Shamokin Dam

Understand

The town lies approximately 50 minutes north of Harrisburg and 50 minutes south of Williamsport in the central part of the state, along the Susquehanna River, Shamokin Dam is approximately 157 miles (three hours drive) from Philadelphia, three hours from New York, four hours from Washington-Baltimore and four hours (212 miles) from Pittsburgh. State College, home of the Pennsylvania State University, is 1 hour 31 minutes drive along PA Rte 45.

Get in

By plane

• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) Harrisburg International Airport is about 63.5 miles and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Shamokin Dam. Harrisburg International is served by seven major airlines which provide nonstop daily service to 12 domestic and 1 international destination with one-stop service to cities around the world. Several major rental car companies have a presence at the airport complex. Parking for the physically disabled is in all three parking lots. Special handicap accessible busses are available 24 hours a day for those parking in the SmartPark, long-term lot. There are nine elevators in the parking garage and the terminal building, six escalators in the parking garage and terminal building, and moving sidewalks on the second floor of the parking garage. Restrooms throughout the terminal are handicap accessible. In addition, there are five private unisex companion-care restrooms in the terminal building. A TDD/TTY phone is available to contact hotel shuttle and off-site rental car providers in the baggage claim area of the terminal building. For more information on any of these services, contact Customer Information Desk at +1 717 948-5900 between 7AM and 11PM.
• The University Park Airport (SCE) is just outside State College, Pa. Served by United Airlines, Northwest, US AIR-express. There is car rental service on site. Secure parking is provided. +1 814 237-2011
• Penns Valley Airport (SEG) lies just a few miles south of Shamokin Dam at 100 Airport Road, Selinsgrove, in Penn Township, Snyder County. It serves private and charter planes. The airport provides express service to cities such as Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.
• Wilkes-Barre - Scranton International Airport (AVP) in Northeastern Pennsylvania, 80 miles (about two hours) northeast of Shamokin Dam. It is served by many major airlines and all major rental car companies.

By boat

Shamokin Dam lies along the Susquehanna River Water Trail with access at the Sunbury Fabridam in the Adam T. Bower State Park.

• Shikellamy State Park on the Sunbury side of the river has a public boat launch and docks.

By bike

The BicyclePa Route J passes through Shamokin Dam.

Narrow and/or unpaved shoulders along most side streets make biking around town (off the highway) challenging. Route 11 from Shamokin Dam to Northumberland is lovely with a view of the river. There is, however, heavy truck traffic along this route.

Get around

By train

Shamokin Dam is approximately 60 miles (45 minutes) north of Pennsylvania's capital city of Harrisburg. That city has a station on Amtrak's Keystone and Pennsylvanian train routes. Shamokin Dam is a 45 minute drive north on Rte 322 then Rtes 11&15.

By limo

• Susquehanna Valley Limo Northumberland, +1 570 473-8833

By car

Shamokin Dam is accessible from Interstate 80, which runs east-west north of the area. Pennsylvania routes 11&15 merge north of Harrisburg and serve as the main transportation artery for central Pennsylvania. Most of Shamokin Dam's shopping district lies along Rtes 11 and 15. South of Shamokin Dam, 11/15 South connects with Rte 322, Interstates 81, 83 and eventually, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Harrisburg Area) west to Pittsburgh and east to Philadelphia.

One area challenge for drivers is that on Fridays and holiday weekends the traffic backs up and slows on Rte 11. Early morning travel can avoid the problem. Additionally, Rte 11 along the river towards Northumberland, is often closed when there is flooding. Those seeking to access Route 80 can use Route 15 to connect by traveling a few miles north of Lewisburg. This drive is a four lane highway with some red lights in the Lewisburg area.

Go next

• Joseph Priestly House 472 Priestly Drive, Northumberland, +1 570 473-9474. The Joseph Priestly House is believed to be the first to be the first scientific laboratory in the United States. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9AM to 5PM, Sunday, noon to 5PM The last tour of the house begins at 4PM The Joseph Priestly House is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and certain holidays. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Fifteen minute drive from Shamokin Dam.

• Clyde Peeling's Reptiland Route 15 , Allenwood. +1 570 538-1869, +1-800-REPTILAND. Reptiland is an AZA accredited zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians. Since opening in 1964, Reptiland has provided the public a link to the less-loved members of the animal kingdom. School groups, families and individuals with an interest in natural history agree - Reptiland offers a perfect blend of environmental education and entertainment. 35 minutes from Shamokin Dam 25 miles north on Route 15.
• Miffinburg Buggy Museum 598 Green St., Mifflinburg. +1 570-966-1355 A restored buggy workshop with belting and pulleys, tools, machinery and forges. Hours May through October – the museum complex (Visitor Center and historic buildings) are open Thursday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM, Sunday, 1:00 to 5PM Last tour begins no later than 4PM November through April – the Visitor Center only is open Thursday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM Group tours are offered Monday through Saturday 9AM to 5PM from April to November (weather permitting). Twenty minute drive from Shamokin Dam.
• Knoebels Amusement Resort Route 487 Elysburg, +1-800-487-4386. Free admission, free parking, free picnicking, and free entertainment. Two world class, wooden roller coasters. Catch the Brass Ring on one of the largest and oldest Carousels in the world! Coming soon..."Flying Turns" Knoebels customized version of an old standard coaster-type ride.
• Packwood House Museum 15 N. Water St., Lewisburg, +1 570 524-0323 A beautiful historic building housing an extensive collection of antiques and art. Purple Heart Highway Partner.
• Slifer House Museum 80 Magnolia Drive, Lewisburg, +1 570 524-2245. A Victorian home built in the mid-1800s, located on the campus of River Woods. Admission Fees: Adults: $6, Seniors (60 years or more): $5, Children ages 10-16: $3, Members and Children under age 10: Free. Regular hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 1-4PM (April 16 – December 31), winter hours: Tuesday-Friday: 1-4PM (January 1 – April 15).
• Penns Creek Pottery 65 Pottery Ln., Mifflinburg, is in a restored water-powered mill and offers quality stoneware and porcelain pottery. Their pottery is offered in both gas and wood-fired forms.

For additional exploration of heritage, culture, dining and shopping in the Central Susquehanna Valley, be sure to check out Lewisburg, PA and Sunbury, PA. Amish farms are nearby on Routes 11 & 15 Port Trevorton and along Route 45. Look for the hand made quilts blowing in the breeze along the highway. They frequently have roadside stands featuring farm products including fresh baked goods, eggs, and vegetables.

Sports fans will find Hershey Bears ice hockey in Hershey PA about 1 hour away. Red Barons baseball and Wilkes-Barre - Scranton Penguins hockey are all within a two-hour drive. State College, home of Penn State University, is also about 45 minutes away and offers additional cultural, sports (Nittany Lions), and entertainment options. PSU's Bryce Jordon Center offers many top name entertainment acts, as well as college sports. Longer distances will take you to the Atlantic coastline.