Walking tours

Downtown Architectural Tour

Walk the streets of downtown Wilkes-Barre with Tony Brooks and discover the mansions, churches and civic landmarks of the River Street Historic District, and the stories of the families who built them.

Next tour

Saturday, May 29, 2027

RSVP

Call or text 570-793-3631

RSVP for May 29See all events
Tony Brooks speaking to a tour group on the steps of the First Presbyterian Church, beneath its great carved stone arch and rose window

Along the way

River Street

The great houses

The mansions of the River Street Historic District, built by the families whose fortunes shaped the Diamond City.

Houses of worship

First Presbyterian Church

A congregation founded in 1772, in a church designed by James Cleveland Cady, whose cornerstone was laid in 1886.

Civic landmarks

The Court House

Frederick J. Osterling’s domed 1909 courthouse on the River Common. Tour the interior

Where it began

The Zebulon Butler House

Wilkes-Barre’s oldest house, built in 1793 and saved by the Society. Visit the house

A large tour group gathered on a lawn beneath shade trees on a downtown Wilkes-Barre street

Thousands have walked with us

Since 2003, the Preservation Society’s architectural walking tours have introduced thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Wilkes-Barre’s buildings and the people behind them.

Wear comfortable shoes — the walk covers several blocks of downtown.

Become a member

Group tours

Bring your group

Tours are offered for schools, clubs, professional associations and visiting groups. Contact Tony Brooks at 570-793-3631 or tony@wbpreservation.org to arrange a tour for your group.