Pennsylvania’s riverside communities offer a perfect escape from busy city life with their charming historic districts and scenic waterfront views. These small towns, nestled along the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Lehigh rivers, tell stories of America’s industrial past while providing modern-day visitors with unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Pack your day bag and hit the road to discover these eight historic river towns that showcase Pennsylvania’s rich heritage.
1. New Hope’s Artistic Riverside Charm
Nestled along the Delaware River, New Hope welcomes visitors with its cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene that has attracted creative souls for generations. The town’s colorful history as a mill town and transportation hub has transformed into a haven for artists, boutique shoppers, and history buffs.
Stroll across the bridge to Lambertville, NJ for a two-state experience, or hop aboard the vintage New Hope Railroad for a scenic journey through Bucks County countryside. The Parry Mansion Museum offers glimpses into 18th-century life, while waterfront restaurants provide relaxing views of passing canal boats.
2. Jim Thorpe: The Switzerland of America
Victorian mansions cling to the hillsides of this former coal mining town, earning Jim Thorpe its nickname as the “Switzerland of America.” The Lehigh River cuts through dramatic gorges, creating a picture-perfect setting that feels worlds away from ordinary life.
Once known as Mauch Chunk, the town renamed itself after the famous Native American Olympic athlete. The Asa Packer Mansion stands as a monument to the railroad and coal baron who helped build this mountain gem.
Adventure seekers can raft the Lehigh River rapids, while history enthusiasts explore the Old Jail Museum where the legendary Molly Maguires met their fate.
3. Easton’s Revolutionary Heritage
Where the Delaware and Lehigh rivers meet, Easton holds the distinction of being one of only three places where the Declaration of Independence was publicly read in 1776. The town’s Centre Square still buzzes with activity, hosting one of America’s oldest continuous farmers’ markets since 1752.
The National Canal Museum celebrates the engineering marvel that once transported coal and goods through the region. Kids and adults alike delight in the mule-drawn canal boat rides that recreate 19th-century travel.
Foodies flock to Easton for its eclectic restaurant scene and the famous Easton Public Market, a food hall showcasing local culinary talents.
4. Bristol’s Delaware Waterfront Legacy
Founded in 1681, Bristol claims the title of Bucks County’s oldest town. Its charming main street runs parallel to the Delaware River, where an inviting promenade offers spectacular views across to New Jersey. The wharf area once bustled with commercial shipping but now serves as a peaceful gathering spot.
The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum, housed in a Victorian mansion, provides a glimpse into Bristol’s prosperous past. Summer evenings come alive with concerts at the waterfront amphitheater, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Don’t miss the town’s unique claim to fame – the nation’s oldest continuously operating inn, the King George II, serving travelers since 1681.
5. Milford’s Forested River Retreat
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Delaware River, Milford combines natural beauty with architectural splendor. The town’s streets showcase an impressive collection of Victorian buildings, many designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt who summered here in the 19th century.
Grey Towers, the French chateau-style mansion of conservation pioneer Gifford Pinchot, stands as the crown jewel of Milford’s historic sites. The surrounding Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers miles of hiking trails through pristine forests.
Antique shops and art galleries line the streets of this creative enclave that has attracted writers, artists and actors seeking inspiration from the scenic river valley.
6. Columbia’s Susquehanna Crossing History
Long before bridges spanned the mighty Susquehanna, Columbia served as a crucial river crossing point. The town’s strategic location made it a contender for the nation’s capital and later a vital link in the Underground Railroad helping enslaved people journey to freedom.
The National Watch & Clock Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of timepieces, drawing horological enthusiasts from around the globe. Columbia’s historic district features well-preserved Federal and Victorian homes reflecting its prosperity during canal and railroad eras.
The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail offers spectacular views of the mile-wide Susquehanna River that defined this town’s destiny.
7. Marietta’s Riverside Colonial Character
Red brick sidewalks line the streets of this charming river town where time seems to slow down. Founded in 1719, Marietta flourished during the lumber boom when logs were floated down the Susquehanna to the town’s sawmills.
The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasting over 600 buildings constructed before 1900. Former sea captains built many of the grand homes, explaining the nautical touches in this landlocked community.
Marietta’s Front Street offers a peaceful riverside park perfect for picnics while watching bald eagles soar above the water. Local taverns, some dating to the 18th century, serve hearty meals with a side of colorful river town lore.
8. Lock Haven’s Lumber Heritage Waters
The West Branch of the Susquehanna River cradles Lock Haven, a town whose fortunes rose with the lumber industry that once sent millions of logs downriver. The Heisey Museum, housed in a magnificent 1897 mansion, showcases the opulent lifestyle of the lumber barons who built this community.
Aviation enthusiasts flock to the Piper Aviation Museum, commemorating the small aircraft company that once manufactured the famous Piper Cub planes here. The town’s levee system provides a picturesque walking path with river views and access to amphibian aircraft that still land on the water.
Summer brings the regatta season when colorful boats race past the town’s Victorian waterfront.
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