Just northwest of Philadelphia—and an easy trip from major moments like FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches and America’s 250th anniversary—Reading & Berks County is perfectly positioned for travelers looking to turn iconic events into unforgettable journeys. Here, rolling countryside, historic towns, and unexpected events and attractions come together to create stories worth sharing.
A Favorite Cliffhanger
Completely unexpected—and utterly unforgettable—the seven-story Reading Pagoda rises high above Mount Penn. Since 1908, the Pagoda has served as a symbol of the city and a place for breathtaking views. Following an extensive renovation, this iconic, Japanese-inspired landmark is set to reopen in April 2026, inviting visitors to step inside once again and experience its story from the inside out.
Romancing the Rails
Step back into the golden age of rail travel aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad. The Edwardian-era train’s restored railcars, attentive white-glove service, and seasonal excursions create a sense of indulgent, unhurried travel.
For train enthusiasts, the story continues throughout Reading & Berks County, where passenger railroads and museums celebrate the region’s rich rail heritage and the enduring fascination with trains, large and small. Here, every stop has a story, and sometimes that story begins on the rails.
Stories Written in Steel and Paint
History comes alive in Reading & Berks County during World War II Weekend, when the grounds of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum transform into a living moment in time. Warbirds circle overhead as visitors chat with generals, wander military encampments, explore a French Village, and glimpse life on the American home front.
Art tells another story along Reading & Berks County’s self-guided Barn Star Art Tour. Traditional barn stars, or hex signs, adorn barns and bridges throughout the countryside, each unique design reflecting Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural heritage.
Tales of Wings and Trails of Wonder
Outdoor beauty is woven into daily life in Reading & Berks County, and few places capture that better than Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Internationally recognized as one of the best locations in North America to observe raptor migration, the sanctuary offers panoramic views and encounters with golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks.
The region also offers miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic waterways, and outdoor recreation for every experience level—including the Greater Reading Trails System, an IMBA Bronze Level Ride Center with more than 150 miles of mountain biking.
Shared Stories, Shared Celebrations
From the lively Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest—the oldest and largest German fall festival in Pennsylvania—to the internationally recognized Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, the region’s event calendar is filled with stories waiting to be told. These gatherings bring locals and visitors together through music, food, and tradition, creating shared moments that linger long after the last song fades.
Seasonal celebrations, twinkling holiday displays at Koziar’s Christmas Village, and the roar of engines at Maple Grove Raceway add new chapters throughout the year, each one deepening the story of Reading & Berks County.