The Pagoda image is courtesy of Bill Snook and the Colebrookdale Railroad is courtesy of @BerksCountyViews, Anthony Matz.
Just a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Philadelphia, discover the picturesque countryside of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, comprised of the City of Reading and surrounding Berks County. This is where Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, unexpected attractions, and renowned festivals draw curious travelers to discover unforgettable experiences. Here are a few to get you started.
See a towering Pagoda
Completely unexpected and even more amazing, is the seven-story Reading Pagoda atop Mt. Penn. Built in 1908 as a luxury resort, the Pagoda never opened as a hotel, though it eventually took on the role of public observatory. The iconic landmark is currently closed for restoration, but the Pagoda grounds are open year-round, from dawn to dusk, offering miles of breathtaking views, and a wonderful backdrop for keepsake photos.
Ride a train through the scenic Colebrookedale Railroad Corridor.
Transport yourself to the golden age of railroading when you climb aboard an Edwardian-era train for a 16-mile round-trip excursion on Boyertown’s Colebrookdale Railroad, also known as the Secret Valley Line. Choose from seasonal trips including fall foliage tours and Santa’s Polar Bear Express.
Enjoy birding during the annual hawk migration.
From August to December and April through mid-May, spot golden eagles, broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons, and many more raptors in the wild at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, one of the best places in North America to watch the annual raptor migration.
Time travel to the World War II era.
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum comes to life during its annual World War II Weekend. See authentic “warbird” airplanes and armored vehicles, take a swing dancing class, watch a 1940s fashion show, and interact with more than 1,000 costumed reenactors.
Go on an art scavenger hunt for “barn stars.”
Take a scenic drive through Pennsylvania’s rural countryside to experience one of the best-known art forms of the Pennsylvania Dutch: barn stars. These hex signs adorn old barns and covered bridges throughout Berks County. See them all on the Barn Star Art Tour.
Experience an epic outdoor adventure.
Choose your own adventure—literally—with so many opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Americana Region. Ride more than 150+ miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels, including adaptive biking trails. Or trek easy-to-difficult hiking trails. The area’s many water activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and paddleboarding.
Stroll an enchanted holiday wonderland.
Marvel at the gorgeous illuminated grounds of Koziar’s Christmas Village. Decked out in thousands holiday lights, the annual attraction is the place to go to Meet Santa, enjoy freshly baked cookies, shop for gifts and ornaments in the magical Santa’s Toy Shoppe, and see a huge miniature train display.
Watch super-charged racecars scream around the track.
Get your adrenaline pumping as you watch the world’s fastest vehicles roar at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton. Watch NHRA Drag Racing, as well as a lineup of auto events including jet-powered vehicles, street bike races, youth racing programs, and exotic car driving experiences.
Celebrate fall at Oktoberfest.
Raise a beer stein at the Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest, the Keystone State’s oldest and largest German fall festival. Fill up on crisp beer and authentic bratwurst, dance to live music, watch a parade, and take part in traditional festivities.
Listen to world-renowned jazz music.
Join fellow music enthusiasts at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, a 10-day extravaganza where big-name jazz musicians and up-and-coming artists perform at more than 130 free and ticketed events. You’ll hear a whole spectrum of jazz, touching on blues, funk, soul, and R&B.
Get more trip ideas with the free Reading & Berks County Travel Guide.