• What to do: Named for the wildlife official who advocated the placement of state parks within a short drive of every Pennsylvanian, the 2,856-acre Goddard State Park includes the 1,860-acre Lake Wilhelm. No swimming or camping at the park means more space for anglers and picnickers. The marina includes low rental-cost pontoon boats, and weekly interpretive nature programs are run by the park's Environmental Learning Center and the nearby McKeever Environmental Education Center. An easy ride from Pittsburgh, just off I-79 in Mercer County.

• Contact: 724-253-4833, www.dcnr.state.pa.us.