Downtown Discoveries: Things to Do in Wellsboro

Wellsboro is located on the ancestral homelands of the Seneca people, members of the Iroquois Confederacy.

snowy street lined with cars and businesses in Wellsboro, PA

With its Victorian charm and vibrant downtown, the borough of Wellsboro in Tioga County is one of the most popular destinations in north-central Pennsylvania.

The town can be found along historic Route 6, the east-west road that connects Scranton and Erie. In Wellsboro, Route 6 becomes Main Street where the roadway is lined by original gas lights. In town, you’ll find dining to please everyone, a historic movie theater, art centers showcasing the visual and performing arts, and one of the best small-town shopping destinations in the state. Outside town, the adventure awaits at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Check out our guide to this all-seasons PA destination:

Things to Do

Wooden railing in front of a scenic overlook at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon on an early fall day with mostly green leaves and some starting to brown.

Leonard Harrison State Park – PA Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge, better known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is one of the most impressive attractions in Pennsylvania. And there’s no better place to take in the views than from Leonard Harrison State Park, just a short drive west from downtown Wellsboro. The park offers accessible viewing platforms, a recently renovated visitors center, and a one-mile walking path into the canyon known as the Turkey Path. The Turkey Path is a difficult but rewarding hike that descends 700 feet to the base of the gorge. Just be prepared for the hike back up to the top.

The PA Grand Canyon can also be accessed from the northwest side via Colton Point State Park, but Leonard Harrison is generally considered to have better views.

view of a green valley with a small creek running through it from Leonard Harrison State Park in Pennsylvania

Pine Creek Rail Trail

One of the longest rail-trails in Pennsylvania, the Pine Creek Rail Trail stretches 65 miles from Wellsboro south to the town of Jersey Shore. A new trailhead opened in Wellsboro in 2025 allowing riders to begin their journey in-town. CS Sports in Wellsboro is the local cycle shop with all the gear and expertise to get you out on the trail.

Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center

On the west end of the Main Street business district, the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is a hub for the visual arts. The galleries feature works of local interest by local artists while also hosting events and clubs, including art and photography clubs, quilt groups, open mic nights, and more.

Deane Center for the Performing Arts

The Deane Center is an all-purpose venue hosting a wide range of performing arts, including music, dance, and theater. The center also hosts community classes and workshops and features an on-site art gallery.

Warehouse Theatre

Located in a converted warehouse behind the Deane Center, the Warehouse Theatre is the home of Hamilton-Gibson Productions, a local theatre troupe that began in 1991.

Facade of a brick building with old-time movie theater marquee that reads "ARCADIA"

Arcadia Theatre

For more than 100 years, the Arcadia Theatre has been an entertainment destination in downtown Wellsboro. The art deco theater began showing movies in 1921 and was renovated in the late 90s, taking it from one screen to four.

Shopping

Dunham’s Department Store

Only a handful of independent department stores survive, and Dunham’s makes the list. According to a framed photo hanging in the store, Roy Dunham started a grocery store in Wellsboro in 1905 with the business eventually evolving into the department store it is today. Dunham’s stretches across three storefronts on Main Street. The first floor is filled with clothing, shoes, homegoods, and a cafe featuring Starbucks drinks. A second level is dedicated to kid’s clothing and toys – including higher-quality brands like Brio, Melissa & Doug, and Green Toys.

The business extends into two additional buildings: a furniture gallery on Waln Street and Dunham’s Do-It Center hardware store on Pearl Street – all sharing a parking lot with the department store.

Highland Chocolates

The factory and flagship store for Highland Chocolates is located just outside town, but the chocolatier has a second location on Main Street. Highland Chocolates is owned by Partners in Progress, a nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities to succeed.” Both locations offer their signature chocolate treats while supporting the vocational agency’s mission.

Pop’s Culture Shoppe

Comic books, card and board games, and collectibles are among the finds at Pop’s Culture Shoppe. The corner store is big into Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, and other games, offering regular tournaments and game nights in the shop.

large banner sign reading "Local Handmade Goods" in a large retail space with shelves of various product in the background

Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods

Locally owned, Nessmuk’s has two locations: one open seasonally in Morris and the downtown Wellsboro location that’s open year-round. The store is filled with gear for hunting, fishing, and camping, as well as offering items of local interest.

Main Street Olive Oil

A variety of olive oil and balsamic vinegar is available at Main Street Olive Oil in downtown Wellsboro. The store also features decor and home accessories from local and regional artisans.

Places to Eat

Beck’s Bistro

My favorite place to eat in Wellsboro, Beck’s Bistro, is a great spot for lunch and dinner. Sharing a building with the Deane Center for the Arts, Beck’s has two dining rooms and a full bar. The burgers are crafted using local beef from Hillstone Farms and are customized to your liking. The pork schnitzel, a seasonal entree, is also excellent, and they have some great pasta options, too.

Interior of a cafe with white short wall at the order counter and green lettering on the black menu boards behind

Arise Cafe

Tucked behind the Warehouse Theater on Central Avenue, Arise Cafe is Wellsboro’s cozy coffee shop. In addition to coffee and tea, the Cafe offers acai bowls, sandwiches, and paninis. The walls of the shop also serve as a local art gallery, showcasing works by artists from Wellsboro and the surrounding communities.

plate with refried beans, pulled beef, and yellow rice from Los Agaves in Wellsboro

Los Agaves Taqueria

Opened in 2023, Los Agaves Taqueria is one of the newer restaurants along Main Street, but the fast-casual Mexican spot is worth a visit. Serving burritos, tacos, and dinner platters, Los Agaves is one of the few options for Mexican food in the region, but it’s excellent.

Old-fashioned diner with green roof and yellow-green walls and red letters on the roof reading "WELLSBORO".

Wellsboro Diner

One of the icons of downtown, the Wellsboro Diner has been serving the community for nearly 90 years. The original 1938 dining car, with its yellow panels and green trim, draws customers for breakfast and lunch with typical American diner fare and fast service.

Hume’s Blooms

Located along Route 6 halfway between Wellsboro and Mansfield, Hume’s Blooms is a combination flower shop, gift shop and cozy cafe. The cafe offers a selection of sandwiches and bowls at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the honey hot chicken on a panini or in a wrap, and grab a seat by the fireplace.

Places to Stay

hotel lobby with fireplace, leather couch, and a Christmas tree on the left

Penn-Wells Hotel & Lodge

The Penn-Wells is two unique lodging destinations in downtown – the historic Penn-Wells Hotel and the more casual Penn-Wells Lodge. The Hotel is one of the highlights of Main Street. Built in 1869, the lobby maintains a well-to-do elegance with a roaring fireplace and Victorian decor. The Hotel is also home to the Mary Wells Dining Room, a classic fine dining restaurant open to the public.

Events

Group of carolers wearing long green coats in Victorian style

Dickens of a Christmas
December

Wellsboro’s signature event, the Dickens of a Christmas celebration takes over downtown on the first Saturday of December. The streets are lined with artisans, fine crafters, and food vendors from near and far. Strolling musicians entertain the crowds while the local theaters offer performances of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Stores are decked out in their holiday finest. Local businesses and nonprofits open their doors for special events and programs throughout the day. And the entire town comes alive for this Victorian Christmas celebration.

American flag made of red, white and blue glass Christmas ball ornaments.

Christmas on Main Street
December

Though not as large as Dickens of a Christmas, Wellsboro offers a second weekend of holiday merriment during Christmas on Main Street. One of the highlights is displays of historic Christmas ornaments – many of which were made at the Corning Glass factory in Wellsboro. The weekend also includes tours, trolley rides, music and entertainment, and specials at local shops.

PA State Laurel Festival
June

Now in its 84th year, the PA State Laurel Festival is the biggest summer event in Wellsboro. The weeklong festival features a parade, juried arts and crafts, and the crowning of the PA State Laurel Queen.

Getting There & Getting Around

statue of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod in the center of the Green in Wellsboro, PA

Wellsboro is located along historic Route 6, the east-west highway that traverses Pennsylvania from Scranton to Erie. The nearest highway is US-15 which runs through Mansfield, about 10 miles to the east. Route 15 is a four-lane highway from Corning, New York, south to Williamsport, PA where it intersects with I-80.

Wellsboro has plenty of on-street parking plus two municipal parking lots in downtown. All spaces are metered.