“Stepping Through History”

Explore downtown Wilkes-Barre’s history (and get a bit of exercise while you’re at it) with Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture. This self-guided walking tour has 24 different stops that showcase the city’s stunning architecture and rich, historical past.

The route is a 2.2-mile loop starting at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion on the corner of West Ross Street and South Franklin Street. The tour continues down South Franklin past Wilkes University and King’s College, then turns down North Street toward the stately Luzerne County Courthouse. From there, you’ll walk along the River Street Historic District, where elegant mansions border the scenic Susquehanna. The tour concludes at the Zebulon Butler House, the oldest house in Wilkes-Barre. Follow the helpful blue signs along the way.

To get the full experience, download the free Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture App, which is available on the App Store and Google Play. The app includes interactive maps, historical information, augmented reality features, and more. It corresponds beautifully with the official tour booklet, which provides additional information.

Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture is an initiative of the Wilkes-Barre City Health Department and is in part funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Historical content is provided by the Wilkes-Barré Preservation Society.

Photography by: Courtney Snyder