Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area

Discovering the cultural, natural and historic wonders of Pennsylvania isn't complete without a visit to the Schuylkill River Valley, a place instrumental in shaping the Nation's heritage for more than 300 years. The Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania's first scenic river, is central to the story of the colonization and industrialization of America. Along the Corridor you'll explore pre-Revolutionary mills, late 19th century factories and the historic districts and cultural attractions of the cities, towns and villages of the Schuylkill.

Tour the countryside by car or travel at a slower pace by bicycling, hiking or horseback riding on the region's many recreational and scenic pathways like the Thun, Union Canal, and Schuylkill River trails. Stop by the Valley Forge National Historic Park for a bit of Revolutionary War history, the Schuylkill Navigation Canal for a look at transportation past, or the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site for insight into the lifestyles and labors of an iron making community of the 1800s. Enjoy the outdoors on the thousands of acres of state and community parkland dotting the region. Canoe the Schuylkill or try hooking "the big one" at Blue Marsh Lake National Recreation Area near Reading. Be sure to explore Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, the largest municipal park in the country.

Don't miss the historic homes, museums and landmarks that form the rich legacy of America's independence and industrial prowess. The Schuylkill has something special for everyone.

Heritage Park Description

The Schuylkill River is the centerpiece of a planning effort to preserve, enhance and promote the industrial legacy of the river valley in the four eastern counties of Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Schuylkill and the City of Philadelphia. The Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor follow[s] the Schuylkill River through numerous communities within a five-county region, featuring natural, historical, cultural, and recreational resources from Pottsville to Philadelphia.

Project Characteristics Size: 130 miles long Counties: Berks, Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Schuylkill Population: 3 million Municipalities: Boroughs - 100 Townships - 175 Third-Class Cities - 3 Major Highways: Pa. - 23, 61, 100, 724 U.S. - 1, 22 (I-78), 202, 209, 222, 422, Interstate - 76, 78 (US-22), 176, 276, 476 Key Communities: Conshohocken Hamburg Reading Philadelphia Phoenixville Pottstown Pottsville Major Attractions: Pennsylvania Anthracite Museum Pottsville Downtown Historic District D. G. Yuengling and Sons Brewing Complex Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Appalachian National Scenic Trail Berks County Heritage Center Old Dry Road Farm Daniel Boone Homestead Oley Township Historic District Tulpehocken Creek Historic District Boyertown Museum of Vehicles Pennypacker Mansion Mill Grove/Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary Peter Wentz Homestead Allegheny Aqueduct Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Phoenixville Historic District Valley Forge National Historical Park Old Pottstown Historic District Schuylkill Navigation Canal, Oakes Reach Section Mill Creek Historic District Manayunk Main Street Historic District Fairmont Park Laurel Hill Cemetery Fort Mifflin Thirtieth Street Station Reading Terminal and Trainshed Welcome Centers: Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau: (610) 834-1550 Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau: 1-800-537-7676 Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau: (717) 622-7700 Brandywine Valley Tourist Information Center: 1-800-228-9933 Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau: 1-800-443-6610

Implementation Projects being pursued by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association include the development of informational materials and establishment of a heritage grants program for improving public access and interpretive opportunities in communities along the Schuylkill River.

Milestones

• 1992 – Schuylkill River Greenway Association began to draw together volunteer task forces from five riverside counties; development of central steering committee and special-purpose committees.
• April 24, 1995 – Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor designated a State Heritage Park.
• 2000- Designated a National Heritage Area

Heritage Park Organization

Schuylkill River Greenway Association
140 College Drive
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
(484) 945-0200
Fax: (484) 945-0204
Web site: www.schuylkillriver.org
E-mail: kzwikl@schuylkillriver.org

Contact: Kurt D. Zwikl
Title: Executive Director

Organization Type: non-profit

Mission/Purpose:

VISION

We envision a Schulkill River region fully revitalized and restored: Aregion whose citizens understand, value and are fully committed to preserving ans sustaining their cultural heritage and natural environment for future generations.

MISSION

Our Mission is to inform, coordinate, lead and assist communities, organizations and citizens achieve the stated Vision.

Staff and Volunteers: Six full-time staff members

Involved Organizations

Additional Project Supporters

• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program

Tourist Promotion Agencies (TPAs) within the Region

• Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau: (610) 834-1550
• Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau: 1-800-537-7676
• Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau: (717) 622-7700
• Brandywine Valley Tourist Information Center: 1-800-228-9933
• Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau: 1-800-443-6610

Pennsylvania's Heritage Regions

Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Endless Mountains Heritage Region Lackawanna Heritage Valley Lancaster-York Heritage Region Lincoln Highway Heritage Cooridor

Lumber Heritage Region National Road Heritage Corridor Oil Region National Heritage Area PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area

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