(Editor’s note: To mark Westmoreland County’s 250th birthday this year, we’ve come up with a list of 250 things — 10 things in 25 communities — that we consider to be important to the makeup of our area. This series will appear each week through December. If you have a suggestion for a future installment, please email gtrcity@triblive.)
Long considered the gem of recreation spots in Westmoreland County, the Donegal area has flourished as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands.
Easily recognized as an exit off of the Pennsylvania Turnpike for travelers on the way to nearby Seven Springs Mountain Resort or its sister site, Hidden Valley, the small community of Donegal has a lot of history attached to it.
Founded in 1818 and named after Donegal, Ireland, it became the smallest borough in Westmoreland County to petition for incorporation in 1867. It boasts many old buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse that was established in 1867 for students in grades one through eight. The building is now used as a day care facility and municipal office.
One of the earliest churches in the borough is Mt. Zion, built in 1896 by parishioners who organized in 1872, making it one of the oldest congregations west of the Alleghenies.
Donegal Township was first part of Bedford County and then became one of the original townships of Westmoreland. It was incorporated in 1867 and has a rich history in agriculture and timbering.
Here are 10 unique things to do in the Donegal area:
Living Treasures Animal Park
The second park of its kind in Western Pennsylvania, Living Treasures Animal Park, 288 Route 711 in Donegal Township, opened in 1998. The park houses over 300 animals of 50 different species and offers interactive experiences to visitors.
The park is handicap accessible, featuring ramps throughout the site that lead to exhibits. Animals at the park include deer, wallabies, potbellied pigs, camels, reindeer and African antelope.
Special encounters with parakeets, sloths and tigers are available. The park opens at 10 a.m. daily.
Out of the Fire Cafe
Relaxed but upscale, Out of the Fire Cafe is at 3784 Route 31 in Donegal Township. Offering indoor dining — large windows provide a wide-angle view of green trees and rolling hills — the vista is even better from the wooden outdoor deck.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 4 to 9 p.m. for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
With the kitchen being led by Executive Chef John Bergquist IV, the menu offers an assorted cuisine, ranging from seafood to burgers. Signature dishes include roasted mushroom soup, Out of the Fire Cafe salad, Jessi’s smoked salmon salad, Australian wagyu double smash burger, and truffle fries with Parmesan & cracked pepper.
Desserts, a full bar and takeout is available.
Old General Store
Along Route 31 in Donegal Township, the Old General Store specializes in American- and Pennsylvania-made products, including vintage nostalgic candy (featuring a large selection of PEZ dispensers), old-time remedies, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, house decor and furniture.
Pumpkin-themed home decor, new Vera Bradley patterns and microwave slippers are now in the shop for fall. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Country Pie Shoppe
Next door to the Old General Store, the Country Pie Shoppe is a home-style bakery featuring pies, cakes, cookies, breads, donuts, sweet rolls and cinnamon rolls. All of their products are baked from scratch and by hand.
Open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, the shop has a menu that changes regularly, offering new options to customers and incorporating natural, seasonal and local ingredients. The bakery’s signature items include snails, scoopies and filled cupcakes.
Donegal Lake
Donegal Lake is a 90 acre body of water managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for recreational fishing and boating.
The Donegal Township site was drained in 2016 when the dam was deemed unsafe. A $5.5 million rehabilitation project was completed in December 2019, and the lake was refilled in 2020.
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Muskellunge, walleye and channel catfish have been stocked in the lake, which is accessible off Route 711. Two boat launch ramps are available.
Supersaw Chainsaw Carvings
Artist Jeff Pinney creates one-of-a-kind wood carvings ranging in functionality. Available for custom order, Pinney is able to create anything from sinks and doors to benches, or wildlife figures and even a “canine best friend.”
Pinney has been carving for more than 15 years and has been invited to many competitions, including the Butler County Chainsaw Carving Invitational.
It’s easy to spot his his storefront at 3889 Route 31 in Donegal Township.
Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Park
This 30-acre fun park along Route 31 in Donegal Township is filled with family friendly activities including mini golf, go-karts and amusement rides. Water wars and bungee trampoline attractions were added in 2022.
Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Park is open seasonally, from spring through early fall, and welcomes visitors six days a week beginning at noon. Varied events are offered throughout the summer including cosmic golf, car cruises and half-price mini golf on Thursdays.
Donegal Campground
Family-owned and -operated Donegal Campground, 106 Yeckel Drive off Route 31, in Donegal Township, opened in 1969 and continues to open seasonally from April 1 to Sept. 30. The property includes spaces for RVs and tents, an outdoor pool and a recreation hall.
Sound Spa
Owner Judy Weiland-Trabbold combined progressive healing and rich history when she transformed what used to be the Historic Cabin Inn into the Sound Spa three years ago.
Located at 191 Main St. in Donegal Borough, Weiland-Trabbold has maintain the cabin’s exterior. The inside has been modernized to accommodate patient needs.
Services inside the 1750s log cabin include sonic rose quartz facials and massage; sonic reflexology for hands, feet and ears; tuning forks for chakra; Fibonacci and osteo-phonic treatment.
Locals say George Washington once slept in the cabin as he traveled between Fort Necessity and Fort Ligonier, although it was probably not as relaxing as it is today. It also served as a blacksmith shop and a rest stop for travelers.
Sarnelli’s Corner Market
Family owned and operated for more than 33 years, this large market at the corner of routes 31 and 711 in Donegal Township offers everything from homemade food to common convenience items. A fully stocked deli, bakery and meat counter are tucked inside the main market, which opens at 7 a.m. daily.
Also located in the market complex is Sarnelli’s Wine Cellar, which offers wine sales and samplings from local wineries, including the Christian W. Klay Winery.
Cigars, firewood, a liquor and beer store, and electric car charging stations round out the offerings at the site.
Haley Daugherty is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Haley at 724-850-1203 or hdaugherty@triblive.com.
Donegal Borough
Population: 102
Square miles: 0.23 (147 acres)
Residents age 65 or older: 33%:
Median household income:$29,722
Donegal Township
Population: 2,192
Square miles: 41.6:
Residents age 65 or older: 23%
Median household income:$58,050
Source: 2020 U.S. Census