Best Things to do in Boyertown, PA!
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Boyertown, Pennsylvania is a hidden gem in the heart of Pennsylvania!
With historic charm, local shops, a revitalized railroad depot and one of the best World War II museums in the country, Boyertown, PA makes a great weekend getaway for couples, families or friends.
Boyertown, Pennsylvania is a small town near Reading, halfway between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Its location in central Pennsylvania makes it a great weekend getaway from Virginia, Maryland and New York. It’s also a great place to stop on a trek north or south, east or west!
Read More: Family Fun in the Lehigh Valley
I was truly surprised by the variety of things to do in Boyertown, PA for adults, kids and teens. It really is a hidden gem in the heart of Pennsylvania.
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Top things to do in Boyertown, PA
Boyertown, PA offers a lot for a town of 5,000 people. That small size contributes to its charm, too.
Colebrookdale Railroad
The Colebrookdale Railroad is, perhaps, the best known attraction in Boyertown.
This railroad depot and trains are being preserved and developed by the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust to protect the important historic, cultural and historic heritage of the Schuylkill region and birth place of the American iron industry.
The depot and trains have been restored or rebuilt to reflect the heyday of the railroad era in the United States, from 1880-1920.
Careful attention to historic accuracy is evident from the finished interiors of the train cars to the antique bricks, rescued from Pittsburgh demolition projects, used for walkways to the passenger train cars restored to their original splendor.
Guests can enjoy the parklike setting at the depot, get a scoop of ice cream at the Colebrookdale Creamery or take an out and back train excursion on the Colebrookdale Railroad.
Address: Colebrookdale Railroad is located at 64 S Washington St, Boyertown, PA 19512.
Hours: Vary depending on what you plan to do.
Cost: Advance purchase tickets for train rides are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED as they sell out early and quick!
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
I don’t know about you, but old cars always bring out the kid in me! The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, which also has old bikes, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and some replica businesses, just makes you smile.
This museum is suitable for all ages.
The museum’s many vehicles and other transportation related artifacts are lovingly preserved and maintained my a mostly volunteer staff.
The museum is bright and open, laid out well to see everything.
And, volunteers are on hand to answer questions or take photos of you posing with your dream car!
Address: The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is located at 85 South Walnut St, Boyertown, PA 19512.
Hours: Open 9:30-4:00 daily (except holidays).
Cost: Adult admission (ages over 12) is only $10. Kids 12 and under are free! No advance reservations are needed.
PRO TIP! Don’t miss the upstairs exhibit, dedicated to the region’s early history as expert carriage makers.
Gen. Carl Spaatz National Army Air Forces Museum
In all of Boyertown, this is my absolute favorite attraction.
GEESH! That’s an understatement. If you are traveling with teens and tweens, the Gen. Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum is one they won’t complain about visiting! Seriously!
The Spaatz Museum is a World War II museum, predominantly from the perspective of Gen. Carl Spaatz, a Boyertown native. You’ll learn the major life events that shaped the man — and leader — he became, right up through his impact on WWII.
Why would teens like that, you ask? Good question!
This is not a look but don’t touch museum.
Rather, it’s the most interactive, experiential museum I’ve ever been to. From the first exhibit, the museum draws you into the life of Carl Spaatz, with hands on exhibits and interactive experiences.
I was absolutely enthralled from start to finish.
You don’t wander through…. you live it.
I don’t want to ruin the experience by telling you what happens, but I am confident that you’ll learn more than you thought possible in just a couple of hours. It’s unique — and uniquely wonderful.
The museum does have other exhibits, as well, honoring each branch of the military honoring their service and commitment to our country.
Address: 10 General Carl Spaatz Ave, Boyertown, PA
Hours:
- General admission (self-guided museum tour) Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Interactive tours (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) scheduled at time of ticket purchase. Use this link.
- Escape room experience, Friday and Saturday only at 3:00 p.m.
Cost:
- General admission tickets are $10 each.
- Interactive tours and the escape room experience are $25 each.
I can’t say strongly enough how incredible the interactive experience at the Gen. Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum is. It’s something that will stick with you, young or old!
Glass Art Class at the Taylor Backes Glass Art Institute
I have gotten to make glass art a couple of different places through the years. And, each time I make a piece, I am both proud and amazed that “I did that.”
For a couple’s or friend’s getaway, the Taylor Backes Glass Art Institute offers private one hour classes to make your own art. They walk you through selecting your piece, the colors and the techniques to help you learn about glass art. And how cool to have a one-of-a-kind souvenir?
Classes are scheduled individually through a form on their website, so advance planning is needed.
Things to do in Boyertown, PA especially for kids!
When planning your visit to Boyertown, Pennsylvania, look for these family friendly activities in addition to all the attractions already shared.
Read More: Budget friendly getaways for families
Colebrookdale Railroad kid themed rides
Colebrookdale Railroad themed rides that will appeal to kids such as the Sunday Sundaes Adventure, Twas the Night Before Christmas ride, Santa’s Polar Bear Express ride, or the Cider and Donuts ride.
They also offer a sensory friendly adventure with a quiet car and other special accommodations that lasts about 90 minutes.
Boyertown Park
Boyertown Community Park has an inclusive playground, picnic pavilions, walking trail, disc golf course and welcomes dogs!
The park hosts community activities and special events throughout the year.
With wide open space, kids can run and play or challenge parents to a round of disc golf.
Address: Madison Street and Englesville Road.
Boyertown Bear Fever
Boyertown’s bears might be one of the most fun ways to explore Boyertown with the kids.
Begun in 2003, more than 30 lifesized bears welcome you to downtown Boyertown and beyond. When visiting downtown, take time to admire the art on each of the bears and the attention to detail!
Here are just a few of the bears. Which one is your favorite?
They’re lots of fun!
Boyertown State Theater
Like many small towns, the Boyertown theater is located in a historic building — and it’s run by a non-profit!
Ticket prices are lower than the big theaters we’ve gotten used to, currently $8 for adults and $6 for kids. And, they have a bar menu and decently priced snacks!
During the summer months, the theater offers Summer Special Movies for families — with snack specials, too!
Address: 61 N. Reading Ave., Boyertown, PA
Tickets: Purchase tickets at the window or online. Check the website for current shows, times and ticket prices.
The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor
No trip to Boyertown would be complete without stepping back in time at the Peppermint Stick Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor.
I write about the shop with a smile on my face. Friendly staff, a pinball machine and the delightful decor combine for the perfect nostalgic experience — think Happy Days!
Stop in at the old time soda fountain to enjoy a sundae, shake or a soda fountain special like the chocolate egg cream. Keeping to Boyertown tradition, they even offer cub sundaes — served in a bear cub waffle cone bowl!
The candy store offers open bin “penny candy,” though the cheapest is a nickel, nostalgic candies and today’s favorites.
Enjoy a sweet treat after “bear hunting” downtown and grab some snacks for the trip back home.
When visiting the region — Berks County, Reading, Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Bethlehem — take a day trip to Boyertown to enjoy your favorites. Or, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway within a few hours of Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Charlottesville, Richmond or Baltimore, Boyertown might just be the perfect place to go.
The old fashioned charm of the Colebrookdale Railroad, the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, the Spaatz Museum, the Peppermint Stick Candy Store and the Boyertown State Theater combined with the adorable bears and friendly residents make this a great choice for a relaxing getaway.