Shamokin, PA Road Trips

The name "Shamokin" is a Delaware Indian word for "Eel Creek." At its peak, the community had a population of 50,000 (including surrounding Coal Township). Traditionally, the main industries were coal mining and textile mills, and their remnants can still be noticed today. The eastern and western parts of the town are actually part of Coal Township, but the boundary lines are mostly indistinguishable. Today, the population is less than 20,000. People are generally friendly and willing to help visitors.

Glen Burn Culm Bank. It is the world's largest man made culm bank. It's easy to spot while driving along Route 61 north of Shamokin. 1 Mother Cabrini Catholic Church (formerly St. Edward's), 214 North Shamokin St. It was the first church in the world to use electric lighting. Soldiers & Sailors and Spanish-American War Monuments, Lincoln St between 7th & Market Sts. The Whaleback, Off of Bear Valley Ave. It is a unique geological formation known as an anticline and located just outside of Shamokin. It is arguably one of the best exposures of folded rock structure in the United States. It's a little difficult to locate for someone who is unfamiliar with the area.

1 Knoebels Amusement Resort. Free entry to this resort, but you pay to go on each ride, or buy a wristband for all day rides on off peak days. The park was established in 1926 and has 60 rides including a 1913 carousel and some wooden roller coasters, including the Phoenix Rollercoaster. The resort has two campsites and some cabins if you want to stay the night. (updated Feb 2026) Anthracite Heritage Festival. features a parade, local tours, artists, and live entertainment in May. The Annual Fireworks Display. It is one of the most popular in the region and typically occurs on the closest Saturday to Independence Day after sunset. Peach Festival. Held by the Salem United Church of Christ in Shamokin annually in August. The Coal Drop, Market and Independence Streets. Occurs annually on New Year's Eve and is Shamokin's version of the popular New York City celebration. Food and live music. Outdoor Block Parties. They take place throughout the summer. They are organized by local churches and other organizations and feature ethnic foods, games, drawings for prizes, and live music (especially polka).

1 Brewser's Sports Grill, 839 West Water St, ☏ +1 570-648-7122. It has a great assortment of food, a full bar, and TVs for sporting events. (updated Feb 2026) 2 Coney Island Lunch, 218 East Independence St. Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM. It serves excellent hamburgers, hot dogs, and local glass bottle soda. Has a cult-following. (updated Feb 2026) Harry's Grill, 14 North Market St. Masser's Restaurant, Routes 61 & 487, Paxinos, ☏ +1 570-648-9695. It features a wide variety of country cooking and a salad bar. Maurer's Dairy, 34 S Market St, ☏ +1 570-644-1316. Makes great food and famous for its original "bittersweet" ice cream recipe, as well as other varieties of its own homemade ice cream. It is an ice cream shop featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Original Italian Pizza, 150 E Independence St, ☏ +1 570-644-7621. Features a wide selection of excellent Italian food. Spangenberg's Family Drive-In, 640 Center St, ☏ +1 570-648-0652. It has a variety of food and great ice cream.

Home Plate, 4 S 2nd St, ☏ +1 570-648-7529. Snappers, 501 N Shamokin St, ☏ +1 570-648-1403. Wayside Inn, 6638 State Route 61, ☏ +1 570-644-2012. It features a wide selection of drinks and fantastic wings.

Holiday Inn Express, 958 Schuylkill Mall Rd, Frackville, ☏ +1 570-874-1700.

By car, the closest interstate highways are 80 (to the north) and 81 (to the southeast). State Routes 61, 901, 125, and 225 all provide access from each direction. Uptown Vans offers a route from Paterson and New York City.

The best way to get around is by car, but the Lower Anthracite Transportation System (LATS) offers infrequent bus transportation and taxis are available if called ahead.