Things To Do in the Poconos Memorial Day Weekend

Friday: Experience the Great Outdoors in Pike County

Morning:

The Pocono Mountains is known for its many beautiful waterfalls, perfect places to visit on Memorial Day Weekend. Start your trip by seeking out the two largest cascades in Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls, both tucked away in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). For the true waterfall seeker, plan to visit the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls, located just outside DWGNRA. Follow scenic boardwalk trails through idyllic forest glades, with eight waterfalls located throughout the property's 300 acres.

DWGNRA is a popular destination on holiday weekends, so arrive early to secure a parking space and take advantage of free shuttle services, available thanks to a partnership between the National Parks Service and Monroe County Transportation Authority (MCTA). From May 27 through September 4, the Raymondskill Falls Shuttle is the only way to access the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania by vehicle between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Operating every 20 minutes, the shuttle picks up and drops off passengers at the Milford Knob Trailhead. When the shuttle is not running, the parking lot will be open as usual.

Additional Memorial Day Weekend DWGNRA shuttles include the Water Gap Hiker Shuttle, which will run between Kittatinny Point, Dunnfield Creek, and the Borough of Delaware Water Gap on May 27-31, with the shuttle starting at the Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride at Exit 310 off Interstate 80 at 10 a.m. and running every thirty minutes until 5:30 p.m. If you're interested in taking a one-way kayaking or biking trip through DWGNRA along the Delaware River, utilize the River Runner shuttle to transport yourself and your kayak, canoe, or bike back to your starting point. View the shuttle schedules and more information.

Afternoon:

You won't want to miss the picturesque small towns of the Poconos during your trip. Stroll through the charming and historic streets of downtown Milford to find museums, boutiques, and places to get lunch! Waterwheel Cafe, Bakery and Bar is a neighborhood favorite featuring a delicious menu of sandwiches, salads, and Vietnamese dishes like bánh mì and rice noodle salad. Get a taste of the Yucatan Peninsula when you dine at La Posada & Felix's Cantina, not far from the Delaware River.

Perched in the hills above town, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark was once home to the "Father of the American Conservation Movement," Gifford Pinchot, and has beautiful grounds and gardens to explore. Friday, May 26, 2023 is the final day to catch free spring ranger talks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guided mansion tours begin on Saturday, May 27.

Evening:

Find a place to stay where you'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. Each of the adorable accommodations at Babbling Brook Cottages has its own outdoor deck or patio and fire pit, and many of the cabins are dog-friendly. Kittatinny's River Beach Campground offers water view sites that allow you to set up your tent or park your RV close the shore. Nestled in the heart of DWGNRA, Pocono Environmental Education Center is offering a Memorial Day Family Camp Weekend special which includes three nights of lodging and meals plus canoeing, interpretive hikes, and more.

Saturday: Find Family Fun in Monroe County

Morning:

Explore the southern end of DWGNRA with a jaunt to the quaint borough that gave the recreation area its name: Delaware Water Gap. This area has been beloved by generations of vacationers! Learn more about the Victorians who spent leisurely summers enjoying the mountain air when you sign up for Tour the Castle Inn or The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour. When you're finished, don't forget to take some time to enjoy the great local businesses, shops, and restaurants in town.

Afternoon:

The Pocono Mountains events calendar is full of fun things to do this Memorial Day Weekend! Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm just outside of Stroudsburg hosts their Farm Animal Frolic at this time of year, with plenty of cute baby animals to meet and greet. Looking for more action? Take flight at The Great Pocono Raceway Airshow, featuring a headliner flyover from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. Get a taste of the aerial thrills from home by trying out our free Great Pocono Raceway Augmented Reality Experience.

Evening:

Looking for somewhere to eat after the airshow? Head to nearby Lake Harmony to choose from family-friendly lakeside dining like seafood and steaks at Boulder View Tavern or burgers and pizza at Nick's Lake House. Looking for dinner and drinks? Sip from the impressive wine list at Louie's Prime Steakhouse or enjoy music, sports, and fun at Shenanigans.

Monroe County is known for its impressive indoor waterpark resorts, which offer comfortable accommodations, onsite restaurants and activities, and incredible splash playgrounds, with waterpark admission included with your overnight stay. Book a room or suite at Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, or Split Rock Resort to pack plenty of pool and slide time into your vacation.

Sunday: Enjoy Lehigh Gorge and Carbon County

Morning:

Ready to whitewater raft? Enjoy a dam release set for Memorial Day Weekend! Outfitters like Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers and Pocono Whitewater Adventures can accommodate both fast-paced excursions and more leisurely, family-style trips. Take on the rapids of the Lehigh River as you navigate through the stunning Lehigh Gorge.

Afternoon:

Learn more about the history of Carbon County with a visit to the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in Lansford. Ride by rail and take a walking tour to journey deep underground along the original mine shaft where the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company mined a large vein of Anthracite coal known as the Mammoth Vein in the mid-nineteenth century. Enjoy the museum and a special weekend festival: the Old-Fashioned Coal Miner's Memorial Day Weekend Picnic and AACA Car Show will be taking place on Sunday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ready to eat? There are plenty of restaurants near the Jim Thorpe area. Find eateries close to the D&L Trail in Lehighton and Weissport, like the Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill or the The Gorge Eatery. Memorial Day is the kickoff of the summer, which means ice cream is a must. Choose your favorite from the selection of 28 flavors at Chantilly Goods, a vintage soda fountain and ice cream parlor.

Evening:

As the sun sets, soak in the quaint downtown vibes of historic Jim Thorpe. Want to be able to call one of the beautiful Victorian buildings home for the night? Book a stay at retreats like The Owl House, The Gilded Cupid B&B, or Rosemary Remembrances II Guest Lodging.

Monday: Discover Fresh Food and Fresh Air around Lake Wallenpaupack and Wayne County

Morning:

Treat yourself to a delicious farm to table breakfast or brunch. Local restaurants like French Manor Inn & Spa and TREE Restaurant and Bar have adopted the culinary movement and are sourcing local and organic ingredients to craft unforgettable signature dishes. The Settlers Inn will be offering their Memorial Day Brunch a la carte menu on Monday morning, or stop by Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery for some breakfast baked goods and coffee.

Afternoon:

Wayne County's pastoral fields are full of beautiful hiking trails that will give you a glimpse of local wildlife. Pay a visit to Lacawac Sanctuary, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy to enjoy communing with Mother Nature.

Don't let your time in the Poconos pass by without exploring the Pocono Beverage Trail! Download the free mobile passport to access discounts and earn prizes as you visit local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Second District Brew Farm will be celebrating their Opening Week over Memorial Day Weekend, and the scenic property will have fun happenings and a brand new food menu for the holiday.

Evening:

Spend one last night soaking in the rural beauty of the Poconos. Take advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend special offer at East Shore Lodging to save on your stay on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. Located on a private lake in Waymart, Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort has been welcoming guests and providing a space for families to make memories for almost 70 years.

Looking for even more Memorial Day itinerary ideas? Head to one of our festivals and events! Groove to free entertainment at Live Music Saturdays at the Milford Community House or celebrate Hometown Heroes at Camelback Mountain. Mount Airy Casino Resort has an exciting line-up of Memorial Day events for adults like the Mount Airy Summer Kick Off Party and Mount Airy at Night. From the BL-2 and BBQ Train with The Stourbridge Line on Saturday to the Memorial Day Vendor & Food Truck Festival at Mountain View Vineyard Winery on Sunday, don't miss these exciting holiday weekend happenings in the Poconos.

Mix and match these activities to create your own weekend adventure. Take advantage of special offers on accommodations and find a place to stay to maximize your time in the area. Be sure to check out incredible local dining and shopping during your trip!

As you enjoy the great outdoors, don't forget what the weekend is all about: honoring those who have served our great nation. Happy Memorial Day from the Pocono Mountains!