Great views of the area from atop the mountain. Didn't go inside the pagoda because it was closed when we arrived on our unplanned visit. The only thing I disliked (hated) about the visit was the amount of litter and trash in the woods and area surrounding the pagoda. Come on, folks! :( If in Reading or nearby, check it out! read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

On this cloudy day, the winding drive up to the pagoda was still enjoyable and worth the trip. It was disappointing that pagoda itself is closed to the public. You cannot walk on it or around it. Additionally the surrounding trails are closed and locked. While the area could use some restoration but it's still so worth visiting! Seems like a missed tourist opportunity for Reading. Regardless the view from it, even on a crummy weather day, is still spectacular. Take the drive up, you'll be glad you did! read more

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I'm sure the building and architecture is absolutely beautiful, but it is currently Under construction and repair. Wait until it reopens to visit. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Under construction and repair. Wait until it reopens to visit. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

What a unique gem! I was in Reading for a work trip and from doing a little research, I knew I had to stop and check out the Pagoda. It's a little bit off the beaten trail, but so worth the visit. If you are into architecture, this will not disappoint. I was a little disappointed that it was closed and you couldn't actually go onto it, however, you get a great view of by just going to the skyline parking lot. From the parking lot you also get a great view of Reading. Good place to get some unique pictures. 100% worth the visit. read more

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Nice spot. 1) When I came they had the entrance closed. Wished they allowed people to walk around the building, even if not inside the building. 2) This place can be a huge tourist draw for the town, if they allowed people to explore and maintained it that way. 3) However, I still recommend everyone if around the area, to give it a visit. The outside was still very nice. read more

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Beautiful but open opened limitedly during weekends 12p-4p, according to Yelp. A touristy spot with a beautiful sky line of the city. Very peaceful. Limited parking spots available on site. Intense sun so bring sun protective wear and sun screen. Bring nice cameras haha! read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

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Pretty view but the inside was closed due to renovations. Lots of trash in the parking lot. This also seems to be a place for sketchy characters to hang out and harass people. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Beautiful view. Interesting pagoda. Bright red lights. Not sure the meaning of the place. But it was cool to see lights. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Pagoda skyline building Reading Pa. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Fun to see this amazing structure overlooking Reading, PA. Too bad it was under renovation when we visited. Definitely want to go back when it's all done! Curious to see inside and be able to get closer. read more

While currently the pagoda is undergoing renovations and is not open, this feature of Reading is a great spot to view the city and valley from above. Built as part of a bigger intended but never finished resort, the pagoda remains and was gifted to the city. If your ever in Reading, it's an interesting view of the city read more

This review will have to be updated when the interior of the pagoda becomes available to the public again, since I was only able to walk around the grounds. So I had no idea this was here. It's really kind of bizarre that a smaller PA city like Reading just had a pagoda hanging out on the outskirts. I had to do some digging as to why it existed, and was interested to learn it was at one time in the early 1900's supposed to be a resort. Since that fell through it has been taken care of by a non-profit organization and accepts visitors in normal, non-pandemic times. It's an interesting piece of architecture, but I gotta say the grounds are filthy! Nothing but beer cans and fast food wrappers strewn everywhere. All the walking paths are so badly littered that you can barely get down them. The grounds really, seriously need a clean up and renovation. I know they don't have much to work with, but the city of Reading should really step up and make this a landmark to be proud of and not just a garbage dumping ground. And to those that come here to litter and throw junk out of their cars, all I can say is grow up and have some self control. Anyway, this is a weird one. I'm glad it exists and the history is interesting but unless you want to be skeeved out by trash everywhere maybe it's worth skipping, especially while it's closed during the pandemic. read more

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My family was excited about the skyline but it was closed down for repairs. My family was disappointed because it was exciting to see. If it was open I would recommend going there. (The view is great) read more

A delightful view to see. Good time for some pretty pics. Although the inside is CLOSED due to COVID 19, ( access to the toilets also CLOSED. )You cannot enter the pagoda. The design of the pagoda is delightful and the city view and tree top view of Reading from this mountain top is gorgeous. I stayed for about 20 minutes. Most folks are in and out in half the time since you can't enter. I walked around the small area... took these pics and skedaddled to avoid any crowds. And to avoid the harsh heat of a 90 degree summer day. I'd recommend it because it's pretty cute (and a wee bit bizarre) to see a pagoda in Pennsylvania!! Very pretty. read more

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We didn't have big expectations for the Pagoda. Especially since it's closed with the COVID-19 issues. Personally I was disappointed because the grounds were not being maintained. Trash and glass everywhere. Also the grounds were in a disarray from crumbling concrete to fencing that was extremely iffy. Pretty disappointed read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

This is one of those "do not miss" spots I have been here a number of times and is always on my must see stops when I am in the area. Unfortunately, I have never been there when the Pagoda is actually open, but the awesomeness is still there. The sheer audacity of the building alone makes it worth while. It is nice to see it is being maintained. It was built in 1906 as part of a luxury resort on top of Mt. Penn. It was never opened and was one by a businessman who deeded it to the City of Reading in 2010. It has become a unique landmark for Reading PA. The views from the overlook are magnificent. No matter the weather, it is always awe-inspiring. I have not been there at sunset, but would predict it as amazing. The drive up to the top is beautiful. There are magnificent trees and some old mansions along the way. The whole area is so full of history and beauty, it is definitely worth the trip. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Visiting the Kutztown area and came across the Pagoda when searching for unique stops. I really couldn't believe that this was in the mountains of PA so I had to check this out! To start, driving up the mountain was an adventure. Lots of windy, steep roads coming from Kutztown. Once we made it up the mountain, we pulled into a small parking lot by the pagoda. Getting out of the car and walking up to the pagoda seemed surreal. It's truly a unique landmark to see in the middle of PA. I will say it was a little confusing walking inside, as no one really greeted us nor gave us any direction. There was a man behind a concession counter and a woman behind a gift area counter but neither offered assistance. There was a box with a sign for donations near a set of stairs. However, I didn't see a brochure or guide for our self guided tour. We walked up each floor, stopping to read some of the framed photos and details as we could. However, the hallways and stairs are narrow in some areas so it's difficult to pass by others. The top floor has a viewing room that is enclosed with windows. The view is beautiful up there. It was a pretty cool sight to see and it's very close to a castle in the area that has a pub/restaurant. Highly recommend both stops for unique landmarks and a bit of history. read more

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I haven't quite gotten the story behind this pagoda (nor were any tours on offer, presumably due to corona), but it's an interesting spot with a nice view. I dropped in on a snow day, so any thoughts of walking on the paths and stairs on the side of the mountain were extinguished pretty quickly. However, driving was easy enough, despite a few bumps in the road. The panoramic view of the area was worth seeing. Restrooms were closed on my visit unfortunately. Still, the pagoda and the surrounding area were pretty enough to be worth a visit. read more

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I've going up it and seeing the skyline and it's relaxing to see. For the jerks that are throwing trash on the ground every please do everyone a favor and stop going up there go trash your own area and house. If your in the area check it our if you take anything up please throw your trash away properly not on the ground. read more

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I give it 4 stars, because it's currently closed, and I didn't get to see everything. The view from the Pagoda Skyline is indeed amazing. I give it that. The drive up Skyline drive is also very long and winding, and I'm sure the area looks amazing in the fall and winter season. Definitely a great place to take pics and enjoy the scenic view if you're in the area. The architecture on the outside of the Pagoda itself was impressive. I could only imagine how beautiful this place looks at night, with lights! read more

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I was going through some random stuff out here and came across a postcard of this place and of course, checked to see if it was on Yelp, and here we are... Once upon a time (a freaking long time ago), I used to commute past here to go to school. Although you could see it during the day, it stood out at night, its red lights blazing on the side of the giant hill*. I also said I would go visit one day and I'm happy to say I had the chance to do so before I moved out west. Driving through those streets of Reading was what I remember, until you made your way uphill to the peacefulness of the area. In addition to the view of the city and beyond, you felt miles away from society as we know it. There was a small gift shop, and you could check out the bell on the highest level. Not sure how things are now since it's been so long, but I hope the people that visit it today can enjoy this small gem high above Reading as I did yesterday...many years prior. *While in school, I was with a friend of a friend at her home one night in winter, and it was a little surreal since the one side of her house was all glass. She was quite close to this pagoda, as a slight haze of red light would be within view. Now that I look back on this, it was a pretty cool location to have a home that close, once you made it up that snowy, icy hill... read more

When hubby and I first got together 16 years ago he promised to bring me to the Pagoda for a romantic night out. As the years passed that never happened. Finally I took matters into my own hands and we visited this past weekend. It was my first "real" visit here, as my parents had brought me as a young child and all I can remember is not being tall enough to look out. The drive up was scenic and winded up and up till finally we arrived. We saw joggers on our journey up and while it would be a challenging route it's definitely scenic. I immediately was in awe of the view every time there was a clearing. Parking is tight and limited along the lookout point but there's more if you drive past the Pagoda. Thankfully it was a beautiful day, sunny and clear, we could see out for miles. Inside we walked up to the top floor and were able to see even further out. The building is climate controlled and comfortable. For 25 cents you look in the binoculars, which I highly recommend. The walk was up several flights of stairs which might be difficult for some but for us it was fine. While there were alot of cars outside, it seemed like very few people were inside and for about 10 minutes or so we had the top floor to ourselves. Along the way there's displays that outline the history of the Pagoda and pictures show it at various points in time. It was an interesting historical read. Downstairs is a small cafe selling drinks, hot dogs, and snacks, along with a gift shop and seating. The suggested donation for admission is only $1 for adults and .50 cents for kids but we gave generously. Outside were ample seats and restrooms on the lower level. It appears that at one point you could take the steps down the hillside but they've since been roped off. I was disappointed in the amount of trash that tarnished the view of the hillside. If you look out you're fine, look down and it's like a junkyard. People can really be disgusting. One thing worth noting is the smell of weed is prevalent and all over the place. While I didn't see anyone actually smoking it the fumes were in the air, down below, in the parking lot, and all around the exterior. If you go do check hours first as presently they're only open weekends. Don't bring a stroller. Wear shoes that you can walk up the stairs in comfortably. I didn't see an elevator or anyplace that was handicap accessible so you might want to inquire. Plan your visit around a nice clear day so you can see for miles, and give generously so it can be up-kept for future generations to enjoy. EDIT TO ADD: On Christmas Eve the Pagada turns on red lights so Santa can find his way, how adorable! read more

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How cool is this place? As soon as I pulled up I got an email for trips to Japan and boy did this make me want to go back. It's 87steps to the top but don't doesn't even feel like it. The area around here is just beautiful, peaceful, quite, and lovely. I am so shocked that reading has something this cool. $1 donations to walk the steps and .50cent for children. All well worth it, in my 30 years, Ive never been here and happy I finally took the trip. read more

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Beautiful views, don't get me wrong. But the building is unkept, with trash laying around the outside. It also doesn't seem like it is open on weekdays anymore, which was posted. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

I have loved the Pagoda since I was a child. I am so pleased with its current incarnation. It is in nice condition (it wasn't always) and features a small gift shop and snack bar where you can get a hotdog, cookies or some chips. I have found a few treasures here for my son, a cast iron Pagoda bank, a pagoda shaped cookie cutter and a cool pagoda yo-yo. We come once or twice a year or so to climb the stairs visit the bell and enjoy the view. There are also lots of trails you can hike. Be careful parking as cars drive quickly around here. The drive up is fun as you twist and turn to climb the mountain. Please note this is a small kitschy attraction that has been around for ages. It is definitely worth a visit, but does not take a lot of time. read more

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It's a nice little place to pop into if you happen to be in Reading or driving through. It is just a curiosity because it is out of place, but it looks interesting and the views from the walk to the top or nice. To the person that said this was in a dangerous neighborhood, that's a little Bizzarre because it is at the top of the hill in a park in the middle of nowhere. No thugs hanging out in the mountain. It's $1 to walk up. They have restrooms But they were pretty janky. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

#1 place to go when visiting Reading. You can literally see for miles from the top of the mountain. It is absolutely breathtaking; there is nothing like it! If you go around dusk, the lights of the city from above look like the whole city was sprinkled in gold dust. In the springtime, the cherry trees (or maybe dogwoods?) bloom, and you can sit on the benches under the trees and enjoy the flowers. It is quiet and totally serene and perfect. The history and evolution of it is really fascinating too (you have read about the stairs that used to lead up to it all the way up the mountain!) You can see the Pagoda watching over the city from anywhere in Reading (and even farther than that!). I lovingly refer to it as my castle, lol. (Update: Also, for the recent reviewer that was upset that the Pagoda wasn't open - of course it's not!! We are in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic!! And if you are driving two hours to see a landmark during the middle of a nationwide pandemic, it probably would have been wise to call first to make sure they are open if that was your main expectation. Just saying... :) ) read more

One of those odd roadside attractions that is not very interesting but still worth going to once just to say that you've been there. The drive up Skyline Drive will test your transmission and the trip down will test your pads and rotors. The view when you get to the Pagoda is really nice and it truly can be spectacular at sunset. Inside the Pagoda they ask for a $1.00 adult and .50 cent child donation for admission to the different stories of the building. Most of what is inside is just various memorabilia and trinkets from the construction of the Pagoda and Skyline Drive and various Japanese and Reading-area artifacts. The various staircases get more narrow each floor you go up and note that the top floor where the Bell from 1739 is kept does not have A/C and in the summer the heat on that floor is stifling. Currently the operating hours are Friday-Sunday from 12-4 but that is subject to change. Overall the Pagoda is worth a one time trip just go knowing that you will not be blown away by what you find and instead just appreciate it for the kitsch that it is. read more

This place is pretty wonderful! We were driving around Pennsylvania and found this gem! This place is so quaint and lovely on a mountain top. They ask for donations of $1 to climb up the pagoda. It's absolutely stunning when you reach the top! Going outside during the early hours to watch the sunrise or sunset would be perfect here. They also sell drinks, cookies, chocolates and cute little trinkets. If you're driving by definitely stop by! read more

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While I should give this place zero stars the trails were pretty cool once you get past all the trash and broken bottles and glass all over the place. Thankfully when we walked around the monument we enjoyed the wonderful aroma of warm piss. Not to mention the younger crowd of people who love to blast their music loud and rev up their engine with their car in park in their old school 1995 Civic. I will say this. The graffiti at least looked like it was done by people with some talent read more

great views. interesting building. not much more than a lookout point, but enjoyable to stop, walk around, & look around

This offers one of the best views of the city of Reading. It's up on Skyline Drive and sits at the top of Mt Penn, Definitely a must see in Reading, especially at sunset! read more

Pagoda-Skyline - The apparently remodeled Pagoda - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Passing through Reading, take a little detour and check out this beautiful anachronistic landmark. I mean it's a big red & gold pagoda perched high atop a mountain in South Central PA. Bring someone special, and watch the sunset over the city - but be prepared for the crowds as this is a popular destination. read more

Nice time killer if you are in Reading. The drive through the ghettos of Reading kind of killed it for me. I saw more than I wanted to, considering it was winter...I can only imagine what a turn off Reading is in the summer. Once you get through the hood, you approach a park and a long winding road that leads to the mountain top attractions. Chew gum cause you can feel the preassure upon incline. The pagoda was closed when I got there on a Saturday at noon. The view was lovely and I kinda wished I had gone in spring. It was freezing cold since you are exposed on a mountain top during winter. The views though...Awesome. as we walked through the grounds we found some booze bottles, condoms and cigarettes and I think a weed roach. My assumption is that many punks come here at night and bask in the phychodelic glow of the pagodas lighting at night. This had nothing to do with my experience, just an interesting observation. Kinda makes me wanna visit at sunset and leave b4 the freaks come out at night. Overall, I don't regret coming here, but it's a one time deal for me since the Reading area doesn't have much else to offer. I hope this city cleans up, it truly does have a lot of potential. read more

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I have been to the Pagoda a number of times, but until recently I had never actually been there on a day & time when you could go inside. There is a gift shop and refreshment stand on the first floor. Prices are quite reasonable. If you would like to go up to the top, they do have a donation box suggesting $1 per person. Going up is through a series of narrow staircases. There is a small display about the Pagoda just down from the top floor so you can learn about the history and facts. The view from the top floor is quite nice -- they do have coin-operated binoculars that you can use for a better view. After some ice cream from the refreshment stand, my girlfriend, her daughters and I enjoyed a walk on some of the trails in the area. The trails are scenic, if not for the trash along the route. Nothing too ridiculous, but it would have been nicer if people weren't slobs. Basically people go up to the Pagoda after dark to drink and do drugs, but you can feel quite safe there during the day... read more

I was passing through Reading, so I went on yelp and searched for attractions in Reading. As soon as this place came up, I knew I had to go. It is free to roam around near the building and if you are feeling adventurous there is a hiking trail near the building. Inside you can enjoy some beers and they have a light food menu. For a suggested $1 donation, I went in the building and climbed all of the steps to see an amazing view of the city. While reading some of the facts, I found out that the building was originally built to be a hotel. I'm kinda sad it wasn't one because I would have stayed there. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - View from the hiking trail. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

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The Pagoda is a little difficult to find as it is located on top of a hill above the city and finding it requires driving in the deep woods. Even with signs we had a tough time finding it. Once there the views are amazing, even from the bottom. A little walkway with benches exists under the Pagoda. Inside is a gift shop and concession area. Walking up the steps you can see the views thanks to the number of windows. Just before reaching the top there's a museum on it's history. The observation deck is rather small and offers many windows for viewing, telescopes, and a bell you can't ring. There wasn't any signs saying what you were looking at. Because of the size of the deck even a small crowd builds up quickly. Over a nice experience. read more

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This is an amazing place to get a great view of Reading and the surrounding neighborhoods. Just be advised that going up there after dark might be a little sketchy. The fire tower at the top of the hill is a must see if your into history. This is also a place that if you run is a great challenge. It's a truly beautiful area and great place to picnic if you have kids. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Great view of the city - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Though there is no Asian history or connection to Reading, legend says that Witman was inspired by a postcard. The bell in the top floor was actually cast in Japan in 1739 and used to be located in a Buddhist Temple but was shipped here in 1907 before the temple was destroyed. At 7 stories high and 620 feet above the City of Reading it will take you 87 steps to reach the top where you can see the bell and a scenic view. It was closed when we visited but you still get to see a beautiful view you just can't climb to the top. That is the chance you take with spontaneity I guess. Notice anything odd in the architecture? I didn't notice it at first but after research, I found out that this is the only pagoda in the world with a fireplace and a chimney. Apparently the architecture is more local then fitting to a true pagoda. Open Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 4:00 PM, except Holidays. Admission is free but they ask for a small donation of $1 per person to go to the top floor observation area. I also found out that they even sell Cho-Cho's in the snack area! Here is my post about them if you don't know what they are. Don't let the limited hours let you miss your chance to visit if you are in the area. The drive is so short and the view is wonderful, even with overcast skies. Read more about it on my blog http://flipflopsandfloopowder.com/2016/01/12/visiting-a-forgotten-spot-the-pagoda-in-reading-pa/ read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Pagoda - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

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I'd like to say that the weekend schedule of this place being open is not correct. If they are talking about accessing it to the Pagoda, yes it is open but if you would like to go inside to see the history of this place, it is not open. At least as of 07/27/20. The parking may be challenging for some as the driveway to the Pagoda is very narrow. We went around 12PM and there were car clubs blasting music so loud that the whole town of Reading can probably hear. Yea, it's great to have car meets but when you have Reggaeton blasting at 120dB and seeing the tranquil historic structure, it just doesn't match. I guess I was the unlucky ones at a bad timing to go there. Also, there were bugs that resembled a lady bug but not so. They are abundant of them and will get on your clothe and cause a havoc inside the car when they start flying again. The structure was a lot smaller than expected. It would probably be very nice if they have a lighting at night time looking for afar. Spent 2 hours drive to see this but did not meet my expectation. At least 1 place to go off my bucket list. read more

Pagoda-Skyline - The Pagoda - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Great scenario, simple, but fun. Inexpensive sight to se the town. You must climb to the top, you not only get to see the Bell, but the view it's awesome. If you are in town you need to stop by before leaving read more

Pagoda-Skyline - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania