Rutledge Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rutledge, Pennsylvania.
1. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment
EAGLE WATCHING PARADISE
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment is a premier destination for eagle enthusiasts looking for optimal eagle-watching opportunities. Visitors are advised to traverse the impoundment loop counterclockwise, ensuring the impoundment is on the left for the best viewing experience. The refuge offers numerous hiking trails that allow nature lovers to experience the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
2. Cadwalader Tract
HISTORIC REVOLUTIONARY LAND
The Cadwalader Tract is a land parcel with a fascinating history, named after Lambert Cadwalader who was actively involved in patriotic causes during the American Revolution. The area offers beautiful scenery for road cycling enthusiasts to explore while learning about local history. Visitors can appreciate both the natural landscape and the historical significance of this landmark that connects modern-day Rutledge to its revolutionary past.
3. Smedley Park
TRAILS AND SCENIC CREEK
Smedley Park was named after Samuel L. Smedley, the founder of Delaware County's Parks and Recreation Board. The park is popular with hikers, runners, and bikers, offering miles of trails, historical ruins, and the scenic Crum Creek running throughout. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various recreational activities while appreciating the natural beauty preserved within this community green space.
4. Crum Creek Trail
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY TRAIL
The Crum Creek Trail runs through an area once inhabited by the native Lenni Lenape who lived along the banks of Crum Creek. Along this trail, visitors will encounter remnants of the past, including old ruins that tell stories of earlier civilizations. Mountain bikers particularly enjoy this segment for both its historical significance and natural beauty.
5. Triangle Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Triangle Park in Rutledge features a pavilion that serves as an anchoring point for community gatherings, offering shade and shelter as well as a place to host concerts and festivals. The park provides diverse seating options, including cafe tables, picnic tables, game tables for chess, hammocks for relaxation, and movable Adirondack chairs. Active visitors can enjoy the multi-sport court for basketball, pickleball, or wallball on the porous paved surface.
6. Movie and Art Wall
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT CANVAS
The Movie and Art Wall in Triangle Park serves as a dual-purpose community feature in Rutledge. From the park side, it functions as a screen for neighborhood movie nights under the stars. Viewed from the street side, it presents as an art installation that enhances the cultural landscape of the borough.
7. Adventure Play Area
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION ZONE
The Adventure Play Area in Triangle Park offers families a dedicated recreational space for children to play and explore. Entry boardwalks converge to give users access to both the play area and the main gathering spaces of the park. The design integrates natural elements with play structures to create an engaging environment for young visitors.
8. Swarthmore College
PRESTIGIOUS LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS
Swarthmore College is a renowned liberal arts institution located near Rutledge in the neighboring borough of Swarthmore. The campus is known for its beautiful arboretum-like grounds featuring extensive collections of trees and plants spread across more than 425 acres. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the campus, attend public lectures, or visit the Scott Arboretum which showcases exceptional ornamental plants that thrive in the Delaware Valley region.
9. Tyler Arboretum
HISTORIC BOTANICAL COLLECTION
Tyler Arboretum is a nearby attraction spanning 650 acres of horticultural collections, rare plant specimens, historic buildings, and extensive hiking trails. Established in 1944 but with a history dating back to the 1680s, it houses one of the region's finest collections of rhododendrons, magnolias, cherries, crabapples, and flowering trees. Visitors can explore themed gardens, a butterfly house, and educational exhibits that highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the Delaware Valley.
10. Ridley Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Ridley Creek State Park encompasses over 2,600 acres of woodlands and meadows just a short drive from Rutledge. The park features 13 miles of hiking trails, a 5-mile paved multi-use trail, fishing in stocked Ridley Creek, and picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds. Visitors can also explore the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, a living history museum that recreates farm life in the 18th century.
11. The Willows Park
HISTORIC ESTATE GARDENS
The Willows Park is centered around a 1910 mansion and features 47 acres of rolling lawns, woodlands, and gardens near Rutledge. Visitors can stroll through formal gardens, enjoy picnic areas, or explore the natural areas and pond that attract diverse wildlife and waterfowl. The park hosts community events throughout the year, including summer concerts and seasonal celebrations that showcase the historic property.
12. Media Theater
PROFESSIONAL BROADWAY EXPERIENCE
The Media Theater is a historic 1927 vaudeville house converted into a professional theater venue presenting Broadway-quality musicals and plays year-round. Located in downtown Media, the theater is the only professional music theater in Delaware County and features both equity actors and local talent. The beautifully restored venue offers an intimate setting with excellent acoustics, making it a cultural centerpiece of the region near Rutledge.
13. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
CRAFT BEER AND DINING
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant offers handcrafted beers paired with fresh, made-from-scratch New American cuisine in a casual yet upscale atmosphere. The brewery produces distinctive, full-flavored beers that range from innovative seasonal creations to their award-winning flagship varieties. Visitors can tour the on-site brewing facilities, enjoy flights of house beers, or dine on a menu that features beer-inspired dishes alongside traditional favorites.
14. State Street Shopping District
AMERICA'S FIRST FAIR TRADE TOWN
State Street in Media offers a charming shopping district filled with independent boutiques, specialty shops, and diverse dining options just minutes from Rutledge. As America's first Fair Trade Town, many businesses feature ethically-sourced products and support sustainable practices. Visitors can enjoy the walkable downtown area that hosts regular events including Dining Under the Stars during summer months when the street transforms into an outdoor dining venue.
15. Springfield Mall
COMPREHENSIVE SHOPPING CENTER
Springfield Mall serves as the largest enclosed shopping center in the immediate vicinity of Rutledge, housing over 90 specialty shops, department stores, and dining options. The two-level mall features national retailers alongside local businesses, providing a climate-controlled shopping experience throughout the year. Shoppers can find everything from fashion and accessories to electronics, home goods, and a food court featuring diverse culinary options.