Attractions and Places To See around Harrisburg - Top 8

Harrisburg offers a rich history with several significant sites. You can explore the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, an estate dating back to 1786 with guided tours and views of the Susquehanna River. The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building is also a must-see, known for its stunning architecture and guided tours. Additionally, the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion provides insight into the city's founders and prominent residents.

Yes, Wildwood Park Meadow is a peaceful 229-acre natural retreat just outside downtown. It features about 6 miles of trails, a nature center, a 90-acre lake, and wetlands, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The Boyd Big Tree Preserve, north of Harrisburg, also offers a natural setting with a 12-mile trail system for hiking and enjoying nature.

The Susquehanna River is central to many outdoor activities. Riverfront Park provides an urban green space for walking, biking, and fishing. You can also visit City Island, a recreational hub in the middle of the river with walking trails and scenic views. For a unique experience, consider a relaxing cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat to enjoy city landmarks from the water.

Absolutely! City Island is a great family destination, offering miniature golf, batting cages, arcade games, and is home to the Harrisburg Senators baseball team at FNB Field. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is also family-friendly, with open park grounds to explore. The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts provides educational and entertaining experiences for all ages with art exhibits, live performances, and an IMAX theater.

The Capital Area Greenbelt is a prominent 20-mile loop trail that winds through and around Harrisburg, connecting various parks and offering varied scenery through wooded and urban areas, and alongside the Susquehanna River. For more specific routes, you can find numerous easy hikes and road cycling routes around Harrisburg, including loops through Wildwood Park and along the Riverfront Park.

Harrisburg boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The National Civil War Museum offers a comprehensive look at the American Civil War with thousands of artifacts. The State Museum of Pennsylvania covers the state's natural history, industrial development, and cultural traditions. You can also explore the Harrisburg Arts District, which features theaters, museums, galleries, and public art, or visit the historic Broad Street Market, one of the oldest continuously operating market houses in the country.

Yes, just outside Harrisburg in Hummelstown, you can visit Indian Echo Caverns. These limestone caverns offer year-round tours and have a rich history, having been used by Native Americans.

Harrisburg offers several great options for runners. The Capital Area Greenbelt provides a long, scenic route. You can also find dedicated running trails that include loops around City Island and through Riverfront Park, offering diverse distances and difficulty levels.

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building is renowned for its architecture, with a dome modeled after St. Peter's Basilica. The interior features stained glass, paintings, and Renaissance-themed rooms. Guided tours are available, starting from the Welcome Center in the East Wing, which is the best way to learn about its history and admire its intricate details.

The Susquehanna Art Museum showcases contemporary art from regional, national, and international artists through rotating exhibits, educational programs, and workshops. Additionally, the Harrisburg Arts District, encompassing downtown, midtown, and the riverfront, features various galleries, public art installations like murals, and performance venues such as the Historic Forum Auditorium and the Open Stage Theater.

For scenic walks, the Capital Area Greenbelt offers sections with river views and varied landscapes. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park provides great views of the Susquehanna River and the impressive Rockville Bridge. Riverfront Park also offers pleasant paths with views of the river and City Island.

The Broad Street Market, established in 1860, is one of the oldest continuously operating market houses in the United States. It offers a wide variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and prepared meals, making it a great spot to experience local flavors and history.