p>Harrisburg is located in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley. As a hub for both railroad and water transportation, Harrisburg played an important role in the American Civil War. Today, that historic tradition is maintained in the city’s many museums and renovated cultural centers. Its proximity to the entertainment in Hershey, PA and the Susquehanna River make it a prime destination for thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this fun-loving city.
Pennsylvania’s capital has many different things to see. Explore the state capitol building or get front-row seats to a Senators game, just some of the top things to do in Harrisburg.
Below are some of the best things to do near Harrisburg:
Explore the Pennsylvania State Capitol, one of the most renowned capitol buildings in the nation for its priceless architecture
Spend an afternoon viewing civil war artifacts at The National Civil War Museum
Cheer on the Harrisburg Senators as they take on their rivals at FNB Baseball Field
Marvel at the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River on a lively 3-course dinner cruise
Make your own chocolate at the nearby Hershey Chocolate Museum in Hershey, PA
Looking for things to do in Harrisburg at night? Ghost hunt the city’s historic ghouls on a nighttime tour or enjoy a pint at one of the Harrisburg’s social brewery tasting rooms.
Below are some nighttime activities near Harrisburg:
Spend a few hours enjoying a variety of local ales and lagers at the Appalachian Brewing Co. Brewpub
Enjoy a night of orchestral music at the Harrisburg Symphony
Become a ghost hunter for an hour on a Gettysburg Ghost Tour
Choose from over 30 different wines by the glass at Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar
Get down on the dancefloor at Level 2, an upscale lounge downtown
Watch the kids rejoice at the chocolate-themed Hersheypark amusement park, engage with local heroes at the firefighter museum or burn rubber at the go-kart track. Harrisburg is brimming with fun things to do with kids.
A few family-friendly things to do near Harrisburg include:
Learning all about Pennsylvania firefighter heritage at the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
Racing against friends and family in a personal go-kart at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events
Delight kids and ‘kids at heart’ at Land of Little Horses Farm Park, where performing animals take the stage to share giggles galore
Entering a colorful miniature world of handcrafted buildings and operating railroads at Roadside America
Taking a family-friendly ghost tour with Gettysburg Ghost Tours for spooky stories and laughs
Harrisburg is home to many green spaces that welcome visitors to relax for a bit. That includes Reservoir Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and the Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area.
Here are a few outdoor things to do in Harrisburg:
Bike ride along the well-kept trails at Riverfront Park
Gasp at the drama of a Shakespeare in the Park Performance at Reservoir Park
Explore Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, the 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, slides, wagon rides, and petting zoo
Leisurely sip a warm cider at Strites Orchard
Stargaze from your campsite at Little Buffalo State Park