Northumberland: River Landscapes and Regional History

At Packers Island, the view opens directly onto the Susquehanna River: the Marina Section of Shikellamy State Park covers 50 acres and is located at the tip of the island in Northumberland County. River landscapes and different chapters of regional history give a trip to Northumberland several possible focal points.

River Landscapes and Outdoor Trails

The Marina Section has two boat launches, paved paths, and direct views of the Susquehanna River. The Point Sitting Area at Shikellamy Marina offers scenic views of Lake Augusta and the river. Kury Point is an overlook at the southern tip of Packers Island. Shikellamy State Park also has areas for hiking, picnicking, and cycling.

Shikellamy State Park is open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset; day-use areas close at dusk, though individual facilities may have different hours. The Marina Section has more than 90 parking spaces for vehicles with boat trailers and 750 spaces for individual vehicles. Check current information about parking and boating facilities before your visit.

Lake Augusta is a seasonal lake covering 3,060 acres, created by an inflatable dam. The inflatable dam is located two miles downstream from Shikellamy State Park. When the dam is fully inflated, the lake offers four miles of unobstructed boating; water levels are seasonal.

Milton State Park is an 82-acre island in the West Branch Susquehanna River between the boroughs of Milton and West Milton. Its southern half is wooded and used for hiking and nature observation. The reservoirs in the Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest offer a different combination of trail and water: an eight-mile shared-use trail passes through quiet valleys, by reservoirs, and through forest landscapes.

Boating with electric motors and non-motorized boats is permitted on McWilliams’ Reservoir and Kline’s Reservoir in the Roaring Creek Tract. The reservoirs cover 184 and 31 acres, respectively; check current regulations before launching. In southeastern Northumberland County, near Coal Township, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area is a family-friendly facility for motorized and non-motorized recreation across about 7,500 acres of leased coal lands. A free, publicly accessible 3.1-mile hiking trail with fitness stations and overlooks is open year-round.

History from the Fort to City Tours

Northumberland County’s historic transportation routes evolved from Indigenous trade routes to bridle paths and roads, then canals and railroads. The Susquehanna Division of the Pennsylvania Canal ran 39 miles along the west side of the river to the bridge abutment at Northumberland. This sequence gives the region’s transportation history a long historical framework.

From the French and Indian War through the end of the American Revolution, Fort Augusta was Pennsylvania’s stronghold in the upper Susquehanna Valley. During the American Revolutionary War, the fort served as the headquarters of American forces in the valley. At the site, visitors can view the scale model in daylight from the observation platform; the original well and powder magazine from the 1750s have also been preserved.

The Hunter House Museum displays archaeological finds from excavations at the site, including material from the Moravian Blacksmith Shop of 1743, as well as artifacts from Native Americans and Fort Augusta. Those interested in family and local history can find old newspapers, tax records on DVD, and genealogical reference books at the Charlotte Darrah Walter Library.

The Joseph Priestley House, with its mansion and laboratory, is both a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The grounds include the Joseph Priestley Timeline in the nearby Pond Building; panels show different periods of Priestley’s life. The 2026 tour season runs from March 8 to November 15. Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.; appointments are available by prior arrangement. As seasonal hours may change, check the schedule before your visit.

Buildings themselves also tell stories of changing uses: the original section of the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library was built between 1814 and 1828 as a two-story residence and served as the Cross Keys Inn from 1829 to 1864. The Northumberland Historic District is notable for its collection of early Federal-style homes and its association with Joseph Priestley.

In Shamokin, the Mural Tour leads to murals by local artists celebrating the city’s history and cultural heritage. One mural in Shamokin explores the history of the anthracite region, including historic coal mining and the so-called bootleg coal industry. The Thomas Edison Illuminated Walking Tour follows the route of Edison’s demonstration of electric lighting through Shamokin in September 1883. St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church was the first church to be illuminated with Edison’s three-wire incandescent lighting system. The Shamokin Monument Tour is a 1.77-mile walking route connecting the JFK Memorial with the 80-foot-tall Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

In Sunbury, the historic district includes buildings that represent important architectural styles dating back to 1772. The self-guided tour starts at the corner of Market Street and Second Street; parking is available nearby. Allow about one hour and 15 minutes.

Plan Your Trip and Hotel Location

When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what your trip will focus on: the river and boating activities, hiking trails, or historic sites. A specific starting point is given for a self-guided tour such as the one in Sunbury. So compare hotel addresses with the places and tour starting points actually on your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Sunbury, Ralpho, York, Dauphin, Indiana County, Bradford County, Montour County, Allegheny.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.