The Best Photography Spots in Butler County

Many previous photo contest submissions have even found themselves among the pages of the official visitors guide! We’re always looking for engaging shots of the county to use in printed media, website and social media so if you’d like to see your photo featured, get out there and capture the beauty of Butler County! Below we’ve also listed some of the types of photos or events we look for broken down by location.

Many of these spots also make for great senior, family and engagement photos! If you’re in the market, we recommend some local Butler County photographers that would be familiar with these fantastic locations: Border Studios, Inside Rein Images and Nicole Richards Photography!

MORAINE STATE PARK

In the summer, Watt’s Bay provides amazing shots of sailors. Pay close attention to the area where the cattails grow along the bike path near the restrooms--you’ll probably find large gatherings of butterflies and beautiful wildflowers.
John M. Eisler Picnic Grove and Bear Run on the South Shore are some of our favorite options for capturing the beautiful fall leaves. The John M. Eisler Picnic Grove has large trees and the elevation of this location allows for ease of adding the lake into your shots. Bear Run will offer a great vantage point of the leaves changing along miles of shoreline.
On the North Shore, McDanels Area has a beautiful dock that allows for many different angles of the lake to be captured and the Davis Hollow Marina is a wonderful option for incorporating boats and the leaves changing along the shoreline.
If you’re looking for more water in your photographs, drive over to the 528 Launch and park under the bridge. The docks and church are great backdrops with the fall scenery.
The North Shore will provide wonderful photographs with the option for some wildlife by hiking the bike trail or the Butterfly Trail.
Glacier Ridge Trail is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail and offers great views of the North Shore.
In the winter, Crestline on the South Shore offers breathtaking views and is a favorite area for ice boaters. Continue your drive through the South Shore and across from Windy Knob Picnic Area, you’ll most likely find families enjoying the best hill in the area for sledding.
Events: Winterfest and the Regatta at Lake Arthur

SLIPPERY ROCK

This intriguingly-named town is filled with photographic opportunities. From Slippery Rock University’s beautiful, green campus complete with historic buildings and attractive landscaping, to the bustling Main Street filled with interesting shops and businesses.
Pay special attention to North Country Brewing Company, an eclectic microbrewery with an artistic storefront featuring intricate wood carvings.
There are tons of nearby nature escapes like the Macoskey Center and Rock Falls Park to explore through your lens no matter what time of year. Wolf Creek Narrows is great for spring wildflowers.
A visit to Jennings Environmental Education Center will allow you to experience the only protected prairie in Pennsylvania, walking trails and if you time it right, you’ll catch a glimpse of the rare blazing star flower.
Old Stone House, located on Route 8, was built in 1822 and reconstructed in 1963. It was a stagecoach stop and tavern to accommodate business from the Pittsburgh to Erie Pike. The historical marker is located at the junction of Route 8 and Route 173. Snap a picture of the tavern rules sign or coordinate your visit with the museum’s reenactment programming.
On Route 8, you’ll be surprised to find a stealth-bomber shaped building that houses the world’s coolest toy store: Playthings, Etc. Stop in for an fun photo of this one-of-a-kind building.
Events: Celebrate the Bloom at Jennings and VillageFest

PORTERSVILLE

With its close proximity to Moraine, you can continue your photo journey into Portersville. Bear Run Campground borders the park so Moraine’s splendor is at your fingertips.
You’ll also be near the North Country National Scenic Trail and if you can guess by the name, the scenery is superb.
Have you seen a Snowman during the summer? How about one that is 13 foot tall? Your friends might not believe you, so you better take a photo as proof of The Snowman on Route 488. Spoiler: you can also order shaved ice and frozen treats from the snowman.
In the town, you’ll also find a Tom Sawyer-style cabin that will take your photos back in time!
Events: Portersville Steam Shows

PROSPECT

In Prospect, you can snap a shot of the town’s quiet streets, sole blinker light and maybe even the Memorial Day Parade.
You’ll find many older Victorian-style houses in town as well as many farms on the outskirts. The farmland makes for great sunrise photos!
If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll definitely want to stop by the historical marker on Rt. 488 next to the fire hall as it designates Prospect as the childhood home of George “Rube” Edward Waddell!
Events: Big Butler Fair and Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland

BUTLER

There is so much to photograph in Butler! The County Courthouse and Diamond Park at the south end of Main Street photograph extremely well. There’s also a historical marker for General Richard Butler at the Courthouse.
If you love automobiles or love history, or both, there is a historical monument recognizing Butler as the birthplace of the Jeep in the Diamond Park, too! The historical marker is located not too far away on Hansen Avenue.
The many significant buildings that have been given new life as house museums or businesses are delightful to admire and are sprinkled throughout the town.
Many times each year, the town’s historical groups put together walking tours that will give you a chance to photograph and learn about Butler’s past and future!
Visit Alameda Park to check out the stone statues and extravagant Carousel Pavilion. Alameda used to be an amusement park!
Butler has plenty of parks to go around. Spend an afternoon at Preston Park with rhodedendron and wisteria in the spring, and wildflowers throughout the summer, or Succop Nature Park with delightful wildlife, ponds, and more.
Stop by the airport to squeeze in some shots of Butler County’s clear skies. You’ll also find a helicopter above the parking lot for a great photo op.
For a quirky photo, head to the intersection of Three Degree and Renfrew Roads where you’ll find large samurai structures. Part of the appeal is the mystery of why they’re there!
In the summer of 2016, the Walldog’s will be transforming Butler’s walls into beautiful murals. Snap pictures of the artists in action or return for a visit to see the finish products. Several colorful murals already exist as well: one near the farmers' market, of automobiles on West Wayne Street, and one on West Jefferson Street.
Events: Butler Farm Show, Cruise-a-Palooza, various street festivals

SAXONBURG

Main Street maintains much of the original character of the wholesome German town that was founded in 1832.
A church sitting atop the town’s highest point, historic shops lining the streets and a replica Brooklyn Bridge in Roebling Park are just waiting for your next photo-op. The park is named after the town's founder, John Roebling who invented wire rope and designed the Brooklyn Bridge. A trip to Saxonburg is sure to keep your shutter finger busy!
On PA-356, you can see the historical marker for Uncle Billy Smith, who in 1859 drilled the world’s first successful oil well with tools that he made in his blacksmith shop. He lies buried about 120 ft. southeast of here.
Just outside of Saxonburg in Sarver, you’ll find quite a gem in Todd Nature Reserve. Forest, streams, a pond, rustic trails and abundant wildlife will make your photos worth a thousand words!
Events: Saxonburg Festival of the Arts and the Saxonburg VFC Carnival

MARS

Take your camera and head to Mars for the day because some out-of-this-world photos are waiting. We suggest the flying saucer that is parked in the town square and the remodeled 1897 train station.
The small town offers plenty of unusual photo opportunities for visitors with historic buildings lining the streets.
Event: Mars New Year

EVANS CITY

While the small town of Evans City is very proud of its German heritage, they also celebrate their “zombie heritage.” The town and its cemetery were the site of the 1968 film, Night of the Living Dead. Fans and visitors flock to the town each year to photograph the site of the film’s most memorable scenes and historical markers. A new monument was installed in 2015 to honor the town's film history.
Sometimes you can spot one of the town’s old oil derricks from Route 68.
Check out the old-fashioned buildings and shops on Main Street too!
Events: Hallo-Weekends and Evans City Oktoberfest

HARMONY

Make sure you have plenty of memory on your camera when you visit Harmony. The quaint German village is filled with old brick and log buildings and the Harmony Inn, a former railroad president’s Victorian mansion. The Inn’s owners have added a peculiar feature to the face of the mansion—you’ll just have to see it for yourself!
You can also follow part of George Washington’s 1753 mission complete with trail markers.
Just outside the town off of Evergreen Mill Road, you might stumble upon Father Rapp’s Seat which offers a fantastic view of the town below especially during autumn.
Last but certainly not least, you can visit the curiously constructed Harmony Cemetery that possesses a massive one-ton revolving stone gate. Approximately 100 people are buried there but you won’t find any grave markers since the early Harmonists did not believe in them. One marker was however added after the fact.
Events: Sleepy Hollow Festival, SpringFest, Harmony Museum’s annual WeihnachtsMarkt (German Christmas Market) and Silvester New Year’s Eve Celebration

ZELIENOPLE

The town of Zelienople is ingrained with history and small town charm to capture. Two museums (the Buhl Passavant Houses), the historic Kaufman House and the picturesque homes with wrap around porches will remind you of a simpler time.
Main Street also features a lion fountain that will be reminiscent of your childhood.
Events: Horse Trading Days and the Zelie-Harmony Country Fall Festival

CRANBERRY

Take a snapshot of Cranberry Township’s bustling center on Route 19 but there’s much more to the town than its attractive shopping and restaurant district.
Step back in time to 1874 at the sample schoolhouse at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. *This location has special hours that it is open to visitors*
Golf courses, sports complexes and community parks fill the township so Cranberry is a great location to photograph families and sports.
Events: Cranberry Township Community Days

Contributing photographers: Edie Cox, Domaradzki, Denise Guthery, Jay Hays, Laura Kosht, Jan McElhinny, Denny Mrozinski, Melissa Smathers, Gail Smith, Tom Watson and Maria Wellman