This month-long celebration begins with the Mansion decorated with artfully arranged fresh greens by the Garden Club of Harrisburg. The Fort Hunter Mansion is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday with reservations preferred and prioritized. Admission is just $7.00 per person. Learn more & register.

Weekends include a popular toy train exhibit in the Centennial Barn, decorated Christmas trees exhibited in the Tavern House, Fort Couture where dress forms are transformed into imaginative holiday decorations, and the kids-only holiday shop. Consider joining the fun at one of the special events such as a visit with Santa's Reindeer or the Victorian Tea!

Be sure to check the website for more information

https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/support-services/parks-recreation/festivals-special-events/christmas-at-fort-hunter

Detweiler Park is the largest of eight parks of public land owned and managed by the Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department. It was acquired in 2016 from the Detweiler Family. Visitors are encouraged to explore more than 7 miles of trails winding through varied habitats. Gardens, fields, meadows, evergreen plantations, and mature deciduous forests are some of the ecosystems in this biologically diverse park. Deer are seen frequently as well as a wide variety of birds including turkey, hawks, woodpeckers, and bluebirds. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.


Detweiler Park has a carry-in carry-out policy for trash. Please take your trash with you. A porta-john is available at the top of the trailhead. We ask that you respect boundaries and adjacent private property. Pets must be leashed and their waste must be bagged and removed from the park. Trails are for foot traffic only. Keep Detweiler Park natural and beautiful.



Park Map with GPS

Park Map PDF


Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Parking is courtesy of: Dauphin County Conservation District Office: 1451 Peters Mountain Road. Dauphin, PA 17018
Northern Dauphin County Park Office: 1701-A Peters Mountain Road. Dauphin, PA 17018


Visit our partners below for an extra special deal for Dauphin County Parks users!

This 153 acre Conservancy of wooded mountain land was donated to Fort Hunter in 1986 by Dr. J. Wister Meigs. The son of museum founder Margaret Wister Meigs, he wanted to maintain this nature area in perpetuity. Of the old 900 acre estate, this was the furthest tract from the Mansion. Originally called the Chucky Hill tract, it is no longer contiguous to the Fort Hunter Park property.

No overnight camping or fires. Such activities such as birding and enjoying the local flora and fauna are suggested. Because of the proximity to STATE GAME LANDS, please use extreme caution during hunting season.


Park Map with GPS

Park Map PDF


Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events.

The Federal style Mansion, on the site of the old French and Indian War Fort Hunter, was built in three sections. The two front sections were built for Archibald McAllister with locally quarried stones. The grand front mansion was erected in 1814 while the middle “cabin” section, built in 1786, was the first McAllister house. The rear wooden portion was built by Daniel Dick Boas in 1870. Tour this beautiful house by making a reservation online here: https://forthunter.org/visit/mansion-tours/


Hours: Open May 1 - December 23

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Sunday: 12:00 am - 4:30 pm

Closed on Mondays

Tour Prices: $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, $4 Students

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Built on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park has served as a war fort, a hub for frontier commerce, and an exclusive private estate. Now preserved and open to the public, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park invites you to explore Pennsylvania's rich history.


Donated in 1980 by the Meigs family, the park includes ten historic buildings, two picnic pavilions, two sets of playground equipment, non-motorized boat launch and a recreation field. Seating overlooks the river and allows guests to enjoy the scenic view. The park offers a variety of programs and festivals throughout the year. The Mansion is open for guided tours from May - December.


Take a walk along the river, the old towpath of the Pennsylvania Canal or around the park perimeter. Learn about the historic buildings and old estate with a self-guided Walking Tour or take a professional tour of the Mansion. Open field areas encourage pickup games, while two play areas allow children to swing, slide down the sliding board and climb ladders.


The natural areas along Fishing Creek, the Susquehanna River and the old Pennsylvania Canal allow bird watching and the observation of nature. Put a canoe, kayak or small motorized boat in the river from the fish access and enjoy the beautiful sites of the river close up and personally. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed. Restrooms are available on the river side of the park year round.


Park Map


Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Be sure to check website for ticketing first! https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/support-services/parks-recreation/festivals-special-events/trick-or-treat-trek

Then check in at the Trick or Treat Trek to receive 100 bonus points!

Trick or Treat Trek
Sunday, October 27, 2024
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Fort Hunter Park | 5300 North Front Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110

Originally constructed around 1850, the Henninger Farm Covered Bridge spans Wiconisco Creek using a Burr Arch. The bridge was heavily damaged in 2000 by arson and rebuilt in 2003. It is open to foot traffic only and is one of two covered bridges remaining in Dauphin County. This bridge is the only covered bridge in its original location. Two picnic tables are located nearby. No motorized vehicles allowed on the bridge. Foot traffic only. No restrooms available.

Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Through a long-term lease with the Borough of Lykens, the County maintains and operates this beautiful 51 acre area of steep mountain slopes and the tumbling Rattling Creek. Get out and explore this beautiful park. Two picnic pavilions, a sand volleyball court, a playground, a creek side walk and scattered benches make this park an oasis of Central Pennsylvania beauty and a favorite to witness fall colors.

Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events


Visit our partners below for an extra special deal for Dauphin County Parks users!

The Olewine Nature Center was built through the generosity of Benjamin Olewine III. Mr. Olewine had a deep love of nature and wanted to provide to others the ability to learn and the opportunity to sit peacefully and watch nature. In addition, he wanted a place for children to interact with nature and for all to understand Wildwood, including the role it plays in the City of Harrisburg.

Constructed in 1999, the Olewine Nature Center is one of the leading interpretive centers in the area and is an excellent resource for groups, educators, parents and children. The Exhibit Hall displays the workings of a freshwater wetland and gives visitors a glimpse of wildlife inhabitants.

Children are invited to discover nature from the inside-out. Climb through the tree diorama, enjoy a book in the library and explore animal artifacts up-close. Bird enthusiasts can observe common feeder birds from the indoor bird viewing area. This area is equipped with bird guides, binoculars, and interactive resources for kids.

Visitors peruse the unique Nature Shop for those hard to find favorite gifts. A wildlife observation deck and public restrooms are available.

Educators find ample opportunities to bring their students to learn about nature in an outdoor classroom. A wide range of field study topics is offered for varying grade levels.

Hours Open: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on Mondays and Dauphin County Holidays)

Free Admission

Nature Center Phone: 717-221-0292

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Sassafras Island is located in Dauphin County near the Harrisburg International Airport in the Susquehanna River. Yes, it's an island and you will need a kayak, boat or canoe to get to it! That's exactly why it has the most points. There are two rudimentary campsites available for use on the Island as well as two waterfowl blinds.


Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is excited to offer a summer of fun events for the whole family with our Sunset Music & Movie Series! This 12-week series will highlight local performing arts organizations and a summer movie series. Pack a picnic basket (or purchase from our food concessions), bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family fun! These events are all free for everyone to attend thanks to our event sponsor Veolia.

On movie nights, The Friends of Fort Hunter will sell popcorn, candy, and beverages to benefit Fort Hunter Park.

Please see this link for more information, including rain date updates: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/support-services/parks-recreation/festivals-special-events/sunset-music-and-movie-series

Enjoy the fresh air and the peaceful outdoor setting of this spacious park, located two miles east of Millersburg off Route 209. Berry Mountain and Wiconisco Creek provide the perfect backdrop for many activities. Through a long-term lease with the Water Company of Millersburg, the County operates this 35-acre park on the bank of the Wiconisco Creek. The park features a disc golf course, archery targets, a large pavilion, soccer and softball fields, playground, volleyball court and walking trails. The ball fields and pavilions are available for rent. Portable restrooms are available April - November.

Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events


Visit our partners below for an extra special deal for Dauphin County Parks users!

This beautiful park contains a 90 acre lake and wetlands, a diversity of flora and fauna, and is situated just north of Harrisburg in a central location. The park offers outdoor recreation opportunities including excellent birding, picnicking, hiking/walking trails, handicapped accessible boardwalks, fishing, biking and more. The Nature Center is one of the leading interpretive centers in the area and an excellent resource center for groups, educators, nature enthusiasts, and home-schooled children. Facility rentals include outdoor pavilions and a classroom.


Fishing is permitted at Wildwood Park. In addition, Wildwood Park prohibits the taking of reptiles and amphibians and requests that visitors practice “Leave No Trace” ethics removing all fishing equipment, including snagged lines. Common fishing spots include: the Middle Parking Lot, the Towpath Trail and along the Paxton Creek Bridge. There is no hunting, trapping, or bow-fishing of any kind permitted in the park. Feeding any wildlife is also prohibited. Bikes are permitted on the paved portion of Wildwood Way Trail.


No bikes are permitted on unpaved trails or boardwalks. Please be alert for other park users and for wildlife. Wildwood Way Trail is a part of the Capital Area Greenbelt that circles Harrisburg. No Electronic Bikes are permitted in the Park.


Park Map with GPS

Park Map PDF


Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk

Questions: Call our Park office at 717-599-5188

Dauphin County Security Phone: 717-780-6333

What's Happening? For a complete listing of all of our upcoming programs and events, click here: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/events

Visit our partners below for an extra special deal for Dauphin County Parks users!