Introduction to Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in Lycoming county, is 70 miles W of Scranton, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 131 miles NW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's bordered by the West Branch Susquehanna River. It's regarded as the original home of Little League Baseball. Shop-Vac and Bethlehem Wire Rope are located in Williamsport. Susquehanna Health, state government, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Springs Window Fashions, LLC and Brodart Company are some of the major employers.
Williamsport History
It was incorporated as a borough in 1806. During the late 1800's Williamsport was called "The Lumber Capital of the World," due to its thriving lumber industry. The logging industry created numerous millionaires. The Battle of Muncy Hills took place during the French and Indian War. Carl Stotz, a resident of the city, established Little League Baseball in 1939.
Williamsport Attractions
- Little League Museum includes a vast amount of memorabilia
- Millionaires Row features historic mansions and a variety of architectural styles
- The Williamsport Wildcats play semi-pro football
- The Little League World Series is a well known annual event
- Clyde Peeling's Reptileland features vipers, cobras, pythons and numerous other snakes as well as tortoises, lizards and frogs
- Samek Art Gallery, located on the Bucknell University campus, features Baroque and Renaissance art and other styles
- Thomas T. Taber Museum includes artifacts from 10,000 BC, a Victorian parlor, a blacksmith shop and a grist mill
Williamsport Activities
Susquehanna State Park is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Culbertson, Peter Buck, Betterton, Big Mountain and Bloss Mountain trails are some of the region's paths avialable for hiking enthusiasts. Larry's Creek, White Deer Creek, Tioga River and Babb Creek are utilized for whitewater paddling. Ski Sawmill, Ski Denton and Ski Roundup are located in the region. There are numerous golf courses in the area including The White Deer Golf Course, Corey Creek Golf Club, Liberty Valley Country Club and Sunny Hill Golf Course.
Visitors have the opportunity to cruise along the Susquehanna on an authentic stern Paddlewheeler. The Bastress Mountain Winery provides wine tasting and tours. The Knoebels Grove Amusement Park features world class roller coasters and other rides. The Montour Preserve is a vast acreage and is used for boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Williamsport Transportation
The River Valley Transit provides bus services.
Williamsport Higher Education
The city is home to Lycoming College, Newport Business Institute, Pennsylvania College of Technology and The Commonwealth Medical College.