The Reading Pagoda Penny Smasher - Reading, PA - Penny Smashers on Waymarking.com

When heading from the south or the west to the Reading area, the Reading Pagoda is the symbol that you are almost there. Sitting 620 feet above the city of Reading, the Pagoda originated as a way to beautify the mining scarred Mount Penn in the early 1900s. It was planned to be a luxorious resort but plans fell through when a liquor license couldn't be obtained and the bank foreclosed. The Pagoda was then sold to the city of Reading for $1...yes, that is $1. Today, the Pagoda is one of the biggest tourist attractions in our area. After all, who would expect to see a Pagoda in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country? The drive up the side of Mount Penn to get to our destination can be an experience itself. The windy roads criss cross across the mountain and as many times as I have been there, I think I have never taken the same route twice.

Once you reach the Pagoda, for the prices of $1 (sound familiar) you can climb the 87 steps to the top and look down over the city. It is a beautiful view. Then when you come back down, you can take advantage of the penny smasher on the third floor, grab a bite to eat in the cafe and buy some unique souvenirs in the gift shop.

Hours to enter the Pagoda are rather limited but one can still get a terrific view of the city from the parking area and can also meander around the outside of the Pagoda. Hours are Open Thursday - 2pm to 6pm & Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Noon to 6pm

Denomination: Penny Number of Designs: Four

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