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Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, a city of about 50,000 people on the east bank of the Susquehanna River in the south-central part of the state. It grew from a ferry and trading post run by John Harris in the 1700s, became the capital in 1812, and later prospered as a railroad and steel center.
The city's crown is the Pennsylvania State Capitol, completed in 1906, whose green-tiled dome and lavish interior are open for free tours. Nearby, the State Museum of Pennsylvania covers everything from mastodons to industry, and the National Civil War Museum in Reservoir Park tells the story of the war from both sides. Along Front Street, Riverfront Park offers miles of river walks, and the 1890 Walnut Street Bridge carries pedestrians to City Island.
City Island has a ballpark, beaches and riverboat cruises, while the historic Broad Street Market in Midtown has been feeding residents since 1860. Every January the huge Pennsylvania Farm Show fills the city, and Hershey is a short drive east.
A Beaux-Arts capitol completed in 1906, with a green-tiled dome, a grand staircase modeled on the Paris Opera, murals by Edwin Austin Abbey and Violet Oakley and a tiled floor by Henry Mercer. Free guided tours run every day and take about 30 minutes. Bring photo ID for the security check.
A wrought-iron truss bridge built in 1890, now open only to walkers and cyclists, linking downtown Harrisburg to City Island. Part of the western span was swept away in a 1996 ice flood, so the bridge ends at the island. It offers lovely river views, especially at sunset with the city lights behind you.
The official state museum next to the Capitol, with exhibits on Pennsylvania's geology, a mastodon skeleton, Native American life, industry and the huge painting of the Battle of Gettysburg by Peter Rothermel. It also has a planetarium. Allow two hours, and check opening days, which are limited.
A large museum in Reservoir Park that tells the story of the Civil War from both sides, from its causes to Reconstruction, with weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs and dioramas. It is balanced and moving, and suits both history fans and families. Plan two to three hours, and enjoy the hilltop city views outside.
An island in the Susquehanna River reached on foot by the Walnut Street Bridge or by car from the Market Street Bridge. It has a minor league ballpark, a sandy beach, miniature golf, a small steam train, picnic areas and the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat in summer. Parking is paid.
A long park running for miles along Front Street and the Susquehanna, with a riverside walkway, gardens, monuments and steps down to the water. It is part of the Capital Area Greenbelt and is perfect for a stroll past historic mansions. It hosts big events such as Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks.
A large hilltop park on the east side of the city, built around a historic reservoir and home to the National Civil War Museum. It has walking paths, a bandshell where concerts are held in summer, gardens and some of the best views of Harrisburg and the river valley. It is a pleasant place for a picnic.
One of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States, opened in 1860 in Midtown, with stalls in a historic brick market house selling produce, meats, baked goods and international food. It is open Thursday to Saturday. Come hungry for lunch, and arrive early on Saturday for the best choice.
The home of John Harris Jr., the founder of Harrisburg, later remodeled by Senator Simon Cameron, Lincoln's first Secretary of War. Now the headquarters of the Historical Society of Dauphin County, it offers guided tours of its period rooms. It stands on Front Street near the river; check tour days in advance.
A county park on the Susquehanna just north of Harrisburg, built around a Federal-style stone mansion with period rooms, a covered bridge, barns and gardens on the site of a French and Indian War fort. Its grounds host a popular autumn festival. The park and trails are free; the mansion has a small tour fee.
The largest indoor agricultural event in the United States, held each January at the Farm Show Complex, with livestock competitions, tractors, a giant butter sculpture and famous food court milkshakes and potato doughnuts. Admission is free, but parking is paid. Go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
A large independent bookstore across from the Broad Street Market, with a maze of new and used books across several levels, a cafe and frequent author talks and community events. It is easy to lose an hour or two browsing here. Combine it with lunch at the market for a perfect Midtown visit.
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Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
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