An independent community guide — not affiliated with the City of Harrisburg government. Official city services: harrisburgpa.gov · Emergencies: call 911
Wildwood Lake, Italian Lake, Riverfront Park, Reservoir Park, the 20-mile Capital Area Greenbelt, and life on the Susquehanna, plus a live river gauge.
The Susquehanna is wide, shallow, and full of ledges, and it changes fast after rain upstream. Flood stage at the Harrisburg gauge is 17 feet; the record crest was 33.27 ft during Hurricane Agnes in June 1972. Check the level before kayaking, and wear a life jacket.
Gauge data: USGS · Flood stage: National Weather Service
Harrisburg's best nature escape: 229 acres around a 90-acre shallow lake, with six miles of trails and a mile of boardwalk through marsh. It's one of the best birding spots in the region, with herons, egrets, osprey, and migrating waterfowl. Dauphin County Parks & Recreation runs the park.
Park hoursDaily, dawn to dusk. Free.
Nature centerBenjamin Olewine III Nature Center, Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A 9.5-acre formal park in Uptown designed by landscape architect Warren Manning, built around an ornamental lake with fountains, footbridges, and gardens. Locals come here for wedding photos, summer concerts, and a quiet loop walk.
Miles of riverside promenade along Front Street, with the historic river steps, gardens, and monuments. It hosts Artsfest, the July 4th festival, and Kipona. The flat, paved path is ideal for walking, running, and biking.
A hilltop park on the east side with the city's historic bandshell, the National Civil War Museum, and wide skyline views. The free July Music Series fills the bandshell every July weekend.
Riverside lawns, a historic barn, the Fort Hunter Mansion, and the county's big seasonal events like Fort Hunter Day in September and Christmas at Fort Hunter.
A 20-mile loop trail around the city linking Riverfront Park, Wildwood Park, Reservoir Park, and more, on paved paths, gravel, and some local streets. Good for running, cycling, birding, and history.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing are popular around City Island and the islands upriver, and hardy locals take a New Year's plunge. Check the river gauge above before going out.
Water
Lakes in and near Harrisburg
Lake
Where
What it's good for
Wildwood Lake
Wildwood Park, north Harrisburg
Birding, boardwalk walks, photography. Shallow marsh lake, no swimming.
Italian Lake
Uptown, N. 3rd & Division
Strolling, photos, concerts. A small ornamental lake.
Susquehanna River
Riverfront Park / City Island
Kayaking, fishing, riverboat cruises. Watch the river level.
Pinchot Lake
Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County (about 30–40 min south)
Boating, fishing, swimming beach, camping.
Memorial Lake
Memorial Lake State Park, Lebanon County (about 30 min northeast)
