Selinsgrove: History, Markets and Water Activities

Selinsgrove offers several points of interest for planning a trip: its historic downtown, a farmers market, and seasonal activities on the river and at the pool. If you’re looking for hotels in Selinsgrove, your travel dates may factor into your plans. Summer water activities, a September festival and winter activities are subject to different conditions.

History and Downtown

Selinsgrove was founded in 1787 by Captain Anthony Selin, who fought alongside Washington in the Revolutionary War. Colonial and early American architecture, paved sidewalks and tree-lined streets shape the character of downtown. The sidewalks and streets are well suited for walking. Here, the town’s early history and a stroll through its built environment come together.

Market and September Festival

The Selinsgrove Farmers Market is located at Selinsgrove Commons in downtown, at the corner of Market Street and Pine Street. Individual market dates may change; check the specific date before making plans. Unlike the market, which has a clearly identified local location, the Market Street Festival transforms downtown into a lively September celebration with vendors, food, entertainment and activities for all ages. Festival dates and programming may also change.

Water and Nature on the River

In summer, boating and swimming are available on the Susquehanna River in Selinsgrove. The Selinsgrove Pool is open during the summer months and has a swimming area, a diving board, three slides and a splash pad. The seasonal water activities vary: boating and swimming are available on the river, while the pool offers several features for swimming. If the pool is important to your plans, check the specific date within its summer operating season.

The Penns Creek Kayak Launch provides public access for launching and retrieving kayaks and canoes. The Isle of Que Loop starts at the Isle of Que Boat Access in Selinsgrove. Along the loop, visitors may be able to spot eagles, herons, ducks and deer. The two locations have different focuses: the Kayak Launch provides access for kayaks and canoes, while the loop offers a starting point and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Parks, Recreation and Winter

Major Anthony Selin Park includes a playground for children ages 2 to 5, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, a volleyball net, an arboretum and a picnic pavilion. Kidsgrove Park has a large wooden play structure, adaptive swings, a sandbox, a picnic pavilion and an accessible walking path. These features distinguish the two parks: Major Anthony Selin Park also has sports facilities and an arboretum; Kidsgrove offers an accessible path alongside its play equipment. A LifeTrail features ten fitness stations. The gazebo in Pump House Park is also located along Penns Creek.

In winter, ice fishing and ice skating are available in Selinsgrove. Little Norway II offers an outdoor ice rink for skating during the winter months, weather permitting. Ice fishing is another seasonal option; outdoor skating is explicitly subject to weather conditions.

Discover more destinations: Middleburg, Shamokin Dam.

Return to the county travel overview: Snyder County.