Palmerton
An expansive town park, a community pool, a growing library, and Residence Park (the region’s most beautiful turn-of the-century neighborhood) continue to make Palmerton an outstanding example of everything a small town should be. Merchants still sell hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, groceries and clothing along Palmerton’s wide main street. Numerous annual events take place in Palmerton. They include a Rolling Cruise in June, Sidewalk Sales in August and a Community Festival in September. The Palmerton Area Historical Society has well-organized, extensive archives of local photos and artifacts at the Borough Hall and the Heritage Center on Delaware Avenue.
Appalachian Trail hikers know Palmerton as a friendly place to stay over at the Neighborhood House (present day Borough Hall). To understand Palmerton’s past and why it exists today, think zinc. Palmerton was founded in 1898 largely because of its closeness to anthracite, the Lehigh Canal and the railroads. Zinc mines were in Franklin, New Jersey as well.
In the late 19th century, the New Jersey Zinc Co. consolidated regional operations here. In 1917, the world’s largest zinc research and technology center opened. Palmerton became a “company town,” a model community with well-planned and plentiful housing, educational and cultural opportunities, and good medical care for the residents who enjoyed the many benefits derived from New Jersey Zinc’s social policies.
Things to see and do in Palmerton
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The Appalachian Trail is a continuous marked footpath that goes from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, a distance of about 2,160 miles.
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This annual fair features live entertainment, demolition derbies, agricultural displays and amusement rides for all ages.
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A very secluded location with a spectacular view of the Lehigh Gap and Blue Mountain.
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Formerly known as the Wildlife Information Center, this Nature Center is located at the Lehigh Gap, at the foot of the Kittatinny Ridge. Our mission is to preserve wildlife and habitat through conservation, education, and research for the benefit of the earth and all its inhabitants.
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Located in the small village of Little Gap, at the base of the Pocono Mountains, this authentic old covered bridge provides passage over one of the best trout fishing streams.
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The first church building was erected in 1844 by the Evangelical Church Association. The Little White Church was restored by the Palmerton Area Historical Society in the 1990s.
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Palmerton Area Heritage Center
Join the thousands who have already learned about area history, thrilled to our exhibits, and experienced the joys of the past!
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Palmerton Area Library Association
Fulfilling educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming and respectful.
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In 1898, the New Jersey Zinc Company located a zinc smelting operation here, in order to take advantage of the anthracite coal being mined just north of Palmerton. The town was named after New Jersey Zinc's then-President, Stephen S. Palmer.
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The Roth House Bed & Breakfast
Restored in 1998, The Roth House Bed and Breakfast was constructed in 1825 and over the years has served as a home, general store, Little Gap post office, magisterial office, and tavern.
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