Local Guides World

Top History museums in Harrisburg, United States

Top Rated History museums in Harrisburg

The National Civil War Museum
The State Museum of Pennsylvania

Top Reviewed History museums in Harrisburg

The National Civil War Museum
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
The National Civil War Museum
The State Museum of Pennsylvania

Reviews

Robert Dixon
at 2024 Mar 12
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Robert Dixon
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2024 Mar 12
As a newcomer to Pennsylvania it is really cool to be able to come in and see the history of my new state. You can take your time and spend a good two hours seeing the history and natural wonder of the state. Only complaint is that a large portion of the second floor is under construction. I'll come again once the new exhibit is done
Jamal S.M.
at 2024 Jan 30
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Jamal S.M.
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2024 Jan 30
The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania
We walked through all of the floors' shows for just under three hours. It was nicely put up and provided a wonderful overview of our state's history, highlighting a few significant figures who contributed to our current condition. Remember that parking will cost money when you arrive. At the time, we were paid $4 per hour. The exhibits that showed "how we did it" in the outdoors were my favorites. A few kid-friendly stations provide a break from the museum experience. It's not marketed that way, but there aren't many interactive displays. The gift shop had all the typical items seen in gift shops, such as books and stuffed animals. There's hardly much museum-specific material 🙂
Menachem W
at 2023 Dec 03
on The National Civil War Museum
Menachem W
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Dec 03
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
Interesting exhibits and overall nice place. Would definitely recommend visiting!
Raquel Ramirez
at 2023 Nov 10
on The National Civil War Museum
Raquel Ramirez
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Nov 10
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
My son had a great experience here on a school field trip. Very educational, highly recommend checking it out. The staff were amazing and so respectful.
Chris B
at 2023 Oct 10
on The National Civil War Museum
Chris B
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Oct 10
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
A great look at the lead up and factors of the war. Not the usual focus on battles but rather the background and thoughts of those involved. Excellent displays and dioramas.
Bill Blessing
at 2023 Oct 06
on The National Civil War Museum
Bill Blessing
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Oct 06
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
You need to have several hours if you want to take it ALL in. This is an awesome place and I enjoyed my time there immensely.
David Lynn
at 2023 Aug 17
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
David Lynn
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2023 Aug 17
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We spent just under 3 hours there walking the displays on all the floors. It was well put together, showed a nice history of our state highlighting some key people who helped get us where we are today. Keep in mind you will need to pay for parking when you get here. $4 per hour when we were there. I particularly liked the wilderness exhibits and the "how we did it" of those exhibits. There are a few stations for kid activities to break up being in a museum. There are not many interactive displays, but it's not marketed that way. The gift shop had all the standard gift shop stuff like stuffed animals, and books. Little in the way of museum specific memorabilia ☹️
Gary Newman
at 2023 Aug 04
on The National Civil War Museum
Gary Newman
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Aug 04
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
Good people run this place. Good manners and helpful. My wife needed a wheelchair and they jumped right to it to help.
The exhibits and story lines at different stations were great.
The slave runners and chiefs who sold their people as slaves need to be called out by name. More accountability for those evil people.
Greg Fuller
at 2023 Jul 18
on The National Civil War Museum
Greg Fuller
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Jul 18
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
Great museum and worth the price of admission. A great experience for young or old. With or without Civil War knowledge, it's a great way to spend your afternoon. Situated atop Reservoir Park in uptown Harrisburg makes it a bit difficult to get to.
A Gueits
at 2023 Jun 20
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
A Gueits
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2023 Jun 20
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I think it's a very big building but could definitely use work for the exhibits and activities. I don't think there is a lot to see here it's just spread out, so it looks like there is. If you're looking for a more interactive museum, this is not the one for you. I wouldn't say this is even a great museum for kids, not young ones anyway. I think it could use a lot more work and ideas in there to bring it more to life! There is so much potential here. I feel like it was once a booming place, but since lost its touch and not a little boring. Don't get me wrong, there are still interesting things to see and learn, but I feel they could better bring that to life and so much to still bring. It is a nice place to visit when in Harrisburg. I just have so many ideas for them to attract more traffic and better the museum!
Marianne
at 2023 Jun 08
on The National Civil War Museum
Marianne
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 Jun 08
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
Nice museum to visit. Well kept, clean, safe area, lots of info displayed and not packed together. Lots of room to look around and not be crowded. Well done!
Damian Butler-Buccilli
at 2023 May 20
on The National Civil War Museum
Damian Butler-Buccilli
on The National Civil War Museum
at 2023 May 20
The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum The National Civil War Museum
An amazing, educational, and entertaining museum with courteous and intelligent staff. The displays are great and captivate you throughout your entire time in the museum. Clean and well kept with constantly new things being added.Worth a trip for anyone interested in the civil war.
Damian Butler-Buccilli
at 2023 May 20
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Damian Butler-Buccilli
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2023 May 20
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If your interested in Pennsylvania history, this is the place to be, a fantastic, educational and entertaining. Several floors. Great exhibits, and multiple interesting items on display to showcase Pennsylvania history and culture. Friendly and courteous staff too.
Linda Duncan
at 2023 Mar 09
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Linda Duncan
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2023 Mar 09
The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania
The children did get a little bored in some areas but overall we're entertained. I had a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old and both found something to enjoy. I really like how they have the interactive areas where the children can play I think your favorite song was the animal exhibit with the stuffed mammals because it was incredibly realistic. The curiosity connection play area was great
Arthur Alexander
at 2022 Nov 26
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Arthur Alexander
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2022 Nov 26
The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania
What a beautiful surprise this museum is. My family and I visited Harrisburg for the weekend and wanted a place to hang out with our kids. The museum has an area specific designed for toddlers and 6 under in the entrance where they can play around with crops, statued animals, and other things.

The whole facility has four floors with different exhibitions thoughtfully designed for users from toddlers to elderly people. Tons of incredible information and a learning center on the fourth floor for kids.

The only downside here in this place is the elevator access which a bit hidden from the public which could cause some accessibility issues.
Matthew Gunn
at 2021 Dec 19
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Matthew Gunn
on The State Museum of Pennsylvania
at 2021 Dec 19
The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania The State Museum of Pennsylvania
A nice size museum that covers the state of Pennsylvania from prehistoric times to the modern generation. It covers history, art, natural science, paleontology, space, and transportation. They also offer a highlights tour to showcase the best exhibits. It's a lot of fun!
Update for 2023!
Went to the planetarium and was a great experience! Lots of changes and updates to the exhibits! Always fun to explore and see new things and learn!