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 With its beautiful rural setting and an abundance of forestland and lakes, it's little wonder that Wayne County residents take so much pride in their region. And who wouldn't be delighted by a pace that allows you to switch gears, slow down and enjoy what life and nature have to offer?
While our region provides easy enough access to large metropolitan areas, it offers a welcome alternative to the relentless grind of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Add to this mix a highly respected health care system, a low crime rate, affordable cost of living, a host of recreational and educational opportunities and you can see why life in our county is hard to beat.
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The fact is, there are more lakes in Wayne County than in any other county in Pennsylvania, including several dozen glacial lakes and hundreds of impoundments.
Our largest body of water is Lake Wallenpaupack, measuring 13 1/2 miles long with 52 miles of shoreline.
Built in 1926 for hydroelectric power, Wallenpaupack includes six recreation areas, featuring hundreds of acres of forestlands, wildlife, walking trails, campsites and boat slips. When it comes to boating and water activities, this popular body of water has few equals.
Since 60% of Wayne County is covered by forests and woodlands, it comes as no surprise that our residents are avid outdoor enthusiasts. More than 14,000 acres of State Gamelands offer the best in biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, animal watching and just about any other outdoor activity you can imagine.
State parks include:
- Gouldsboro State Park
- Prompton State Park
- Tobyhanna State Park
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is also a popular destination for outdoor fun and adventure.
Our county plays host to 40 summer youth camps and features many public campgrounds.
Other recreational and cultural activities include:
Stourbridge Line Excursions
Our County seat, Honesdale, lays claim to being the birthplace of the American Railroad. In 1829, the Stourbridge Lion became the first commercial locomotive to operate in the United States. A replica of the Stourbridge Lion is on display in the Wayne County Historical Society, and rail excursions offered by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce draw thousands each year for Fall Foliage tours, holiday trips, and an old-fashioned train robbery.
Wayne County Arts Alliance
It's no secret that our gentle living in proximity to some of the greatest urban centers in the world makes Wayne County the perfect location for artists and artisans. The Wayne County Arts Alliance opens the door of the artistic process to the community with an annual tour of studios.
Wildflower Music Festival
Nature and music are in perfect harmony at the Dorflinger-Suydam Sanctuary: the Wildflower Music Festival provides concert-goers a serene setting amidst fields and forests. Past performers include Tom Chapin, Ethel Ennis, Marian McPartland and The Charlie Byrd Trio. [return to navigation]
 Residents enjoy the highest quality healthcare provided by Wayne Memorial Hospital. This caring, community hospital is part of Wayne Memorial Health Systems, Inc. The hospital serves patients in Northeastern Pennsylvania (Wayne County) and Sullivan County, New York.
The Wayne Memorial Health System is a "proactive, fully integrated, locally controlled health care system, serving people through services and facilities strategically located throughout the service area and staffed by highly qualified practitioners and volunteers."
Other hospitals that are accessible to the area include:
- Community Medical Center
- Moses Taylor Hospital
- Regional Hospital of Scranton
- Marian Community Hospital
- Mid-Valley Hospital
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 Education has always been looked upon as essential to maintaining progress in our county. Our community is proud of its schools and those who dedicate themselves to making our educational system so successful.
Elementary and Secondary School Districts
- Wayne Highlands
- Western Wayne
- Wallenpaupack Area
- Forest City Regional
- North Pocono
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Susquehanna Community
Several area private schools also provide high-quality education in our area.
Colleges and Universities
Three post-secondary institutions bring academic and training opportunities to Wayne County:
- Lackawanna College – Lake Region Center
- Luzerne County Community College
- Northampton College – Honesdale Branch
There are numerous highly respected and nationally recognized colleges and universities that exist throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Most of these work closely with area employers to develop customized job training and continuing education programs and are a convenient commute for those who live in Wayne County.
Click here for detailed information on the higher educational opportunities available throughout the Penn's Northeast region.
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Located in the Northeast corner of Pennsylvania bordering New York state, Wayne County is only a half-hour east of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Corridor. It's also about 2.5 hours west of New York City and 3 hours north of Philadelphia. 
Much of our community pride stems from our valued traditions and a strong work ethic. In fact, we believe our laborers are amongst the most loyal and diligent in the region - if not the country! The evidence of this can be seen in the success of our local companies and community projects.
