William Penn Memorial Fire Tower
A historic 120-foot fire tower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Berks County and beyond. Climb over 800 steps for a rewarding panoramic exper...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tower access is limited
William Penn Memorial Fire Tower
Best Time
Tower access is limited
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 120-foot fire tower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Berks County and beyond. Climb over 800 steps for a rewarding panoramic experience.
"You don’t have to travel far for a million-dollar view tucked high above Reading."
🎯 Check Opening Hours
The tower is only open select weekends for a few hours. Verify hours before your visit!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Over 800 steps await! Be prepared for a good workout to reach the top. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & County Views
Top of the tower
Experience a 360-degree vista of Reading, the rolling Berks County hills, and even Philadelphia on a clear day.
Historic WPA Architecture
The tower itself
Admire the impressive stone and concrete construction of this 1939 WPA project, a testament to historical engineering.
William Penn Family Shield
Entry wall
Discover a unique historical detail with the "shield of arms" of the William Penn Family displayed at the tower's entrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Conquer the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours
The tower is only open select weekends for a few hours. Verify hours before your visit!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Over 800 steps await! Be prepared for a good workout to reach the top. :athletic_shoe:
🔭 Bring Binoculars
On clear days, you might spot Philadelphia from the summit! :telescope:
📸 Capture the Views
The 360-degree panorama offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours
The tower is only open select weekends for a few hours. Verify hours before your visit!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Over 800 steps await! Be prepared for a good workout to reach the top. :athletic_shoe:
🔭 Bring Binoculars
On clear days, you might spot Philadelphia from the summit! :telescope:
📸 Capture the Views
The 360-degree panorama offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Combine with Pagoda Visit
Located near the Reading Pagoda, make it a two-in-one historical and scenic outing. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower for its absolutely stunning panoramic views and its historical significance as a WPA-era structure. Many appreciate the unique architecture and the chance to see the 'shield of arms.' However, the significant number of steps (over 800) and the tower's limited opening hours are common points of caution.
"Really cool place and some really good views. There are a lot of steps to get to the top. I think it was over 800 steps. It is one of the highest spots in the County as well. From here on a clear day you can see Philly with a pair of binoculars. Its an amazing piece of history for Berks County as well. The site is the former location of a old hotel that burned down. There a few events every year that happens at the fire tower. The tower is only open certain weekends for a few hours."
JorGen Reviews
"This is a stone and concrete fire observation tower owned by the city of Reading, Pa. located about mile from the Reading Pagoda. It is is constructed of fire proof material. There is a 60 mile panoramic view from the top of the tower. It was built in 1939, stands 120 ft. tall and sits on the top of Mt. Penn. The tower is not in service but restoration of the tower is being considered for the future. It is magnificent to see. On the entry wall there is a "shield of arms" of the William Penn Family.
There are picnic areas and parking lots on either side of Mt. Penn that are still in use.
When you visit the Reading Pagoda make sure you also stop to see the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower close by in Skyline Drive. We are glad we did!"
Cindy Ann
"It is very nice. The gentleman who works there is very pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable about the place. It was cold and windy the day I went but worth the view."
Jamie Oswalt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tower is located on Mount Penn in Reading, PA, near the Reading Pagoda. Access is typically via Skyline Drive. Parking is available at nearby picnic areas and lots.
Yes, there are parking lots and picnic areas on either side of Mount Penn that are still in use and provide access to the tower.
You can drive up Mount Penn via Skyline Drive, which leads to the vicinity of the tower. The final approach involves a walk and a climb up the tower itself.
While the tower climb involves many steps, the surrounding Mount Penn area offers scenic drives and picnic spots.
Using GPS for the Reading Pagoda is a good starting point, as the fire tower is nearby. Follow signs for Skyline Drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required for the grounds, but access to the tower itself is limited to specific open weekends. It's crucial to check the schedule.
The tower is not always open. It's typically accessible only on certain weekends for a few hours. Always confirm the schedule beforehand.
While the grounds are free to access, specific opening days for the tower might not have an additional fee, but this can vary.
Local event listings, the city of Reading's official website, or community forums are the best places to check for announced open days.
If the tower is closed, you can still enjoy the scenic drive up Mount Penn and visit the nearby Reading Pagoda for views and history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors report there are over 800 steps to reach the summit of the tower, making it a significant climb.
The tower offers a magnificent 60-mile panoramic view, encompassing Reading, Berks County hills, and potentially Philadelphia on clear days.
Due to the significant height and open structure, individuals with a fear of heights may find the climb and experience challenging.
While the tower itself is the main attraction, there are picnic areas and parking lots on Mount Penn that are still in use.
The climb involves over 800 steps, making it inaccessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Sunsets are particularly stunning from the top.
You can capture stunning panoramic landscapes of the city and county, architectural details of the tower, and dramatic sky views.
While some drone footage exists, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in public parks and historical sites before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic views, and a zoom lens can be useful for spotting distant landmarks. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots. :camerawithflash:
Yes, you can take photos of the interior stonework and windows, as well as the expansive views from within the tower structure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water, as amenities are limited. The surrounding Mount Penn area also offers picnic spots, making it a good place for a family outing. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and is prepared for the physical exertion. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about local history and the importance of preserving landmarks.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially on warmer days. The tower's location near the Reading Pagoda also makes it an excellent stop on a scenic drive or a dedicated exploration of Mount Penn's historical and natural attractions. The panoramic vistas are a photographer's dream.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Don't forget to capture the architectural details of the historic tower itself, including its stonework and unique windows. If you're lucky enough to visit on a day with clear skies, you might even get a shot of the Philadelphia skyline in the distance. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a zoom lens for distant details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
This 120-foot tower was built on the site of a former hotel, further embedding it in the area's past. While it's no longer in active service as a fire lookout, there's ongoing consideration for its future restoration, highlighting its continued importance to the community. Visiting the tower offers a chance to connect with Berks County's history and the efforts of past generations.
Beyond its historical context, the tower is a symbol of community pride. Its presence on Mount Penn, near the iconic Reading Pagoda, makes it a key point of interest for those exploring the region's landmarks. The fact that it's occasionally opened for public access adds to its allure, making each visit a potentially special occasion.
The Ascent and the Reward
Upon reaching the summit, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. On a clear day, the vista extends for miles, encompassing the city of Reading, the undulating landscape of Berks County, and even the distant skyline of Philadelphia. This expansive view is frequently cited as the highlight of any visit, offering a unique perspective of the region.
It's worth noting that the tower's open structure and height can be a consideration for those with a fear of heights. However, for most, the incredible views and the sense of accomplishment make the climb a worthwhile endeavor. The opportunity to see such a vast landscape from a historical vantage point is a memorable part of visiting the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower.
Social
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