Discover the Best Things to Do in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Wilkes-Barre is a small city located in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Luzerne County and has a population of over 44,000 people.
The city is known for its picturesque architecture, rich history, and vibrant downtown area, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a unique and memorable experience.
One of the main attractions of Wilkes-Barre is its rich history. The town was founded in the late 18th century and played a vital role in the American Revolution.
Visitors can explore this fascinating history at the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, where they can view exhibits on the town’s past and learn about the people and events that shaped it.
The city is also home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, which dates back to the 1930s.
Wilkes-Barre is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to various galleries, museums, and performance venues, including the Sordoni Art Gallery, which hosts various events throughout the year.
Visitors can also explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and cafes, which offer a wide range of locally sourced food and artisanal products.
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is a historic theater and movie palace in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Initially built in the 1930s, the theater has been beautifully restored and modernized to offer visitors a world-class entertainment experience. The theater has a seating capacity of over 1,500, making it one of the largest venues in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The theater hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, musicals, and comedy shows. Many well-known performers have graced the stage at the F.M. Kirby Center, including Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, and Jerry Seinfeld.
The theater also hosts various special events, such as movie screenings and educational programs, making it a hub of cultural activity in Wilkes-Barre.
In addition to its entertainment offerings, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is also known for its stunning architecture and design. The theater’s interior is decorated in the Art Deco style, with ornate chandeliers, intricate moldings, and vibrant murals.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the theater to learn more about its history and design or enjoy the ambiance of this historic landmark while taking in a performance.
Kirby Park
Located across from the Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Kirby Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It’s a large city park that offers many amenities and events. Among them are softball fields, tennis courts, a fitness trail, a running track, a pond, and walking paths.
Kirby Park is also the site of the annual Fourth of July celebration. This event includes live entertainment, amusement park rides, and vendors. It begins at noon and runs through 10 pm. Guests will also have the opportunity to see fireworks over the Susquehanna River.
In addition to the Fourth of July celebration, Kirby Park hosts several events throughout the year. One such event is the Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival features events like a Cherry Blossom parade, a children’s scavenger hunt, concerts, and more.
Seven Tubs Nature Area
Located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Seven Tubs Natural Area is a unique piece of upstate Pennsylvania’s natural scenery. It is named for the series of pools created by glacial meltwater. The gorge is carved into smooth, weathered limestone. The area also boasts a few natural water slides and small waterfalls.
The waterfall at Seven Tubs Natural Area is one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most impressive natural sites. The area is covered with lush trees, making the trail and waterfall look even more majestic.
The best part about Seven Tubs Natural Area is that it is entirely free. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources owns and manages the area. So you can enjoy the scenery, picnic, and even dip in the clear blue water.
The Lands at Hillside Farms
Located in a beautiful valley near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, The Lands at Hillside Farms is a historic 412-acre educational dairy farm. It’s a non-profit teaching farm with programs that cover nutrition, animal husbandry, land conservation, and environmental science. In addition, the dairy farm produces milk and other dairy products and sells its farm-produced goods in a dairy store.
The farm features many animals, including chickens, goats, alpacas, ducks, and peacocks. The animals are cared for and fed humanely. The farm also sells ice cream and provides visitors with a fun and engaging educational experience.
The farm is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are programs for children and adults, including a summer camp for K-8. The farm also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, animal interaction, games, and science experiments.
River Common
Wilkes-Barre River Common is located on the eastern banks of the Susquehanna North Branch, Wilkes-Barre River Common is a municipal park in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It is the 16th oldest park in America.
The park was initially used as a camp by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. It was also the site of the famous annual American Shad run. However, the run was stopped when the Nanticoke dam was built. This made it difficult for fish to reach the other side of the river.
The park has various features, including ornamental trees, paved walkways, seating areas, and a fishing pier. It also has two outdoor arenas and an excellent commonplace.
The park also features two grand gateways connecting the city with the river. A small pond remains on the Common. It is also home to hiking and biking pathways. There are also a few fountains and color-changing lights.