Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
5300 N Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park reflects centuries of Pennsylvania history, all in one location. Poised overlooking the Susquehanna River, with views of the Blue Mountains, the landmark was founded as an 18th-century fort during the French and Indian War. Later transformed into a manor by a former Revolutionary War soldier, the site today includes a number of historic buildings and sprawling parklands.
Whether you’re into history, architecture, or the great outdoors, the expansive Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is worth exploring. The Federal-style mansion at its heart is celebrated for its beautifully preserved heritage interiors, and reveals what daily life was like here during the 18th and 19th centuries; it’s flanked by other historic structures, including the 18th-century Centennial Barn, Tavern House, Heckton Church, and the recreated Everhart Covered Bridge.
The Fort Hunter site also offers 40 acres of parkland right on the Susquehanna River, with a network of walking and bike trails that introduce visitors to its landmarks and notable old trees, and the nearby Fort Hunter Conservancy, a 153-acre woodland that’s open to day hikers.
The mansion offers daily, in-season tours, which last around 45 minutes; booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Several seasonal tours, including a children’s tour and a combination tour with the McAllister Cemetery, are also available.
Seniors, students, and children receive discounted mansion tour pricing.
Pick up books, gifts, and other souvenirs from the on-site shop.
There are no public restrooms in the mansion.
The first floor of the mansion, as well as some areas of the grounds, are accessible to wheelchair users.
Dogs are welcome in Fort Hunter Park, but must be kept on leashes.
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is located at 5300 North Front Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, right on the banks of the Susquehanna River and just a few miles north of Harrisburg proper. While public transit options are limited, you can get there in 15 minutes or so by car or taxi from downtown, and parking is available.
The Fort Hunter Mansion is open every day except Monday during its visiting season, (from early May until just before Christmas), typically from late morning until late afternoon. Its parklands are open throughout the year, from dawn to dusk. The site also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including the Jazz & Wine Festival and Fort Hunter Day events in September and festivities leading up to Christmas.
The capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg is packed with major monuments and historical sights. Along with the mansion, you can visit museums, such as the National Civil War Museum and the State Museum of Pennsylvania, landmarks including the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and attractions like Hersheypark (the state’s largest theme park).
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