Things to Do in Sunbury, PA | River Views And History

Sunbury’s best day combines Shikellamy State Park, Fort Augusta, the riverfront, and an optional Knoebels side trip.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Two branches of the Susquehanna River meet beside Sunbury, so the strongest first stop is above the water rather than in the business district. The best things to do in Sunbury, PA, combine Shikellamy State Park, Fort Augusta history, riverside walking, and a few worthwhile drives into the surrounding valley.

Sunbury works best as a relaxed one-day trip. Outdoor stops are mostly free, the central sights pair easily, and nearby Northumberland, Elysburg, and Washingtonville add science, rides, and nature without turning the day into a long road trip.

Sunbury Activities Worth Building A Day Around

Shikellamy State Park and the Fort Augusta site give Sunbury its clearest sense of place. Start at the overlook, move down to the river, then add local history or a scheduled community event.

See The River Confluence From Shikellamy Overlook

Shikellamy State Park’s Overlook Section sits on a 360-foot cliff above the meeting of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River. Three overlooks face Sunbury, Northumberland, Packers Island, and the broad river junction below.

Allow 45 to 75 minutes for the viewpoints, short woodland paths, and a picnic. The overlook is particularly rewarding in clear weather and during fall color, but the exposed river view can feel cold and windy outside summer.

Walk The Marina And Lake Augusta

Shikellamy Marina occupies the southern end of Packers Island between Sunbury and Northumberland. A roughly 1.5-mile paved path circles the marina area, with picnic tables, boat launches, river views, and level walking that suits families better than the overlook trails.

Lake Augusta is a seasonal 3,060-acre pool created by the inflatable Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam. Motorboats need current registration, while unpowered boats using state launches need registration or a valid launch permit.

Visit The Fort Augusta Site

Fort Augusta was built in 1756 at a strategic river junction and later supported American forces in the upper Susquehanna Valley. The Northumberland County Historical Society now uses the Hunter House on the fort property, where exhibits include archaeological finds, local artifacts, and material tied to fort life.

Museum access and special programs follow limited schedules, so confirm opening times before driving over. The outdoor scale model and historic grounds still make the site useful when the museum building is closed.

Before setting out, review trail information, boating requirements, facilities, and park notices on the official Shikellamy State Park page.

Several worthwhile stops sit beyond comfortable walking distance from downtown. Travelers who need a vehicle can compare local options here:

History, Arts And Seasonal Events

Sunbury’s indoor and event-based options are modest but worthwhile when their schedules align with a visit. Check local calendars first, since several venues depend on weekend tours, performances, or annual dates.

The Albright Center for the Arts hosts music, dance, theater, and community programs in a former church on Chestnut Street. Sunbury’s Revitalization lists the 2026 River Festival for Aug. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with free entertainment, vendors, food, and fireworks.

Spyglass Ridge Winery lies outside the center and combines a restaurant setting with scheduled festivals and music events. Treat it as an event-night choice rather than an anytime attraction, and review the venue calendar before making the drive.

How Much Time Do You Need In Sunbury?

One full day is enough for Sunbury’s main sights, while a weekend gives room for Knoebels, Montour Preserve, or another valley town. A half-day can cover Shikellamy Overlook, the marina, and Fort Augusta without rushing.

• Three hours: Overlook, marina walk, and a brief stop at the Fort Augusta grounds.
• One day: Add downtown lunch, the historical museum when open, and a sunset return to the river.
• Two days: Add Joseph Priestley House, Knoebels, Montour Preserve, or a scheduled arts event.

Weather plan: Save the overlook and marina for the clearest part of the day. Use a museum tour, arts event, or long lunch during rain.

Good Side Trips Within A Short Drive

Northumberland, Elysburg, and Washingtonville supply the strongest additions to a Sunbury trip. Choose one major side trip rather than racing through all three.

Joseph Priestley House

The Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland preserves the scientist’s American home and laboratory. The Friends of the Joseph Priestley House lists guided tours at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from March 8 through Nov. 15, 2026, with no tours on June 21.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission currently lists admission at $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, AAA members, and veterans, and $4 for children ages 3 through 11. Children under 3 and active-duty military families enter free.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg is the strongest family add-on. Admission, parking, and entertainment are free, while guests pay per ride or use ride-all-day passes on selected dates, making the park practical for mixed-age groups who do not all want the same rides.

Montour Preserve

Montour Preserve near Washingtonville offers pedestrian trails, Lake Chillisquaque, wildlife habitat, a fossil pit, and an environmental education center. Outdoor areas are open from dawn to dark, but dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the preserve trails.

Where To Stay Near The River

Sunbury has limited lodging inside the city, so compare the wider river valley before choosing a base. Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove, Lewisburg, and Danville can provide more options while keeping Sunbury within a manageable drive.

Use the map to compare distances from Shikellamy State Park, downtown Sunbury, and any side trip on the schedule:

What Should You Do With One Day In Sunbury?

A strong one-day plan starts high above the river, moves through Sunbury’s history, and finishes beside the water. The order limits backtracking and leaves the best light for the riverfront.

1. Morning: Reach Shikellamy Overlook early, walk to the viewpoints, and use the picnic area if the weather is clear.
2. Late morning: Drive to the Fort Augusta property and visit the Hunter House museum when its posted schedule allows.
3. Lunch: Eat downtown, then check Cameron Park, local shops, or an Albright Center program.
4. Afternoon: Walk the paved marina loop on Packers Island. Add paddling or fishing only with the required equipment and permits.
5. Evening: Return to a river viewpoint, attend a scheduled downtown event, or reserve dinner at Spyglass Ridge Winery.

Families with a second day should choose Knoebels. History-minded visitors get more from Joseph Priestley House, while hikers and birdwatchers should reserve the extra time for Montour Preserve.