What To Do On A Layover In Harrisburg Pennsylvania

If you have to pass through Harrisburg to connect to another flight, why not spend some time in the city? The local attractions are easily accessible by rental car, public transit, or Uber.

1. Pennsylvania State Capitol

Archaeological site, Building

The Pennsylvania State Capitol building, located in downtown Harrisburg, is a functional seat of government, where laws are passed and the public policy is set for over 12 million residents of Pennsylvania. This building is a symbol of freedom and democracy, and is often referred to as a “Palace of Art” for its unique beauty and design. Select areas of the Capitol complex–such as the Main Capitol Rotunda, East Wing Rotunda and Fountain–are open to the public. Visitors can book a 30-minuted guided tour or opt for a self-guided tour during weekdays, which includes a brochure with all the information you may need.

2. National Civil War Museum

Museum

The National Civil War Museum in Reservoir Park is the only museum in the United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War. It houses more than 4,400 artifacts and around 21,000 archival pieces from the war, including some related to General Robert E. Lee to President Abraham Lincoln. The exhibits cover a variety of topics, from Harrisburg’s role in the Battle of Gettysburg to women’s roles in the Civil War, and are rotated annually. This year, the museum is hosting a year-long exhibit displaying the 150th commemoration off the Civil War.

3. AACA Museum

Museum

For all car lovers, the AACA Museum is a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and offers a world-class automotive experience. Explore vintage vehicle displays and interactive exhibits featuring cars, buses, motorcycles and other automobiles from the 1890s through to the 1980s. The museum offers educational tours and hosts monthly events. Situated in Hershey, the AACA Museum is just a 20-minute drive from Harrisburg International Airport.

5. Hershey Park

Amusement Park

Hershey Park offers a world of fun, with over 70 rides and attractions, including 13 thrilling roller coasters. Open year round, Hershey Park is three parks in one, including Zoo America–an 11-acre zoo housing more than 200 North American animals–and the Boardwalk at Hershey Park, a water park with over 16 attractions including a lazy river, wave pool and water slides. It’s located 20 minutes from the airport. Visitors can let their hair down and channel their inner child on the lightning racer, or get their hair wet on the tidal force. In addition to rides, games and fun, dining at Hershey Park is an experience, with full-service restaurants to food trucks serving all your favorites.

6. Hersheys Chocolate World

Amusement Park

Hershey’s Chocolate World has sweet adventures for everyone, from chocolate lovers to fun seekers and history buffs. Guests can create their own candy bar and enjoy chocolate tasting. The Hershey Trolley Works can also take visitors on an historic journey through a town built on chocolate. Each attraction includes its own admission fee, ranging from free to $20.

7. Indian Echo Caverns

Archaeological site

Just 12 minutes from the airport is a geological wonder and one of the most visited attractions in the eastern United States. Join a tour of these caverns and learn about the geology and history of the stunning formations. There is also a petting zoo, where visitors can say hello to some furred and feathered friends in the Discovery Barnyard. Kids can even feed animals right from their hands, with treats from the treat machine. Join a search for gemstones at Gem Mill Junction, or a fossil hunt for the kids.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.