The Pennsylvania Civil War Trails are a living, breathing discovery of our country's greatest struggle. Travel the trails and hear the long overdue telling of civilian stories and begin to bridge the history you learned in school with the history that is forever woven into numerous PA communities.

The Tools to Begin!
 

ROADTRIP
Experience the PA Civil War Trails on your own or take advantage of a well-planned and methodical approach to traveling the historic region using a guide...our Civil War Trails Roadtrip itinerary. Come discover Civil War Harrisburg!

Day Trip
After spending the night at one of Harrisburg’s diverse accommodations, such as the charming Milestone Inn located along the Susquehanna River adjacent to Harrisburg’s scenic Riverfront Park or the Hilton Harrisburg located in the heart of the city’s lively downtown, get ready to start the first day of your Story Stop tour throughout Harrisburg.  

Camp Curtin
Head over to Story Stop #20, The Ladies of Harrisburg at N. 6^th Street. Explore the historic grounds of this uptown neighborhood, Camp Curtin, and learn about the largest federal training camp in operation during the Civil War. This stop will highlight the significant role this camp played in the war and feature stories of those who worked and trained here.

Broad Street Market
Nearby on N. 3^rd Street is the historical Broad Street Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country and helped feed the troops training at Camp Curtin. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the market is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the country. Sample the diverse selection of authentic Amish goods and other local produce inside from vendors who still provide ample substance for weary travelers and the local lunch crowd.

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
After fortifying the troops, burn off those calories with a scenic walk along the Susquehanna River to Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. Explore the 40-acre historic grounds and take in the beautiful scenery. Professionally guided tours of the elegantly restored Mansion House look back in time to sophisticated country living in the 19th century. The park also offers picnic pavilions, play equipment, free walking tour brochures, a river front walk, and a Pennsylvania Canal trail.  

Harrisburg Cemetery
Next, head up to North 13^th Street to Story Stop #16 Harrisburg Cemetery. Here you can pay homage at the graves of the many fallen union soldiers. Established in 1845 as a burial ground, the 350-acre cemetery is the oldest and largest in Harrisburg. Among the 30,000+ buried here are well-known Pennsylvanians, Revolutionary War and Civil War soldiers, and some Pennsylvania governors. This tranquil setting among the beautiful gardens allow for peaceful reflection. And for those Civil War enthusiasts, bring along a paper and charcoal to capture the actual engraved names and dates of fallen union soldiers. This also makes for a perfect show and tell project for those traveling with children.

The National Civil War Museum
Your next stop is at the National Civil War Museum located at Harrisburg’s highest point in Reservoir Park. Considered to be the world’s largest museum dedicated to the American Civil War, the museum contains over 24,000 Civil War items and artifacts. Distinguished by stately columns and crowned with a 19th Century-styled cupola, the building features a magnificent central rotunda, 17 themed galleries, a gift shop, and generous ballroom for special events and functions. In addition, Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, located in Reservoir Park surrounding the museum, offers 13-weeks of free, high-quality performances, three to four evenings a week throughout the summer. Performances include a wide range of family-oriented musical and performing arts genres so that attendees can experience diversity and explore new music, such as comedy, gospel, rhythm, jazz, poetry, oldies and even hip-hop.  

Evening
Finish the day by heading back downtown to the various restaurants located in the city-we recommend checking out the international dishes at Bricco, for the ultimate fine dining experience and an impressive wine cellar.

PA CIVIL WAR TRAILS BROCHURE
The Road to Harrisburg can easily be followed using the PA Civil War Trails brochure and map. This comprehensive piece details the region's history of each participating town and city along the trail as well as noting stops-of-interest along the way. Striking historical pictures coupled with moving facts and stories make this high-gloss brochure more of a keepsake than just a navigational tool.

Click HERE to order your free copy of the PA Civil War Trails brochure.