Central Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

Central Pennsylvania featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Harrisburg which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Central Pennsylvania showing fall colors
The Hershey Story Museum featuring interior views
National Civil War Museum showing a statue or sculpture
Head to this beautiful stretch of Pennsylvania to discover its heritage of Amish communities, revolutionary history, great parks and rolling pastureland.

Central Pennsylvania sits in the very heart of the state, offering visitors an array of historic, cultural and natural attractions. Pennsylvania was once a key location for the British Empire today relics of revolutionary history abound here. Visit the battlefields, relax in the modern cities and get out and hike in the natural beauty.

The Appalachian Mountains cross Central Philadelphia. Consider a day hike on the Appalachian Trail. For more outdoor exploration, travel west to the Pennsylvania Wilds and Cherry Springs State Park. In the pasturelands of Lancaster County gain insight into the traditional ways of the Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Here some of the country’s oldest Amish settlements exist, the thousands-strong community leading a simple lifestyle and tending their land with horses and mules.

For revolutionary history, travel to Gettysburg. Small-town charm and a rich past combine to create a pleasant base for your tour of all the sites within the Gettysburg National Military Park. Learn about the famous Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Drive to the state capital of Harrisburg and the surrounding landscape to experience craft wineries and breweries. Stand on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building, attend a show at the Hershey Theatre or learn more about U.S. military, social and political history at the National Civil War Museum.

Attend a race at the Bedford Speedway in Bedford, which has been in operation since 1936. The site also hosts the Bedford County Fair. Be sure to see Old Bedford Village, where military and civilian reenactments, colonial crafts and exhibits entertain adults and children.

Philadelphia International Airport is a major gateway to the Central Pennsylvania region. There are several smaller regional airports too for closer connections. Enjoy driving through this part of the state, where peaceful agricultural scenes, with horse carriages and red-sided barns, create a truly bucolic setting.

Where to stay in Central Pennsylvania

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Central Market or Fulton Theatre.

Historic Downtown Lancaster
Pennsylvania featuring interior views

Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Pennsylvania State Capitol and Riverfront Park while in the area.

Downtown Harrisburg
Gettysburg which includes heritage architecture and a bridge

Gettysburg Historic District

If you're spending some time in Gettysburg Historic District, Gettysburg Museum of History and Majestic Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Gettysburg Historic District
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Ross

Ross might not have many top sights, but Clipper Magazine Stadium and Central Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ross
After the rain, discovered this mushroom art on West Chestnut Street.

Chestnut Hill

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Chestnut Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Fulton Theatre and Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Chestnut Hill
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East Side

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in East Side and surrounding area, you can visit Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster Science Factory.

East Side

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Things to do