Greater Wilkes-Barre is a contrast between urban setting and small-town charm. Arts, entertainment, theater, professional sports, dining, shopping and green spaces are all within a short walk or drive from these safe and welcoming communities in Luzerne County.
Located on Public Square in the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, a historic art deco theater, hosts live theater, music performances and more while each spring the city is home to the Fine Arts Fiesta.
Nearby at the Mohegan Sun Arena, home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, nationally touring shows make a stop here. Horse racing, outdoor summer concerts, live local bands, dining and gambling make for a fun night out at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
Boutique and small, locally-owned shops are intermixed with national retailers. You’ll find everything you need near the Wyoming Valley Mall and Arena Hub Plaza shopping districts.
Foodies will not be disappointed with all this region has to offer. From pizza at Gerry’s and Mexican at Margarita Azul, to rustic farm-to-table cuisine at Bank + Vine and decadent desserts at AmberDonia Bakery. Grab a delicious cup of coffee at Abide Coffeehouse, or beers and pub foods at Benny Brewing Company.
It’s also home to beautiful green spaces. The Luzerne County Levee Trail runs along the Susquehanna River for 12 miles and passes by Kirby Park, Nesbitt Park and the River Common, home of the Rockin’ the River summer concert series. And for scenic woodland hikes and waterfall views, the Seven Tubs Recreation Area and Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve are just 10-15 outside the city.
Known For:
F.M. Kirby Center
Wilkes/Scranton Penguins
Robust dining scene
Kirby Park
Mohegan Pennsylvania
Mohegan Sun Arena
Susquehanna River
By The Numbers:
Geographical Area:: 152 Sq. Miles
Estimated Population: 112,886
Colleges & Universities: 3
School Districts: 3
Regional makeup: This area includes the city of Wilkes-Barre; the townships of Bear Creek, Buck, Hanover, Plains and Wilkes-Barre; and the boroughs of Forty Fort, Swoyersville, Kingston, Bear Creek Village, Luzerne, Edwardsville, Ashley, Pringle, Laurel Run, Larksville, Courtdale, Sugar Notch and Warrior Run
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Explore the city of Wilkes-Barre, the seat of Luzerne County and one of NEPA’s largest cities.
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Welcome to Plains Township, a lively, blue-collar suburb conveniently situated between Wilkes-Barre and Pittston.
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Discover Hanover Township, a bustling, valley town just south of Wilkes-Barre tucked between the mountains and the Susquehanna River.
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A Peak Into Greater Wilkes-Barre Past
With a current population of roughly 45,000 residents, Wilkes-Barre City saw its numbers peak to more than 86,000 in the 1930 thanks to the industrialization boom brought on by the discovery of anthracite coal in the 19th century. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants moved to the region for jobs in the coal mines, which reached the peak of its prosperity in the first half of the 20th century. Today, the region is a melting pot of cultures, races, ethnicities and customs thanks to our coal mining days.
DID YOU KNOW?
Babe Ruth hit one of the longest home runs in history in Wilkes-Barre’s Artillery Park, near the site of the current Kirby Park, on October 12, 1926. The Yankee slugger was in town to play an exhibition game between Hughestown and Larkesville and crushed a fastball pitch an estimated 650 feet. To this day, it’s still believed to be the record-holder for the longest home ever.
