Discover Milford, Pennsylvania
POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa. – Anyone looking to escape to a town full of rich history and natural beauty won’t have to look further when they find historic Milford, Pennsylvania. Located along the majestic Delaware River in Pike County, in the northeastern section of the Pocono Mountains, Milford’s well-mannered charm offers culture, natural beauty, historic sites, shopping, and a kaleidoscope of events throughout the year.
Natural Beauty and Recreation
The Delaware River flows adjacent to Milford, and offers spectacular scenery and a myriad of recreational activities. Promising open space for everyone, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers a 40-mile stretch of the river that passes by Milford and reaches to the town of Delaware Water Gap, Pa. Anything from sightseeing, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and cycling can be enjoyed, making it a favorite place for locals and visitors alike. Travelers on Route 209 south of Milford can drive through the Recreation Area on their way to the charming town, or on their way home. There are many places to view the river along this route, including a number of waterfalls that are just a short way off the main road.
American History and Heritage
Visitors to Milford can count on an interesting dose of American history. Grey Towers National Historic Landmark is the jewel of Pike County as well as a national treasure. Grey Towers is the former home to Gifford Pinchot, twice governor of Pennsylvania, and father of American conservation. Built in 1886, it was home to the Pinchot family until donated to the U.S. Forest Service in 1963, the very organization that Pinchot created in 1898.
Visitors are encouraged to tour the grounds which feature gardens that have been restored to reflect Mrs. Pinchot’s gardens in the 1930’s and 1940’s, along with pleasant walks and scenic views. They can stand in the same place where President John F. Kennedy dedicated the Pinchot Institute for Conservation in 1963.
Milford also hosts some valuable artifacts of American history. At the Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum, visitors can marvel at “The Mayflower Candlestick,” an original that was brought to these shores on the Mayflower in 1620. The most sought after artifact, however, is the Lincoln Flag. This authentic blood stained flag was the very one that cradled President Lincoln’s head minutes after his assassination in 1865.
Milford also marks the beginning of a long road of heritage and adventure along Pennsylvania’s Route 6. The highway has been dubbed by National Geographic as, “one of America’s most scenic drives.” Travelers can start in Milford, and drive over 400 miles across Pennsylvania and beyond to see vast wilderness, as well as a number of historic firsts for the nation. The route can be traced back to 1807, and today remains one of the longest highways in the nation.
Downtown and Events
Reflected in the buildings that were made from bluestone mined locally in the early 1800’s, a portion of the business district has a National Historic Area designation. Milford’s tree-lined streets and small shops and restaurants make it a great place for an afternoon walking tour. Stroll the antique shops and art galleries that are filled with unusual artistry, original antiques, hand-made jewelry from then and now, and much more.
All year long the people of Milford are working to bring exciting events to the area. The growing artistic community presents Art After Dark on the second Saturday of each month; it’s an evening of art, shopping, and dining from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. A number of galleries host receptions, performances, and art demonstrations for the public to enjoy.
The Pear Blossom Festival is a springtime celebration that offers a pear bake-off, live music, art, and exhibits. The Delaware River Sojourn is an eight-day, educational paddle down the entire length of the Delaware River, in early June. In October, the film starts rolling with the Black Bear Film Festival. The festival is committed to supporting and generating interest in innovative independent films with a special emphasis on films that explore the human condition within the natural world. To celebrate the winter season, Milford decorates itself in white light for the Festival of Lights in December.
According to Bob Uguccioni, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc., “Milford is one of the most beautiful places in the Pocono Mountains. The Delaware River, the historic sites, and the town itself make Milford an extremely popular vacation destination for people all around the northeast and beyond.”
Free and comprehensive information about Milford and the entire Pocono Mountains region is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.