HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, and is located in the south-central part of the state. The Susquehana River cuts right through the city, which allows for some very attractive riverside and island parks. City Island, which contains Riverside Stadium, is a great place to spend a day. On the other side of the river lies Riverfront park, which is great for long walks along the river.

Picnicking at City Island - Walnut St. Bridge is in the background.

There are two things that you should see in Harrisburg. The first is the state capitol building, the finest that we have seen so far. It is 95 years old, and even when built, it was called the "handsomest Capitol I ever saw" by President Theodore Roosevelt. The 272-foot high dome is the highlight of the building, but you should tour the inside as well to see some spectacular architectural sights, particularly the grand staircase beneath the dome, apparently inspired by the Paris Opera. 

You can view the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the Supreme Court. For political junkies, a free guidebook is available that describes the political process in the state. 

At the front of the capitol is a fountain dedicated to veterans from Pennsylvania, while there is a park across Commonwealth Avenue that is dedicated those who have received the Medal of Honor. 

Finally, there is a welcome center beneath the newly-added (1987) East Wing which is a good overview of lawmaking in Pennsylvania.

The grand staircase

The other attraction is the State Museum of Pennsylvania, located in the round building next to the Capitol. It's free, and has a number of interesting exhibits about the history of the state, including one on the Civil War. 

Once you have seen these places, why not walk across the Walnut Street Bridge to City Island to watch a game? It would top off a great day in what is a very nice city.