Established on March 11, 1752, Berks County was formed from parts of Chester, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties. Named after Berkshire, England, the ancestral home of William Penn’s family, the county has a rich history rooted in early American settlement. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape people before European settlers, primarily Germans, Swedes, English, Welsh, and French Huguenots, arrived in the early 18th century. Reading, the county seat, was founded in 1748 by Thomas and Richard Penn and quickly became a vital hub due to its strategic location along the Schuylkill River. Throughout its history, Berks County has been known for its agricultural productivity, iron production, and as a center for the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Today, it continues to celebrate its diverse cultural heritage and historical significance.
Top Attractions in Berks County
- Reading Pagoda: A striking seven-story Japanese-style structure offering panoramic views of Reading and the surrounding landscape.
- Crystal Cave: Discovered in 1871, this fascinating underground attraction features stunning rock formations and offers guided tours to visitors.
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: Step onto the site of a 19th-century iron plantation in southeastern Berks County, showcasing early American industrial history.
- Koziar’s Christmas Village: A magical holiday attraction featuring over a million twinkling lights, festive displays, and enchanting scenes that delight visitors of all ages each winter.
- Mid-Atlantic Air Museum: A museum and restoration facility displaying historic and rare war aircraft and civilian airliners, hosting the annual “World War II Weekend Air Show.”
- GoggleWorks Center for the Arts: A community art and cultural resource center in the former Willson Goggle Factory building featuring galleries, studios, and a theater.
- Antietam Lake Park: A reservoir surrounded by 643 acres of parkland, offering hiking trails, a historic spring house, and the restored Bingaman House.
- Berks History Center: A museum and research library dedicated to preserving and sharing Berks County’s cultural heritage, featuring exhibits and educational programs.
- Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles: Showcases an extensive collection of antique cars, trucks, and carriages, highlighting the region’s rich automotive and transportation history.
- Reading Public Museum: Offers exhibits on art, science, and civilization, along with a planetarium and arboretum, providing educational experiences for all ages.
We serve all Berks County ZIP codes and surrounding communities, including 19501, 19503, 19504, 19505, 19506, 19507, 19508, 19510, 19511, 19512, 19516, 19518, 19519, 19520, 19522, 19523, 19525, 19526, 19529, 19530, 19533, 19534, 19535, 19536, 19538, 19539, 19540, 19541, 19542, 19543, 19544, 19545, 19547, 19548, 19549, 19550, 19551, 19554, 19555, 19559, 19560, 19562, 19564, 19565, 19567, 19601, 19602, 19603, 19604, 19605, 19606, 19607, 19608, 19609, 19610, 19611, 19612. We also provide service to all Berks County towns, including Reading, Wyomissing, Blandon, Shillington, Pennside, Whitfield, Birdsboro, Lorane, West Reading, Hamburg, Kutztown, Sinking Spring, Boyertown, Laureldale, Jacksonwald, Reiffton, Fleetwood, Amity Gardens, Kutztown University, Riverview Park, West Wyomissing, Mount Penn, Kenhorst, Mohnton, Womelsdorf, Topton, Wernersville, Leesport, and more.
