Top 10 Things To Do In Harleysville, PA In 2022


Harleysville is a gorgeous little suburb of Philadelphia that is definitely worth the (short) drive if you’re passing through the City of Brotherly Love.

While Philadelphia itself has a world to offer, suburbs often have some of the best hidden gems and show a culture unique from cities.

Haryleysville is rich with history and known for its recreation. If you like hikes and parks, this is a great little stop for you!

It’s also a worthwhile trip if you’re interested in religious history, as it has extensive Mennonite heritage that you can dive right into and explore on a deep level.

So what are you waiting for? A road trip to Philly would be incomplete without this cute pitstop!

History

Harleysville was settled very early on in PA’s history, around 1700. 

The town holds the annual Heckler Fest at the historical Heckler Plains, which is one of the oldest properties in the area.

They also hold an annual Jaycee’s County Fair Day at the Harleysville Community Center, which draws people from all the surrounding towns.

There’s an annual Apple Butter Frolic in early Autumn to celebrate the town’s Mennonite heritage.

In 1973, the Klein Meetinghouse made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places.

Where exactly is Harleysville, PA? How far is it from major cities?

Harleysville, PA is a suburb of Philadelphia located in Montgomery County in southeast Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Route 63 and Pennsylvania Route 113 collide in Harleysville.

Things to do in Harleysville, PA

Let’s see what this suburb has to offer!

1. Sammy’s Bullfrog Cafe

Sammy’s Bullfrog Cafe - Harleysville, PA

Sammy’s Bullfrog Cafe is the perfect place to stop for breakfast or lunch. They have home style food- with their own special twist- along with good ole comfort food. On top of it, everything is locally sourced! BYOB for some extra fun. 

Their regulars make the cafe feel like home, and if you’re from the area, you’ll always run into someone you know. If you’re not from Harleysville, Sammy’s Bullfrog Cafe is a great place to mingle with the locals and make some new friends!

282 Hunsberger Lane, Harleysville, PA 19438

2. Alvin C Alderfer Recreation Area

Alvin C Alderfer Recreation Area - Harleysville, PA

Harleysville’s impressive preservation of natural areas for the public to enjoy started in 1964, while the main development of the parks started in the early 70’s with the county, state, and federal sponsored program, “Open Space/Green Belt”.

The Alvin C. Alderfer Park is full of soccer fields and ball fields showcasing this incredible 20-acre park. 

Newly renovated pavilions and playgrounds are the icing on the cake! Reserve a pavilion to have it all to yourself.

Restrooms are available next to the main parking lot and bike path.

420 Oak Drive, Harleysville, PA

3. Harleysville Community Center Park

Harleysville Community Center Park - Harleysville, PA

Harleysville Community Center Park was conceived in 1957 and has relied ever since on facility use fees, pool memberships, and community donations to keep it running smoothly. Without ongoing community support, the center would not be what it is.

Pool hours are as follows:

  • Monday-Saturday: 12pm-8pm

  • Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Daily admission:

  • 19+: $12

  • 3-18: $10

435 Park Ave, Harleysville, PA

4. Indian Valley Family YMCA

Indian Valley Family YMCA - Harleysville, PA

The Indian Valley Family YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the Harleysville community. 

With a laser-like focus on nourishing youth’s potential, encouraging individual well-being and health, and supporting communities, the Y is a community space to fulfill your goals with dedicated support.

You can participate in Group Exercise, the Pool, Gym A, or Gym B. There are also summer camps and child care available.

If you’re a member, you can join virtual sessions to get support no matter where you choose to work out! All you have to do is log in, choose what type of streaming you want, and choose your class.

You can learn about health, nutrition, aquatics, and enjoy workouts from the comfort of your own home.

890 Maple Ave, Harleysville, PA 19438

5. The Butcher and Barkeep

The Butcher and Barkeep - Harleysville, PA

The Butcher and Barkeep “is committed to supporting our local community by partnering with local farmers, brewers, and distilleries.” They highlight fresh, seasonal veggies with an always-evolving food and drink menu. 

Their menu consists of enlightened comforts with hints of southern cooking. They focus on seafood, vegetables, and meat- all fresh as ever! But gluten sensitive, vegetarian, and vegan items are always available too.

Their nightly specials include cheese and charcuterie, wings, mussels, and flatbreads.

712 Main St, Harleysville, PA 19438

6. Mennonite Heritage Center

This Heritage Center walks you through the story of Mennonite life and faith in eastern PA. 

The architecture of the building models how simple the traditional Pennsylvania Mennonite meeting houses are- the center of spirituality for Mennonites. The idea is that “church” is not the building, rather, the congregation.

The building also points towards rural images of barns and mills; meanwhile, exhibits demonstrate the move toward a more urbanized society. This gives contemporary expression to a deeply-rooted heritage.

Their mission is “To educate, inspire, and witness to the church and community by collecting, preserving and sharing the Anabaptist/Mennonite story.”

565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, PA 19438

7. Lederach Golf Club

Lederach Golf Club - Harleysville, PA

Lederach Golf Club is architect Kelly Blake Moran’s newest creation. The course falls amidst awe-inspiring farmland and rolling hills.

The difficulty of the course isn’t found in gimmicks or forced carries. Instead, the course utilizes the property’s valleys, ridges, and undulations to perfectly integrate its natural beauty into your golf experience.

The course has tees designed just for junior players, along with four other sets that range from about 5,000 to 7,000 yards. Holes allow players to chase approaches to greens and run out drives and has a tee box that suits any player.

Book a tee time here!

900 Clubhouse Dr, Harleysville, PA 19438

8. Skippack Creek Loop Trail

Skippack Creek Loop Trail - Harleysville, PA

This gorgeous trail is nearly 5 miles long. It is a moderate loop trail with heavy traffic and 246 feet in elevation gain. It is mainly used for snowshoeing, horses, running, walking, and hiking. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Be careful, though! Going at the wrong time of year can result in a soupy, muddy trail as the ice and snow melt. So be ready with hiking boots that are waterproof with lots of grip.

Go early before the crowds get there for some peaceful time among the snow. Markings aren’t always the best, so use your trail app to stay on course!

9. Graceful Glen Alpaca Farm

Graceful Glen Alpaca Farm

The Graceful Glen Alpaca Farm dates back four generations, all the way to 1935! It originally started off as a crop and dairy farm. In 1991, it was decided to sell the cattle and keep farming the 400 acres.

In 2002, the family decided to start up an alpaca farm, starting with just three alpacas. Now they have 50 alpacas (!) and offer high quality alpaca products to the community.

They chose alpacas because they are gentle, quiet animals that are highly trainable and a real joy to spend time with. 

Alpaca fleece is soft, durable, and insulating.

798 Hunsicker Rd, Telford, PA 18969

10. Earl-Bowl Lanes

Earl-Bowl Lanes - Harleysville, PA

Earl-Bowl Lanes was founded in 1958 and has been a family owned and operated bowling alley ever since (for three generations!) 

In 1958, a barn was converted into the first six lanes, in addition to a golf driving range. 

Bowling grew in popularity in the area so in 1963 they added 10 more lanes. About a decade later 8 more lanes were added, and finally, in 1977, another 10- finalizing their 34 lane bowling center! 

A devout group of regulars frequent the bowling alley, with reasonable prices and a great snack bar.

390 Morwood Rd, Telford, PA 18969

Facts about Harleysville, PA

  • The population of Harleysville in 2020 was 9,899.
  • The city covers a land area of 4.2 square miles.
  • The racial makeup of the city: 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 85.9% White, 2.3% African American, 0.0% Native American, 6.3% Asian, and 1.3% from two or more races.
  • The median age in the city is 35 years old.
  • The median income for a household in the city was $87,500. The per capita income for the city was $43,479.
  • 4.3% of the population live below the poverty line.
  • The median home value in Harleysville is $442,424 in 2022.
  • In 2022, the average rent for a Harleysville 2-bedroom apartment is $2,010.
  • 95.5% of residents 25 and older is a high school graduate. 42.4% of residents 25 and older has a bachelors degree or higher.

Mariska Lee

Mariska is a recovering attorney who gave up her professional job to discover new perspectives of life while traveling in a 2009 Ford Transit. She has been living the van life for 3 years and has not looked back since.

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