This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Pennsylvania
Tucked into the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Honesdale is a small town with a friendly atmosphere and deeply rooted rail history. The town honors that history through the Wayne County Historical Society, which houses a full-size replica of the Stourbridge Lion. That locomotive made the first run on a commercial track in the United States right here in 1829. To experience the legacy firsthand, the "Pocono Express" hosts scenic train rides with specialty themed trips perfect for families. The Cooperage Project adds another welcoming layer, bringing the community together through teen programs, a seasonal farmers' market, and year-round concerts. Set roughly 2.5 hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, Honesdale makes a family-friendly basecamp with easy access to outdoor recreation.
Historic Honesdale
At the heart of downtown, Honesdale's Central Park is the town's original public square, established in 1840. The fountain in the center was added in 1876 to mark America's Centennial. The storied park is also thought to have inspired the Christmas classic "Winter Wonderland," written by Honesdale native Richard B. Smith while he was recovering from tuberculosis at a nearby sanatorium. Today, the park is a dog-friendly gathering spot used for community events and seasonal festivals, including the Summer Festival of Park Events in June.
The landmark Wayne County Courthouse, which fronts the park, was built in 1880. To learn more about the history of Honesdale, visit the Wayne County Historical Society. Its museum and shop are housed in an 1860 building that was once home to the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. In addition to permanent exhibits on energy, clay, and glass, there is a hands-on Children's History Lab. The undisputed star of the museum is the full-size replica of the Stourbridge Lion, the locomotive that made the first commercial track run in the United States on August 8, 1829. The society is hosting a spring reopening in 2026 with new exhibits and events, including a guided tour of the historic D&H Canal Park and Lock 31. Other historic buildings around town include the 1859 Old Stone Jail, which once housed inmates in 9x12-foot cells.
Community Life
Main Street Honesdale is home to the Cooperage Project, based in a historic barrel-making factory that now serves as a lively community hub. The Cooperage hosts a seasonal farmers' market and runs year-round programming across concerts, workshops, theater productions, and open mic nights. Youth and senior programs round out the calendar. Beyond the Cooperage, there is no shortage of festivals in Honesdale. Two of the biggest events take place at the Wayne County Fairgrounds: the Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival in June and the Honesdale Beer and Wine Fest in September.
For local dining, check out Camp Umpy's Bagels and Stuff for breakfast sandwiches. Here and Now Brewing Company covers craft beer and bottle shop finds. Native rounds out the scene as an upscale restaurant focused on locally sourced ingredients. Shoppers can find what they are looking for at unique shops like Maude and Main, Gather, and Wallflower.
The Honesdale Performing Arts Center is a 1,000-seat auditorium at Honesdale High School that welcomes the community through its doors for a variety of performances. Recent shows have included the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters (the official chorus of the U.S. Navy), "Chicago, the musical," and a student production of "School of Rock."
All Aboard In Honesdale
Leaning into its railroading past, the "Pocono Express" hosts train rides on the Stourbridge Line. Passengers enjoy a scenic ride through the Northern Pocono Mountains from Honesdale to Hawley, running along the Lackawaxen River. Keep your eyes out for wildlife near the river and bald eagles overhead. Themed rides include a "Runaway Train Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Experience," which adds two pints of beer and a tour of the Runaway Train Brewery to the trip. Other offerings include a "Wine and Cheese Experience" and a family-friendly "Great Train Robbery" ride, which includes a meet and greet with the costumed riders and their horses plus outdoor games after the trip. Stourbridge Line trains are popular and sell out quickly, especially during fall foliage season, so book well ahead of your visit.
Hiking, Biking, And Paddling
Just minutes from downtown, the 290-acre Prompton State Park offers 26 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails around Prompton Lake. Most of the trails promise a good workout. Water lovers can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Anglers hook crappie, yellow perch, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course on site. The Lackawaxen River Trail is a multi-use path that follows the river from Honesdale to Hawley, turning the old rail corridor into a pretty greenway for hikers, cyclists, and birdwatchers. To spend a full day by the water, head south toward stunning Lake Wallenpaupack. This is the largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania at 5,700 acres, with 52 miles of shoreline for swimming, boating, and camping.
Plan Your Visit
Honesdale deserves a spot in your upcoming travel plans, especially if you are looking for a getaway that mixes railway history, small-town charm, and easy access to nature. Often called "the birthplace of the American railroad," rides on the famous Stourbridge Line are a must for rail fans and history buffs. The friendly, walkable downtown makes a great basecamp for day trippers and weekend escapers. Honesdale sits in a less-busy corner of the popular Poconos, with outdoor adventures just a few miles out of town at Prompton State Park, the Lackawaxen River, and Lake Wallenpaupack.
