EXPLORE
TAMAQUA IS BRIMMING with history, culture and scenic beauty. Your journey through Tamaqua promises a delightful exploration of its rich heritage and vibrant community spirit. Begin your adventure by strolling through the charming streets, where historic architecture and local shops await. Immerse yourself in the town's past by visiting landmarks such as the Victorian Train Station, Tamaqua Historical Society Museum, the No. 9 Mine Museum, and the Molly Maguire sites, each telling a unique tale of Tamaqua's evolution. Don't miss the chance to experience the cultural heartbeat of the town through events like the Summer Concert Series or by visiting the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding landscapes offer scenic trails and outdoor activities. This guide invites you to savor the essence of Tamaqua, offering a curated glimpse into its treasures, ensuring your visit is a memorable exploration of history, culture, and community warmth.
OUTDOOR RECREATION & PARKS
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Tuscarora State Park
687 Tuscarora Park Road, Barnesville, PA, 18214
Tuscarora State Park invites visitors to discover the natural beauty and recreational offerings that define this hidden gem. Spanning over 1,600 acres, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of activities such as swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking & rowboating, and picnicking against the backdrop of the tranquil Tuscarora Lake. Scenic trails wind through lush woodlands, providing opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation. Whether you seek a peaceful escape surrounded by nature or an active day of recreation, Tuscarora State Park beckons with its diverse offerings and scenic vistas, creating an ideal destination for those looking to embrace the great outdoors in the heart of Pennsylvania.
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Locust Lake State Park
Locust Lake Road, Barnesville, PA 18214
Locust Lake State Park beckons nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers with its serene charm and diverse recreational opportunities. The park is centered around the scenic Locust Lake, offering a tranquil escape for swimming, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside picnics. With miles of hiking trails meandering through woodlands adorned with vibrant foliage, Locust Lake State Park is a haven for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The park's campground provides a rustic retreat, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying the comforts of outdoor living. Whether you're casting a line into the lake, exploring the trails, or simply unwinding amidst the peaceful surroundings, Locust Lake State Park promises a rejuvenating experience for all who seek solace in the great outdoors.
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The Bungalow Community Pool, Baseball Field and Playground
Catawissa Street and Lafayette Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
The Howard D. Buehler Memorial Pool at Tamaqua Bungalow Park has been attracting visitors since 1900 and development on the site dates back to the late 1800s. Situated at the extreme north end of Catawissa Street, Bungalow Park includes a 562,000-gallon community pool that can serve up to 500 patrons and boasts six 50-meter racing lanes, three diving boards, two slides, a concession stand, and a kiddie pool area with fountains and sloped entry. Outdoors, the park is a forested area with nearby mountain spring and laurels, large pavilion, and playground. A baseball field is located at the end of the Bungalow Park road. The park is named for its benefactor. In 1968, local cafe owner Howard Buehler passed away at age 65, and surprised the town by bequeathing the bulk of his estate to pool improvements to benefit the children of the community. Today, several pool improvements as well as discount season passes for Tamaqua residents are made possible through the generosity of the John E. Morgan Foundation. Open seasonally June through mid-August, 7 days a week from 11 am - 7 pm. Seasonal (10 pp for Tamaqua School District Residents, $100 pp for non-residents) and day passes ($5-6 pp for Tamaqua School District Residents, $15-20 pp for non-residents) are available.
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Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA, 19529
Along the Appalachian flyway, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary emerges as a celebrated haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Perched atop the Kittatinny Ridge in eastern Pennsylvania, Hawk Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and, most notably, its role as a prime location for raptor migration. Every autumn, thousands of hawks, eagles, and falcons soar across the panoramic skies, providing an awe-inspiring spectacle for visitors. This world-famous sanctuary not only offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most remarkable phenomena but also provides educational programs and hiking trails that invite explorers to delve into the rich biodiversity of this ecological treasure. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary stands as a testament to the delicate balance between conservation and appreciation of the natural world.
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Owl Creek Reservoir
172 Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Supported by the Owl Creek Reservoir Commission, this outdoor recreational area centers around two dams, one of which dates back to the 1880s. The dams include a playground and basketball court near the upper dam parking area, a wide gravel road that circles the lower dam for walking and bike riding, and a series of hiking trails. Both dams are open to small boats, kayaks, and canoes and each offer a small boat launch accessible by vehicle. Fishing is catch and release and monitored by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Small group camping is available with Borough Council permission and facilities include a fire pit and pavilion.
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Appalachian Trail
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State Game Lands #227
State Game Lands (SGL) 227 is located in Rush and Schuylkill Townships in northeastern Schuylkill County. The deeded acreage for this game lands is 1,506 acres and it is in Land Management Group III of the Southeast Region in Wildlife Management Unit 4C. The property is situated 1 mile north of the Tamaqua Borough and just to the west of Hometown.
Deer, black bear, turkey, grouse, rabbits and squirrels are found here. Ducks and Geese are occasionally hunted along the Schuylkill River and on the game lands small impoundments and streams. Coyotes, foxes and raccoons are actively trapped on the game lands. There are also opportunities for muskrat and mink trapping along the Schuylkill River and some of its small tributaries.
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Kellner’s Dam
Pitt Street and West Elm Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Operated by the Kellner's Dam Association, this outdoor fishing area provides a safe and free location within the borough for children ages 4 to 15 to fish.
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Rabbit Run Reservoir
1290 Valley Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Rabbit Run Dam is located just 1.6 miles from Tamaqua. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, pickerel, smallmouth bass and more
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Dutch Hill Little League Field & Playground
Clark Street and Biddle Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Overlooking the baseball fields at Columbia and Biddle streets, the playground is located on property owned by the Tamaqua Area Baseball Association (TABA) and features a large and small play structure and six-seat swing set.
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South Ward Playground
Penn Street and Oak Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Supported by the South Ward Playground Association, this recreation area includes a community center, playground equipment, basketball courts, park lighting, and security cameras. Equipment includes zip line, lily-pads walk, slides, monkey bars, swings, and rock climbing, among other equipment, as well as many special programs.
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North & Middle Ward Playground
West Vine Street and Washington Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Supported by the North and Middle Ward Playground Association, the park includes a concession stand, basketball court and a variety of playground equipment and sitting areas.
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Ride the train from Tamaqua to Jim Thorpe!
Take the train to Jim Thorpe from Tamaqua! During the ride, you’ll see rolling farmland, beautiful mountains, glistening lakes, and small towns along the mainline. You’ll also travel through tunnels and over bridges, a highlight being the Hometown High Bridge. Once you arrive in Jim Thorpe you have over 3 1/2 hours to explore the many shops, restaurants, and attractions before boarding the train for your return trip. Bonus—you’ll avoid Jim Thorpe’s traffic and parking congestion!
Board the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad train from Tamaqua's train station Saturday or Sunday morning (Available most weekends April – December, except the month of October). Tickets do sell out, advance purchase is recommended. Train leaves once a day at 10:06 AM from Tamaqua and returns at 5:00 PM!
While in Jim Thorpe you can ride one of Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad’s 70-minute Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway trains at a discounted rate. Just visit the Jim Thorpe Ticket Booth when you arrive!
Booking Tip: Select Tamaqua Station in the station dropdown menu when booking. Tickets are $24 per person. Refer to the flyer on the right for more information.
SHOPPING
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M&S Hardware
10 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Tink’s Antiques
28 South Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Petal Pushers Floral Co.
220 Claremont Avenue #3, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Charles X Block
251 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Hometown Farmers Market
125 Mahanoy Avenue, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Dn'A Bikes
308A West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Jupiter's Dust
301 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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ZT3D
237 W Broad St, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Boyer's Market
210 Cedar Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Stoves n' Stuff
561 West Penn Pike, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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East End Market
521 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Tap-S-Trees
103 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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La Dolce Casa Italian Market & Bakery
16 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Stonehedge Gardens
51 Dairy Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Zukovich's Farm Market
432 Fairview Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Weaver's Primitive Country Decor
848 West Penn Pike, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Leiby's Farm Market
1026 Catawissa Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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Faust's Produce
Route 309 and School Road, New Ringgold, PA 17960
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Backwoods Country Creations
22 Hughes Street, New Ringgold, PA 17960
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Nature and Discovery Store
19 Hughes Street, New Ringgold, PA 17960
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Studio 895 Antiques
1138 Summer Valley Road, New Ringgold, PA 17960
A look inside the Hegarty Blacksmith Shop
The talented blacksmiths of three generations of the Hegarty family dedicated their skills to the betterment of Tamaqua Area busineses and families. Their shop, established in 1848, remained in continuous use until 1973.
Dale Freudenberger, president of the Tamaqua Historical Society, shares a compelling account of the activities of the Hegarty family in Tamaqua from a vantage point opposite their former shop. And we get to look inside too.
Tamaqua’s renewed history
The Tamaqua Historical Society’s building on West Broad Street underwent a dramatic facelift. In this video, Historical Society President Dale Freudenberger discusses this exciting renovation project.
HIGHLIGHTS & LANDMARKS
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1874 Victorian Era Train Station
18 North Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Tamaqua’s Victorian train station stands as a captivating testament to the town's rich history and architectural heritage. Serving as both a transportation hub and a symbol of progress, the Tamaqua Victorian train station reflects an era when railroads played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of communities. As visitors step into this well-preserved gem, they are transported back to a bygone era. Today, the Victorian train station remains a cherished landmark, offering a glimpse into Tamaqua's storied past and serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Victorian architecture.
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Hegarty Blacksmith Shop
N Nescopec Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
This unassuming yet historically significant structure, dating back to a bygone era, served as a vital hub for the town's blacksmithing. With its weathered facade and enduring charm, the Hegarty Blacksmith Shop preserves the essence of a time when the rhythmic clang of hammers and the glow of molten metal defined the town's industrial landscape. Today, it stands as a cherished reminder of Tamaqua's industrial heritage, inviting visitors to step into the past and experience the craftsmanship that once shaped the community.
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Tamaqua Historical Society Museum
118 W Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
The Historical Society Museum beckons visitors to embark on a journey through the town's rich tapestry of history. Housed within the fomer First National Bank Building, artifacts and exhibits vividly narrate the story of Tamaqua's evolution over the years. From carefully preserved relics of the town's founding days to exhibits that capture the essence of its mining and cultural heritage, the museum stands as a custodian of the community's past. The Historical Society Museum serves as a valuable repository of local history, inviting all who enter to connect with the roots of this Pennsylvania town.
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Odd Fellows Cemetery
503 W Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
The Odd Fellows Cemetery serves as a serene final resting place with a unique historical resonance. Established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, this cemetery stands as a testament to the fraternal organization's commitment to community and fellowship. Graced by stately monuments and shaded by ancient trees, the Odd Fellows Cemetery is a place where the past meets tranquility. Here, the lives of those who contributed to Tamaqua's tapestry are honored, creating a peaceful and contemplative space that invites visitors to reflect on the town's history and the bonds of camaraderie that endure beyond the passage of time.
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No. 9 Mine Museum
9 Dock Street, Lansford, PA 18232
The No. 9 Mine and Museum stands as a living testament to the area’s coal mining heritage. This unique museum provides a captivating glimpse into the harsh realities and triumphs of the anthracite coal industry that once fueled the region's growth. Visitors can ride a train into the mine tunnels, marvel at the museum’s extensive collection of mine and miner’s artifacts, and gain a profound understanding of the lives of the miners who toiled in the depths of the earth. The No. 9 Mine Museum serves as both an educational resource and a memorial to the hardworking individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping the town's industrial identity.
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Burial Site of John "Jack" Kehoe
Mahanoy Street and South Nescopec Streets
The grave of Jack Kehoe marks the final resting place of a notorious figure in the region's history. Jack Kehoe, a prominent leader of the Molly Maguires, left an indelible mark on the coal-mining community during the tumultuous labor struggles of the 19th century. His grave serves as a poignant reminder of the complex social and economic dynamics that shaped Tamaqua's past. Visitors to this somber site can contemplate the legacy of a man whose life and actions continue to be intertwined with the town's narrative, reflecting an era of labor strife and social upheaval in the coalfields of Pennsylvania.
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Molly Maguire's Auto Tour
Embark on a journey through the pages of history with the Molly Maguire Auto Tour, an immersive experience that winds through the landscapes of Pennsylvania, retracing the footsteps of the infamous Molly Maguires. This auto tour invites adventurers to explore the sites and stories associated with this secret society that played a significant role in the coal-mining regions of the 19th century. From Tamaqua to Jim Thorpe and beyond, the Molly Maguire Auto Tour unfolds a narrative of labor struggles, social upheaval, and the quest for justice, allowing travelers to connect with the compelling history of this clandestine group that left an indelible mark on the coalfields of Pennsylvania.
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Memorial Avenue Mural
Concerts & Culture
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Tamaqua Community Arts Center
125 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
the Tamaqua Community Arts Center is a vibrant hub of creativity and cultural expression. Housed within a historic church, this center serves as a focal point for the community's artistic endeavors, offering a dynamic space for concerts and theater performances, exhibitions, and creative workshops. With a mission to foster a thriving arts scene, the Tamaqua Community Arts Center provides a platform for local and regional artists to showcase their talents, enriching the cultural tapestry of the town. Whether attending a live performance, exploring an art exhibit, or participating in a class, visitors to the center are welcomed into a lively and inclusive space that celebrates the transformative power of the arts in Tamaqua.
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Summer Concert Series
18 North Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
Join the Tamaqua Area Camber of Commerce for a relaxing evening of musical entertainment. Thursdays during the summer from 6:30-8:00 on the historic Tamaqua Train Station platform.