Shillington is a borough located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It had a population of 5,273 as of the 2010 census. The borough has several attractions, such as KidZooU, the PECO Primate Reserve, and Presque Isle State Park.
Laurel Caverns Park
The Upper Caving program allows visitors to explore the upper and middle zone of Laurel Caverns Park. This program is designed for groups that are too young to enter the lower zone, where there are physical challenges and health-related events that can cause a person to become ill. The minimum age required to take part in the Upper Caving program is 12 years old.
The tour takes about an hour. It features a guided walk through a 600-foot passageway and a sound and light show. This tour is available daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The tour is free, but reservations are recommended.
Visitors can choose to go on a guided tour or self-guided tour of the cave. There are two types of tours: the Traditional Tour and the Lighted Tour. The Traditional Tour begins with steeper passages. Youth groups may also request to have a guide accompany them for the entire tour. Youth groups can make special arrangements to visit the cave with their school or summer camp.
PECO Primate Reserve
Located in an abandoned lumber mill, PECO Primate Reserve is a great place to get up close to primates. The 2.5 acre facility features 11 species of primates. The facility is based on an activity-based design that integrates habitat and training with animal interactions. Visitors will get to learn about the lives and culture of primates from the perspective of conservationists.
PECO Primate Reserve is home to many of the primates that are found at the Philadelphia Zoo. The reserve features gibbons, tamarins, gorillas, lemurs, orangutans, and Buddhist-like ring-tailed lemurs.
The PECO Primate Reserve has a dark exhibit where visitors can see aye-ayes. These fascinating primates live in a jungle-gym-like structure. As one of only five facilities in the U.S. that houses aye-ayes, the zoo recently celebrated the birth of a pair.
The PECO Primate Reserve also features an Insectarium. Visitors can see rare species in small tanks. The Insectarium also has a small collection of reptiles and amphibians. It is also home to a year-round butterfly garden.
Independence National Historical Park
For history buffs, Independence National Historical Park is an excellent choice. Its attractions include Independence Hall, where the Second Continental Congress debated the Declaration of Independence, as well as Congress Hall, which served as the Pennsylvania State Capitol and a Congressional building under the Articles of Confederation. Nearby, Franklin Court, the former home of Benjamin Franklin, contains the Franklin Museum, which details the man’s life and influence on the country. The museum is interactive and perfect for history buffs.
Aughwick Old Town was the site of a trading post and a place for settlers to find safety. During the French and Indian War, local Native Americans loyal to the British sought safety in Aughwick under the care of George Croghan. After Braddock’s defeat, Croghan and his followers returned to Aughwick and fortified the trading post, which remained in use during the summer months.