Best attractions and places to see around New Hope, Pennsylvania, a town situated along the Delaware River, offers a diverse array of attractions. The area is recognized for its historical landmarks, natural retreats, and cultural sites. New Hope has a history as an arts colony, attracting artists, actors, and writers.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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West Medicine Lake Park Beach offers a public waterfront with picnicking areas, volleyball courts, fishing spots, and a playground. A 2.7-mile paved pathway connects this park to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail in Minneapolis and the Luce Line Trail in Plymouth, providing scenic views of the lake along the way. The trail winds through the park, leading to the beach, and offers peaceful moments away from the road. Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, the park is dog-friendly with public restrooms and picnic tables, making it a great destination for outdoor fun.
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The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile former railroad corridor in south Minneapolis, features dedicated biking and walking trails. Owned by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and maintained by the City of Minneapolis, the Greenway came to be from advocacy by the Midtown Greenway Coalition. The Midtown Greenway runs separated from the street, either in a gorge or on a levee, allowing for efficient, barrier-free riding. It connects west to paths around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and the Southwest LRT Trail, and east to paths along the Mississippi River. This path is accessible 24/7, with trails plowed in winter and well-lit at night.
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The Luce Line Trail stretches 76.7 miles across Carver, Hennepin, McLeod, and Meeker counties, connecting rural Minnesota with urban Minneapolis. This rail trail has different surfaces along the way, including asphalt, crushed stone, and grass, and is open to biking, walking, running, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The trail passes through wetlands, wooded areas, lakes, and prairie remnants, with highlights like Otter Lake and Medicine Lake. The trail connects with other regional paths and provides scenic views, including the Minneapolis skyline. The Luce Line follows a former rail corridor with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.
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Convenient route across town that avoids most road crossings.
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The Rush Creek Regional Trail spans 9.6 miles through forests, farmland, and suburban areas, linking several notable parks in Hennepin County. Starting at Coon Rapids Park along the Mississippi River, the trail extends westward, passing through residential neighborhoods, shaded tree corridors, and farmland before ending at the Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The trail features a smooth, wide, and mostly flat paved path with ample signage, making it accessible for hiking, jogging, and biking. Early mornings are ideal for wildlife sightings. The trail also connects to other routes, including the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.
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Cedar Lake is the centerpiece of a park of the same name. The park has three sandy beaches, a nice picnic area with a grill, a fishing pier, and a great running trail around the lake.
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Cedar Lake is a lake in Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes. This is the city's only lake that has sections of private shoreline. You can soak in the views from this public beach area along the paved path that circles the lake.
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This lake boasts three distinct beach areas with access to Cedar Lake. Also, the area provides numerous amenities, including a cross-country ski trail, fishing pier, picnic area, and walking path.
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New Hope is rich in history. You can explore the Bucks County Playhouse, known as "America's Most Famous Summer Theatre," or step back in time at the Parry Mansion Museum, which showcases 125 years of the Parry family's occupancy. Don't miss the Locktender's House at Lock 11 within Delaware Canal State Park, an interpretive center illustrating canal history. For a significant American Revolution site, visit Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Absolutely. The Delaware Canal State Park offers a 60-mile towpath perfect for hiking and biking along the Delaware River. You can also discover hundreds of native plant species at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, which features miles of trails through diverse habitats. The Honey Hollow Nature Center provides 55 acres of meadows, forests, and trails to explore.
Families can enjoy a narrated ride through the Bucks County countryside on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. The Delaware Canal State Park towpath is great for walks or bike rides. Additionally, Peddler's Village, a short drive away, offers quaint shops and lively events that appeal to all ages. Many of the natural preserves like Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and Washington Crossing Historic Park also offer accessible trails suitable for families.
The winding Delaware River provides breathtaking views, and Ferry Landing Park is an excellent spot to enjoy them and learn about the river's history. The towpath within Delaware Canal State Park offers numerous scenic sections for short walks. For panoramic vistas, consider areas within Washington Crossing Historic Park.
New Hope has a vibrant arts scene. The Bucks County Playhouse offers year-round entertainment. You can also visit the New Hope Arts Center to see local talent. The town itself is known as an historic arts colony, with many galleries and unique boutiques along Main Street.
New Hope offers several excellent options for hiking and walking. The 60-mile towpath in Delaware Canal State Park is ideal for scenic walks along the river. Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve has miles of trails through forests and meadows. For more structured hiking, you can find various routes in the area, including those listed in our Hiking around New Hope guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Delaware Canal State Park features a 60-mile towpath that is excellent for biking. You can find more cycling routes and information in our dedicated Cycling around New Hope guide.
New Hope's Main Street is famous for its eclectic shopping, featuring unique boutiques and art galleries. The town is also a premier restaurant destination in Bucks County, offering a diverse range of culinary options from riverside dining to continental cuisine in historic settings. Don't forget to check out the Ferry Market for food vendors and fresh produce.
For a different kind of experience, consider the Ghost Tours of New Hope, which delve into the town's spooky tales and local legends. You can also visit the New Hope Winery for wine tastings and often live music on weekends.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit New Hope for outdoor attractions. Spring brings blooming wildflowers to places like Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, while fall offers stunning foliage along the Delaware River and its towpath. Summer is also popular for river activities, though it can be warmer.
Many of New Hope's outdoor spaces, particularly the towpath in Delaware Canal State Park, are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before visiting.
Washington Crossing Historic Park is a pivotal site in American history, spanning approximately 500 acres. It marks the areas where George Washington and his troops assembled before their famous crossing of the Delaware River in 1776, a crucial moment in the American Revolution. The park features restored 18th and 19th-century buildings, including the Thompson-Neely Farmstead and McConkey's Ferry Inn.


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