Local Guides World
Sprawling museum next to the State Capitol building showcasing the history of Pennsylvania.
Photos
There are no photos for this place yet!
Reviews — 8
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
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 🙂
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 ☹️
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Related Places
History museums in Harrisburg
History museums in United States
Local history museums in Harrisburg
Local history museums in United States
Natural history museums in Harrisburg
Natural history museums in United States
State government offices in Harrisburg
State government offices in United States
Tourist attractions in Harrisburg
Tourist attractions in United States