Harrisburg's current location along the Susquehanna River may have been occupied by Native Americans as early as 3,000 BCE. John Harris, Sr., an American businessman who came from Britain in the 17th century, settled in the area in 1719. About 14 years later, he secured land grants for 800 acres. Around that time, he gained a license to be able to operate a ferry, which was soon called Harris's Ferry. Several decades later, in 1785, John Harris, Jr. laid out plans to construct a town on his father's land. Harrisburg was incorporated in 1791 and became the state capital of Pennsylvania in 1812.
This city has hosted the Pennsylvania Farm Show, a significant annual farming exposition, since it was first held in 1917. Today, this event is known as the largest indoor agricultural event in the country. Half a million people stop by every January to take part in this free event. It's typically held in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, which hosts more than 200 trade shows and exhibits every year.
Downtown Harrisburg is home to the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and The Forum, a 1,763-seat lecture and concert hall. For easy access to several green spaces and historical areas, plan an afternoon of walking along the 20-mile, looping Capital Area Greenbelt. It passes along the Susquehanna River, Five Senses Garden, the National Civil War Museum, and the Governor's Mansion.
Head to the Midtown neighborhood to take a look at the wares on display at the Broad Street Market. First opened in 1863 by the Verbeke family, this market is now the country's oldest continuously running farmers market. You can't visit Harrisburg without taking at least one trip on the Pride of the Susquehanna. This paddle-wheel riverboat offers daily 45-minute rides as well as themed events.
Campgrounds Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The Deer Run Camping Resort in Gardners has many large campsites perfect for oversized RVs. This campground is right outside of Harrisburg and offers exciting hiking, picnicking, and fishing opportunities. There's a large playground perfect for kids of every age. The facility's staff also puts on regular events and activities during the year.
The Jonestown/Hershey NE KOA in Jonestown has 99 campsites with full hookups. Feel free to rent a tube or kayak or spend your time lounging near the shore. Your family will love the jump pad, snack bar, camp store, and pavilion. Other on-site amenities include a dump station, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and cable. You're welcome to bring your pet along to use the expansive dog park.
Rick’s Campground & Marina in Goldsboro is located right on the Susquehanna River. This facility is open from April to October and has 85 spacious RV campsites. Spend your afternoons splashing in the pool or fishing for northern pike, walleye, or black crappie from the river. Convenient RV storage options are available for the off-season. This campground even prepares delicious breakfasts for its guests.
State Parks Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Little Buffalo State Park was named after the nearby 10-mile Little Buffalo Creek tributary. It was formally opened in 1972 and has since entertained countless visitors with its scenic waterfront, thriving woodland, and hunting opportunities. This park is home to Holman Lake, one of the most popular fishing spots in the county. Hundreds of acres of pristine land are open to seasonal hunting. There are also two picnic areas, several hiking trails, a charming covered bridge, and a restored grist mill.
The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is full of gorgeous views, nature trails, and thick pine forests. Fishing and boating are permitted on the beautiful Lake Marburg. Don't forget to check out the swimming pool, playground, and disc golf course. During the winter, visitors arrive in droves for ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Between May and October, the park offers educational events like guided hikes and meteor watch parties.
Colonel Denning State Park was established in 1936 to honor the achievements of William Denning, a renowned veteran and builder of wrought iron cannons. The park encompasses 273 acres and includes the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake. You're welcome to head into the surrounding Tuscarora State Forest to hunt for white-tailed deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys. The longest trail in the park is the 105-mile Tuscarora Trail. There are 200 picnic tables throughout the area perfect for enjoying the vibrant greenery.
National Sites Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail is a 680-mile collection of roads used by American and French soldiers during the American Revolution. In 1781, these two forces teamed up against the British forces who were in Virginia. They marched hundreds of miles across the country to battle and ultimately defeat the British troops and bring the United States one step closer to independence. Walk these historic routes to learn more about these soldiers' amazing efforts.
Between 1790 and 1948, the Hampton National Historic Site was owned by the Ridgely family. The entire estate was originally 25,000 acres until the National Park Service cut it down to 62.4 preserved acres open to the public. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds at their own leisure or take a guided tour of the mansion. The nearby 10.9-mile Merryman Trail runs along a stunning river ripe with wildlife viewing opportunities. It's pet-friendly but can be a little slick at points, which can make it difficult to traverse with smaller children.
Running for a total of 560 miles from Virginia through Washington, D.C. to Maryland, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail tells the story of the War of 1812. After the Napoleonic Wars, economic trade disputes led to battles between the United States and its allies. Walk around this site to learn more about the Battle for Baltimore and its massive impact on the country. Grab a map guide, and follow local interpretative signage to make your exploration easier. Consider walking the 9.1-mile Jones Falls Trail through Druid Hill Park for easy access to the Baltimore Zoo and local botanical gardens.
National Forests Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Finger Lakes National Forest is the country’s second-smallest national forest. Fortunately, its small size is made up for by its sheer beauty. As you're hiking or biking, you'll find magnificent waterfalls, lush greenery, and deep valleys. Visitors have even spotted the Northern Lights here during the winter. Feel free to take your time traversing the 30 miles of trails. Geocaching, stargazing, and birdwatching are popular year-round. This forest is known to have some of the best local largemouth, smallmouth, and black bass fishing opportunities.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests cover more than 1.8 million acres of Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. This forest has 2,000 species of plants, 200 species of birds and 60 species of mammals. Of the 40 different species of trees, many of them belong to the hardwood or pine families. The Pandapas Pond Day Use Area has an accessible wooden boardwalk where you can spot turtles, waterfowl, and songbirds. There is also an abundance of rivers, streams, creeks, and lakes where you can fish. If you're interested in stargazing, consider heading up to Whitetop Mountain, the highest point in the entire state.
Allegheny National Forest is the state's only national forest. It comprises 517,000 acres of land in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Many of the plateaus reach about 2,300 feet whereas the valleys are around 1,000 feet above sea level. Due to extensive 19th-century logging, this area is now known as a second-growth forest. The dominant tree species include cherry, red maple, black birch, and sugar maple. Of the native 300 animal species, you’re likely to spot wild turkey, white-tailed deer, beaver, foxes, and minks. This forest is a great place to fish for white bass, brook trout, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass.
