As the state capital and one of the top cities in Pennsylvania, Harrisburg is a haven for history lovers. There are numerous historical sites near this scenic city on the Susquehanna River for visiting.
Find history related to the Civil or Revolutionary Wars, architecture, religion, and even the creation of present-day politics. A visit to the Harrisburg area is the ideal way to explore these passions. History buffs from all over are bound to find something that piques their interest.
Whether you want to learn more about your home state or are just looking to make the most out of your visit here, be sure to do some sightseeing while here.
Here are the top historical places near Harrisburg, PA, in no particular order:
Broad Street Market
Located in the heart of Harrisburg, the Broad Street Market is the oldest continuously-operating farmer’s market in the country. It hosts over 40 vendors, who sell locally-sourced and organic fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, and prepared meals to the public.
The Broad Street Market was founded in 1860. Soon after, during the Civil War, its farmers fed the 300,000 Union soldiers who stayed at the nearby Camp Curtin.
Since then, the market has expanded, and it now fills three blocks in the Harrisburg Midtown business corridor. The two remaining buildings are the Stone Market, which was completed in 1863, and the Brick Market, completed in 1874.
The Broad Street Market’s background and character, as well as its high-quality products, have made it one of the most prominent community gathering places in the capital city. It’s open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays each week.
1233 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 | broadstreetmarket.org
Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat
Taking a ride on the Pride of the Susquehanna is the perfect way to both learn about and experience an important part of Pennsylvania’s history. Explore the Susquehanna River from one of the last remaining paddle-wheel riverboats in the country!
Since its construction and launch in 1988, this riverboat has allowed locals and visitors to enjoy Harrisburg by sailing along the Susquehanna.
Taking a trip on the Pride of the Susquehanna includes a commentary about Harrisburg and its history. There are also various themed tours available for visitors who are interested in combining live music, dinner, and parties with their boat rides.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night activity or an outing that the whole family will enjoy, this popular attraction will not disappoint.
11 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101 | 717-234-6500 | hbgriverboat.org
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
One of Harrisburg’s oldest buildings is the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. Though it was originally constructed in 1766, since then, it has undergone numerous renovations and changes in ownership.
This was once the home of two of Harrisburg’s most well-known residents, John Harris, Jr. and Simon Cameron. John Harris, Jr. was the founder and namesake of the city, and Simon Cameron was Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War and U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
After Cameron’s death, the Mansion was passed down among members of his family and then donated to the Historical Society in 1941. The Mansion was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Take a guided tour from the Historical Society of Dauphin County to learn more about its past and former residents. Or, if you have a special event coming up, you can even rent out one of the mansion’s public rooms.
219 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104 | 717-233-3462
Pennsylvania State Capitol Building
There is no better way to learn about Pennsylvania state politics than to go to the source itself: the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. Found in downtown Harrisburg, this is where Pennsylvania’s policies and laws are made.
The Capitol Building has an impressive history, as well as gorgeous architectural features. It has a large Renaissance-style dome, and the majority of its architecture can be described as from the Beaux-Arts era. It was designed by Joseph Miller Huston in 1902 and finally completed in 1906.
Visitors can either explore the Pennsylvania Capitol Building on their own, or they can reserve a spot with a guided tour. The Interactive Welcome Center also shares information about the history of Pennsylvania’s government and how laws are made today.
501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120 | (800) 868-7672 | visithersheyharrisburg.org/…
Fort Hunter Mansion & Park
Overlooking the Susquehanna River, the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park has a long history within the Harrisburg community. Over the years, it has been used as a war fort, a private residence, and a public museum alike.
This property dates back to 1725 when it was settled by Benjamin Chambers. Chambers’s brother-in-law, Samuel Hunter, then inherited it, and it was referred to as “Hunter’s Mill.” During the French and Indian War, the British built a series of forts in the area; one of these was built on the property and known as Fort Hunter.
Years later, the Fort Hunter property eventually became a thriving frontier village. In the late 18th century, over twenty enslaved people lived here and ran the Mansion. Over time, the Mansion and property were bought and passed along to various people, and eventually, Margaret Wister Meigs decided to establish the Fort Hunter Museum here.
Today, visitors can tour the Fort Hunter Mansion, relax in the park, or host weddings and other events on the historic property. Before your visit, be sure to print a free walking tour to learn about the many specific historic sites here.
5300 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110 | 717-599-5751 | forthunter.org
Swatara Ferry House
Located in Middletown, PA, a town about 20 minutes away from Harrisburg, is the historic Swatara Ferry House. Known as “Old Fort,” this historic home is estimated to date to the year 1820.
The Swatara Ferry House was built of logs and stone. It consists of two sections, each of which has its own entrance, chimney, and German floor plan. Few similar structures still exist in the state, making this building architecturally significant.
This lovely home has a special historical significance as well. Because of its convenient location, it served as a Ferry House for those traveling between the Susquehanna River and Swatara Creek.
The Swatara Ferry House was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1976 and has been owned by the Middletown Area Historical Society since 1981. Though it is not an overly popular tourist destination, visitors can still stop by to take a look at the structure and read the historical marker on the property.
S Union St, Middletown, PA 17057
Cathedral of Saint Patrick
The Cathedral of Saint Patrick in the heart of downtown is the ideal place to learn about Harrisburg’s religious and architectural history. The Cathedral opened in 1907 and remains an active Catholic church with a vibrant community of attendees.
Before the Revolutionary War, German Jesuits brought Catholicism to Harrisburg and other areas of Central Pennsylvania. Additionally, many Irish immigrants arrived in the area to help construct the Pennsylvania Canal, growing the Catholic community.
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1826, and it was blessed in 1827 in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. Since then, it has grown into multiple buildings and also experienced an impressive renovation that, among other things, added shrines to different bishops and saints.
The Cathedral of Saint Patrick’s architecture is best described as a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles. It features stained glass windows and intricate details in every corner of the space.
Guests are welcome to attend Mass here any day of the week, or visit at a different time to explore the space and admire its architecture.
212 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 | 717-232-2169 | stpatrickcathedral.com
Walnut Street Bridge
The Walnut Street Bridge in Harrisburg connects the two sides of the Susquehanna River. In addition to being an important part of the city’s infrastructure since its completion in 1890, this bridge is also architecturally significant.
This is the longest known truss bridge that uses Phoenix columns and still exists today. This fact has led to the bridge receiving numerous honors, including being listed as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
In both 1972 and 1996, the bridge experienced significant damages due to the flooding of the Susquehanna. Parts of the western half of the bridge were lost and remain abandoned today.
Much of the Walnut Street Bridge has been changed and repaired over the years to keep it functional, but the bridge still claims a high level of historic integrity. Visitors can enjoy strolling across the bridge to watch the sunset, breathe in the fresh air, or just experience a part of Pennsylvania’s history.
N Front St & Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Enoch Matlack House
Found in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, the Enoch Matlack House is a historic home built in 1872. Because Hummelstown is one of the older towns in Pennsylvania, many old buildings remain here, but this home in particular is a notable historical site.
The Enoch Matlack House is a two-and-a-half-story brick house. It was built in a “T” shape, and the rear section consists of two stories. Its interior has an elegant style, with a grand central staircase and fine wood floors.
This home was originally built for Enoch and Lydia Matlack, who owned a tannery near Swatara Creek. After the Matlacks, other significant Hummelstown community members lived here as well.
This notable abode has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. There is not a formal program for touring the home, but visitors can admire the Italianate structure’s balconies and decorative details from the outside.
250 E Main St, Hummelstown, PA 17036
High Point Mansion
Chocolate lovers and history lovers alike will love a visit to the High Point Mansion, also known as the Milton S. Hershey Mansion. Just a bit past Hummelstown, about a 20-minute drive from Harrisburg, is the old home of Milton and Catherine Hershey.
High Point Mansion is located on a hill above the original Hershey chocolate factory. It was both designed and built for Milton and Catherine Hershey, and its architecture features Colonial and Greek revival styles.
Milton and Catherine Hershey moved into this lovely yet modest mansion in 1908. Today, guests can take a tour of their historic home, visiting the bedrooms, grand staircase, entry hall, and more with guided commentary.
When visiting the High Point Mansion, be sure to also check out the nearby interactive chocolate museum, The Hershey Story, to learn more about the Hershey family and the history of their business.
100 E Mansion Rd, Hershey, PA 17033 | 717-534-8939 | hersheystory.org/tour-high-point-mansion/
Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
A historic Victorian firehouse built-in 1899 is now the site of the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum. The building is a traditional two-story firehouse that once housed Harrisburg’s Reily Hose Fire Co. No. 10.
Today, visitors can explore the renovated space for themselves and learn about the history of Pennsylvania firefighting. Guests can also discover impressive pieces of history within the museum’s exhibits. For example, one notable attraction includes a 1792 hand pumper, while another features the Gamewell Alarm System from the early 1920s.
This interactive museum is a great way to learn more about what it is like to be a firefighter and how the fire service has evolved throughout history. Plus, it is located inside a top local historical site.
In addition to traditional admissions tickets, the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum also offers opportunities for field trips and group tours.
1820 N 4th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 | 717-232-8915 | pnfm.org
Whether you want to delve deep into Pennsylvania history or just find a creative new outing to experience with your family, the Harrisburg area has no shortage of opportunities. From bridges to firehouses to mansions, these top historical sites nearby offer plenty of unique stories and fun facts. And they are begging to be discovered.
If visiting the capital city over the wintertime, consider strapping on a pair of skis or a snowboard at one of Harrisburg’s nearby ski resorts.
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