Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

A visit to the Capitol is a trip to an art and history museum rolled into a beautiful package. The Pennsylvania State Capitol is known as one of the most treasured in the nation for the architectural and interior design, various attractions around the Complex, statues, and foliage that changes color throughout the year. Though you are welcome to tour the grounds at your own leisure, scheduling a tour is highly recommended so you can learn all about the incredible history surrounding this incredible State Capitol.

With the Civil War becoming a much-talked about topic of late, why not go study up on the war to learn more? The exhibits of the National Civil War Museum tell an in-depth story about the American Civil War with no bias towards either the Union or the Confederacy. The timeline represented here runs from 1850 to 1876 with the main emphasis being on 1861-1865. There are over 24,000 artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, and other printed documentation to show what life was like throughout America during the Civil War. A must see for any and all!

Looking for a wonderful location where you can relax and play and spend the day surrounded by water? Then you should head to City Island, a 63-acre recreational park in the middle of the Susquehanna River. You can watch baseball at the Metro Bank Park then hop aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna. If you would rather stay on dry land, then there is a steam train to ride or horse-drawn carriages that can take you to the miniature golf course, the arcade, batting cages, an observation deck at RiverSide Village Park, or the small beach.

Do you love the idea of touring the Susquehanna River via boat and watching the sunset? Then the Pride of the Susquehanna is going to make that dream come true. The Pride was built as a community service project by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society and has been a popular attraction ever since. The public sightseeing tours are just one of the ways that this authentic paddle-wheel riverboat is used. Enjoy a 45 minute long cruise on a boat with climate controlled rooms and handicapped accessibility. It's perfect for a date, friends or a family!

Cinema, science, and the arts don't usually come together as perfectly as they do at the Whitaker Center. The cinema is great for rainy and cold days, as you can go with friends, family, or with your significant other to discover more about the world through 3D glasses. Science exhibits come and go, but they are usually seasonal, so you never know what fun you will find. Lastly, the arts involve musical performances from well known bands to comedy, theatre, and dance. All tickets can be reserved in advance, making it easy to fit a show or two into your schedule.