Image of the Mount Penn Preserve Trailhead Sign.

The Mount Penn Preserve

Points of Interest, Restaurants, and Destinations.

Story Map Created by the Berks County Planning Commission

About

The evening of July 25, 2018 was a historic one as representatives of the Borough of Mount Penn, the townships of Alsace and Lower Alsace, the City of Reading and the County of Berks, formally signed the document officially creating the Mount Penn Preserve Partnership Council of Governments (MP3 COG).

The initiative has been under way since the spring of 2016 to create this multi-municipal partnership designed to coordinate plans to make the Mount Penn Preserve a recreational and entertainment destination.

Mission Statement

To protect, promote and enhance the natural beauty, heritage and attractions of the Mount Penn Preserve.

Points of Interest, Restaurants, and Destinations Map

Reading Pagoda

Commissioned in 1906 by William A. Witman Sr., the Reading Pagoda was officially completed in 1908. It sits 866 feet above sea level, is seven stories high, and has a total of eighty-seven steps to the top. The fish sculptures on the roof are to protect the Pagoda from fire. Inside, a cast iron bell made in Japan in 1739 hangs from the ceiling. The Reading Pagoda is the only Pagoda in the world with a fireplace and chimney! Many events both public and private are held throughout the year. Public tours are also available. Currently, the Reading Pagoda is closed for repairs. Website: Reading Pagoda

William Penn Memorial Fire Tower

Built in 1939 as a fire observation tower, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower is situated in a park-like setting on Skyline Drive, just one mile from the Reading Pagoda. The fire tower is 120 feet tall and is constructed entirely of fire proof materials. Behind the tower are hiking and biking trails that meander through other areas of the Mount Penn Preserve. The tower is opened once a month when volunteers are available.

Angora Fruit Farm

The Angora Fruit Farm was privately owned by Alan D. Roth, an avid nature lover and outdoorsman. In 2011, Roth passed away leaving the fruit farm to his family. Granting the wishes of Mr. Roth by keeping his beloved farm preserved for future nature lovers to enjoy; his family sold the fruit farm to the County of Berks where it became a part of Antietam Lake Park. Today the farm is open to the public and provides numerous educational programs and outdoor classroom activities for all age groups. Currently, all educational programs have been suspended due to the pandemic. All outdoor public activities including hiking and biking are permitted.

Antietam Lake Park

Antietam Lake Park is a county-owned park comprised of approximately 663 acres and includes a lake, woodlands, wetlands, and many historic structures including the recently restored Valve House. In 2010, Berks County completed the Antietam Lake Park Master Plan to provide a framework for the long-term conservation of the site while exploring ways to enhance recreation opportunities for park visitors. The park allows for multiple activities such as fishing, biking, hiking, and educational programs. Currently, all educational programs have been suspended due to the pandemic. All outdoor public activities including hiking, biking, and fishing are permitted.

Reading Liederkranz

Nestled on 10.2 acres, the Reading Liederkranz was founded by eight German men who were originally a singing group of Brown's Hall on North 10th Street Reading, Pennsylvania. The Reading Liederkranz hosts a variety of events including Karneval (Mardi Gras), Christkindlmarkt, and the oldest authentic Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania- one of the largest on the east coast of the United States and recently ranked the 4th BEST in the WORLD behind Munich Germany.

Stokesay Castle

Originally a vacation home inspired by a 13th century English castle with the same name, Stokesay Castle turned from a luxurious vacation home in 1931 into a restaurant in the 1970’s. New ownership in 2009 sparked millions of dollars in restorations. The Lord’s Dining Room hosts many fine dining options while the Knight’s Pub offers a variety of drinks, cocktails and pub fare. The banquet hall hosts large parties and weddings throughout the year.

Bixler's Lodge

This establishment was originally built in the mid 1800's as a barn by the Krammer Organization. It stored a hand-pump fire truck for the neighboring factory, housed animals and was used for farming. The barn was bought by James Bixler in the 1930’s and transformed into Bixler’s Lodge. Bixler’s offers daily AYCE specials, and serves a variety of libations and food including seafood, pastas, wings, steaks and sandwiches.

GiGi's Pennside Drive-In

The Pennside Drive-In serves a variety of subs, burgers, dogs, and ice cream treats. Open 6 days a week, this is a great place for friends and family to enjoy a quick bite. Keep an eye out on social media to find out what events are taking place throughout the year.

Maverick Pub & Restaurant

A family-operated casual restaurant and pub . Maverick Pub features great food at a great price, a relaxed atmosphere, and a friendly staff. The goal is to make everyone feel at home.

Lucky House

Opening in 2011, the Lucky House serves a variety of Chinese and Japanese. They are open 7 days a week. Eat in, delivery and take out is available. A great place to get a quick bite after an enjoyable hike through the Mount Penn Preserve.

Jake's of Mount Penn

Jake's of Mount Penn is family operated business that has been thriving since the 1940's. This is one restaurant that takes pride in serving quality food and beverages across Mount Penn. Jake's of Mount Penn serves subs, wraps, burgers, hot dogs, and salads. The restaurant also serves breakfast.

Plaza Azteca Mount Penn

Offering a genuine welcoming, warm and friendly atmosphere with thoughtful service to make you feel truly at home. Plaza Azteca offers a variety of Mexican food and cocktails for that casual night out or special celebration.

Suburban Tavern and Restaurant

The Suburban Tavern offers indoor and outdoor dining and a Cigar Lounge. The restaurant offers homemade soups, steak, burgers, chicken, veal and seafood. The cuisines often come with fresh bread and a crisp garden salad as side. The Tavern also offers weekly specials. The Suburban Tavern also hosts private events.

City Park

City Park is the largest park owned and maintained by the City of Reading. At almost 50 acres, the park offers five large public basketball courts, three public tennis courts, and a playground. A Bandshell is also within the City Park limits and provides free entertainment to the community. The park also has several sculptures and a war memorial.

Volunteer Fireman's Memorial Bandshell

The Bandshell Concert Series originated in 1991 as a way to showcase diverse artists and genres of music from all over the world. The Berks Art Council and City of Reading hosts free community concerts each summer at the Bandshell. These shows bring thousands of music lovers to Reading's City Park in the spring, summer, and fall.

Anthony's Trattorina

Open 7 days a week, Anthony's Trattoria is a traditional Italian restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating. The true taste of Italy is largely derived from the Campania region of Italy and can be found on every other corner of the menu. A regular menu is available daily while the special menu changes several times a week.

Hampden Park

Hampden Park is located adjacent to the Reading Senior High School grounds. The park includes open green spaces, a soccer field, tennis courts, softball field, and water pump building which includes benches for outdoor seating. Hampden Park is often used for recreational activities by the Reading Senior High School students.

BAMBA Trail Head Parking Lot

BAMBA is a nonprofit organization and includes riders of all skill levels. The parking lot includes a bike station and kiosk with maps of the biking trails within the Mount Penn Preserve. In 2015, the Greater Reading Ride Area was evaluated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) as a BRONZE Level Rider Center, one of 37 Ride Centers worldwide.

Reading Pagoda

Commissioned in 1906 by William A. Witman Sr., the Reading Pagoda was officially completed in 1908. It sits 866 feet above sea level, is seven stories high, and has a total of eighty-seven steps to the top. The fish sculptures on the roof are to protect the Pagoda from fire. Inside, a cast iron bell made in Japan in 1739 hangs from the ceiling. The Reading Pagoda is the only Pagoda in the world with a fireplace and chimney! Many events both public and private are held throughout the year. Public tours are also available. Currently, the Reading Pagoda is closed for repairs. Website:  Reading Pagoda 

William Penn Memorial Fire Tower

Built in 1939 as a fire observation tower, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower is situated in a park-like setting on Skyline Drive, just one mile from the Reading Pagoda. The fire tower is 120 feet tall and is constructed entirely of fire proof materials. Behind the tower are hiking and biking trails that meander through other areas of the Mount Penn Preserve. The tower is opened once a month when volunteers are available.

Angora Fruit Farm

The Angora Fruit Farm was privately owned by Alan D. Roth, an avid nature lover and outdoorsman. In 2011, Roth passed away leaving the fruit farm to his family. Granting the wishes of Mr. Roth by keeping his beloved farm preserved for future nature lovers to enjoy; his family sold the fruit farm to the County of Berks where it became a part of Antietam Lake Park. Today the farm is open to the public and provides numerous educational programs and outdoor classroom activities for all age groups.  Currently, all educational programs have been suspended due to the pandemic. All outdoor public activities including hiking and biking are permitted.

Antietam Lake Park

Antietam Lake Park is a county-owned park comprised of approximately 663 acres and includes a lake, woodlands, wetlands, and many historic structures including the recently restored Valve House. In 2010, Berks County completed the Antietam Lake Park Master Plan to provide a framework for the long-term conservation of the site while exploring ways to enhance recreation opportunities for park visitors. The park allows for multiple activities such as fishing, biking, hiking, and educational programs.  Currently, all educational programs have been suspended due to the pandemic. All outdoor public activities including hiking, biking, and fishing are permitted.

Reading Liederkranz

Nestled on 10.2 acres, the Reading Liederkranz was founded by eight German men who were originally a singing group of Brown's Hall on North 10th Street Reading, Pennsylvania. The Reading Liederkranz hosts a variety of events including Karneval (Mardi Gras), Christkindlmarkt, and the oldest authentic Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania- one of the largest on the east coast of the United States and recently ranked the 4th BEST in the WORLD behind Munich Germany.

Stokesay Castle

Originally a vacation home inspired by a 13th century English castle with the same name, Stokesay Castle turned from a luxurious vacation home in 1931 into a restaurant in the 1970’s. New ownership in 2009 sparked millions of dollars in restorations. The Lord’s Dining Room hosts many fine dining options while the Knight’s Pub offers a variety of drinks, cocktails and pub fare. The banquet hall hosts large parties and weddings throughout the year. 

Bixler's Lodge

This establishment was originally built in the mid 1800's as a barn by the Krammer Organization. It stored a hand-pump fire truck for the neighboring factory, housed animals and was used for farming. The barn was bought by James Bixler in the 1930’s and transformed into Bixler’s Lodge. Bixler’s offers daily AYCE specials, and serves a variety of libations and food including seafood, pastas, wings, steaks and sandwiches.

GiGi's Pennside Drive-In

The Pennside Drive-In serves a variety of subs, burgers, dogs, and ice cream treats. Open 6 days a week, this is a great place for friends and family to enjoy a quick bite. Keep an eye out on social media to find out what events are taking place throughout the year.

Maverick Pub & Restaurant

A family-operated casual restaurant and pub . Maverick Pub features great food at a great price, a relaxed atmosphere, and a friendly staff. The goal is to make everyone feel at home.

Lucky House

Opening in 2011, the Lucky House serves a variety of Chinese and Japanese. They are open 7 days a week. Eat in, delivery and take out is available. A great place to get a quick bite after an enjoyable hike through the Mount Penn Preserve.

Jake's of Mount Penn

Jake's of Mount Penn is family operated business that has been thriving since the 1940's. This is one restaurant that takes pride in serving quality food and beverages across Mount Penn. Jake's of Mount Penn serves subs, wraps, burgers, hot dogs, and salads. The restaurant also serves breakfast.

Plaza Azteca Mount Penn

Offering a genuine welcoming, warm and friendly atmosphere with thoughtful service to make you feel truly at home. Plaza Azteca offers a variety of Mexican food and cocktails for that casual night out or special celebration.

Suburban Tavern and Restaurant

The Suburban Tavern offers indoor and outdoor dining and a Cigar Lounge. The restaurant offers homemade soups, steak, burgers, chicken, veal and seafood. The cuisines often come with fresh bread and a crisp garden salad as side. The Tavern also offers weekly specials. The Suburban Tavern also hosts private events.

City Park

City Park is the largest park owned and maintained by the City of Reading.  At almost 50 acres, the park offers five large public basketball courts, three public tennis courts, and a playground. A Bandshell is also within the City Park limits and provides free entertainment to the community. The park also has several sculptures and a war memorial.

Volunteer Fireman's Memorial Bandshell

The Bandshell Concert Series originated in 1991 as a way to showcase diverse artists and genres of music from all over the world. The Berks Art Council and City of Reading hosts free community concerts each summer at the Bandshell. These shows bring thousands of music lovers to Reading's City Park in the spring, summer, and fall.

Anthony's Trattorina

Open 7 days a week, Anthony's Trattoria is a traditional Italian restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating. The true taste of Italy is largely derived from the Campania region of Italy and can be found on every other corner of the menu. A regular menu is available daily while the special menu changes several times a week.

Hampden Park

Hampden Park is located adjacent to the Reading Senior High School grounds. The park includes open green spaces, a soccer field, tennis courts, softball field, and water pump building which includes benches for outdoor seating. Hampden Park is often used for recreational activities by the Reading Senior High School students.

BAMBA Trail Head Parking Lot

BAMBA is a nonprofit organization and includes riders of all skill levels. The parking lot includes a bike station and kiosk with maps of the biking trails within the Mount Penn Preserve. In 2015, the Greater Reading Ride Area was evaluated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) as a BRONZE Level Rider Center, one of 37 Ride Centers worldwide.