gas pumps painted by professional Pennsylvania artists. The newest exhibits feature five huge metal sculptures from a Bicycle Built for Two to a Packard car. Look for these larger-than-life Roadside Giants scattered along the way.

Get your driving guide at the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum and book your stay along the way at nearby Bed and Breakfasts.