Harrisburg area Travel Guide
Explore Pennsylvania Dutch Country by following our suggested itinerary for Harrisburg area, including top places to visit, local food and drink, and cultural customs.
- Introduction to Harrisburg Area
- List of Places to Visit in Harrisburg Area
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Harrisburg Area
- Best Things to Do in Harrisburg Area: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Harrisburg Area
- Food and Drink Scene of Harrisburg Area
- Where to Stay in Harrisburg Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Harrisburg Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Harrisburg Area
- Best Time to Visit Harrisburg Area
- Do’s and Don’ts of Harrisburg Area
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Harrisburg Area: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Harrisburg Area
- Where to Go Next from Harrisburg Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Harrisburg Area
Located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Harrisburg area is a hidden gem in the state of Pennsylvania that offers visitors a range of cultural, outdoor, and gastronomic experiences. As the capital city of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg area is also home to many museums and historical landmarks. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through Harrisburg area’s must-visit attractions, best hiking and biking routes, local food and drink scene, recommended accommodations, and more.
List of Places to Visit in Harrisburg Area
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- National Civil War Museum: This museum showcases artifacts from the American Civil War, and offers exhibits, lectures, and educational events to visitors.
- Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex: This building complex features one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the United States, along with a museum and art galleries.
- State Museum of Pennsylvania: This museum features displays of Pennsylvania’s natural history and cultural heritage, as well as science and technology exhibits.
- Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: This historic site is a place to explore the history of Harrisburg area and Pennsylvania, with guided tours, educational programs, and special events.
Natural Attractions: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Susquehanna River: This river is the lifeblood of Harrisburg area, and offers visitors a range of water-based activities like boating, kayaking, and fishing, as well as walking and biking paths along the river bank.
- Wildwood Park: This park features several walking and hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and environmental education programs.
- Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area: Take a hike to see some of the oldest and largest white pine trees in the area, along with other flora and fauna.
- Hershey Gardens: This botanical garden offers visitors a visually stunning garden area, including roses, herbs, perennials, and trees.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Harrisburg Area
- Appalachian Trail: This historic trail stretches from Maine to Georgia, and includes a 229-mile section in Pennsylvania.
- Harrisburg Riverfront Park: This 20-acre park features a mix of paved and unpaved trails, perfect for walking, biking, and jogging.
- Capital Area Greenbelt: This 20-mile trail is a great way to explore the natural scenery of Harrisburg area.
Best Things to Do in Harrisburg Area: Activities and Tours
- Harrisburg Brewery Tour: Visit the city’s top craft breweries, taste their unique beers, and learn about their brewing processes.
- Whitewater Rafting Adventure: Take on the rapids of the Susquehanna River on a guided tour.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: Learn about the history of Hershey’s chocolate, take a factory tour, and indulge in some chocolate tasting.
- Harrisburg Food Tour: Sample the best of Harrisburg area’s local cuisine, including pretzels, Pennsylvania Dutch treats, and Pennsylvania wines.
Week-Long Itinerary for Harrisburg Area
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Harrisburg’s Museums and Historical Landmarks |
| Day 2 | Hike or Bike in Harrisburg’s Natural Scenery |
| Day 3 | Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hershey Gardens |
| Day 4 | Whitewater rafting experience on Susquehanna River |
| Day 5 | Try Local Food and Wine at Harrisburg’s Best Eateries |
| Day 6 | Visit Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s Markets and Farms |
| Day 7 | Enjoy Relaxing Outdoor Activities at Wildwood Park |
Food and Drink Scene of Harrisburg Area
Must-Try Dishes
- Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings: A dessert made with sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon and butter, wrapped in dough, and baked to perfection.
- Soft Pretzels: A blend of chewy and salty, Pennsylvania-style soft pretzels are a local specialty.
- Lebanon Bologna: A regional cured meat from the area surrounding the city of Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
- Shoo-Fly Pie: A molasses-based cake named for its ability to attract flies, the Shoo-Fly Pie is a Pennsylvania Dutch Country tradition.
Local Beverages
- Yuengling Beer: America’s oldest brewery, producing traditional lagers and more experimental beers.
- Troegs Beer: A local brewery specializing in a wide variety of beers, from light to dark, hoppy, and complex flavors.
- Pennsylvania Wines: Vintages are strong and bold and include wines made from native American grape varieties such as Niagara and Catawba.
Where to Stay in Harrisburg Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Hilton Harrisburg: A luxury hotel located in the center of downtown Harrisburg.
- The Inn at Westwynd Farm: A B&B located in a beautiful farm setting, just a short drive from Harrisburg.
- Sleep Inn and Suites Harrisburg: A budget-friendly hotel option.
What to Buy in Harrisburg Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Pennsylvania Dutch Country Pretzels and Snacks: Bring home a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
- Amish Quilts: Handmade and intricately designed.
- Chocolates: Take some local Pennsylvania chocolate home as a delicious and memorable souvenir.
Local Culture and Customs of Harrisburg Area
- Pennsylvania Dutch Country Music and Folkora
- Pennsylvania Dutch Language: A dialect of German spoken in the region and heard occasionally in casual conversation
Best Time to Visit Harrisburg Area
The best time to visit Harrisburg area is between April and October, when daytime temperatures are mild and the summer events are in full swing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Harrisburg Area
Do:
- Do sample local Pennsylvania Dutch Country cuisine.
- Do appreciate the region’s beautiful nature and outdoor scenery.
- Do bring comfortable shoes for exploring the natural sights and attractions.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter the natural areas.
- Don’t forget to budget for parking expenses in downtown Harrisburg.
- Don’t fail to taste local wines during your stay.
Safety and Health
Safety in Harrisburg Area
Harrisburg area is generally a safe place to visit, but it is always best to take precautions in urban areas like downtown Harrisburg.
Health in Harrisburg Area
The city has excellent medical facilities. Stay hydrated in the warmer months, wear sunscreen, and guard against ticks and Lyme disease in the wooded areas.
Getting to Harrisburg Area: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Harrisburg Area
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Bus Stations Near Harrisburg Area
- Greyhound Bus Lines
- Capitol Trailways
Other Options
- Train: Amtrak Station in Harrisburg
- Rental Car
How to Get Around in Harrisburg Area
- Car rental
- Uber or Taxi
- Public transportation
Where to Go Next from Harrisburg Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Conclusion
There is an abundance of activities available for visitors to Harrisburg Area, from exploring history and museums to enjoying nature and outdoor adventures, to indulging in the local food and unique culture. Plan your visit well to maximize Harrisburg area’s best offerings, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a truly memorable experience in Pennsylvania’s hidden jewel.