Shoemakersville Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania.
1. Bent Limb Farm
RURAL FAMILY EXPERIENCE
Bent Limb Farm is a popular attraction in Shoemakersville offering visitors a chance to experience rural farm life. Visitors can interact with farm animals and participate in seasonal activities like pumpkin picking in the fall. The farm provides educational opportunities for families and school groups to learn about agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
2. Dreamer's Marketplace
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOPPING
Dreamer's Marketplace is a charming shopping destination featuring works from local artisans and craftspeople. The marketplace offers a variety of handmade goods, from jewelry and home décor to specialty food items. Visitors appreciate the unique shopping experience and opportunity to support local small businesses.
3. Ollie's Tavern
LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS
Ollie's Tavern is a beloved local establishment serving classic American pub fare and a selection of beers. The tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy meals and conversation. Its historic building adds to the charm of downtown Shoemakersville.
4. Kaercher Creek Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Kaercher Creek Park features a stunning lake with trails that encircle most of the water's edge. The park includes boat and fishing docks, with the lake regularly stocked for anglers to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor recreational activities in this natural setting.
5. Schuylkill River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Schuylkill River Trail near Port Clinton offers a great gravel path through stunning natural settings. The trail is perfect for family bike rides and casual strolls along the historic river. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained path and beautiful riverside scenery throughout the seasons.
6. State Game Lands Number 110
WILDLIFE & SCENIC VIEWS
State Game Lands Number 110 features hiking trails with rewarding panoramic views after navigating inclines and rocky sections. The protected land serves as a habitat for local wildlife and offers outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, photography, and seasonal hunting in accordance with state regulations.
7. Lake Ontelaunee Trail
LAKESIDE FOREST PATH
Lake Ontelaunee Trail follows along the banks of the lake while weaving through forested areas. The path crosses several creeks and provides varied terrain for hikers of different skill levels. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse plant and animal life visible throughout the trail system.
8. Merit Underwear Company Factory
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
The Merit Underwear Company factory is a historically significant building added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The factory represents Shoemakersville's past as a thriving apparel manufacturing town. History buffs can appreciate the preserved architecture that reflects the industrial heritage of the region.
9. Blue Marsh Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Blue Marsh Lake is a multipurpose reservoir offering numerous recreational activities including boating, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding area features over 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, picnicking, and camping in designated areas around the lake.
10. Cabela's Hamburg
OUTDOOR RETAIL DESTINATION
Cabela's Hamburg is more than just a store—it's an attraction featuring massive wildlife displays and an indoor mountain. The retail destination offers everything for outdoor enthusiasts, from hunting and fishing gear to camping equipment and outdoor clothing. Many visitors come just to see the museum-quality taxidermy displays, aquarium, and other educational exhibits throughout the store.
11. Reading Pagoda
ICONIC CITY LANDMARK
The Reading Pagoda is a distinctive Japanese-style building perched atop Mt. Penn overlooking the city. Built in 1908, this unique landmark offers spectacular views of Reading and the surrounding Berks County countryside. Visitors can explore the gift shop, enjoy the observation deck, and learn about the pagoda's fascinating history.
12. Roadside America
MINIATURE VILLAGE DISPLAY
Roadside America was a renowned indoor miniature village attraction that captivated visitors with its detailed model train and town displays. The intricate miniature world depicted American life from the early pioneer days to the mid-20th century across 8,000 square feet. Though permanently closed in 2020, it remains an important part of the area's tourism history and cultural heritage.
13. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
RAPTOR CONSERVATION AREA
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the world's first refuge for birds of prey and an internationally known conservation education center. The sanctuary features hiking trails with spectacular vistas and lookout points perfect for watching the annual hawk migration. Visitors can observe thousands of raptors soaring past the mountain during peak migration seasons in fall and spring.
14. Berks County Heritage Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Berks County Heritage Center preserves and celebrates the rich history of the region through multiple historic buildings and exhibits. The center includes the Gruber Wagon Works, a National Historic Landmark, and the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center featuring artifacts from the Schuylkill Navigation System. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds along the Tulpehocken Creek, which include covered bridges, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
15. Koziar's Christmas Village
SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Koziar's Christmas Village transforms a family farm into a dazzling wonderland with over one million Christmas lights and displays each holiday season. The attraction has been delighting visitors since 1948 with its illuminated buildings, animated scenes, and festive atmosphere. Families can enjoy walking through the decorated grounds, visiting Santa, and shopping for holiday gifts at this nationally recognized seasonal destination.