Visiting Central Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is rich in history, heritage and culture. Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania state capital is located in central Pennsylvania on the banks of the Susquehanna River. With the iconic capital dome glimmering in the skyline, Harrisburg beckons visitors to attractions like the National Civil War Museum, and the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company – and it's now the season for Metro Bank Park and a Harrisburg Senators baseball game. Roads south from Harrisburg lead travelers to well-known cities like Gettysburg and Lancaster, in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country Roads region. Northeast of Harrisburg travelers find Allentown, PA’s third largest city and another hub of culture and fun.

The heart of Adams County, a visit to Gettysburg is fun and educational any-time. Home of historic Gettysburg National Military Park, its featured activities range from Segway and horseback tours to a walk in the steps of President Abraham Lincoln. Gettysburg visitors will be happy to know the 2012 Original Ghosts of Gettysburg tours resume weekends in March and full-time in April.

The National Civil War Museum is a must-see while visiting Central Pennsylvania. The museum, located less than an hour north of Gettysburg in Harrisburg, offers visitors a comprehensive timeline of the Civil War, exhibited through artifacts, documents and photographs. This is the place for Civil War enthusiasts and anyone wanting to learn about the Civil War. The museum sits on a hill overlooking the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Take time to enjoy the grounds and the history they honor.

Allentown, the 3rd largest city in Pennsylvania, is 60-miles northwest of Philadelphia. The commercial and cultural hub of Lehigh Valley, Allentown’s attractions draw visitors from across northeast Pennsylvania for fun and entertainment. The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix on 10th Street, is a popular destination for kids of all ages – as long as you’re 10 or older. LVGP features a quarter-mile track with up to 12 racers' on a course featuring more than 10 turns. Join the fun on March 18th for the LVGP500 and party – a 500-lap race commemorating the Daytona 500.

The County of Lehigh hosts the inaugural Science Festival of the Lehigh Valley in April. The 2012 festival, a much-anticipated first, is Saturday April 14th. The Science Festival features a full day of science-related fun and exhibits at the Allentown Fairgrounds. A family friendly festival, bring the kids for hands-on activities and exhibits, stage performances and live entertainment. Help make the Science Festival of the Lehigh Valley an annual event and join the fun this inaugural year.

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer in Allentown at Mayfair 2012. For five-days, Cedar Beach Park is transformed into a festival site complete with an art and craft market, food row, kid's space, and multiple stages for live music and entertainment. Join the Mayfair festivities in Allentown for Memorial Day Weekend, May 24th through the 28th.

Central Pennsylvania Hotel Map