Parks and Recreation

Nestled where the north branch of the Susquehanna River meets the west branch, is our quaint borough. Once the hub of the Pennsylvania Canal the Borough of Northumberland is full of appealing architecture, striking green space, rich history, and a feeling of home. It was also a major Pennsylvania Railroad center. The North Shore Railroad, which is in the Borough of Northumberland, is still operational today.

Take a walk around the borough and you will find lush landscaping throughout King Street and Pineknotter Parks. The downtown exhibits small-town charm with its historic post office, various shops, restaurants, and even a brew pub.

The Priestley House Museum is a national historic landmark, and national historic chemical landmark. Within its walls the timeless accomplishments of Joseph Priestley are displayed. In Joseph Priestley’s lab you will be able to sit in on a demonstration and lesson in chemistry. You can step back in time and explore Northumberland of the past at the Northumberland History Museum. Finish your history lesson with a walking tour featuring the architecture and historic homes, churches, and chapel within the Borough of Northumberland. If you get hungry and have not had your fill of history, Front Street Station is a railroad eatery built around an actual train car. If your feet are tired, but you’re not ready to eat, visit the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library. Or take a rest in Gretchen’s Memorial Garden located outside the Little House. Step inside the Little House to soak up the ambiance of the history of the Girls Scouts in Northumberland.

The residents of the Borough of Northumberland have a strong sense of community and family. Our fire departments and fire police are run by community volunteers serving the Borough of Northumberland. This can be experienced at any of our local events. Pineknotter Days is an annual festival full of food vendors, games, live music and even a ride on an antique fire truck. The annual Block Party features live music, activities for children and families, food trucks and adult beverages. During the warmer months of the year, live music is enjoyed on the gazebo in King Street Park. Kids can sharpen their entrepreneurial skills with a lemonade stand on Lemonade Day. If operating a lemonade stand isn’t your cup of tea - or lemonade - you can purchase lemonade from the various vendors, and participate in the games and activities. It has been proposed that The Borough of Northumberland become the headquarters for a 149-passenger paddleboat which will feature tours along the Susquehanna River.

The Borough of Northumberland is a quaint and peaceful place to visit. It is rural and not urban. It is full of small-town charm, rich in history and full of community. When you are in the Borough of Northumberland, it doesn’t matter who you are, you are home.