Location: Harrisburg
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The 10 Best Museums in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (PA)
Nestled in the fertile Susquehanna Valley, Harrisburg has played a pivotal role in the shaping of American history, both as a major link in rail and water transportation and as the setting of major Civil War battles. Having bounced back from economic distress in the 1980s, the city is now a vibrant hub of family activities, from cruises along the Susquehanna to arcades and athletics on City Island. The annual Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the U.S.
Restaurants in Harrisburg
1. State Museum of Pennsylvania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Museum housing more than two million objects associated with or significant to the history and heritage of Pennsylvania.
Reviewed By SF88 - San Francisco, United States
Excellent museum in downtown Harrisburg: staff were great and you get to cover both the history/wars affecting Pennsylvania, the natural history of the area from the time of the dinosaurs, up to modern day economic and cultural contributions of the State. Very well presented, with different topics on each floor. Well stocked gift shop for mementos of your visit.
2. Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Enter the 1899 Victorian Firehouse, Home of the Reily Hose Co. No. 10 and experience the sights and sounds of Firefighting History. The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum features fire apparatus from Handtubs and Steam Pumpers, hand drawn to horse drawn, to motorized Engines and a 1935 MACK tillered Ladder Truck. An outstanding and varied collection of artifacts are on display
Reviewed By TravellinDays - Philadelphia, United States
Very interesting museum with lots of memorabilia in an easy to view format and a wonderful complete early 20th century restored/working fire alarm exhibit on the second floor that the docents will be happy to operate for you - don't miss it. The docents are also happy to answer questions and provide information. Highly recommend.
3. National Civil War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,109 reviews
The only museum in the United States to present a balanced, unbiased look at the Civil War.
Reviewed By T4232XIjohnb - Toronto, Canada
While the National Civil War Museum does not provide an exhaustive look at the Civil War (best to go to the various battlefields for this) it does give a great overview of the events leading up to the outbreak of hostilities and the key political and military events. There are monitors with videos scattered throughout and some very interesting artifacts and mementoes (including one of Lincoln's hat boxes!). There's a large store and the museum sits atop a hill which provides splendid views towards downtown Harrisburg. There's plenty of free parking.
4. Susquehanna Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By chrisbell709 - Harrisburg, United States
This museum is in a beautiful repurposed bank building and is a quick stop for any art lover. The exhibits change throughout the year so no visit is quite the same. There's convenient parking in the back parking lot, making a short visit worthwhile. I'd definitely recommend this museum!
5. Art Association of Harrisburg
6. Whitaker Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By chrishE8630NA - Sellersville, United States
Recommend using the Parking Garage @ 258 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. ($6 pr hr) Hilton is off Elevators at level A, also shared by Whitaker Center, dropping you in at the Mezzanine level of concert venue (access to steps/elevator inside Whitaker, for Orchestra level seating) (Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts address, although it's attached to the garage: is 222 Market St, Harrisburg, PA)
7. 3rd Street Studio - Fine Arts Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Doll House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Dorothea Dix Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 3 reviews
