Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania - A Sweet Escape From Civilization

    
Situated in Wayne County in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, Lake Ariel is a small-sized community which used to be the site of an amusement park. The peaceful setting of the town will make you instantly forget about the hustle and the bustle of the big metropolises. Lake Ariel has a rich historical past which can easily be felt while strolling along the quaint streets of the community.
   
The original name given by its settlers was Jones, and at one time was known by the local residents under the name Jonestown. Initially, it consisted of only a few family farms. In the course of the years, with the building of the Pennsylvania Coal Company's Gravity Railroad, it expanded greatly. Many workers were attracted to the region, which on the other hand created the need for businesses to serve their needs. A post office was established, with the name Ariel, which later led to the final change of the name of the town.
   
Presently, all the businesses are concentrated at the center of Lake Ariel, which is also where the restaurants, the florist, the hair salons, and the bank are located.
   
Lake Ariel has many churches and religious institutions. A Catholic Church is found at the city's center. St. Thomas More is a large construction, serving many parishioners, adjacent to the elementary school and encircled by the parish center and rectory. The town also has a Methodist Church within its premises, and Protestant churches are located just outside of Lake Ariel.
   
Lake Ariel Park used to be a well-known destination for many vacationers during the 19th and 20th century, when business was flourishing. The community had a couple of factories (producing cheese and chairs) and several sawmills. Many local people were occupied with working in Lake Ariel Park's ice houses. The park was the most popular tourist spot throughout the entire county, gathering crowds of people who enjoyed dancing and picnicking. Rides included carousels, miniature train rides, a waterslide and    a rollercoaster. The beach in the park was excellent for boating and swimming. The owners of the park even bought a plane and organized rides over the park for those who wanted to feel the thrill of flying. Lake Ariel Park contributed a great deal to the increasing popularity of the former Columbia Hotel.
   
The contemporary look of the park has a little to do with its previous visage. In the beginning of the 1950's the park had to close due to the devastating summer hurricanes and harsh winters. The only business that survived through the years is the gas station established by John T. Howe in 1919. Currently it is called Howe Convenient Market. A similar fortune has befallen the Wayne Garage. It is the oldest business enterprise in Lake Ariel and still exists today as a body shop.
   
Lake Ariel is a pleasant family destination. Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park is a child-friendly place featuring a large variety of animal species, including wildlife. Besides the close encounters with the sheltered animals, kids may also indulge in games there. The zoo, which is tucked into the woods, lets kids feed the parrots and puts on shows in a covered pavilion.