Historic Rittenhouse Town
North America's first paper mill was built here in 1690 by Mennonite minister William Rittenhouse. Over the next 150 years, 10 generations of his family lived on the site and operated the mill. His most famous offspring, born in 1732, was David Rittenhouse, astronomer, statesman, and first president of the U.S. Mint. You can stroll anytime through this National Historic District that consists of 30 picturesque acres along the Wissahickon and seven outbuildings—this is worth doing, as it is also an entryway to Wissahickon Valley Park. Public tours (summer only) are offered intermittently—private tours can be arranged by phone. By the parking lot is the PAPERTrail Bike Cafe ( papertrailbikecafe.com), a tiny coffee and bike repair shop, where you can grab a coffee and snack and sit at picnic benches on the historic grounds.
