Pennsylvania State Capitol
A huge 1906 building with free tours.
Harrisburg
Pennsylvania's capital on the wide Susquehanna, with a magnificent capitol that Theodore Roosevelt called the handsomest he had ever seen.
It's also close to Hershey's chocolate attractions, and to Gettysburg.
- Best Time
- Spring and fall
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- Harrisburg International, or Amtrak's Keystone from Philadelphia.
What to See
1 of 3 are freeNational Civil War Museum
A strong, balanced museum on the war.
Hersheypark
The chocolate-themed amusement park, about 20 minutes away.
Know Before You Go
- Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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Go Next
Worth a DetourGettysburg
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The Civil War's turning point, and the field where Lincoln gave his most famous speech.
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If You're NearbyLancaster County
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Rolling farmland where Amish families still farm with horses and travel by buggy.
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Must-SeePhiladelphia
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Where the Declaration and the Constitution were signed, with a great food scene around it.
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.