Have you visited the Berks County Heritage Center? It’s a gem just minutes away from the city. Located right above Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center at 1102 Red Bridge Road, this site has plenty to do and see! It’s the perfect place for a day out with the family.
The Berks County Heritage Center is the home to several historic buildings that tell the story of Berks County’s past. Take a guided tour of the Gruber Wagon Works, a National Historic Landmark, and learn how the Gruber family made wagons for almost 100 years. The building is still full of all the tools of the trade!
Walk over Wertz’s Covered Bridge, one of Berks County’s five remaining covered bridges.
Check out the C. Howard Hiester Canal Museum (donation requested, self-led tour) and learn how goods were moved down to Philadelphia during the turn-of-the century.
After you’ve learned more about history, take a walk or bicycle on the Union Canal Trail and check out wildlife along the Tulpehocken Creek.
Bring a lunch and have a picnic or stop by the Snack Bar to pick up something to eat in the beautiful natural surroundings. There are picnic tables under the trees and a pavilion for rent at Red Bridge Recreation Area.
Entering the site is free, with fees for touring the Gruber Wagon Works or a recommended donation for the Canal Center. Events and programs are held at the Heritage Center throughout the year. The park is open every day with the museums and visitor center open Thursdays-Sundays, May through October.
To keep up with events in the parks follow @BerksCountyParks on Facebook or check out our website at www.countyofberks.com/parks . Berks County where you can get away without going too far.
Berks County Parks & Recreation
