Honesdale, PA

A rich sense of community makes this downtown as welcoming as it is wonderful. From fine art and architecture to stunning hillside scenes, there’s so much to admire in Honesdale!

Known as the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” Honesdale welcomed the first steam locomotive to run on US commercial tracks in 1829. The town still takes to the tracks today, with old-time charm and modern amenities for visitors to discover.

About the Town

About the Town

Local museums preserving pieces of Honesdale’s past sit side-by-side with exciting markets, eateries, breweries and boutiques downtown. Experience this eclectic mix of old and new while discovering things to do in Honesdale. Read our blog for road trip ideas and itineraries in Honesdale and Wayne County.

Live Camera

Live Camera:

Take in the view right now over the town of Honesdale. You can also view all our live cameras.

Accommodations

Accommodations:

Stay close to the action downtown or get away from it all at a hillside retreat! Honesdale is home to a variety of accommodations that allow you to pick your ideal vacation pace.

Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventure:

Recreation opportunities abound in Honesdale. Visit nearby Prompton State Park, hike up to Irving Cliff for a charming view of the town below, or book water rentals and guided trips with Northeast Wilderness Experience. Enjoy your fill of hiking, biking, boating, rafting, fishing, bird-watching and other fresh air fun. Learn more about outdoor adventure throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Family Fun

Family Fun:

There are many ways to enjoy a family day in Honesdale. Spend some time in the great outdoors or visit a museum like the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum. Honesdale hosts a variety of family-friendly events each year, including the Wayne County Fair, music festivals, fireworks, and train rides. Speaking of the train, The Stourbridge Line has trips year-round, with festive holiday and seasonal excursions for everyone to enjoy. Learn more about family fun throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Shopping

Shopping:

Honesdale is filled with lovely local shops perfect for finding souvenirs for yourself or gifts for others. See what speaks to you in the windows of Gather, Maude & Main or Wallflower. Attend an artisan market or community event at The Cooperage Project or discover incubator business spaces at The Stourbridge Project. Learn more about shopping throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Dining

Dining:

Whether getting breakfast and coffee at Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff or ordering tapas with your beer at Here & Now Brewing Company, Honesdale is home to a range of delicious dining destinations. Grab a quick bite during a day or unwind and dine at a family restaurant.

Winter Fun

Winter Fun:

Honesdale truly is a Winter Wonderland. In fact, the town’s snowy scenery was the inspiration for the popular holiday tune of the same name written by Honesdale native Dick Smith. When the weather turns cold, snowsports like sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular pastimes. The Lackawaxen River is a top destination for eagle watching, which peaks in January and February. Learn more about ski and snow activities throughout the Pocono Mountains.

History

History:

Initially known as Dyberry Forks, Honesdale was founded in the early 1800s and became the headquarters of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. An engineering feat of its time, the 108-mile canal transported coal from the hills of northeastern Pennsylvania to New York City, but water wasn't the only element in this transportation network. In the 1820s, the "Stourbridge Lion" made its way from Great Britain to Honesdale, becoming the first commercial steam locomotive to make a run in the United States. Watch the Poconos Perspectives episode below to learn more about Honesdale's past.

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