Originally settled by Quakers in the late 18th century, Quakertown is a suburban borough on the northern outskirts of Philadelphia. During the American Civil War, it housed the Liberty Bell overnight on its journey between Philadelphia and Allentown.
Things to do in Quakertown
Spend an afternoon wandering through the Quakertown Historic District, which preserves several buildings dating from the American Civil War. You can coincide your visit with the Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market, which has been taking place since 1932 and features more than 100 unique stalls. In addition to selling fresh produce, antiques and ready-to-eat foods, the market hosts family-friendly events.
A short drive east of Quakertown is Nockamixon State Park, which is one of the most popular recreational destinations in south-east Pennsylvania. It centres around a reservoir formed by the damming of Tohickon Creek and is an ideal destination for hiking and horseback riding. Anglers can try their luck at luring walleye, pickerel and carp while whitewater kayakers can tackle the artificial rapids. In winter, Lake Nockamixon freezes over and becomes an ice skating rink.
Connecting Quakertown to Coopersburg is the Upper Bucks Rail Trail, which follows the route of a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority rail corridor. It forms part of the large Circuit Trails network and links to the Saucon Rail Trail, with hikers, joggers and cyclers all welcome. The route also takes in Veterans Park, where you’ll find sporting fields, a children’s playground and a picnic pavilion.
Getting around Quakertown
Quakertown is around an hour’s drive from the centre of Philadelphia and Philadelphia International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Regular buses connect from Philadelphia to Quakertown and local services travel throughout the borough.