Port Royal Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Port Royal, Pennsylvania with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Port Royal.


Introduction to Port Royal

Located in the beautiful region of Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley in Pennsylvania, Port Royal is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a great destination for those who love outdoor adventures, scenic views, and cultural experiences.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take you through all the must-visit places in Port Royal and provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this beautiful town.

List of Places to Visit in Port Royal

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Port Royal Speedway: This speedway hosts various races throughout the year and is a popular destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
  • Juniata County Historical Society Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Juniata County, which includes Port Royal. It has an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
  • Port Royal Heritage Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of Port Royal and showcases various artifacts and exhibits related to the town and its people.
  • Snyder’s Run Wildlife Museum: This museum showcases the diverse wildlife of Pennsylvania and provides an educational experience for visitors of all ages.
  • The Stuart House Museum: This historic home was once the residence of Alexander Stuart, a prominent businessman and politician. Today, it is a museum that preserves the history and culture of the town and showcases many of Stuart’s personal belongings.

Natural Attractions of Port Royal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Greenwood Furnace State Park: This state park is home to various outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, camping, and picnicking. It also has a historic district that preserves the history of Greenwood Furnace.
  • Jacks Mountain: This mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Tuscarora State Forest: This forest offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It has many hiking trails and is a popular destination for camping and picnicking.
  • Susquehanna River: This river offers various water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. It also provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Port Royal

  • Greenwood Furnace State Park Trails: This state park has many hiking and biking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Jacks Mountain Trails: These trails offer challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Tuscarora State Forest Trails: These trails offer a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Best Things to Do in Port Royal: Activities and Tours

  • Port Royal Speedway Races: This speedway hosts various races throughout the year and is a popular destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
  • Greenwood Furnace State Park: This state park offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, camping, and picnicking.
  • Snyder’s Run Wildlife Museum: This museum provides an educational experience for visitors of all ages.
  • Susquehanna River Activities: This river offers various water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Juniata County Fair: This fair is held annually in September and offers various entertainment and agricultural activities for visitors of all ages.

Week-Long Itinerary for Port Royal

Day Activity
1 Visit the Juniata County Historical Society Museum and the Port Royal Heritage Museum
2 Hike in Greenwood Furnace State Park and enjoy a picnic lunch
3 Explore the Snyder’s Run Wildlife Museum and have dinner at a local restaurant
4 Take a scenic drive around Jacks Mountain and enjoy the stunning views
5 Spend a day on the Susquehanna River and enjoy water-based activities
6 Visit the Stuart House Museum and have lunch at a local cafe
7 Attend a race at Port Royal Speedway and conclude your trip with a dinner at a local restaurant

Food and Drink Scene of Port Royal

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie: This traditional Pennsylvania dish is a hearty and comforting meal made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
  • Shoofly Pie: This infamous dessert from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is made with molasses and has a sweet, gooey texture.
  • Scrapple: This breakfast meat is made with pork scraps and cornmeal and is a Pennsylvania delicacy.

Local Beverages

  • Yuengling Beer: This beer is brewed in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and is the oldest continuously operating brewery in America.
  • Pennsylvania Dutch Eggnog: This creamy, spiced eggnog is a holiday favorite in Pennsylvania.

Where to Stay in Port Royal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Best Western Nittany Inn Milroy: This hotel is located just 15 minutes from Port Royal and offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Gardenview Bed and Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Port Royal and offers cozy rooms and a homey atmosphere.
  • Port Royal Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the center of town and offers comfortable rooms and a classic atmosphere.

What to Buy in Port Royal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Signs: These colorful, decorative signs are a popular souvenir in Pennsylvania.
  • Alpaca Products: These soft and warm products, such as hats and scarves, are made from Alpaca wool and can be found in various shops in Port Royal.

Local Culture and Customs of Port Royal

Port Royal is a town that takes pride in its history and culture. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to engage and immerse themselves in the community. Pennsylvania Dutch culture plays an important role in the town’s traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Port Royal

The best time to visit Port Royal is in the summer, between June and August, when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities are in full swing. The town also hosts various events and festivals during this time, such as the Juniata County Fair in September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Port Royal

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Engage with the town’s history and heritage.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural surroundings.
  • Disrespect the locals or their traditions.
  • Ignore the historical significance of the town and its landmarks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Port Royal

Port Royal is a safe and peaceful town, and crime rates are low. However, visitors are advised to take general safety precautions, such as locking their vehicles and securing their belongings.

Health in Port Royal

Port Royal has several medical facilities, such as clinics and hospitals, that provide quality healthcare to residents and visitors.

Getting to Port Royal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Port Royal

  • Harrisburg International Airport: This airport is located approximately 50 miles from Port Royal and offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Port Royal

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: This bus station is located approximately 30 miles from Port Royal and offers bus services to various destinations.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Visitors can rent a car from various rental car companies located in Harrisburg International Airport.

How to Get Around in Port Royal

Visitors can explore Port Royal by foot or by car. The town is relatively small, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Rental cars are available for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Port Royal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hershey: This town is a popular destination for chocolate lovers and has various attractions, such as Hersheypark and the Hershey’s Chocolate World.
  • State College: This college town is home to Pennsylvania State University and offers various cultural and recreational attractions, such as the Penn State Arboretum and the Bryce Jordan Center.
  • Gettysburg: This historic town is known for the Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield, which offers a unique and educational experience.

Conclusion

Port Royal, Pennsylvania, is a town that offers its visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Port Royal and experience everything this charming town has to offer.