Harrisburg

Introduction

Sign

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Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and with around 50,000 is a relatively small city, the ninth in the state.

Sights and Activities

• Harrisburg State Capital Complex - Dedicated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Capital Complex and grounds are the prettiest in the United States. It is worth a visit, especially with young children. So many pretty places to run around and an easy walk across the pedestrian bridge to lunch at a food court in Strawberry Square Address: N 3rd and State St Harrisburg, PA 17120, Phone: (717) 787-5532, Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Price: Free
• The Star Barn - This is a hidden jewel. You can drive by and walk up to the grounds anytime but tread lightly. This is a pretty place to take pictures. This barn, known as “The Star Barn,” is listed as a National Historic Landmark with the National Register of Historic Places and has long been admired and loved by thousands of people from all walks of life and interests from all over the country. It may be one of the most artistically photographed, painted, and replicated buildings in America because of its unique architectural design, building layout, and most notably, its giant five-point stars on each end. Address: within sight of 200 Nissley Drive, Middletown, PA 17057 (Open Door Bible Church on Spring Garden Drive), Price: free

If you have a membership to a Science Museum you can use it for free or discounted admission to the Whitaker Science Center, also in Strawberry Square.

Weather

Average highs range from around 3-4 °C in January to around 30 °C in July. Lows average between -5 °C and 19 °C respectively. The average annual amount of precipitation is about 1,100 mm with summers being slightly wetter due to heavy downpours. Snow is common from December till early March.

Getting There

By Plane

Harrisburg International Airport (IATA: MDT, ICAO: KMDT) receives a number of domestic flights.

By Train

The following trains operated by Amtrak travel to and from Harrisburg:

• Keystone (New York – Philadelphia – Harrisburg)
• Pennsylvanian (New York – Philadelphia - Harrisburg - Pittsburgh)

Getting Around

By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

Eat

If you are in downtown Harrisburg, 2nd street is lined with good places to eat or drink and has a lively nightlife. Families will enjoy Strawberry Square and children will love the giant Chockablock clock.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website