Wilkes-Barre can be explored through two distinct highlights: the cultural and historical offerings of downtown and the opportunities associated with the Susquehanna River and spending time outdoors. When looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around whether galleries, live performances and historic trails or river activities and exercise are your priority. The city offers various ways to enjoy these interests, rather than requiring a single itinerary to cover them all.
Trails and Amenities at River Common
River Common has walking and biking trails, two outdoor amphitheaters and a fishing pier. This combination appeals to different interests: you can focus on exercise or consider the available amenities as specific destinations during your stay. The trails and fishing pier are part of River Common itself. Wilkes-Barre is also associated with kayaking, whitewater rafting and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. The city is located on the Susquehanna River; these activities describe other aspects of its outdoor offerings.
Explore Wilkes-Barre on Foot
The marked “Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture” trail is 2.2 miles long and follows Franklin Street and River Street through the historic downtown district. Its length and route give this walking option a clearly defined scope. The self-guided Wilkes-Barre Historical District Walking Tour also passes through the historic downtown district and covers a wide range of architectural styles. Renovated buildings and structures preserve the area's history. While Walkitecture is defined by its length and streets, the Historical District Walking Tour highlights architecture and the history preserved in its buildings.
Galleries, Live Performances and Local History
The F.M. Kirby Center in downtown presents more than 80 cultural and educational events each year. Its program includes Broadway shows, comedy and concerts, as well as other cultural events. If a particular evening is important to your stay, check event dates in advance. The Sordoni Art Gallery offers exhibitions, related programs and publications covering a variety of media, topics, cultures and time periods. Its scope includes a variety of media, topics, cultures and time periods. The Widmann Art Gallery presents exhibitions by local artists during the academic year; its “Meet the Artist” receptions feature gallery discussions. The three cultural venues have distinct focuses: live performances, a broad range of exhibitions and gallery discussions at the “Meet the Artist” receptions.
Built around 1793, the Zebulon Butler House is currently being restored to become a museum about Wilkes-Barre's early history. Take its restoration status into account when planning and check whether a visit is possible before making a special trip. The Luzerne County Courthouse is near River Common. Its Beaux-Arts design, murals and distinctive dome make it an architectural landmark of the region.
The Public Square Through the Seasons
The Public Square remains a hub of downtown activity, including festivals, farmers' markets and community events. Every spring, the Fine Arts Fiesta brings artists, performers and vendors to the square. During the winter months, an ice-skating rink is set up there. The seasonal offerings differ: spring centers on a recurring festival with a range of participants, while winter offers ice skating. If your trip is planned around a particular event, check the specific event dates.
Plan Your Stay
When planning your stay, you can focus on a range of highlights: the Kirby Center, galleries and architecture, an event at the Public Square, or trails and outdoor activities. If you have a cultural event on your itinerary, it's worth confirming the event date. When choosing a specific place to stay, check its address in relation to your plans.
Explore more destinations: Freeland, Avoca, Kingston, Hazleton, White Haven, Pittston, Nanticoke, Drums.
View the broader travel guide: Luzerne.
