Wayne Township is a rural community near outdoor recreation
Located about 9 miles from Pottsville, Wayne Township in Schuylkill County offers country homes and a lakefront community near outdoor recreation, the county fairgrounds and a large Hindu temple. Lake Wynonah, a gated community with two lakes, is a popular retirement destination, according to Brad Mullen, an owner and broker of Mullen Realty Associates who’s sold homes here for 11 years. “It’s a robust community with lots of things going on,” he says. “It’s a good area if you like lake life.” While Lake Wynonah’s amenities are only available to residents, the township features other lakes, parks and hiking trails. Vraj Hindu Temple and the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds attract a steady stream of visitors to the area.
A gated lakefront community and houses with a country feel
Ranch-style and split-level homes are common throughout the area, including in the Lake Wynonah neighborhood. Some of the lakefront homes here have chalet-style architecture with large windows to take in the water views. Outside of Lake Wynonah, the rest of Wayne Township has a spacious feel, with farms and countryside properties sitting far from neighbors and a few small subdivisions with new traditional homes. Prices typically range from around $150,000 to $430,000; lakefront homes and those with more than 3,000 square feet can cost between $400,000 and $800,000. “Houses usually go pretty quickly, and homes on the water are highly sought after,” Mullen says.
Fishing, hiking and golf for outdoor fun
Lake Wynonah’s residents have private access to two lakes, both of which are stocked with bass, pike and other species of fish. The smaller Fawn Lake is restricted to non-motorized boats, while Lake Wynonah is large enough for waterskiing. Blue Mountain Fishing Lakes is open to all anglers, though they’ll have to pay a fee to fish. Summit Station Park has a playground and a basketball court. Golfers can head to the public Hidden Valley Golf Course, where they can play 18 holes or work on their swing at the driving range. The Appalachian Trail passes through the township’s south, allowing hikers to explore the ridge and take in views of the valley below.
Blue Mountain’s new elementary school and high school extracurriculars
Kids can attend schools in the Blue Mountain School District, which earns an overall rating of B from Niche. They can start at Blue Mountain Elementary West, which opened in 2022 and is unrated, and then go to the B-minus-rated Blue Mountain Middle. At the B-rated Blue Mountain High, students can join nearly 50 clubs and sports teams, including the guitar club, Quiz Bowl and the cross-country team.
Hindu temple draws thousands for daily prayers and annual events
The Vraj Hindu Temple attracts over 100,000 visitors a year who come for daily prayers, multi-night pilgrimages and youth summer camps. The temple offers overnight accommodation and a restaurant that serves vegetarian cuisine. Regular events occur throughout the year, including religious festivals like Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Seva Days, during which volunteers help clean and maintain the temple’s grounds.
Events at Schuylkill County Fairgrounds
Each summer at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, the Schuylkill County Fair celebrates the community’s agricultural heritage with a week of livestock competitions, carnival rides and fair foods. Each day of the fair features a concert and an antique tractor parade, plus entertainers like acrobats and ventriloquists. The fairgrounds host other events throughout the year, including Schuylkill PrideFest.
A car-dependent area near Schuylkill Haven
State Route 183 leads about 5 miles to Schuylkill Haven and 10 miles to Interstate 78, which leads 53 miles to Lehigh Valley International Airport. Pottsville, which has Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill South Jackson Street, is a 9-mile drive.
Shops and restaurants along Route 183
Restaurants and stores are concentrated around Route 183. Sunny Cupboard is a sandwich shop here that also sells prepared foods and groceries. Martin’s Roadside Stand has locally grown produce, and Dollar General has essentials. A thrift store, beer store and auto shops also line the thoroughfare. Nearby, the family-owned Friedensburg Country Restaurant serves Pennsylvania Dutch dishes and American comfort food in a casual atmosphere. Schuylkill Haven has more shopping and dining options, including Bill’s Produce and a Giant grocery store.
Written By
Annie Franklin
