7 Towns in The Poconos With Rich History

Located in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, the Poconos Mountains are some of the country’s most cherished natural wonders. Indeed with its sunning wooded surroundings, their breathtaking panoramas, and the charming bodies of water in its vicinity, the Poconos and the lovely towns within their range are a delight for all visitors. From historic intrigue to simple mountainous elegance, the welcoming and scenic towns here are great ways for the young and old to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about America. So do hesitate, come, and see these wonderful and historic Poconos towns firsthand for an experience that will surely create lasting memories for all!

Walnutport

Situated along the Lehigh River, the town of Walnutport was established in the year 1909 and today is home to a modest population of just over 2,000 inhabitants. A truly beautiful Poconos getaway, Walnutport offers guests opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get a slice of American history at the same time. Stop by the Lehigh Canal Park for not only peaceful surroundings but an alluring framing of 19^th and early 20^th century architecture, which can also be found along much of Main Street. Meanwhile with a part of the famed Appalachian Trail running through town, the outdoors enthusiast will surely have something to look forward to! And with Walnutport’s assortment of inviting local shops, eateries, and galleries, there is always a charming social experience to be encountered here.

Jim Thorpe

Founded in 1818 under the original name of Mauch Chunk, the town of Jim Thorpe was rechristened for the same named Native American Olympian in 1954. Affectionately known as the “Gateway to the Poconos” and the seat of Carbon County, Jim Thorpe boasts a population of some 4,500 people all while maintaining a most special allure of yesterday. Filled with a fine assortment of historic landmarks and other Victorian style edifices, amongst the places of historic interest include the County Jail (1870), the Asa Packer Mansion (1861), and the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District. Including brick building facades and cobblestone streets, the cultural beauty of Jim Thorpe is truly one of the best in the Poconos. Add in stunning foliage and mountain vistas, particularly evident during the Fall Foliage Festival, and this is surely one Poconos town one will want to visit time and again.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg has its historical roots back to 1799 making it one of the oldest colonial settlements in the entire Poconos. Seat of Monroe County and just some 75 miles from New York City, nearly 6,000 inhabitants call this historically and naturally beautiful town home. Full of great cultural events, historic landmarks, and of course loads of natural wonder, Stroudsburg is a great destination that any traveller in the region will not want to miss. Visit the Academy Hill Historic District, or the Stroud Mansion (1795), where the town’s development is highlighted, and a special glimpse of 18^th century life is illuminated. Meanwhile a stop at McMichaels Creek and the Glen Onoko Falls cannot be missed, where stunning cascade views and exciting fishing waters will delight all ages.

Milford

Established in 1796, Milford lies near the Upper Delaware River and the border with the State of New York, where today a population of just over 1,000 reside. A place of old world wonder, any visitor to Milford will quickly notice its many historic buildings that reflect the Victorian and Federal style of architecture from the 19^th century, which can be found not just in the historic district but across much of town. These include the 1880s chateau the Grey Towers National Historic Site and the Hotel Fauchere (1852) amongst many others. Meanwhile at the Columns Museum, an impressive collection of historic American memorabilia can be found including the flag draped over President Lincoln’s theatre box the night he was assassinated. Add in many cute galleries, boutique shops, and other local businesses, and the pretty Milford will surely leave an impression. And of course spending time near the Delaware River and gazing at the Poconos stunning peaks never gets old.

Honesdale

Honesdale was founded as a rail town in the 1820s and today it maintains a humble populace of just under 4,500 residents. The seat of Wayne County, Honesdale is situated within a rural area that makes it a popular place for such outdoor activities like fishing, sailing, cycling, and hiking, where proximity to the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers have it a perennially favorite spot for many. In town guests can hop on for a fun ride on the historic Stourbridge Line which recreates a 19^th century rail trip through some of the most stunning passes of the Poconos Mountains and its wooded surroundings. In addition the history lover will not want to miss the Wayne County Historical Society Museum, which immersively guides guests though fascinating regional history though many artifacts, photos, and other historic items.

Palmerton

Located 86 miles from Philadelphia, the beautiful and historic town of Palmerton was founded in 1912 where today nearly 6,000 residents call home. Right at the base of the Blue Mountains, this picturesque town is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about local American history. Situated near the Lehigh River and the Blue Mountain Ski Zone, amongst the outdoor adventures to be had here include skiing, hiking, and biking, including on a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Meanwhile at the Palmerton Historic District, a fine assortment of important landmarks can be found, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include St. Johns Episcopal Church (1906) and St. Vladimir Church (1918) among many others.

Hawley

Formally established in the 1880s, Hawley boasts a humble population of just over 1,200 residents. Situated along the Lackawaxen River, this town remains a perennial favorite for such outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, and old fashioned swimming in one of the friendliest locales in the Poconos. And do not forget about the nearby Bushkill Falls for a most spectacular cascade vista! For the history lover, this charming community is too a great place to visit. Stop by such landmarks like the Hawley Silk Mill (1880) and the Ritz Theater (1935), once a vaudeville stage that now stages a variety of shows throughout the year. Indeed these and other buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places make Hawley a truly alluring place of historic Americana. Even just strolling through Main Street and its various welcoming storefronts and restaurants, will surely create a most lovely impression with the beautiful Poconos always standing sentinel. 

The Poconos Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania are a wonderful natural feature that has enriched the young and old since time immemorial. And with a number of charming, historic, and welcoming towns within this beautiful range, there is always a reason to want to experience the Poconos firsthand. From the town of Jim Thorpe to the riverside allure of Milford, these and other Poconos towns are wonderful examples of some of the very best of Americana. So come learn about local history and immerse yourself in stunning natural surroundings, these historic and special Poconos towns await you!