Nestled in beautiful Bucks County, PA, under 30 miles north of Philadelphia, Doylestown combines classic architecture, history, recreation and picturesque landscapes.
Art, Architecture and Libraries
Doylestown Borough is home to three structures designed and built by leading Arts and Crafts movement figure Henry Chapman Mercer. The poured concrete Mercer Museum is home to his collection of early American artifacts, including a nationally significant collection of tools and artifacts dating from pre-industrial America to the mid-19th Century. The Bucks County Historical Society maintains the adjoining Spruance Library, a research facility. Fonthill ("Mercer's Castle") was his home and houses his collection of artifacts from around the world. More tools and artifacts can be found at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, an operational facility utilizing the tools and techniques of Pennsylvania’s German potters of the 18th and 19th centuries.
A former prison across the street from the Mercer Museum is now the James A. Michener Art Museum. Doylestown is also near the Polish-American National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, home to a painting of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, Poland. The borough also boasts a small music conservatory, writers' and artists' organizations, and an array of cultural activities.
Nature and Recreation
Just west of Doylestown is New Britain Borough, home to historic landmark Pine Valley Covered Bridge and Peace Valley Park, a 1,500-acre area maintained by the Bucks County Parks System. In addition to a nature center for wildlife observation and preservation, the park offers fishing, sailboat and paddle boat rentals, and over 14 miles of maintained biking and hiking trails. Some border Lake Galena, a popular spot for winter ice skating and ice fishing.
Also near Doylestown is the Wilma Quinlan Nature Preserve, a 26+-acre natural area along Neshaminy Creek. Owned and maintained by New Britain Borough, its woods and fields hold miles of hiking trails with opportunities for birding, wildlife and nature observation. A highlight is Miriam’s Meadow —a 2.7-acre wildflower meadow on the former property of Miriam Groner.
Nearby Major Metropolitan Areas
Doylestown is an easy car, train, or bus trip to Philadelphia (30 miles); Wilmington, Delaware (55 miles); and New York City (78 miles). Many northern New Jersey beaches are less than two hours away.
