Things to do in Harrisburg

Top Things to Do in Harrisburg

Things to Do in Harrisburg


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Top Attractions in Harrisburg

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • kunfushuss
    Pennsylvania430 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty good museum at $16. It's a little odd to have this situated in Harrisburg, and it's not a big place, but I don't know of a better civil war museum.

    They do a good job contextualizing the war, and have particularly good exhibits surrounding Fort Sumter and Gettysburg, but the timelines for the rest of the war get a little confusing (do I go clockwise or counter-clockwise around the room to go in the right order?). They have a nice weaponry collection, and some interesting artifacts (a Lincoln hat-box, Pickett's hat, a gun belonging to Governor Curtin, and a few others).

    Overall, not bad, I just think they could do a little better with presenting the timelines and geography of the war - like, when they discuss Sherman's march to the sea, it would be nice to have a map alongside it.
    Written 13 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shawn H
    Washington DC, DC413 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We sauntered up to the Capitol grounds on a chilly Thanksgiving. The building is scaled monumentally, set on a hill in Harrisburg. It is more ornate and detailed then the average capitol, with some truly spectacular artwork. We were surpised that even on Thanksgiving, the front door was open for the general public to proceed through security. This allowed you straight into the atrium under the dome - where you could look up at the spectacular murals and artistry. There were some modest historical exhibits around the periphery and the beginnings of the Christmas tree and holiday decorations being installed. While we didn't get to go on a broader tour, even standing udner the dome is worth the effort, particularly if you can find easy street parking nearby, as we did on a holiday.
    Written 2 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Newton618
    Erie, PA171 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was here in February when it was closed, I really wish I could have seen the inside of all the buildings especially the main hose and spring house, lotsa information to read outside and a nice walk around the complex
    Written 25 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • harryatkck
    Kansas City, KS996 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In addition to the wide variety of exhibits here, this is one of the easiest museums to see. When you come to the museum you will get a map that shows where all of the exhibit areas are. The are 4 floors that are circular with 3-5 different exhibit areas each. I loved the Civil War exhibits, & the 4th floor was all exhibits on natural history, geology, etc. in addition to elevators there are escalators that go each way between every floor. This is the best state museum I have visited.
    Written 24 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert R
    Woodbridge, VA524 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful collection of historic fire fighting equipment, communications and restored rooms, assembled in an old fire station in Harrisburg. Very knowledgeable volunteers (retired fire fighters) full of historic perspectives. Free parking lot adjacent to the museum.
    Written 19 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brendan P
    Lancaster, PA12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Today I went to Harrisburg Senators game and it was so much fun to be able to experience such excitement when it comes to baseball in a small stadium!! Overall had a great time!
    Written 26 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vicky V
    Rochester, NY17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyed a lovely walk around the perimeter - about 3 miles. Loved the signs with information about the area and the spillway and other things we were seeing. Lots and lots of birds on the water and in the trees. Also saw 2 magnificent bucks and several does.
    Written 2 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pat E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Second time going to the farm show and was not disappointed again. So many things to see - animals, calving corner, food stands/ samples, butter sculpture, vendors with interesting products, events with various animals. Paid $15 per car for parking and was entertained for hours. Best value for your money.

    Thanks to all the farmers, vendors and volunteers that do a wonderful job of putting this together
    Written 10 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • acampbell639
    Caldwell, ID2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a blast walking around City Island. We crossed the bridge talked with some fisherman and watched the sunset.
    Written 31 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thrasher82
    Glen Rock, PA303 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    They have a great staff, a wide selection of good food, and offer it in a nice atmosphere. Do not be shy - if there is a line, you can sit at the bar!
    Written 26 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sharon F
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Use to go here as a child and wanted to visit. One building is predominantly baked goods, meats, cheese and some produce. Second building is mostly an eatery with a large variety of ethnic foods. Tables for dining in the middle. It's is definitely more upscale than in the 60s but we got some good cheeses and meats. Parking was available right at the market on Saturday morning. Worth the visit if you're in Harrisburg.
    Written 5 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tony D
    66 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Saw a concert with my daughter here and it’s a great, intimate venue. Sound system was fabulous, looked like not a bad seat in the house! I wasn’t happy with the parking situation, parked at a garage and ended up being a $30 stay for a few hours at a concert. That part sucked. Also a lot of homeless in the area of the garage so didn’t feel like the safest place to be.
    Overall the Whitaker center(what we saw of it) was very nice. I will return hopefully and see the science center with the kids, in the daylight hours
    Written 28 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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