Harrisburg Travel Guide

Rich in the history that helped shape both the nation and its sixth largest state, Harrisburg has been the capital city of Pennsylvania since 1812 and the seat of Dauphin County since 1785.

Harrisburg, is a reflection of all the history, beauty and pride of the state. This is most prevalent on City Island, the city’s island park.   Also on City Island, you'll find the popular Harrisburg Senators AA Minor League baseball team. Back on the "mainland," sports fans enjoy watching  the Harrisburg Heat, a professional indoor soccer team playing its home games in the state Farm Show Complex. This sprawling facility also hosts a variety of fantastic year-round events, including the Pennsylvania Farm Show agricultural exposition; the Eastern Sports, Boat, Camping, Travel and Outdoor Show; the Keystone State Games and the Penn National Horse Show.

Visitors to Harrisburg can board an old-fashioned paddlewheeler, the Pride of the Susquehanna, which cruises down the river. Carriage rides, a mini-steam train and village shops also contribute to the charm. But, this historical enchantment isn’t restricted to City Park. Harrisburg’s streets are lined with small shops, quaint cafes and old buildings. The stately John Harris Mansion offers three centuries of history and displays fine American folk art. The State Museum of Pennsylvania also showcases the area’s history from archaeology and military to fine art. Across the street is the Capitol with its remarkable domed roof, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Some sights to see are:

The National Civil War Museum: The only museum in the United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War. Equally balanced presentations are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate cause.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania: Established in 1905, the museum features preserved artifacts. Located across from the museum is the State Capitol. Exhibits located in the museum include the William Penn Memorial, Brockerhoff House, Archaeology, Military History, Fine Arts and more. Situated in the museum is a planetarium.

The State Capital Building:

t the dedication of the Capitol building in 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt described this structure as "the handsomest building I ever saw". The capitol dome rises 272 feet. This vaulted dome weighs 52 million pounds, and was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It's beautiful staircase looks like one from the Paris Opera. Over 100,000 people per year enjoy a free tour of Harrisburg's Capitol building.

Walk across a plaza to the Forum building, housing the State Library, an extensive Law Library and genealogical search room for visitors.

If you would like to take a free tour of Pennsylvania's Capitol building, call or write the General Assembly's Office Of Capitol Visitor Services at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (800-868-7672). You will want to reserve your tour as far in advance as possible.

You can also explore Pennsylvania government at work by visiting the Welcome Center at the Capitol. Learn about Pennsylvania Government -- and have fun in the process -- by reading, listening, touching and interacting with 18 colorful, informative exhibits. The Welcome Center is located in the East Wing of the Capitol, and is open regular workdays (Monday through Friday, except holidays) from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Kids who live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can get a free "Welcome to Pennsylvania's Capitol" coloring book, and  brochures about Pennsylvania and its Capitol by calling or writing to the office of their  local Legislator's office.

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum: Erected in 1899 as the home of the Reily Hose Company fire brigade and now serves, through a stunning restoration achievement, as a distinctive fire museum featuring authentic and priceless national and local firefighting equipment from years past, including the oldest fire apparatus in the nation, a 1790s hand pump cart.

Broad Street Market: Oldest continuously operated market house in the United States. Civil War-era, Stone Building dates to 1860. Features the ethnic-cuisine of the Market Cafe fourt as a major lunch desod court as a major lunch destination. Prominently situated at the head of Verbeke Street with central vista west to the Susquehanna River. Part of the two-building market complex with central plaza as community focal point.