205 Indian Steps Road (south of Furnace Rd.)Airville, PA 17302
(717) 862-3948 (during season) • 993-3392 (off season)
Internet
205 Indian Steps Road (south of Furnace Rd.)
Airville, PA 17302
(717) 862-3948 (during season) • 993-3392 (off season)
Internet
This beautiful museum, founded by John E. Vandersloot of York, was completed in 1912. It includes a round room or kiva. The Museum's name derives from the "steps" carved in the nearby (now submerged) Susquehanna River rocks by Indians who used the footholds to fish for shad.
The building itself is quite interesting. More than 10,000 artifacts found by "judge" (he was actually an attorney) Vandersloot were embedded in the masonry walls to form Indian patterns, birds, animals, and reptiles which tell the story of Indian inhabitants and transients who passed by here. Many of these artifacts are quite old, predating the Egyptian pyramids. Some are from the days of Christ, and others from Colonial days.
The Museum features the Harry Allaman Nature Center with a variety of exhibits, including a number of preserved specimens. Upstairs visitors will find a gallery dedicated to the Indians of the Susquehanna ("long winding river"), as well as numerous other Indian artifacts.
The 9.6 - acre estate also contains an arboretum of more than 60 identified species of trees and a self-guided historical nature trail.
Tours for individuals and families are Self-Guided, while Groups, including School Groups and Scouts, can enjoy educational Guided Tours.
Hours: mid-April through mid-October, Thursday & Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 10am - 5pm. Closed Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.
Group Tours can be arranged at
other times.
Admission: FREE, but donations are appreciated. Groups: call.
Group Reservations: 2 weeks.
Lunch: Picnic area available. Museum also has small snack bar.
Handicapped: Not accessible.
Directions: Rt. 30 West to Coatesville. Turn left onto Rt. 82 South (S. Church Rd.) and right onto Rt. 372 West (Valley Rd.). Follow 372 across Susquehanna and turn right onto Rt. 74 North (Peach Bottom Rd.) to Airville. Turn right onto Rt. 425 East, go about 2 miles to Indian Steps Rd. Turn right.
Time: 90 - 120 minutes west of Philadelphia.
Nearby: Stewartstown Railroad , Robert Fulton Birthplace , Agricultural & Industrial Museum , York County Historical Society , York County Fire Museum .