Summer is here and it’s time to make some waves.
Whether you’re an open water adventurer or prefer the calm, clear waters of a crystal pool, now is the time to dive in and chill out.
Featured Pools
Glenpool Club, Lewisburg
Celebrating 75 years this summer, Glenpool is truly a hidden gem in the region. While it is a members-only pool, rates are affordable for families, couples, singles, and lap-only swimmers. The membership adds a fun “communal” spirit to the vibe of this local treasure, because members help manage the operation and maintenance of the pool.
One of the amenities that’s so lovely about this pool is that it’s surrounded by mature trees, so shade is possible for non-swimmers. A few tables and lounge chairs are provided, or bring your own. They also allow outside food or you can have food delivered to the pool from your favorite local eatery. Pretty sweet!
Open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 8 am – 8 pm, the pool is also available to rent for swim parties (for non-members, too, but for an additional fee) so keep this one in mind if a pool party is in your future!
West Beaver Veterans Memorial Pool, McClure
Are you ready for a cool surprise? This lovely pool is a community-funded swimming facility that offers 100% free admission. It’s one of the only free public pools in the entire state!
Operating from the generosity of donations and local citizens, it includes a main swimming area, diving board, sliding board, rain tree, and an on-site concession stand.
Adjacent to the pool is a public mini-golf course, making it a great spot for family recreation. It is typically open daily from 1-7 pm and the pool also hosts community events and “splash hops” to bring the community together. Love that!
Knoebels Crystal Pool, Elysburg
It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to Knoebels Crystal Pool. Celebrating 100 years in 2026, Knoebels is a must-visit family attraction, especially this year to celebrate such a wonderful milestone.
This 900,000-gallon pool is a notably chilly one, as it’s fed by mountain stream water, so our family usually waits until July or August to dive in, but it opens on Memorial Day and stays open through Labor Day.
This is an epic destination for kids of all ages, because it offers a baby pool and splash pad, a unique zero-depth entry area and stepped entry on the side, two waterslides, diving boards of different heights, fountains, and on-site concessions including pizza, hamburgers and hotdogs, and ice cream treats. Or, bring your own picnic lunch – they allow outside food, but not alcohol or glass containers. Bring your own chairs, or rent one from the facility. Locker rooms are also on-site.
Just one word of caution: on a busy day, the Park’s parking lot can be a far distance, so bring extra hands or a wagon to pull your items.
There are many more pools in the region – check out Susquehanna Kids’ Pools List for more ideas.
Kayaking & More
If you’re looking for self-propelled and scenic water 
adventures like kayaking and canoeing, consider checking out Bic’s Watersports in Milton, Appalachian Kayak in Halifax, or Montour Preserve’s Kayak Kiosk, managed by Riverside Adventure Company, where you can rent a kayak by the hour or by the day.
All three local outfitters offer expert guidance and certified PFDs (personal flotation devices) to ensure that everyone in your group can enjoy the water safely.
Hiawatha and Millersburg Ferry
The Hiawatha and Millersburg Ferry are both exceptional ways to view the Susquehanna River – without having to paddle! 
If you’re traveling with kids, both are wonderful history lessons, too – and you can sneak it in while you’re having fun!
The Hiawatha offers daily tours that last one hour each. Through narration and music, hear the story of the Hiawatha and learn the rich history of the early days along the river. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Hiawatha dock.
They also have seasonal, themed tours for kids (ice cream cruises and princess tea party cruises) and adults (dinner cruises) alike! Check their Facebook page for current events and buy tickets on their website.
Read more about the Hiawatha’s unique history here.
The Millersburg Ferry is another local treasure that can be enjoyed as a walk-on passenger, or take your bike, motorcycle, or car along for the ride for an additional fee.
The Ferry is America’s last all-wooden, double-sternwheel ferry boat.
This 15-25-minute ride (one way) offers a peaceful ride across the Susquehanna River while taking in beautiful views and the steady rhythm of the wooden paddle wheels.
For more than 207 years, the Millersburg Ferry has continued carrying passengers across the river just as it has since 1817.
For a list of helpful FAQs, check out their website.
Fishing
Looking for Susquehanna River or stream fishing adventures?
Check out our fishing webpage and our 4-part Fishing Video Series on YouTube.
Local fishing expert and content creator Vincent Stuter of Anglers Anchor offers an exciting fishing journey that showcases the incredible fishing opportunities across the Susquehanna River Valley.
The 3rd episode also features Steve Lowe of Southside Outdoors, who offers valuable local insight on where to stock up before heading out on your next fishing trip.
For expert tips, gear, and up-to-date river conditions, stop by Blue Heron Fishing at 5115 State Route 405 in Milton. This full-service bait and tackle shop offers everything from rods and reels to live bait and fly-fishing gear. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help you plan your best day on the water.
Waterway Champions
We would be remiss if we didn’t thank three local nonprofits who help keep the Susquehanna River and its tributaries healthy:
The Merrill W. Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy's public trails are perfect for a short winter hike or bike ride. There are three trails in the region, including Dale’s Ridge Trail at the Dale Engle Walker Preservation just outside Lewisburg; Koon’s Trail adjacent to the 200-year-old Hassenplug Covered Bridge in Mifflinburg; and Turtle Creek Park featuring a restored stream and mountain biking/hiking opportunities through woodland and meadow habitats in East Buffalo Township, south of Lewisburg. For maps and more information, visit LinnConservancy.org
As the licensed voice for the North and West Branches, tributaries and drainage area, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper protects what is loved. It’s not just about the River, it’s about the communities that call this River home. The Riverkeeper website and social media pages contain wonderful content about river cleanups, kayaking and fishing resources, local conservation and environmental topics, kids’ programs and more. Check out their website here.
The Susquehanna Greenway is a landscape of parks, trails, boat launches and communities that run along the banks of the Susquehanna River and its West Branch. Residents and visitors can find trail descriptions, paddling trip itineraries, communities’ information and more on the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership website.
We hope you and your family have a safe summer on the water.
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