Location: Harrisburg
Top Things to do in Harrisburg
Things to do in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Sights & Landmarks
Nestled in the fertile Susquehanna Valley, Harrisburg has played a pivotal role in the shaping of American history, both as a major link in rail and water transportation and as the setting of major Civil War battles. Having bounced back from economic distress in the 1980s, the city is now a vibrant hub of family activities, from cruises along the Susquehanna to arcades and athletics on City Island. The annual Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the U.S.
Restaurants in Harrisburg
1. Market Square Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
2. Harrisburg Holocaust Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By scottofhawaii - Honolulu, United States
...I might not have come to Harrisburg this day. It was real dark and dingy I remember, and I could've probably figured out something better to do closer to where I was staying... well maybe but Holocaust anything and everything is a must thing for me. And here I was mid morning late May - quarantine. Nobody else was really out - just one guy passed me. And I had woke-up from the first night I slept away from where I stay in this won't-end virus. It was real easy parking on a side street and walking over to check out the monument. To me it's a super serious work of art and looks real good all weathered in the cloudy daytime. The black granite circling it with its laser etched words shook me some especially the names of the death camps. Those places just bring up too much jumbled messy thoughts, feelings, anger, etc. Clearly those people who built the camps... Now with all kinds of things my mind, this monument is on the trail along the Susquehanna River, and I'm sure it can be an extra special place you'd want to be when the sun is out. Hey, it's all too easy what's been going on now: I've been staying from people; they've been staying away too. This is really how it's always been, so I'm pretty sure I want things to stay the way they are right now. And most of all, I'm really glad some people got together and got the state to remember the Holocaust.
3. Pennsylvania State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 940 reviews
Teddy Roosevelt declared that this Italian Renaissance-style building was the handsomest building I ever saw. Indeed, the State Capitol, with its vaulted dome and grand staircase and the murals and painted floors inside, is thing to behold.
Reviewed By Davidcarmytraveler - Coventry, United States
This is second PA Capitol as the first one was destroyed. This one took 4 years to build and is much the other brand building from the gilded age. 23 carat gold covers a lot and the mosaic tiles that make up the floor are true art. The senate and house chambers are beautiful and make sure to see the Governor’s Reception room for a pictorial story of William Penn. The inside and outside are simply beautiful and truly a historic landmark and priceless work of art. The stained glass, French marble, chandeliers, and art work are worth the free tour for sure. Make sure to visit the welcome center for some interactive fun for the kiddos.
4. The Forum Auditorium
5. Cathedral of Saint Patrick
6. Strites Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By L6759NUkathys
Strites offers a blueberry pie made with those tiny little Maine blueberries.....and it is well worth the additional cost. Recently bought their blueberry pie to share with neighbors and EVERY single person agreed it was the best blueberry pie they have ever eaten. It was packed with blueberries, not with the usual gel or goo and didn't taste of sugar, just fruit. The crust was terrific, too, and we have a baker in our group who spoke highly of it ! The pies are actually made elsewhere and Strites receives them frozen. They are then baked on site....give them a try soon !
7. Harrisburg Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By LorraineH709 - Allison Park, United States
This is a cool old cemetery to explore with old tombstones, mature trees, & winding paths. While it certainly needs some maintenance, it's still a fun place to ramble for an hour. Many of the old gravestones are elaborate, & they are quite an eclectic mix. We'll go again next time we're in Harrisburg. Enter off of 13th Street. It's just a short drive to the Capitol or the National Civil War Museum.
8. Pride of the Susquehanna
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By sirenbliss - Bloomsburg, United States
I really enjoyed my boat excursion. I went with a friend last year. I plan to go again with family when they start back up this month for the daily cruises from the island .. it's friendly, peaceful and relaxing; its a cute boat and they have a snack bar on board and a captain's bell. lol. It's fun to talk to the Captain too.
9. John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
The John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion was built c. 1766 by John Harris, Jr., one of the founders of Harrisburg. In 1863 it was purchased by Simon Cameron, Lincoln's first Secretary of War and later Ambassador to Russia, who transformed the Georgian house into a stylish Victorian mansion and lived there until his death in 1889. The house became the headquarters of the Historical Society of Dauphin County in 1941. Features illustrating the lives of the house's residents (1766-1929) are a large Victorian parlor, Colonial and Victorian bedrooms, spectacular Art Deco bathroom; light-filled solarium; dining room, library, office, and exhibit spaces. A large collection of furnishings and objects is on display. Tours are available Tues. through Fri. at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.; second Sundays at 1:00. Free parking. Group rates. Historical gardens. Publications sales. The research library and archives are open Tuesday through Friday and the second and fourth Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Reviewed By courtneyi978
The mansion is beautiful and right along the river! Could not have asked for a better day with the sun out and flowers blooming. Our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable when it came to the house. The mansion has been well cared for and the office staff was very pleasant and nice to talk to. We would definitely recommend that you take the time to visit this precious landmark!
10. Walnut Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By richardk536 - Washington DC, United States
The Walnut St Bridge is an historic old bridge, originally built in 1890. It's the oldest surviving bridge from Harrisburg to City Island. Closed to motor traffic in 1972, the public bridge serves pedestrians and cyclists, offering great views of city, and the Susquehanna River. The bridge originally connected Harrisburg with Wormleysburg on the opposite shore of the river. But damage from an ice floe tore away a section of the span, so it now only connects Harrisburg's downtown with City Island, which is home to a baseball stadium, soccer field, miniature golf, a cute miniature steam train, and other recreational activities. Enjoy views of the bridge itself from the park and walkway along the Susquehanna, and the views from the bridge. It's about a 10 minute leisurely walk to cross the bridge.
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