Our State Capitol, the site of the rally, is
a magnificent structure located in a 16 acre park. President Theodore
Roosevelt said on a visit to Harrisburg in 1906, “It’s the handsomest
building I ever saw.” The building covers two acres and has over
600 rooms. Some notable features are the 272 foot dome with Lady
Keystone atop, the bronze doors, statuary, mural paintings, and stained
glass windows. The grand staircase is designed after the one in the
Paris Grand Opera House.
Learn the history of our capitol before you go:
cpc.leg.state.pa.us/
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
located at Third Street, between North and Forster Sts., is a short walk
from the Capitol. Exhibits relate to science, dinosaurs, archaeology,
technology, fine art, and the military. “The Battle of Gettysburg:
Pickett’s Charge” is displayed and said to be one of the world’s largest
paintings. A planetarium is open Saturday and Sunday.
The museum hours: Tues.-Sat. 9-5; Sun. noon-5.
Museum: free Planetarium:
$2/$1.50
Phone: 717-787-4978
www.statemuseumpa.org/info.html
The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
is located between Market and Walnut Streets, one block from Capitol
Hill. There are three floors of interactive science exhibits, live
shows, and wandering demonstrations, plus an optional IMAX theater.
Discounted parking in the Walnut Street Parking Garage is available.
Costs: $6.75/adult, $6.25/student, $5.25/children 3-12.
Hours: M-Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 11-5.
Phone: 717-214-ARTS
www.whitakercenter.org
The National Civil War Museum is located
at 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park. This is said to be the
only Civil War museum in the United States that offers an equally balanced
presentation without bias to Union or Confederate causes.
Costs: $7/adults, $5/students, $25/family
Hours: M-F 9-5, Sat./Sun. 10-5
Phone: 717-260-1861
www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.com
The Fire Museum of Greater Harrisburg,
1820 N. 4th St., is in a restored turn-of-the-century firehouse.
Features include an 1867 carriage, firefighter’s uniforms and apparatus,
and interactive displays. A video presentation is shown every 30
minutes.
Costs: $5/adult $2.50/ages 7-13
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4
Phone: 717-232-8915
OTHER ENJOYABLE SITES
Strawberry Square is located adjacent to
Capitol Hill. This is an indoor complex consisting of boutique
shops and a food court. It adjoins the Walnut St. Parking Garage,
The Whitaker Center, and the Harrisburg Hilton. There is plenty
of table seating apart from the food court area, where you can enjoy
your packed lunches. Of special interest to the children will be
the two story tall mechanical clock consisting of balls, gears, ramps,
sounds, etc.
City Island is in the middle of the Susquehanna
River across from downtown. It is accessible by foot bridge from
Front Street near Market or by vehicle across the Market Street bridge.
This setting offers nature trails, picnic tables, and a playground.
Phone: 717-255-3040 for a brochure
Riverfront Park extends 5 miles along the
Susquehanna River, bordering Front Street. The area contains war
memorials and a sunken flower garden. At the foot of a bank on the
riverside is a promenade where Harrisburg’s front steps descend to the
water’s edge. A paved trail extends the length of the park.