This Little U.S. County Is Known as the `Christmas Tree Capital of the World`

The stores are playing holiday songs, decorations are going up everywhere, and we’re all starting to think about setting up our Christmas trees. It’s just that time of year! If you love celebrating the Christmas season with a festive tree, you’ll also enjoy learning about the ‘Christmas Tree Capital of the World.’

The Christmas Tree Capital of the World

Indiana County, in the state of Pennsylvania, is considered the ‘Christmas Tree Capital of the World.’ It first earned the title in 1956 when workers cut down over 700,000 trees in the county, according to the Indiana County Christmas Tree Growers’ Association. 

Even their county website boasts the title proudly on their homepage. But how did this little city get such a large name in the first place? Let’s delve in and learn more about the Christmas Tree Capital of the World.

Where Is Indiana County?

Indiana County is in the west central part of Pennsylvania. It’s adjacent to Jefferson, Clearfield, Cambria, Westmoreland, and Armstrong counties. The nearest large city to Indiana County is Pittsburgh at around an hour and a half drive. Because of Indiana County’s proximity to Pittsburgh, it is considered a micropolitan statistical area to the city on the census. 

How Did Indiana County Become The Christmas Tree Capital of the World?

Indiana County has been growing Christmas trees for a long time —  it’s a source of tradition and culture for the area! While the entire town is home to Christmas trees now, a few people were credited with planting the first trees: Murray C. Stewart, Sam Dible, Silas Streams, Fred Musser, Walter Schroth, and a few others. 

Once the first few trees were planted, the Christmas tree business sprang into high gear. By 1944, enough farmers came together to organize a formal group. The ‘Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association’ was quickly formed and Murray C. Stewart of Indiana County was the first president. 

With the association growing and Christmas trees becoming a hot commodity, a new idea sprang up amongst growers — shearing. Up until 1944, none of the trees were sheared in the county, or anywhere across the country. But a year later, an agent of the county gave a tree shearing demonstration. In years to come, the practice of shearing would spread and demonstrations would spring up around the state. Today, nearly every Christmas tree for sale is sheared once per year. 

What Is There To Do In Indiana County?

There’s much more than just Christmas trees in Pennsylvania’s Indiana County. The area is home to some gorgeous state and county parks. It’s also the home of famous actor and military officer Jimmy Stewart. Since the It’s a Wonderful Life actor was native to the county, there is a popular Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana. 

One unique place in Indiana County is Buttermilk Falls. The 45-foot waterfall is massive and makes for a perfect setting for hikes and picnics. It’s gorgeous nearly any time of year, but it’s especially enjoyable in fall when the leaves are changing in the forest. 

While you’re in the area, you have to visit the Underground Railroad History Center in Blairsville. It shares the local history of Indiana County and its role in the Underground Railroad. For a truly awe-inspiring and educational visit, this museum is well worth it.

If you think you’ve seen everything in the county, just know that they hold festivals and events year-round. There’s always something to do in Indiana County, from the “It’s a Wonderful Life” festival to the Big Balloon Build Meet & Greet.

What Animals Live Around The Christmas Tree Capital of the World?

The county is home to Yellow Creek State Park, a 2,981-acre with 5 miles of hiking trails. The park is a popular hunting spot for those seeking white-tailed deer, wild turkey, pheasant, black bear, and waterfowl. The lake and creeks in the park are also popular spots. Anglers fish for pike, bass, crappie, muskellunge, and perch in Yellow Creek Lake. The streams — Yellow Creek, Little Yellow Creek, and Laurel Run — are all stocked with trout. 

Something to keep in mind about Yellow Creek Lake is that boats are only permitted up to 20 horsepower. If you don’t have a craft that fits those specifications, you can rent one near the beach. There are also rentals for paddleboats, sailboats, canoes, and kayaks. 

If you’re looking to visit the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, just know that there’s a lot more to Indiana County, PA. You just have to know where to look!