Situated along the Juniata River, Lewistown, Pennsylvania is a small city with a rich history.
It is known for its Civil War heritage, being home to the Logan Guards, one of the first US troops to answer President Abraham Lincoln’s call.
There is also an abundance of nature in the area, with numerous parks and green spaces enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Lewistown also has a bustling entrepreneurial landscape, from coffee shops and bakeries to wineries and breweries offering small-batch bottled wines and spirits.
Are you ready to explore this city?
Here are the best things to do in Lewistown, Pennsylvania:
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Located along Jack’s Creek is the Old Stone Arch Bridge, considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the United States.
Constructed in 1813, the bridge was built by Philip Diehl as part of the historic Harrisburg and Pittsburgh turnpike.
The bridge has been meticulously preserved over the years, and an adjacent park was built to honor its history as an important piece of infrastructure in Lewistown.
This attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Get a chance to be part of history and drop by the Old Stone Arch Bridge on your visit to Lewistown.
Located opposite the Juniata River is Hawstone Hollow Winery, a local winery specializing in small-batch handcrafted wines and spirits.
Owned by husband and wife Pat and Ali Naylor, Hawstone has served Lewistown locals for over a decade and won a few medals and Best of Show awards.
The inspiration for putting up the winery came from their own experiences of traveling and having relaxing experiences, wanting to recreate that same space and atmosphere for Lewistown locals.
The winery offers unique fruity blends with flavors including watermelon, strawberry, Hawstone peach, and cran-grape.
Hawstone Hollow Winery has a few mead varieties and classic wine brews such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, and Zinfandel.
You can have a flight of flavors in their winery tasting room to sample the mixes you like the best.
Right along Derry Park Drive is Kish Park, a nice open space for Lewistown locals beside the Kishacoquillas Creek.
Formerly called Derry Township Community Park, its name was changed to Kishacoquillas (Kish) Park to honor its long heritage and history in Mifflin County.
The park is the perfect place for nearby residents and visitors to spend a beautiful, relaxing time outdoors.
There are over nine large picnic pavilions for visitors to use, especially for family get-togethers and small gatherings.
Along with a playground for little kids, there is also an adjacent mini-golf course, a mile-long walking trail, and a small dog park for you to bring your furry friends to.
Kish Park is a simple but excellent place to relax and unwind when visiting Lewistown.
Are you looking for a simple but filling meal while roaming around the city?
Stop by South Side Hoagie Shop on Main Street to get your fix!
It’s a little shop with a humble menu, but the sandwiches pack a punch.
You can customize your own sandwich, including meats, cheese, and all the trimmings.
Alternatively, you can avail of their ready-made combinations, such as the grilled cheese or the Italian hoagie.
Pair your sub with a side of kettle-cooked Hartley’s potato chips or French fries fresh from the fryer.
They also have whoopie pies available in different flavors if you want a sweet treat to end your meal.
Eat like a local and get your delicious sandwich fill at South Side Hoagie Shop.
Located downtown along East Market Street is East End Coffee Co., a popular hangout for Lewistown locals looking for a fresh cup of joe.
East End was conceptualized as a place for Pennsylvanians to have a good cup of coffee and have a great time with their family and friends.
Order one of the multiple coffee combinations they have on the menu, including unique ones like the toasted coconut latte or the raspberry matcha latte.
If you’re a stickler for the classics, order an Americano or regular latte to get a taste of the fresh roast beans they use.
Have a side of sweets with your drink by ordering one of their many pastry selections; they also have a hefty menu containing savory items such as sandwiches and salads.
East End Coffee Co. also hosts community events happening in the city.
Pop by and catch one on your visit!
For those who love to try out local sports when traveling, Lewistown Lanes is a great place to stop by.
Located on West 4th Street, it’s a favorite destination for locals to bring out their bowling balls and show off their skills on the lanes.
Bring family and friends and play a round or two.
You definitely won’t feel the time pass by as you try to hit all your pins in one powerful throw.
If you get hungry after your game, they also sell small snacks and refreshments to fuel you up.
Have a great time playing at Lewistown Lanes!
First opened as the Roller’s Roost in 1980, the Carousel Skating Rink has evolved into the fun-filled skating destination it is today.
With their tagline being “Old school fun with a new school vibe,” you’ll feel like you’re transported back in time as everything about this place is a blast from the past.
Rent a pair of skating shoes and show off your skills on the rink, with flashing disco lights pumping and fast beats playing as you move around.
There is also a full-service arcade where you can hang out and play games if you want a little rest between your skating sets.
The Carousell Skating Rink also hosts little community events such as family fun nights for locals and visitors alike.
Come by to meet Lewistown residents and meet new friends while you skate and dance to the music.
Cool off and rest after your skating session by grabbing a quick bite from their in-house snack bar.
The Carousell Skating Rink is located along Union Avenue.
KATMAAN, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Originally built in 1927, the Embassy Theatre on South Main Street is Mifflin County’s most luxurious theater.
The structure serves as an ode to palace-style architecture, showcasing what was in style during the early 20th century.
Its front façade showcases Colonial Revival details, giving it its distinct old-world look.
The theater used to be the in-venue for vaudeville in the area and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Although no longer in operation, the Embassy Theatre is another architectural marvel worth visiting and admiring in Lewistown.
Lewistown also offers exciting nightlife, too!
Drop by The 717 Club n Pub if you want to go out and have a good time with friends.
Located along Park Place, this bar is a great place to grab a bite to eat and order a beer or two to enjoy it with.
They also have a great selection of cocktails made by their bartenders, with some having little themes, such as the Shark Bite cocktail for Shark Week.
Try that out as well as their other cool drink combinations like Strawberry Bomb Pop shots or the Caribbean rum punch.
Dance and drink the night away as you sip on your drink and have a great time at The 717 Club n Pub!
Rec Park is located along the Kishacoquillas Creek and is a marvelous place for outdoor recreation in Lewistown.
The park is adjacent to the Lewistown Community Center, a popular event and community hangout.
It also has a swimming pool for public access, great for those looking to cool off when visiting in the hot summer months.
There are also baseball and football fields for those who want to sweat it out and play some sports with family and friends.
If you want to stay active, there is also a mile-long walking and running path for you to take advantage of.
It’s a great place to get some fresh air and your heart pumping as you run through the park greens.
With its ideal location right next to the creek, you can also bring your equipment and set up your spot to fish in the waters.
Rec Park is a great place for people of all ages to come and enjoy.
Located right in front of the Juniata River is Victory Park, a small but significant green space in Lewistown.
The park is home to the Veteran’s Mural, honoring the service of the American military.
It is actively preserved by local volunteers and is a great little spot to see different bits and pieces of history and sacrifices from these countrymen.
With its ideal location near the water, the park also provides a small dock for boat launches and access to the Juniata River from the shore.
You can use your boats to explore the entirety of the river stream or set up near the dock to reel in your fishing lines.
Victory Park also comprises the S.H. Rothermel Trail, named after local entrepreneur Stanley Rothermel.
He helped empower small businesses to set up shop in the city.
Open since 1983, The Bierhaus is a great place to sample some of Lewistown’s best brews.
Located along the US 522 South, the bar is a favorite late-night haunt in the area, perfect for stopping by and having a few beers.
The interiors make you feel right at home in this small, old-school pub, decked floor to ceiling with vintage decor, bottles of liquor, and some on-theme restaurant merch.
Every day is a theme day, from Margarita Mondays and Tic Tac Tuesdays up to Slammin’ Sundays.
You always get a fun surprise every day of the week.
The Bierhaus also has a great tap selection ranging from local to regional beers and IPAs to darker brews.
Grab a pint or two and a side of beer chow like chicken wings and French fries.
Open in Lewistown since 1995, Downtown OIP & Grille serves some of the yummiest Italian fare in town.
A proudly family-owned business, the restaurant is also strongly connected with the community, being involved in a lot of activities from youth sports, high school activities, cultural events, and more.
People come for the warm hospitality and community, but they definitely stay for the food.
Order some classic Italian favorites, such as their selection of strombolis and calzones, and check out their make-your-own-pizza corner.
You can choose from the dozens of toppings they offer and have pies up to 16 inches in diameter.
They also have a wide sandwich selection ranging from hot and grilled sandwiches to some hearty main dishes.
Of course, you can’t forget the pasta!
Try their classic lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs.
Leave with your tummy full and your spirit happy after your visit to Downtown OIP and Grille!
Located downtown along West Market Street is the Coleman House, an important piece of architecture still standing in Lewistown.
Dating back to the 1870s, the structure was the former site of the Red Lion Inn.
The site is important as it was the venue where President Abraham Lincoln called to arms US troops to prep for battle in the Civil War.
Currently, the Coleman House is owned by the Mifflin County Housing Authority, and the inside is not open to the public.
Marvel at this beautifully preserved piece of architecture as you walk the streets of downtown Lewistown.
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About a 20-minute drive up to Brown Township is Jack’s Mountain, showcasing Pennsylvania’s beautiful rocky mountains with an elevation of over 2,000 feet.
This area is home to the more rugged and steeper mountains in the state, as it is the main range of the Appalachians.
Located between Lewistown and nearby Huntingdon, this mountain is home to the Thousand Steps, an advanced hiking trail that is not for the faint of heart.
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The steps were once used as a means of transportation for miners going up and down to work in the mines.
That was definitely a workout for a daily commute!
The hike up the peak is challenging but is worth it when you see the beautiful views as you come up top, showcasing the best of Pennsylvania’s nature.
A small city with a rich history, Lewistown is an exciting destination for any traveler.
Explore the city and learn about American Civil War history, beautiful old-school architecture, and the area’s cultural heritage.
Not only that—you’ll also get to experience beautiful Pennsylvanian nature through the city’s green spaces, adjacent waterways, and nearby vistas.
Add this destination to your bucket list and bookmark this list of the best things to do in Lewistown, Pennsylvania!
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