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A Town to Come Home To
There is no noise, no traffic, no lines, no hassle! Just plenty of open spaces, beautiful mountains and valleys to hike, fish, hunt, raft, browse unique shops and dine at irresistible eateries.
Welcome to Galeton, Pennsylvania located in the heart of Potter County - God's Country - along Scenic Route 6.
Galeton was once the largest town in Potter County with the Gale Tannery fueling the town's growth. In the early days of the lumber industry, much of the lumber harvested in Potter County began its journey to Williamsport via creeks and rivers in Galeton. In fact, it was Potter County's lumber that helped Williamsport become known as "The Lumber Capital of the World." But in 1894, the water transport of logs largely ended when the Goodyears built a mill in town. Others followed, and Galeton became a booming turn of the century lumber town.
Just west of Galeton on Route 6 is the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, which preserves and interprets the colorful heritage of the Commonwealth's prosperous lumber era when white pine and hemlock were the wealth of the nation. Take a tour of the grounds where a 1912 Shay-geared logging locomotive, Barnhart Log Loader, Brookville locomotive and restored Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Cabin are on display. In 2011, a statue honoring CCC workers and their role in natural resource conservation was dedicated and placed on display at the museum. You can experience the rugged lifestyle of the woodhicks in the re-created logging camp, and watch the sawmill turn logs into lumber.
The Annual Woodsmen Show celebrating the rich lumber history of Potter County is held in August of each year at Cherry Springs State Park. Come see the top lumberjacks in the country compete in events like cross cut saw, springboard, axe throwing and tree felling - the same events featured in the popular outdoor games on TV. Witness ordinary people test their own skills while rubbing elbows with the pros. Watch talented chainsaw artists create works of beauty. Discover exhibits, vendors and historical re-enactments all commemorating our great forest and the life of the woodhick. After soaking in all the activities, sit down with a hearty meal and enjoy traditional music.
Plan your trip today with a stay at a nearby Bed & Breakfast.
