Palmyra: Parks, History and Experiences

Palmyra can be explored in different ways: The local trail is part of the 100-mile Lebanon County Heritage Trail, and there are also several parks, historic buildings, a bowling alley and a year-round farmers market. You can tailor your stay to your interests—with time outdoors, insights into architectural history or a visit to the market. For families, playgrounds, sports fields and bowling offer specific ways to enjoy the area. When choosing a vacation rental in Palmyra, it may therefore be important to consider which of these aspects of the town you want to shape your stay.

Trails and Historic Sights

The Palmyra trail is part of the Lebanon County Heritage Trail, a 100-mile route that can be explored by car or on foot. The 100 miles refer to the entire trail, not the local trail in Palmyra. The option to explore the trail in two ways gives you a choice between an outing on foot and a drive. If you want to take the Palmyra Tour, it starts at Palm Lutheran Church. Parking for the tour is available along Cherry Street or Railroad Street.

The buildings also tell the story of different chapters in the town’s history. The Palmyra Bank Building has been in continuous use as a bank since February 1887. Bindnagle Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1803, has changed little since then and features Federal-style architecture. Along with the starting point of the Palmyra Tour, it offers another historic landmark. The two buildings have distinct points of interest: the bank building is notable for its continuous use, while the church stands out for its long history and preserved character.

Parks for Active Pursuits and Time Together

Southeast Family Park in the Borough of Palmyra covers 8.5 acres. Its amenities include baseball and soccer fields, a toddler playground, a jogging trail, passive park areas and an accessible viewing area. The park combines sports facilities with opportunities for quieter time outdoors. When planning their day, families can consider whether they would rather use the playground, the fields or the trail; the viewing area is a distinct feature for visitors who want to watch a game.

Heritage Park also offers playgrounds and sports fields, as well as picnic areas and scenic walking trails. Along with opportunities for exercise, there are places to take a break outdoors. Memorial Park of Palmyra adds multipurpose fields, a covered pavilion and a bandshell. The three parks differ in the features described: Southeast Family Park includes, among other things, a toddler playground and jogging trail; Heritage Park has picnic areas and walking trails; and Memorial Park includes a pavilion and bandshell.

Bowling and Regional Products

Palmyra Bowling is a family-friendly bowling center with modern lanes, a snack bar and leagues for all skill levels. It offers a different kind of group activity from those available in the parks, focusing on bowling and its leagues. The snack bar adds to the on-site amenities. If you want to include a range of interests in your trip, you can consider this indoor activity alongside the outdoor options described above.

Farmstead Farmers Market is a year-round, covered farmers market in Palmyra. A variety of vendors sell fruit and vegetables, meat, homemade baked goods, soft pretzels and more. The range of products makes the market a place to discover different regional offerings in one location. If you plan to prepare your own meals during your stay, the market’s food selection may be of interest.

You can choose how to experience Palmyra based on what matters for your trip.

More places to explore: Sand Hill, Annville, Myerstown, Lebanon, Jonestown, Campbelltown.

Back to the main travel overview: Lebanon.