Beyond the beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures, the Endless Mountains of NEPA are a treasure trove of historic gems. Our area has a rich past, spanning from the Indigenous people who first inhabited the land to the modern marvels of the Industrial Revolution.

Discover the history behind our small towns and country roads. These historic sites and museums will give you a great introduction to the Endless Mountains.

Hit the Streets on the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour

Recognized as a National Historic District, downtown Tunkhannock is home to beautifully preserved homes, storefronts, and churches. You can view forty of these unique stops on the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour. Along the way, you’ll see everything from ornate Victorian mansions to the modern Art Deco façade of the Dietrich Theater.

This self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. The full tour is about two miles long, but shorter versions are available. A handy booklet describes the various routes and stops. Free copies are available at the Dietrich Theater and the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau. You can also download the audio version to hear a description of each location.

Discover Railroad History in Nicholson

Nicholson might seem like a small town, but it has a larger-than-life legacy: the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct. The “Nicholson Bridge” (along with its smaller cousin, the Martins Creek Viaduct) was originally part of the Clarks Summit-Hallstead Cutoff, a project to make the railroad safer and more efficient. Builders used some of the most advanced technology of the day and ultimately completed the viaduct in 1915. It is still in use today and remains the largest concrete railroad bridge in the world.

You can see the bridge from almost anywhere in town, but one of the best viewing spots is the designated overlook on Route 11, just east of town. The area provides plenty of parking, historic signage, and fantastic photo ops.

Although most people know Nicholson for the viaduct, this rural town has so many more fascinating stories, which visitors can discover at the Nicholson Tourism Center at the Historic DL&W Railroad Station. The Nicholson Heritage Association has restored the 1849 station into a stunning welcome center and museum. Make sure to check out the original freight scale (which still works) and the stationmaster’s desk. Other exhibits display Nicholson’s history, Native American artifacts, and more. The center is open on Saturdays throughout summer and early fall.

Experience Frontier Life at the Oldest House

The Endless Mountains are full of historic architecture, but one building stands out among the rest. Built in the 1780s, the Oldest House in Laceyville is one of the oldest frame dwellings in the region. James Smith constructed the original home, which remained a private residence until the 1970s, when it became an antique shop. In 1976, the Laceyville Area Historical Society purchased the building and turned it into a museum.

Today, guests can tour the house, view the historic exhibits, and see how the rooms looked back in the olden days. For a deeper dive into Laceyville’s history, they also have a robust collection of maps, books, and genealogical materials.

The Oldest House is open on weekends from mid-May through Labor Day. They also host fun events throughout the year, including the Music with the Morrisons picnic in August and the Annual Christmas Tea in December.

Take a Scenic Drive to Sullivan County’s Covered Bridges

Pennsylvania is home to more covered bridges than any other state, and we’re lucky to have three right here in Sullivan County. Each one was constructed around 1850 by Sadler Rogers, who created his first prototype of a covered bridge at just eighteen years old. Although the bridges have endured countless storms and renovations, they still encompass our region’s rural heritage.

You can visit all three bridges within roughly thirty minutes of driving along scenic country roads. Start at Hillsgrove Covered Bridge, located just off of Route 87. It is the longest of the three and the first to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. About five miles to the northeast, you’ll find the Forksville Covered Bridge along the Loyalsock Creek. This bridge is a popular stop on the way to Worlds End State Park. Finally, you’ll drive about twenty minutes south to the Sonestown Covered Bridge, which originally provided access to a gristmill. Need directions? Check out our road trip itinerary.

Visit Our County Historical Societies

Our local historic societies are the experts when it comes to our area’s past. Each one has its own museum, as well as vast collections of genealogical information, newspaper clippings, and other research materials.

The Sullivan County Historical Society’s museum complex is located in Laporte. Stop by the main museum building to view artifacts and exhibits about local history or visit the nearby Baldwin House to see what life was like in the mid-1800s. The Barn across the street houses larger items from stores, industry, farming, and more. They also create the annual History Quest, a self-guided driving tour of the county’s hidden gems.

The Susquehanna County Historical Society in Montrose features a museum on the second floor. Exhibits include military items, early maps, handmade quilts, antique tools, and more.

The Wyoming County Historical Society in Tunkhannock showcases pivotal moments in history, from Native American artifacts to the old Tunkhannock tannery. Located in an old school, they even have a replica classroom filled with nostalgic items.

Please note, many local museums are operated by volunteers. Always call ahead or check online for hours.

Find More History in the Endless Mountains

When it comes to history, we’re just scratching the surface. These mountains have so many incredible stories to tell—all the better to hit the road and explore. Visit our website for more historic sites and museums throughout the area.

Featured image (top): The Hillsgrove covered bridge over Loyalsock Creek in Hillsgrove, PA. Photo courtesy of Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Article updated from its original version published on 6/20/24.