Article by Maria Wetzel, summer 2026 intern
The Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour is a fun way to explore the industrial past and rich culture that Tunkhannock has to offer. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, the Tunkhannock Historic District is full of Victorian charm and interesting sites to visit. The Grand Tour contains 40 stops, winding through businesses, historic churches, and magnificent houses.
Beginning in the charming downtown area, the tour kicks off at the Dietrich Theater. Once owned by local businessman George Dietrich, this Art Deco building is now the non-profit Wyoming County Cultural Center. Art exhibits, classes, events, and movie screenings fill the halls with joy and community. The theater is surrounded by beauty, with a Little Free Library near the entrance and gorgeous landscaping throughout the lawn. Sprawled across the façade are two spectacular murals by local artist Bob Lizza, one depicting the Susquehanna River at Vosburg Neck and the other of the Tunkhannock Viaduct.
There are several historic churches along this tour, one of which is the Baptist Church. Stained glass windows decorate the building, which is topped by a grand bell tower. First used in February of 1884, the building was home to the first Baptist congregation in Tunkhannock. After reopening in 2015, the building is now known as Bridgewater Church.
Another notable stop along the tour is the Wyoming County Courthouse. The front of the building captures the eye with an intricate clock tower and weather vane. The west lawn is adorned with a charming pavilion and an impressive Civil War monument. An Italianate style masterpiece, this courthouse was expanded and renovated in 1870, originally built on land donated by Thomas T. Slocum.
One of the most distinct and iconic homes in Tunkhannock, the Piatt House sits elegantly on West Tioga Street. Originally built by attorney James Wilson Piatt, this Queen Anne-style house passed through the family until it was sold in 1973. A porch wraps around an elaborate structure, decorated with finials, turrets, and delicately painted designs.
The Grand Tour consists of 36 additional houses, churches, and businesses to learn about and explore. Former museums, banks, hotels, and factories line the Tunkhannock streets. Weaving through residential areas and finishing downtown, the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour offers a valuable historical understanding and an exciting adventure.
There are four different routes suggested for the tour, each with varying difficulty and length. The Grand Tour is 2 miles long, takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and includes all 40 stops. For a shorter journey, the Intermediate Tour is estimated to take 1.5 to 1.75 hours and still includes the most iconic stops. The Easy Tour and Easy Tour with Gentle Terrain are additional options for a more accessible adventure.
Brochures with maps and supplementary information about the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour are available at the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and the Dietrich Theater. To add even more historical insight to your experience, you can access an audio tour on the Dietrich’s website. Guided tours for large groups can be arranged, as well, by calling 570-836-1022 x3. Parking is available at several locations around town, including the Dietrich Theater, the Tunkhannock Firehouse, Riverside Park, and the Harding Street public lot. Please note that many buildings included in the tour are private businesses and residences, so refrain from trespassing and be respectful of the space.
By participating in the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour, you are diving into an exciting, beautiful, and educational journey connecting Tunkhannock’s past, present, and future.