Discover railroad history in Honesdale both at the museum and on a train ride. The Main Museum of the Wayne County Historical Society displays a faithful full-size replica of The Stourbridge Lion; The Stourbridge Line offers rides through the Lackawaxen River Valley. There are also trails in Gibbons Memorial Park, views of downtown, and other offerings in the parks. This gives you different options for planning your trip—from exhibits and a train ride to time outdoors.
Railroad History at the Main Museum
The Main Museum of the Wayne County Historical Society is located in Honesdale in a building constructed in 1860 as the headquarters of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. The building’s former purpose and its current exhibition topics bring different aspects together in one place. The permanent exhibition covers the D&H Canal and the Gravity Railroad. The museum also houses a faithful full-size replica of The Stourbridge Lion.
This makes your visit about more than a single look at a historic vehicle: you can connect the replica with the topics covered in the permanent exhibition. The building itself adds its history as the former headquarters of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company to your museum visit. Those interested in railroad and canal history will find several different points of interest here, all within one museum.
Ride the Stourbridge Line Through the Lackawaxen River Valley
A train ride offers a different focus from the museum collection. The Stourbridge Line offers scenic rides in historic railroad cars through the Lackawaxen River Valley. The route runs between Honesdale and Hawley. You can decide whether you would rather learn about railroad history through exhibits or take a ride through the valley. If you plan to include a train ride in your trip, check the schedule for your travel dates.
Trails, History, and Parks
A network of trails stretches across 55 acres in Gibbons Memorial Park. The park also offers views of downtown Honesdale. This makes outdoor trails and views of the town two distinct aspects of the park. If you’re planning time outdoors, you can enjoy both the trails and the views of downtown Honesdale.
The “Hunt for Hidden History” tour also focuses on Honesdale’s history, but in a different format: it’s a scavenger hunt walking tour. This sets it apart from the museum’s permanent exhibition and the train ride. If you’d rather explore history on a walking tour than through exhibits, this activity offers another option.
Honesdale’s Central Park hosts concerts and offers children a place to play. These uses appeal to different interests and add another public space to the museum, train, and park offerings. If you’d like to plan a concert into your trip, check the event dates for your travel dates.
Find Hotels in Honesdale
The offerings mainly differ in how you can experience the area—through museum exhibits, a ride through the Lackawaxen River Valley, a walking tour, or a park visit. Check dates if you plan to include a concert or train ride.
Explore more destinations: Hawley, Lake Ariel, Beach Lake, Newfoundland, Gouldsboro, Lake Como, Starlight, Wayne
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