What to do and see in Harrisburg, United States: The Best Places and Tips

August 25, 2017 Major Galusha

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. Pennsylvania State Capitol

Third Street, ird Street d Street Street reet et, Harrisburg, PA 17101 +1 800-868-7672
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 793 reviews

Pennsylvania State Capitol

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 scottbQ2548RL - Altoona, United States

Our family chose to tour the PA state capital (as well as other locations in the area) and found it to be very interesting as well as educational. The architecture is amazing and extremely well kept/maintained.
Security was right as expected but very polite and explained everything so the kids knew what was happening and why.

2. West Shore Farmers Market

900 Market St, Lemoyne, PA 17043-1410 +1 717-737-9881
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

West Shore Farmers Market

Reviewed By Dan A - Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

If you have never been to the west shore farmers market you must visit. This is 2 floors in a huge building of delicious homemade homegrown fresh food. From pickles to pizza you can get whatever your looking for. Homemade honey, syrup, candies and meats, even seafood.
You can shop all day and sit down for a bite to eat at dozens of locations. Make sure you bring cash because most stores are cash only and the ATMs on site can run out.
Make sure to visit each store to see rare items. The back deli has some awesome cheeses and meats to choose from. Check it out.

3. National Civil War Museum

1 Lincoln Cir, Harrisburg, PA 17103-2411 +1 717-260-1861
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 864 reviews

National Civil War Museum

The only museum in the United States to present a balanced, unbiased look at the Civil War.

Reviewed By Andrew H - yonkers

It was a great 2hrs. The exhibits were thought provoking. The museum has 2 floors with an elevator. There’s a great view of the area from the museum. The gift shop has a good selection of items. I would definitely go there again.

4. Escape Games Live

400 Market St, Lemoyne, PA 17043-1633 +1 717-683-9274
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 26 reviews

Escape Games Live

Escape Games Live is the cure for your common entertainment. We put you and your friends in a themed room and you have one hour to solve puzzles and find clues in order to make your way out in 60 minutes. There is nothing scary about escape games. It's is 60 minutes of AWESOME. Come see what all the buzz is about!

Reviewed By mlboriole - Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

We did Escape Room Live in Lemoyne Sunday August 20, 2017. Son Scott, DIL Amanda, granddaughter age 14, Beth, and me. Had a fun time! Great puzzle: "The Eighties" ... thank goodness we had S&A, in their wheelhouse. We worked together well--mostly.
Highly recommend this Escape Room, and Aiden did a super job as our host, clues when we needed them, but not too many. Took us 62 minutes, but we did it!!

5. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

5300 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1718 +1 717-599-5751
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

Built on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park has served as a war fort, a hub for frontier commerce, and an exclusive private estate. Now preserved and open to the public, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park invites you to explore Pennsylvania's rich history. Guided tours of Fort Hunter Mansion are available every day but Mondays, May through December. Admission is charged.Fort Hunter Park is open free to the public, daily from 8 am - dusk.

Reviewed By k g - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Visit often as it lies along the Susquehanna River with one of the most unusual mountain terrain views. The river splits the mountains and run under the Longest Stone Arch Bridge in the world. ( Rockville Bridge)

Take the tour or read the historic landmark signs to understand how this location was of significant geography in US history

Large play area for kids or gill out at a pavilion. Plenty of Punic area. Watch a sunset on the new walking path just finished Oct 2017

I take advantage of the boat launch for kayaking. And depending on the level of the river, paddle down stream or if river level around 3.4-4 ft, put in and take out at the same spot as current allows at this level.

Plenty of activities are held here so check the website for A jazz fest or beer and wine fest among others.

About 6 miles fron the PA capital building there is plenty to do in the area

6. Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne

415 Bosler Ave, Lemoyne, PA 17043-1966 +1 717-761-2865
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne

Reviewed By monroeville890 - Monroeville, New Jersey

What a wonderful and clean antique place. Well organized and worth the hours and hours you could spend here browsing. We had not anticipated how much time we could spend and had to leave earlier than we wanted. Next time we are in the area this is a must stop and we will put aside the day to explore this treasure.

7. Wildwood Park

100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2914 +1 717-221-0292
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 253 reviews

Wildwood Park

Wildwood Park is located in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania on the outskirts of downtown Harrisburg. Its 229 acres are a haven for countless species of flora and fauna centered around the 90 acre freshwater wetland. A popular three-mile loop trail encircles the park with side trails and boardwalks for a total of six miles of trails. Its attractive Olewine Nature Center features engaging exhibits on environmental education. Established in 1901, during the City Beautiful Movement, Wildwood was part of a nationwide effort to improve urban life. In 1976, the Dauphin County Commissioners assumed ownership of the property. Now managed by Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department, Wildwood Park is one of Pennsylvania’s premier centers for environmental studies, educational opportunities and outdoor recreation. It is a cherished retreat for nature lovers, bird watchers and exercise enthusiasts.

Reviewed By gb-harrisburg - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

I love going to Wildwood park for a quick stroll or a longer walk with my dogs. They enjoy the paths and smells of nature. Usually very quiet with a few other nature lovers on the path.

Benches are spread around the lake for taking a rest or enjoying the view.

Always enjoy the nature Art displays too.

8. State Museum of Pennsylvania

300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0101 +1 717-787-4980
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 212 reviews

State Museum of Pennsylvania

Museum housing more than two million objects associated with or significant to the history and heritage of Pennsylvania.

Reviewed By Bruce S - Mount Union, Pennsylvania, United States

This is a great cross-section of Pennsylvania's rich history. It reflects our people, our industries, and takes you back to times of both the prosperity and hardships over history. There are wonderful examples of how the past was documented and a glimpse of where we are headed... GREAT VISIT!

9. FNB Field

1 Championship Way, City Island, Harrisburg, PA 17101 +1 717-231-4444
Excellent
55%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 122 reviews

FNB Field

Home of the Harrisburg Senators, the AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. FNB Field is located on City Island, in the middle of the Susquehanna River.

Reviewed By Pickle8182 - New Jersey

Sorry, we've been to a through AAA and after being to at lst 3 in PA and NJ, this is #7 on the list. It's clean, and the seats are fine with some things to do in between innings, but too many. And the park isn't "user friendly" for lack of a better term. It is okay, but I have to go with average.

10. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center

2300 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9443 +1 717-787-5373
Excellent
49%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 310 reviews

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center

Reviewed By Dan A - Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

I recently had the pleasure of working at the Pennsylvania farm show complex for the NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show 2018. My police department is hired to work as show security. Even though I spent hours and hours walking throughout the show I am sure that I did not get to see everything.
Each room has a specific theme related to guns or hunting or archery. I’m not going to name them all because it would take too long. With hundreds and hundreds of vendors in one location you are guaranteed to find what your looking for and even things you weren’t looking for.
There is even a concert every year and this year was Nate Hosie, Locash and Granger Smith. I worked this concert and it was awesome.
Tickets are cheap and The last day was free with a ticket from any other day from the show.
The NRA show is one of many shows held at this location. Stop by any of these shows and you won’t be disappointed.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.