Harveys Lake Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Harveys Lake, Pennsylvania.
1. Harveys Lake
PENNSYLVANIA'S LARGEST NATURAL LAKE
Harveys Lake is Pennsylvania's largest natural lake by volume, offering 621 acres of crystal-clear waters for recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, motor boating, and even scuba diving in its depths that reach over 100 feet. The lake is surrounded by a scenic 8.2-mile drive that provides panoramic views and access to various recreational spots.
2. Lakeside Drive
SCENIC WATERFRONT ROUTE
Lakeside Drive circles Harveys Lake in an 8.2-mile scenic route perfect for cycling, jogging, or leisurely drives. The road offers continuous stunning views of the lake and is especially popular during fall foliage season. Many local restaurants, beaches, and boat launches are accessible from this picturesque route.
3. Grotto Pizza
ICONIC LAKESIDE DINING
Grotto Pizza at Harveys Lake is a popular dining establishment known for its legendary pizza and lakefront views. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a menu featuring their signature pies, Italian dishes, and a full bar. Visitors enjoy the casual atmosphere and the opportunity to dine while overlooking the beautiful waters of Harveys Lake.
4. Jones' Potato Pancakes
LOCAL CULINARY TRADITION
Jones' Potato Pancakes is a beloved local eatery specializing in traditional potato pancakes that have become a regional favorite. This casual spot serves their signature crispy potato pancakes alongside other homestyle fare in a no-frills setting. Generations of locals and visitors have made stopping at Jones' a tradition during their Harveys Lake outings.
5. Harveys Lake Yacht Club
BOATING AND SOCIAL HUB
The Harveys Lake Yacht Club serves as a central gathering place for boating enthusiasts and social events at the lake. The club hosts regattas, sailing competitions, and community events throughout the boating season. Members and guests enjoy access to docking facilities, club amenities, and organized activities that celebrate the lake's maritime culture.
6. The Lakeside Skillet
HOMESTYLE WATERFRONT DINING
The Lakeside Skillet offers hearty homestyle meals with beautiful views of Harveys Lake. The restaurant is known for generous breakfast portions, comfort food classics, and friendly service in a casual atmosphere. Diners particularly enjoy the outdoor seating area where they can take in the lake scenery while enjoying their meals.
7. Benjamin Harvey Inn
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Benjamin Harvey Inn pays homage to the lake's namesake while providing a charming dining experience with historical ambiance. Named after the original settler of the area, the inn serves upscale American cuisine in a restored building with period decor. Guests appreciate both the thoughtfully prepared food and the connection to local history that the establishment provides.
8. Back Mountain Triathlon
ANNUAL ATHLETIC CHALLENGE
The Back Mountain Triathlon is a popular annual sporting event centered around the natural beauty of Harveys Lake. Athletes from across the region compete in swimming, cycling, and running segments that showcase the lake and surrounding landscape. The event has become a tradition that highlights the recreational opportunities of Harveys Lake while bringing together competitors and spectators in a community celebration.
9. Ricketts Glen State Park
WATERFALL WILDERNESS PARADISE
Ricketts Glen State Park is a magnificent natural area located near Harveys Lake, featuring 22 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek. The park's Falls Trail system offers hikers an unforgettable journey through old-growth forest and past waterfalls ranging from 11 to 94 feet in height. Beyond the famous waterfalls, visitors can enjoy Lake Jean for swimming and fishing, plus numerous camping options and wildlife viewing opportunities.
10. Frances Slocum State Park
RECREATIONAL NATURE RETREAT
Frances Slocum State Park offers 1,035 acres of diverse recreational opportunities just a short drive from Harveys Lake. The park features a 165-acre lake for fishing and boating, plus miles of hiking trails through forests and meadows. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping, and learning about Frances Slocum, the park's namesake who was captured by Native Americans in the 1700s.
11. The Lands at Hillside Farms
EDUCATIONAL DAIRY FARM
The Lands at Hillside Farms is a non-profit, educational dairy farm preserving a historic 412-acre property near Harveys Lake. Visitors can tour the working farm, purchase farm-fresh dairy products including their famous ice cream, and interact with a variety of farm animals. The organization focuses on sustainable agriculture, historic preservation, and offering educational programs that connect people with the sources of their food.
12. Mohegan Sun Pocono
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Mohegan Sun Pocono is a premier casino and entertainment destination located a short drive from Harveys Lake. The facility features over 80,000 square feet of gaming space with slot machines, table games, and a sportsbook, plus multiple restaurants, bars, and a hotel. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, special events, and harness racing at the adjacent racetrack throughout the year.
13. The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE
The Pavilion at Montage Mountain is a popular outdoor amphitheater hosting major concerts and music festivals within driving distance of Harveys Lake. The venue accommodates thousands of fans with both covered seating and lawn space in a beautiful mountain setting. Concert-goers particularly appreciate the natural backdrop and the variety of national touring acts that perform at this scenic location throughout the summer season.
14. Misericordia University
HISTORIC ACADEMIC CAMPUS
Misericordia University is a private Catholic university located in the nearby Back Mountain community of Dallas. The campus features beautiful grounds with historic architecture alongside modern facilities, including the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery which hosts rotating exhibits open to the public. Visitors can attend cultural events, sporting competitions, and explore the campus arboretum that showcases native and exotic trees and plants.
15. Seven Tubs Nature Area
GEOLOGICAL WATER WONDER
Seven Tubs Nature Area preserves a unique geological formation where glacial meltwater carved a series of bowl-shaped pools and waterfalls into the bedrock. Visitors can hike the trail system to view these natural water features and explore the surrounding woodlands rich with native flora and fauna. This natural area provides excellent opportunities for photography, bird watching, and experiencing a distinctive landscape created by ancient glacial activity.