Things to do in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- The city is located in the Wyoming Valley, a region once known as the 'Anthracite Capital of the World' due to its massive coal deposits.
- The 1972 Agnes flood caused by the remnants of Hurricane Agnes remains a defining moment in local history, leading to the construction of a massive levee system that protects the city today.
- Wilkes-Barre was incorporated as a borough in 1806 and as a city in 1871, named after John Wilkes and Isaac Barré, two British members of Parliament who supported the American colonies.
- The city experienced an unusual 'underground fire' phenomenon in its history, a common hazard in regions with extensive coal mining tunnels.
- It is home to a high concentration of historic religious architecture, such as St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting the diverse immigration patterns of coal miners.
About Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Wilkes-Barre is a historic industrial city situated in the Wyoming Valley along the Susquehanna River, significantly shaped by the 19th-century anthracite coal boom. The area balances its rich mining heritage with natural features, highlighted by the unique glacial potholes found at the Seven Tubs Recreation Area. Cultural life centers around the restored Art Deco F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, which serves as a regional hub for live entertainment. History enthusiasts can explore local evolution at the Swetland Homestead, while those seeking outdoor activities frequently utilize the riverside green space at Nesbitt Park.
Highlights of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Explore a series of unique glacial potholes and rock basins carved by ancient water flow.
Venues
Attend a live show inside a beautifully restored Art Deco theater that anchors the downtown arts scene.
Parks
Walk or cycle along the Susquehanna River via this riverside park that connects to the levee trail system.
Museums
Tour a preserved 18th-century homestead to understand the lifestyle of early settlers in the Wyoming Valley.
Museums
View local art and rotating exhibitions housed in a historic downtown building.
Temples
Admire the intricate Gothic Revival architecture of this historic landmark church.
Top things to do in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
The 53 highest-rated places in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Ricketts Glen State Park is defined by the Falls Trail, a 7.2-mile loop that features 21 named waterfalls cascading thro...
2
Parks
Hickory Run State Park is a 15,990-acre Pennsylvania state park located in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains...
3
Parks
Lehigh Gorge State Park's Rockport Access serves as a primary entry point into a 6,000-acre gorge carved by the Lehigh R...
4
Parks
Frances Slocum State Park encompasses 1,035 acres featuring a 165-acre lake that serves as the centerpiece for local rec...
5
Parks
Seven Tubs Recreation Area is a natural feature defined by a series of large, pothole-like basins carved into sandstone...
6
Venues
The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is a restored 1938 Art Deco theater located in the heart of Wilkes-Barre....
7
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Pittston is a specialized indoor recreation facility featuring wall-to-wall trampoline courts. The venue offers...
8
Parks
The Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area is a 130-acre protected wilderness site situated along the Tobyhanna Creek in the P...
9
Parks
10
Parks
11
Parks
12
Temples
13
Parks
14
Venues
15
Natural attractions
16
Places of interest
17
Parks
18
Temples
19
Temples
20
Natural attractions
21
Temples
22
Temples
23
Temples
24
Museums
25
Parks
26
Places of interest
27
Parks
28
Museums
29
Temples
30
Parks
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Late spring to early autumn, particularly September and October, to enjoy the moderate temperatures and the fall foliage along the Susquehanna River.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to cover both the downtown historic district and the nearby outdoor recreation areas.
A car is the most practical method for visiting, as the city and its surrounding parks are spread out beyond the immediate walkable downtown.
Staying near the Public Square provides central access to downtown restaurants and the F.M. Kirby Center, while areas along the river offer quieter surroundings.
Mid-range; the area offers accessible pricing for lodging and dining compared to major metropolitan centers in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 53 curated attractions in and around Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
Ricketts Glen State Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is parks, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
