History of The Mansion At Ridley Creek

Within the park boundaries was a small 18th century village, which grew up around the site of a mill. Now known as Sycamore Mills, the area had been previously named Bishop’s Mill and Providence Mill. The miller’s house, the office and library, and several small mill workers’ dwellings are currently used as private residences. The park area has been designated as the “Ridley Creek State Park Historic District” on the National Register of Historic Places.

Park property was purchased in the 1960's with Project 70 funds, and developed with Land and Water Conservation Fund monies. Park facilities were dedicated to public use in August of 1972.

The park office is in the “Hunting Hill” mansion, built by the Jeffords family in 1914. The mansion was built around a 1789 Pennsylvania stone farmhouse that forms the core of the building and serves as the reception center.

Friends of Ridley Creek State Park

The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing Ridley Creek State Park. It as an affiliate chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation, and is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, which means that your contribution is tax deductible. Any money that you donate to the Friends will benefit Ridley Creek State Park directly. The Friends coordinate a wide variety of volunteer activities that benefit the park. www.friendsofrcsp.org/