Pennsylvania's capital sits along the Susquehanna River with its domed State Capitol, Civil War Museum, and riverside trails. A central hub between NYC and Philadelphia.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital city, sits along the Susquehanna River. The Capitol Building's 272-foot dome stands out in the city center. You can spend your days exploring exhibits at the National Civil War Museum, walking through the marble halls of the State Capitol, or kayaking on the Susquehanna River. Visit in January to experience the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where you'll find 6,000 animals and local food vendors. Located within a two-hour drive of Baltimore, Washington, and Philadelphia, Harrisburg works well as a base for exploring the northeastern United States.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol
The Pennsylvania State Capitol, completed in 1906, has a dome modeled after St. Peter's Basilica. Inside, you'll find marble staircases and painted murals spread across five and a half acres of government buildings. The Capitol complex includes the State Museum of Pennsylvania within its 68-acre downtown park setting. Take a daily tour through the House and Senate chambers to learn about the state's legislative process.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
The National Civil War Museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, displays over 24,000 artifacts and documents from the American Civil War period. The Art Association of Harrisburg displays contemporary art in its Italianate villa and teaches art classes for all skill levels throughout the year. Visit the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, located in an 1899 Victorian firehouse, to see antique fire engines and equipment that document firefighting history.
Annual Events and Festivals
Each January, more than 6,000 animals arrive at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, along with hundreds of competitive exhibits and food courts serving Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. In February, you can attend the Great American Outdoor Show, which runs for nine days with hunting, fishing, and camping exhibitions. Summer brings the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA's annual gathering, drawing thousands of members to the city.
Getting Around and Location
You can use Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus routes throughout the metropolitan area, though most downtown attractions are within walking distance of each other. The Harrisburg Transportation Center connects to Amtrak trains and intercity buses. From Harrisburg, you can drive to New York City in three hours, Pittsburgh in three hours, and Philadelphia in two hours.
Parks and River Activities
Take paddle wheeler cruises on the Susquehanna River or walk along the riverfront trails. Riverfront Park runs along the water's edge and hosts summer festivals and concerts. The surrounding area includes multiple entry points to the Appalachian Trail and natural areas like Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area.
Weather and Seasons
Summer temperatures in Harrisburg reach into the 80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures often drop below freezing. Spring brings temperatures between 50-70°F, making it comfortable for walking tours and outdoor markets. Fall colors appear in October. The city gets around 38 inches of rain throughout the year, spread fairly evenly across all seasons.
