These Towns In The Poconos Have A Rich Cultural Heritage
The Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania have been a popular tourist destination for decades, attracting everyone from honeymooners to nature lovers to indoor waterpark enthusiasts. Yet the Poconos region of Wayne, Monroe, Pike, and Carbon counties also has a deep cultural heritage and long history that should not be overlooked. The small towns of the Poconos are definitely worth exploring, and we have listed seven culture-rich communities that should be on your travel list.
Stroudsburg
With about 6,000 residents, Stroudsburg is the biggest town in the Poconos and has the most active downtown area. As opposed to the nearby strip malls along Interstate 80, downtown retailers like Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter offer a classic Poconos shopping experience. Stroudsburg also has an enviable collection of historic architecture, including the 1795 Stroud Mansion and the 1890 Monroe County Courthouse. Nature is close at hand as well, with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area only 5 miles away. No wonder Stroudsburg is often called “The Heart of the Poconos!”
Delaware Water Gap
The town of Delaware Water Gap is named for one of the Poconos’ most breathtaking natural features—a towering yet narrow pass cut through the mountains by the Delaware River. The town sits in the river valley and offers fantastic views of the gap, but travelers can also take the Appalachian Trail up Mt. Minsi for a top-down perspective. In addition to its great location, the town of Delaware Water Gap is known as the jazz hotbed of the Poconos. Check out the Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival in September, or catch some live jazz at the Deer Head Inn.
Lehighton
Lehighton represents the history of industry in the Poconos, powered first by the Lehigh River and later by the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Lehighton no longer ships coal mined from the surrounding countryside and instead offers a perfect setting to explore the natural beauty of the Poconos at spots like Lehigh Gorge State Park. Visitors can also bike or hike on the D&L National Heritage Trail, which follows a former railroad and canal path. Lehighton hosts fun events throughout the year, including the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival held at Country Junction, the “World’s Largest General Store.”
Honesdale
Like Lehighton, Honesdale was once a key industrial hub in the Poconos, known for shipping coal to New York City via the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Honesdale was also the home of America’s first commercial steam locomotive, the Stourbridge Lion, back in 1829, earning the town the moniker “Birthplace of American Railroading.” The Wayne County Historical Society Museum showcases Honesdale’s past, including a replica of the Stourbridge Lion. Visitors can get a feel of Honesdale’s railroading past (and enjoy great views of the Lackawaxen River) by booking a trip on the 25-mile-long Stourbridge Line Scenic Railway.
Jim Thorpe
The town formerly known as Mauch Chunk was renamed in 1954 in honor of one of America’s greatest athletes of all time, Jim Thorpe, who is also buried in town. While the story behind the renaming involves family drama and years of lawsuits, it in no way detracts from the opportunity for visitors to learn about Thorpe’s life and legacy. The town also has the most diverse and best-preserved collection of architectural styles from the 1800s and early 1900s in the Poconos, including highlights such as the Asa Packer Mansion Museum. Additionally, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers 16 miles of spectacular views.
Bushkill
While some Poconos towns represent the region’s industrial heritage, Bushkill reflects its longstanding cultural heritage as an escape into nature for dwellers of cities like New York and Philadelphia. The community is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and Bushkill’s most famous attraction is Bushkill Falls, the eight-waterfall collection known as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” The falls are accessible via trails that are suited to a range of skill levels. Meanwhile, tiny Bushkill also hosts some of the Poconos’ biggest entertainment events at the 10,000-seat Poconos Park amphitheater.
Tannersville
History and modernity collide in the little village of Tannersville. Founded back in 1750, Tannersville is one of the oldest communities in the Poconos, and older parts of the village still have a timeless feel. That said, modern-day Tannersville draws large crowds with amenities like the Pocono Premium Outlets, home to more than 100 shops. Bigger yet is Camelback Resort, which offers a seemingly endless number of outdoor activities, ranging from skiing (on Camelback Mountain) to zip lines and laser tag. Camelback is also a must-visit destination for waterpark lovers, with both an outdoor and an indoor waterpark that ranks among the largest in Pennsylvania.
The Poconos region has seen its share of changes over the years, with many of its kitschy honeymoon motels having closed down in favor of giant adventure resorts. But the natural wonders of the Poconos still remain, as do many of the small towns that dot the mountain landscape. While the big resorts are part of the Poconos’ heritage, make sure to experience the history of the region in its small towns as well.
