From the industrious city of Pottsville, Schuylkill County’s seat and geographical center, to its quieter boroughs and townships, the community features a pleasant mix of natural spaces mingling with quaint main streets. In just a short drive you may pass through a modern riverside town and onto miles of rolling, green farmland and drop into seemingly-hidden, busy valley hamlets. NEPA’s Schuylkill River Region truly is a come-see-it-all kind of place.
Pottsville, the region’s largest city, is a great place to soak up local history and a thriving local art scene. The walkable downtown features everything from fine dining to pizza to craft beer. Of course, you have to check out America’s oldest brewery. If you’re venturing out for some fresh air, Swatara State Park in Pine Grove offers over 3,000 acres of outdoor fun. While Barnesville features two state park options – Locust Lake State Park and Tuscarora State Park.
In charming Tamaqua, you can pick up a coffee and then some railroad history with your lunch at Tamaqua Station. Pop into Stoker’s Brewing and then Revere Brewery for fresh, local brews. Don’t forget to pick up some of Shenandoah’s finest kielbasa. Then, head out to rural Andreas for stunning scenery and a little wine.
Known For:
3 State Parks
Yuengling Brewery
Fighter’s Heaven
Lager Jogger
Plenty of local fairs & Festivals
The famous Bischoff Inn
Local craft beer & wine
By the Numbers:
Est. Population: 143,049
Geo. Area: 783 Sq. Miles
Colleges & Universities: 4
School Districts: 14
Regional Makeup: The city of Pottsville, the boroughs of Orwigsburg, Pine Grove, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah and Tamaqua and the communities of Andreas and Barnesville.
All of the communities in the Schuylkill River Region are served by 14 public school districts, 10 private or parochial schools, 3 vocational training centers and 1 charter school. The region is also home to 4 affordable colleges and universities.
Alvernia University
Lehigh Carbon Community College – Tamaqua
Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing
Penn State Schuylkill
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The City of Pottsville serves as the economic engine of the Schuylkill River Region and the county seat of Schuylkill County. The hilly city along the banks of the Schuylkill River, boasts a bustling downtown and 18 unique, residential neighborhoods. It is the birthplace of the anthracite coal industry in NEPA and the proud home of the world-famous Yuengling Brewery, which was founded in Pottsville in 1829.
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The Borough of Tamaqua lies on the eastern edge of Schuylkill County. It is bisected by the confluence of the Little Schuylkill River and Panther Creek. From this point in the central business district, Tamaqua radiates outward into quiet residential neighborhoods and the scenic, surrounding mountains. Central Tamaqua is home to the famous Tamaqua Station Restaurant and the Owl Creek Reservoir Recreation Area.
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The Borough of Schuylkill Haven, just five miles south of Pottsville, is a bustling Schuylkill River town with plenty of family-friendly suburban neighborhoods. The borough sits in the quiet valley between Mt. Carbon and Blue Mountain. Its central district, dotted with refreshing green spaces, features walkable, clean streets, lots of local businesses, the popular Schuylkill Haven Island Park and the Walk In Art Center.
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East Union Township makes up the northeastern edge of the Schuylkill River Region. Its border with neighboring Hazle Twp. inspires a shared interest in The Humboldt Industrial Park, an economic driver for the region and home to major companies like Amazon, American Eagle Outfitters and Autozone.. The popular Eagle Rock Resort, a private, 5,000-acre community housing an 18-hole Championship Golf Course also carries over into East Union Twp.
A Peak into the Schuylkill River Region’s Past
For centuries, what we know as the Schuylkill River Region was home to several Native American tribes. Many of the modern roads were trails once used for hunting or trade. Early European settlements began to pop up around the area’s many rivers and streams. Like most regions, it started out with timbering and farming as the main economic drivers. Coal was discovered near Pottsville in the late 18th century. As demand for coal grew, so did Schuylkill County. The region’s waterways became crucial to the shipment of anthracite. By the late 19th century, the burgeoning mining industry had spurred on the introduction of the railroad and waves of European immigration to the region. Today, many cities and boroughs throughout the region continue to flourish as new generations make their marks opening small businesses, giving new life to successful family businesses and introducing new ideas.
Did you Know?
Many called him “The Great One” or “The People’s Champ.” Early on, he was Cassius Clay and later, Muhammad Ali. And he built his own personal training camp, Fighter’s Heaven, right here in the quiet mountains of Orwigsburg. Today the camp is open to the public as a museum and recreation space dedicated to the boxing legend.
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