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<\/p>\nAll the content on this site is created 100% by a human who has actually visited all these places. You can trust it’s first-hand information and never AI generated or assisted.<\/p>\n
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Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Berks County often gets a bit overlooked by popular nearby destinations like Lancaster<\/a>, Hershey<\/a>, and the Lehigh Valley<\/a>. However, there are many things to do in Berks County, PA, that are worth taking the time to see.<\/p>\n Berks County is home to one of Pennsylvania\u2019s largest cities, Reading (pronounced \u201cRedding\u201d) as well as many small communities that offer a lot of history and natural beauty. The county is in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country region<\/a>, but also offers a taste of the Philly suburbs and the Lehigh Valley, really adding a lot of nice variety to the area.<\/p>\n So, whether you are looking for something fun to do in the countryside or the best things to do in Reading, PA, here are a few of my personal favorite things based on my many trips to the area.<\/p>\n Reading Pagoda There might be no attraction in Reading that is more visible yet unexpected as the Reading Pagoda<\/a>.<\/p>\n Perched high atop Mount Penn, the Pagoda can be seen from just about everywhere in the city, and I\u2019m sure has elicited many surprised exclamations over the years.<\/p>\n The Pagoda was built in the early 20th century to resemble an authentic Japanese pagoda. It was originally supposed to be a focal point of a mountaintop resort, but the rest of the plans fell through and only this impressive pagoda was built.<\/p>\n Visitors can drive right up to this amazing spot and enjoy closer views of the Pagoda and amazing views of downtown Reading. The interior contains a museum, gift shop, and viewing area, and is open seasonally on the weekend.<\/p>\n Nolde Forest If you\u2019re looking for things to do near Reading, PA, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center<\/a> is a great choice.<\/p>\n This 600-acre state park offers 10 miles of hiking trails through some of the most beautiful woodlands in the region. The trails here are fairly easy, which makes this a great spot for families to visit.<\/p>\n In addition to the great hiking opportunities, the park also features some historical spots and many educational opportunities.<\/p>\n Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Located in northern Berks County, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary<\/a> is a great spot to view birds and to go for a hike.<\/p>\n This privately-owned sanctuary features nearly 10 miles of hiking trails that lead to several incredible vistas. This is also a popular spot for viewing birds of prey, especially during the fall migration, when hundreds can be spotted in a single day.<\/p>\n However, even if you can\u2019t visit in the fall to see the migration, this is still a great hiking destination for those that love scenic overlooks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Daniel Boone Homestead Did you know that frontiersman Daniel Boone was born in Berks County? While most of his childhood home no longer exists, you can see still the remnants of its foundation and learn more about his life in Pennsylvania at the Daniel Boone Homestead<\/a>.<\/p>\n The current home on the property was expanded several times over the years and offers a great look at what life was like in this part of Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is also a small museum and several other buildings that do a great job offering insight into Boone and early American history.<\/p>\n Goggle Works If you are looking for things to do in Reading, Goggle Works<\/a> is a great option in the heart of the city\u2019s downtown.<\/p>\n This former factory had a 130-year history making everything from optical lenses to bras and goggles. It closed in 2002 and was reimagined in recent years as an art gallery, studio space, and teaching space.<\/p>\n Visitors can tour the galleries filled with work by local artists and even pop into artist studios and see what creations are being made.<\/p>\n General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum General Carl Spaatz, one of the most important leaders during World War 2, grew up in Boyertown, so it makes sense that there is a museum<\/a> dedicated to him in town. However, this museum goes far beyond honoring him and also focuses on the war in general and other locals that fought in it.<\/p>\n Visits here include some cool electronic exhibits and many fabulous static displays. Plus, there is also a very unique escape room that is themed as if you are a World War 2 POW.<\/p>\n Covered Bridges Spread throughout the county, you\u2019ll find five historic covered bridges<\/a>. And if you love history, a covered bridge driving tour is one of my favorite things to do in Berks County.<\/p>\n Four of these five bridges are located north and east of Reading while the fifth is located just west of downtown. Whether you visit all of them in a road trip or just check off one or two while on your way to other destinations, these bridges are great additions to your itinerary.<\/p>\n Even better, many of these bridges feature unique faces that are different from the other 200 historic covered bridges in Pennsylvania<\/a>.<\/p>\n Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village While many of the attractions on this list can be experienced throughout most of the year, Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village<\/a> is only open for two months during the holiday season. However, since this is one of the best Christmas attractions in Pennsylvania<\/a>, I thought it was well worth including on this list.<\/p>\n Started in 1948, Koziar\u2019s grew from a small household set up to one of the largest light displays in Pennsylvania. In fact, there are more than a million lights illuminate on this working farm.<\/p>\n A walking path is set up to take visitors past the many displays and attractions here.<\/p>\n Reading Railroad Heritage Museum If you\u2019ve ever played Monopoly, you are no doubt familiar with the famous Reading Railroad, which took its name from the city (as well as Reading Terminal Market in Philly<\/a>).<\/p>\n The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum<\/a> is located just off of I-78 in northern Berks County and helps to maintain the history of this famous railroad. They are continuing to work on expanding their collection and displays but offer a great look back at this historic railroad with many railcars and engines, as well as memorabilia from the railroad.<\/p>\n Neversink Mountain<\/a> is located on the edge of the city and is perfect for those looking for outdoor things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n This area features several miles of hiking trails crisscrossing the 900-acre preserve. The hikes here range from easy to difficult, meaning there\u2019s a bit of something for everyone.<\/p>\n The most popular destinations here are the City Overlook and the Witches Hat, both of which offer great views.<\/p>\n Graffiti Bridge Located on the northwestern side of Ontelaunee Lake, you\u2019ll find an abandoned three-quarter-mile stretch of abandoned roadway with a very cool 400-foot bridge known as the Graffiti Bridge<\/a>.<\/p>\n Closed to vehicles since the 90s, this bridge and the adjacent roadway have become a haven for both fishermen and artists looking to leave their mark. Take a stroll down this unique spot enjoying some of the great art found here.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve also been told that this is a great fishing spot and everyone else there when I visited were fishing from the bridge, so you might want to bring your gear with you as well.<\/p>\n Mid-Atlantic Air Museum If you love aviation, you won\u2019t want to miss the incredible Mid-Atlantic Air Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n Located at the local airport, this museum features an impressive collection of vintage military airplanes. The majority of these planes are from World War 2, though the pieces on display span 100 years of aviation history.<\/p>\n In addition to taking a tour of their impressive collection, you can also sign up to take a flight over Berks County in a historic aircraft.<\/p>\n Blue Marsh Lake<\/p>\n Blue Marsh Lake<\/a> is a beautiful public space in Berks County<\/a>. It is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and is not a state park, but is still a great spot for those looking for outdoor activities.<\/p>\n The lake offers both residents and visitors to the county a great place to go swimming, fishing, or boating. There\u2019s even a beach to relax on.<\/p>\n On land, you can enjoy over 30 miles of hiking trails around the lake.<\/p>\n Berks County Heritage Center The Berks County Heritage Center<\/a> is located in the middle of Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park and offers a chance to learn more about the history of the Reading area.<\/p>\n The center is actually a complex of several different museums covering a variety of aspects related to the county\u2019s history. If you love history, you are sure to enjoy this spot.<\/p>\n While in the park, take time to walk its trails or visit Wertz\u2019s Covered Bridge.<\/p>\n Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles Antique automobile fans will want to head to eastern Berks County to explore the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles<\/a>.<\/p>\n For over 100 years, the museum\u2019s building manufactured carriage and automobile bodies for a variety of cars. Today, their collection consists primarily of cars with a connection to southeastern Pennsylvania. In fact, some of the cars on display were built in the space decades prior.<\/p>\n This museum definitely offers an incredible look at the region\u2019s transportation history.<\/p>\n Reading Fightin Phils and the Reading Royals<\/p>\n Whether you are looking for things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania in the summer or the winter, the city has professional sports to keep you busy.<\/p>\n In the summertime, the Reading Fightin Phils<\/a> play at FirstEnergy Stadium. They are the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, so it\u2019s a great chance to catch a game for a great price and see some of tomorrow\u2019s stars.<\/p>\n In the winter, the Reading Royals<\/a>, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, play at Santander Arena in downtown Reading.<\/p>\n Crystal Cave Located near Kutztown, Crystal Cave<\/a> was the first show cave in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Tours are offered seasonally and take visitors into this beautiful underground world. The cave is known as Crystal Cave because of the crystalline formations that line the walls of the cave.<\/p>\n Throughout the tour, guides point out interesting formations and offer a wealth of history about the cave.<\/p>\n Reading Public Museum There are many small museums throughout Pennsylvania, but few have impressed me as much as the Reading Public Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n Founded in 1907, this museum features an impressive collection of historic, anthropological, and scientific displays. Here, you can see everything from Egyptian mummies and a shrunken head to amazing paintings and geology exhibits. There\u2019s even a planetarium.<\/p>\n No matter your interest, this is definitely a great museum to check out if you are looking for the best things to do in Reading, PA.<\/p>\n Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center<\/p>\n Like most of eastern Pennsylvania, Berks County is known for its German heritage, and there is nowhere better to learn about this history than at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n Located on the campus of Kutztown University, this open-air folk museum offers the chance to learn more about this unique culture, including information on Pennsylvania Dutch, a language still spoken by many Amish and Mennonites. There is a variety of buildings you can tour, as well as museum-like exhibits.<\/p>\n Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site<\/a> is a preserved iron furnace that offers a fascinating look into the history and importance of iron making in eastern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Hopewell Furnace operated for more than 100 years and, among other things, made weapons for the United States during both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It was also a stop on the Underground Railroad and offered equal pay for equal work to both women and minorities (something unheard of at the time).<\/p>\n This makes this spot not only an interesting historic destination but also a great place to learn about the region\u2019s culture and the fight for equal rights.<\/p>\n While there, make sure to hike the area\u2019s many trails, some of which contact into the larger French Creek State Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n Golden Age Air Museum While there are several antique airplane museums in Pennsylvania that focus on aviation from World War 2, the Golden Age Air Museum<\/a> is unique in that its primary focus is on planes from World War 1 and the interwar period.\u00a0<\/p>\n This gives them an interesting collection of original and replica planes, including several bi-wing and tri-wing airplanes, though they do have a few more modern aircraft as well.<\/p>\n And, if you\u2019ve always wanted to fly in a bi-wing, plane, they offer flights throughout the year.<\/p>\n Do you have any favorite things to do in Reading, PA that we didn\u2019t include on this list? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n Looking for more nearby places to visit? Check out the best things to do in Allentown<\/a>, our favorite things to do in Gettysburg<\/a>, and the best things to do in Bucks County<\/a>.<\/p>\n \nDisclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something at no additional cost to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"All the content on this site is created 100% by a human who has actually visited all these…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":213657,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[349,736,128,130,129],"class_list":["post-213656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-reading","tag-berks-county","tag-reading","tag-reading-city","tag-reading-city-headlines","tag-reading-city-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=213656"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213656\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/213657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=213656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=213656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-Pagoda-0139-600x430.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-Pagoda-0139-600x430.jpg\")
<\/a>The Reading Pagoda is especially beautiful at sunset.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Hiking](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nolde-Forest-7F0A0266-455x600.jpg\"\/)
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<\/a>Hiking through Nolde Forest.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Hawk-Mountain-Sanctuary-6171-600x400.jpg\"\/)
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Hawk-Mountain-Sanctuary-6171-600x400.jpg\")
There are multiple vistas along the Lookout Trail to stop and enjoy.<\/p>\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Daniel-Boone-Homestead-9941.jpg\"\/)
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<\/a>The Daniel Boone Homestead preserves the birthplace of this famous frontiersman.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Goggle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Goggle-Works-Reading-0224-600x400.jpg\"\/)
![\"Goggle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Goggle-Works-Reading-0224-600x400.jpg\")
Goggle Works is an old factory that\u2019s now a hub for art in downtown Reading.<\/p>\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Spaatz-Museum-1-600x450.jpg\")
The General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum offers a great look into the story of World War 2.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Kurtz's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kutzs-Mill-Covered-BridgeIMG_3759-600x429.jpg\"\/)
![\"Kurtz's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kutzs-Mill-Covered-BridgeIMG_3759-600x429.jpg\")
<\/a>Kurtz\u2019s Mill Covered Bridge is one of five historic covered bridges in Berks County.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Koziar's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Koziars-Christmas-Village-0509.jpg\"\/)
![\"Koziar's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Koziars-Christmas-Village-0509.jpg\")
<\/a>Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village is a must-visit attraction during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Train](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-Railroad-Museum-5300-600x400.jpg\"\/)
![\"Train](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-Railroad-Museum-5300-600x400.jpg\")
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum offers a fantastic look into this important aspect of Berks County history.<\/p>\n![\"Reading](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-PA-TShirt.jpg\"\/)
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<\/a>
\nNeversink Mountain<\/p>\n
\n![\"Looking](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Graffiti-Bridge-Berks-County-9785-600x400.jpg\"\/)
![\"Looking](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Graffiti-Bridge-Berks-County-9785-600x400.jpg\")
Graffiti Bridge is such a cool spot to visit.<\/p>\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mid-Atlantic-Air-Museum-Boeing-Stearman-N2S-1-IMG_0154.jpg\"\/)
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mid-Atlantic-Air-Museum-Boeing-Stearman-N2S-1-IMG_0154.jpg\")
If you love vintage aircraft, don\u2019t miss the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Distlefink](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Berks-County-Heritage-Center-600x450.jpg\"\/)
![\"Distlefink](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Berks-County-Heritage-Center-600x450.jpg\")
Learn more about the history of Reading at the Berks County Heritage Center.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Visiting](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Boyertown-Museum-cars.jpg\"\/)
![\"Visiting](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Boyertown-Museum-cars.jpg\")
Antique automobiles on display at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Crystal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Inside-Crystal-Cavern.jpg\"\/)
![\"Crystal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Inside-Crystal-Cavern.jpg\")
Head underground into the beautiful Crystal Cave.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Reading](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-Public-Museum-armor-IMG_0214.jpg\"\/)
![\"Reading](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Reading-Public-Museum-armor-IMG_0214.jpg\")
The Reading Public Museum features a wide range of items covering many different subjects.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Hopewell](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Visiting-Hopewell-Furance-National-Historic-Site.jpg\"\/)
![\"Hopewell](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Visiting-Hopewell-Furance-National-Historic-Site.jpg\")
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site offers a great look into the history and culture of eastern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Golden-Age-Air-Museum-0092-600x400.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Golden-Age-Air-Museum-0092-600x400.jpg\")
The Golden Age Air Museum offers a fantastic look into pre-World War 2 aviation.<\/p>\n