About the Park
The Isle of Que is a narrow, 5-mile long peninsula in the Susquehanna River that is separated from the mainland by Penns Creek on its western side. Due to the Isle’s vulnerability to frequent flooding, commercial buildings cannot be constructed, creating a charming riverside neighborhood nestled between farm fields. The Isle of Que provides its visitors with a unique experience, offering quiet and solitude as well as beautiful scenic views of the Susquehanna River.
Front Street is a roadway on the Isle that offers visitors the opportunity to walk, jog, or bike along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Fortunately, the shoreline is open and gives visitors a beautiful, unimpeded scenic view of the water and surrounding landscape. This unique peninsula is part of the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Selinsgrove which can be explored further by crossing Penns Creek via the walkway over the Pine Street bridge into downtown. The Isle of Que brewing company, a bar located in downtown, embraces the spirit of the peninsula.
There is also interesting local lore associated with the peninsula. According to legend, Conrad Weiser, a Native American Interpreter, was envious of the beautiful “island” and traded his gun to Chief Shikellamy in exchange for the Isle of Que. The origin of the name ‘Isle of Que’ is unknown. However, some people think Weiser is also responsible for naming it. In a 1785 journal entry Weiser wrote, “the dead cry was heard everywhere, Que, Que, Que,” leading some to believe that the name means “Island of the Dead.” It is also thought the name was given by French traders or Native American tribes of which the word ‘que’ translates to ‘muddy,’ ‘dirty lick,’ or ‘pine tree lick.’ These interpretations are only theories, but we do know that it was once inhabited by Native Americans.
The peninsula also has its own boat launch, the PFBC Isle of Que Access, located at River Mile 117. This feature makes it an ideal destination for paddlers who want to use the access as a put-in or take-out on a single or multi-day sojourn. Additionally, the SGP has created an itinerary, Isle of Que to Mahantango, for paddlers who are interested in visiting the Isle and paddling in the same day.
If you are looking for lodging, the Isle of Que Guest House is the perfect place to spend the evening and features a 2-bedroom house on the banks of the river. The rental offers patrons a comfortable stay with continental breakfast items, drinks (coffee, tea, etc.), towels and sheets, laundry facilities, TV, and Netflix. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts have access to kayaks and bicycles for day use. For more information on lodging, visit the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau website.
Photo by Rita Kurtz
Parking and Trail Access
From US-15 South: Continue straight onto US-522 North Susquehanna Trail. Continue 0.5 miles, cross the bridge over Penns Creek, and continue straight onto North Market Street. Continue for 1 mile then turn left onto East Pine Street. Continue for a ¼-mile over the bridge and into the Isle of Que. Streetside parking is available, but care should be taken to read signs and determine which streets/sections of streets allow parking.
From US-15 North: Take the PA-35 exit on the right towards Selinsgrove. Continue on PA-35 for 0.2 miles then turn right onto South Market Street. Continue on South Market Street for 1 mile then turn right onto East Pine Street. Continue for a ¼-mile over the bridge and into the Isle of Que. Streetside parking is available, but care should be taken to read signs and determine which streets/sections of streets allow parking.
To Isle of Que Boat Access: Continue to the end of East Pine Street then turn right onto South Front Street. Continue for 0.8 miles. The parking lot is located across from boat ramp on the right.