IN West County Summer 2014 | Page 31

Robin Hill Park 949 Thorn Run Road, Moon Township; 412.262.1703, moonparks.org/ moonparks/robinhill.html Take advantage of the wide variety of programs and concerts at Robin Hill Park! The 200-acre park includes a charming 1920s Georgian-style home, miles of trails, an herb garden, a gazebo and an authentic 1800s log home. Richland Township Community Park Off Circle Drive or Van Velsor Drive in Gibsonia, richland.pa.us Richland Township Community Park has beautiful foliage year-round and hiking trails to enjoy while keeping in shape. There is a first-class dek hockey rink for street hockey enthusiasts. The Outdoor Classroom 531 Mayview Road, Upper St. Clair, 412.838.0064, theoutdoorclassroompa.org Located in Boyce Mayview Park on 475 acres of hiking trails, Chartiers Creek and wetlands, The Outdoor Classroom will enhance your understanding of plants and wildlife. Pine Community Park Lake 100 Pine Park Drive, Wexford, 724.625.1636, Option 3 twp.pine.pa.us There’s nothing quite as relaxing as fishing. And it’s one activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The Pine Community Park Lake is an excellent place to introduce kids to the sport of fishing. McKeesport Renzie Park Rose Garden 1400 Pin Oak Drive, McKeesport, GardenClubofMcKeesport.org Chosen as one of the top 10 rose gardens in the U.S. by All-American Rose Selection, the threeacre area features over 2,000 roses, a butterfly garden, an herb garden and a water garden. Raccoon Creek State Park 3000 State Route 18, Hookstown; 724.899.2200, dcnr.state.pa.us Raccoon Creek State Park has over 7,500 acres of park land, featuring a Raccoon Lake for swimming, boating and fishing, along with trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Mingo Creek Park Observatory Star Parties 10 Shelter Way, Finleyville; 724.348.6150, or 3ap.org/facilities.shtml From April to October, around the time of the first quarter moon, the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP) hosts stargazing parties at the Mingo Creek Park Observatory. Visitors can bring their own portable telescopes, or are able to use the two large permanent telescopes of the observatory. Green Tree Nature Center Crestmont Dr. and Hillcrest Ave., Green Tree; 412.921.1110, greentreeboro.com/ naturecenter.html Enjoy native trees, vines, wildflowers, a natural spring at Green Tree Nature Center. There are also Ringneck pheasants, wild turkeys, salamanders, owls, deer and several bird species. fascinating museums Kerr Memorial Museum 402 Delaware Avenue, Oakmont; 412.826.9295, or kerrmuseum.com Explore how the upper-middle class lived between 1890 and 1910 by touring The Kerr Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The late 19th century, Queen Anne-style home belonged to a local doctor. The museum features seasonal exhibits. Fern Hollow Nature Center 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley; 412.741.6136, fhnc.org The very first Big Mac, pop culture phenomenon, was served in North Huntingdon on Route 30. The Big Mac Museum highlights Jim Delligatti, who introduced it as a menu item in August 1967. Also included are the world’s tallest Big Mac statue and other memorabilia. The Bayernhof Museum contains rare music boxes, automatic and antique musical instruments, along with tons of unique ‘objets trouve.’ Hidden doors, secret passageways, an underground “cave” and stunning views of the Allegheny River make a visit to the Bayernhof well worth the trip! Museum of Western Expansion 815 Venetia Road in Peters Township; peterscreekhs.org Enjoy a trip to the Museum of Western Expansion in the Wright House, built in 1815. The museum strives to relate the story of settlers who lived in the area from 17601860. Themed rooms, a 1788 log cabin, a coal mining display, and more are featured. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Hi