Harrisburg, the capital of the state of Pennsylvania, is situated on the edge of the Susquehanna River where it served in its infancy as a ferry outpost. Currently the city is a bustling metropolis with lots to see and do in your car rental.
As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49.528 residents, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania. Harrisburg exists since the times of the Native Americans, as early as 3000 BC. The area was an important resting place and crossroads for Native American traders, as the trials leading from Delaware to Ohio Rivers. Harrisburg was also known for heavy manufacturing, such as the steel industry, agriculture and food services. Harrisburg is the central core business and financial center for the greater Harrisburg metropolitan area.
The Whitaker Centre for Science and Arts is the center where science is used as an entry to arts. Whitaker Centre exhibits science, performing arts and an IMAX theater under one roof. There are more than three floors that feature more than 240 fun and informative exhibits that explore physical science, mathematics, natural science, life science and technology. The Centre is a great place for both children and adults, since they will learn a lot of new things.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a special event in Harrisburg, that is held every January. The event is considered Pennsylvania's state fair, that first began in 1917. It is the largest indoor agricultural event held in the United States. There are all kinds of shows, that include agricultural shows, horse shows and livestock shows, as well as traditional cuisine.
The National Civil War Museum is located in Harrisburg and it is a permanent, non profit educational institution that was created in order to promote the preservation of material culture. Every exhibit put on display at the National Museum has a strong connection with the Civil War. Tourists can see all kinds of documents, photographs, weapons and heavy artillery that give them a glimpse of how life during Civil War was really like.
Here are a few things you shouldn't miss in Harrisburg.
1. See the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts- The Whitaker Center is considered to be one of the country's most unique science and art museums. One of the aims of the museum it to increase the visitor's understanding of art through science. The center also features an IMAX theater.
2. Tour the National Civil War Museum- Explore all aspects of the Civil War from the pre-war tension to post-war period. Museum artifacts include manuscripts, photographs and period artillery.
3. Visit The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum- Housed in a 19th century Victorian firehouse, this museum contains a variety both antique and modern fire fighting equipment.
4. Stop in for the Pennsylvania Farm Show. For eight days in January Harrisburg is host to the country's largest indoor agricultural show. During the show you can enjoy square dancing, livestock judging, pony pulling contests and much more.
5.Enjoy the Capital Area Greenbelt- This Greenbelt is a complex of twenty miles of trails that winds around and through Harrisburg joining a variety of parks and other open spaces. Join the locals in walking, jogging or biking as you explore this trail.
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| Book At | Miles/km to Harrisburg | Directions to Harrisburg | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemoyne | 2/4 | Directions | 40.2412 | -76.89414 |
| New Cumberland | 3/5 | Directions | 40.23231 | -76.8847 |
| Camp Hill | 3/5 | Directions | 40.23981 | -76.91997 |
| Hershey | 12/20 | Directions | 40.28592 | -76.65025 |
| Carlisle | 17/27 | Directions | 40.20148 | -77.18887 |
| *Distance is calculated aerial. Actual will be different. | ||||
