8 Oldest Founded Small Towns To Visit In The Poconos
The Poconos are famous for their sweeping views, dense forests, and charming waterfalls. Tucked into the majesty of the mountains are pleasant and historic towns that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. If you love American history, you have to check out these hidden gems. Explore the Birthplace of the American Railroad in Honeville (and catch a glimpse of America’s first steam engine locomotive), or take a trip back in time while strolling down the Victorian streets of Milford. These towns prove there is so much to see nestled in the heart of the Poconos!
Stroudsburg
As the eastern gateway to the Poconos, Stroudsburg is a historic, charming town with so much to see and do. Founded in the mid-1700s, the downtown district boasts amazing 18th—and 19th-century buildings and tons of shopping, cafes, and restaurants. Make sure to head to the Sherman Theater to catch a show while you’re in town. It was constructed in 1929 and serves as the heart of this rustic town.
Some notable historical sites in Stroudsburg include the Monroe County Courthouse, Fort Penn Blockhouse, and the Stroudsburg Cemetery. Visitors have to check out Stroud Mansion, named after the town’s founder, for a tour of the stately manor and learn a little more about the founding of the town. For more adventure, take a short drive to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for hiking, fishing, or just relaxing along the scenic Delaware River.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, aka the Switzerland of America, is a beautiful town with a rich heritage. Fun Fact: Its original name was Mauch Chunk which translates to Bear Place in the language of the ingingous peoples. It was later changed in 1954 after the famous Native American Olympian Jim Thorpe. The blend of beautiful historical buildings surrounded by the mountains makes this town a must-see.
Stop by the Old Jail Museum and the Mauch Chunk Museum to learn more about the town's coal mining heritage. The opulent Asa Packer Mansion sits in the heart of town, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of one of Pennsylvania’s most influential philanthropists. For a better view of Jim Thorpe’s beauty, take a train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway through Lehigh Gorge State Park.
White Haven
Founded in 1824, White Haven was an important hub in the transportation industry. During White Haven’s early days, its location on the Lehigh River helped ship coal throughout the state. Today, it’s a popular spot for locals to hike, fish, and relax along the pristine waters. The once-industrial downtown area boasts quaint shops, boutiques, and cafes for visitors to enjoy.
The beauty of the perfectly preserved downtown area can only be matched by the scenery of the nearby parks, such as the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Go for a hike on the Lehigh Gorge Trail and admire the beauty of Luke’s Falls and Buttermilk Falls. For more adventure, make sure to check out Hickory Run State Park. Visitors of Hickory Run State Park can camp, hike, swim, or fish for trout in Sand Spring Run.
Bushkill
The town of Bushkill was founded in 1813 and prides itself on its Native American heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Many towns in the Poconos are a hub for tourists and get quite busy in the summer, but Bushkill retains its quiet, scenic beauty. Hailed as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill is famous for its spectacular waterfalls. To catch a glimpse of these spectacular waterfalls, head to Bushkill Falls. There, visitors can admire the falls, hike, fish, or bird watch. They even have a "gold mining" adventure that’s perfect for the kids!
To admire the history of Bushkill, take a short drive to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. As a hub for mills during its founding, many of the abandoned mills still exist along the waterways of the Delaware River. The trials also provide markers offering insight into the areas of Native American tribes.
Honesdale
As the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” Honesdale is a charming town with a robust history. Found in 1831, the town is the location for the first commercial steam locomotive to hit the rails in the United States. To learn a little more about the town's rich railroad history, make sure to visit the Wayne County Historical Society Museum. It’s home to the famous Stourbridge Lion, America’s first steam locomotive. History buffs will have so much to see and discover at the museum!
Honesdale’s Main Street boasts amazing 19th-century commercial buildings that feel like stepping back in time. Browse adorable shops, and antique stores, or grab a bite to eat at one of the local diners like the charming Laurel's Hometown Cafe. After a day of shopping, take a ride on the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions to bask in the beauty of the Northern Poconos. Pro tip: visit Honesville in the fall when the leaves are just starting to turn!
Tobyhanna
Founded in 1830, Tobyhanna was a bustling stop on the DL&W (Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad). To learn more about Tobyhanna’s rich railroad heritage, stop by the Tobyhanna Railroad Station and Museum. Built in 1908, this historical site gives visitors a glimpse into Tobyhanna’s past. Another great spot to learn more about the town is at the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association, situated on the south side of town.
Nestled in the heart of the Poconos, Tobyhanna’s rich beauty can be experienced year-round. In the summer, head to Tobyhanna Lake (within Tobyhanna State Park) for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. In the winter, the park is also a great site for cross-country skiing and is within close proximity to popular Poconos ski resorts.
Milford
Since its founding in 1796, the town of Milford has always been a bustling vacation retreat. Nestled in the heart of the Poconos, it provides families with adventure and stunning scenery. The breathtaking downtown area mixes Georgian and Victorian-era style architecture that feels like stepping inside a postcard. There are plenty of quaint shops and cafes, but visitors have to check out the Milford Theater. Built in 1911, it’s the heart of soul of Milford and offers amazing performances year-round.
To learn a little more about this historic town, stop by Columns Museum. This neoclassical mansion details the early days and settlers of Milford. Its most prized possession is a 36-star flag stained with the blood of President Lincoln. Outside of the charming downtown area is a host of natural attractions like the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Dingmans Ferry Falls.
Bristol
Founded in 1681, Bristol is a small town with a big heart. The sleepy downtown district boasts well-maintained Victorian-era buildings with great shopping and even better cafes. Be sure to stop by Calm Waters Coffee before you head out for the day! While you’re in the downtown area, stop by the Bristol Riverside Theatre to catch a show, and then take a peaceful stroll along the Bristo Wharf on the Lehigh Channel.
Bristol was a major town during the Revolutionary and Civil War and has sites dedicated to preserving its legacy. Stop by the Bristol Boro Civil War Memorial to learn more about Brisol's influence on the war. For an afternoon along the water, stop by Bristol Lions Park for a picnic or casual stroll along the water. It’s especially pretty at sunset!
Take a Trip Back in Time in the Poconos
These historic gems offer more than just a step back in time. They offer a rare glimpse into the life of the Indigenous People and early settlers. With their perfectly preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, historical sites, and charming museums, these towns are America at its best. Nestled in the heart of the Poconos, they deliver the best of both worlds to visitors: stunning scenery and the ability to step back in time. Whether you are a history buff or you just love exploring America’s hidden treasures, these towns are a must-see!
