Harrisburg, PA: Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions people search about Harrisburg most, from ZIP codes and trash day to Farm Show dates and museum closures.
About Harrisburg
What county is Harrisburg, PA in?
Dauphin County. Harrisburg is the county seat.
Is Harrisburg the capital of Pennsylvania?
Yes. Harrisburg has been the capital since 1812, and the current Capitol building was completed in 1906.
What is the population of Harrisburg, PA?
50,099 at the 2020 Census. The metro area is far larger.
What river is Harrisburg on?
The Susquehanna River. The city sits on its east bank, facing the West Shore suburbs in Cumberland County.
What is the area code for Harrisburg?
717.
What time zone is Harrisburg in?
Eastern Time.
What ZIP code is Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg has several ZIP codes, mainly 17101–17104 in the city, and 17109–17112 cover nearby townships with Harrisburg mailing addresses. See our ZIP code guide.
Visiting
What is Harrisburg known for?
The Pennsylvania State Capitol, City Island and the Susquehanna riverfront, the Pennsylvania Farm Show every January, the National Civil War Museum, and being next door to Hershey.
Are Capitol tours free?
Yes. Free guided tours run every half hour on weekdays 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and at 9, 11, 1, and 3 on weekends and most holidays. Reserve at pacapitol.com.
Is the State Museum of Pennsylvania open?
No. The building closed on August 2, 2026 for a renovation expected to run into early 2029.
Is the Broad Street Market open?
Yes. The 1863 Stone Building is open Wednesday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. The brick building, damaged by fire in 2023, is being rebuilt with a 2027 reopening target.
When is the Pennsylvania Farm Show?
January 9–16, 2027, at the Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St. Admission is free; parking is paid.
When is Kipona?
Labor Day weekend (Saturday–Monday) along Riverfront Park and City Island. 2026 was September 5–7; 2027 is expected September 4–6.
Is there a lake in Harrisburg?
Yes. Wildwood Lake is a 90-acre shallow lake in 229-acre Wildwood Park, and Italian Lake is a small ornamental lake in Uptown. See parks & lakes.
Does Harrisburg have a beach?
City Island has a small river beach area. For swimming beaches, try state park lakes like Pinchot Lake.
How far is Hershey from Harrisburg?
About 15 miles east of downtown, usually a 20–30 minute drive.
Is Hershey's Chocolate World free?
Yes. Admission and the chocolate tour ride are free year-round. Other experiences inside are ticketed.
Living here
What is the non-emergency police number in Harrisburg?
717-558-6900 (Dauphin County dispatch). The police desk is 717-255-3131. For emergencies, call 911.
How do I report a pothole in Harrisburg?
For city streets, dial 311 (or 717-255-3040) or call Public Works at 717-412-4320. For state routes, call PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. See Report a Problem.
What day is trash pickup in Harrisburg?
The city is split into five zones, one per weekday. Look up your address in Recycle Coach or call Public Works at 717-412-4320.
Who provides water in Harrisburg?
Capital Region Water, 888-510-0606.
What bus system serves Harrisburg?
rabbittransit. Capital Area Transit (CAT) merged with it to form the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority.
Where do I get a marriage license?
At the Dauphin County Register of Wills, Courthouse Room 103, 101 Market St. Phone 717-780-6500.
Who is the mayor of Harrisburg?
Wanda Williams, who began her second term in January 2026.
Getting here
Does Harrisburg have an airport?
Yes. Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is in Middletown, about 10 miles southeast, with Allegiant, American, Delta, and United flights.
Can you take a train to Harrisburg?
Yes. Amtrak's Keystone Service runs to Philadelphia and New York, and the Pennsylvanian runs to Pittsburgh, both from the Harrisburg Transportation Center at 411 Market St.
How far is Harrisburg from Philadelphia?
About 105 miles, roughly 1.5–2 hours by car. The Keystone train is a popular alternative.
How far is Harrisburg from Pittsburgh?
About 200 miles, roughly 3–3.5 hours via the Turnpike.
How far is Harrisburg from New York City?
About 170 miles, roughly 3 hours by car.
How far is Harrisburg from Washington, D.C.?
About 120 miles, roughly 2 hours by car.