Dauphin County Parks & Recreation

Dauphin County Parks & Recreation The Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department contributes to the recreation and education of County residents and tourists through programs and parks.
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The Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department contributes to the recreation and education of County residents and tourists through programs and parks. We are also involved in activities generally relating to conservation in the County. Parks & Facilities: The Dauphin County Park system includes nine areas, the Community Gardens, Fort Hunter Park, Fort Hunter Conservancy, Henninger Bridge, Lykens Glen Park, Wiconisco Creek Park, Wildwood Park, Sassafras Island, and Detweiler Park. Fort Hunter Park: Fort Hunter Park is spectacularly situated on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River and the Blue Mountain Range. Professionally guided tours of the elegantly resorted Mansion are offered May through December. Hands-on educational experiences are available; group tours are by reservation only. The 40-acre park offers play equipment, a free walking tour brochure highlighting the park and historic exteriors of the Fort Hunter estate, a museum shop, a river front walk, the Pennsylvania Canal Trail, the Centennial Barn which features modern conference facilities and exhibits, two open air pavilions and much more! Fort Hunter Park is located six miles north of Harrisburg along the Susquehanna River on Front Street. The park is open daily from 8am - dusk; the Mansion is open for guided tours May - December everyday but Monday. Hours are May 1 through December 23, Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm. To reserve the Centennial Barn, West Lawn or Heckton Church, to make a group tour reservation or for more information call (717)599-5188 x0 or visit www.forthunter.org. Lykens Glen Park: Lykens Glen Park is nestled along Rattling Creek near the borough of Lykens. Explore this beautiful park in its lush splendor. Park amenities include two open-air picnic pavilions that are available for rent, a sand volleyball court and a tot lot. To rent a pavilion or for more information call (717)599-5188 x0 or visit www.dauphincounty.org. Wiconisco Creek Recreation and Natural Area: Wiconisco Creek Recreation and Natural Area sits in the shadow of Berry Mountain and along Wiconisco Creek offering beautiful vistas. The park features a 14-target archery skills trail, a large pavilion, soccer and softball fields that are available for rent, tot lot play equipment, sand volleyball court and walking trails. Located two miles east of Millersburg off rout 209, this natural area is peaceful and spacious. To rent a ball field, the pavilion or form more information call (717)599-5188 x0 or visit www.dauphincounty.org Wildwood Park: Wildwood park features 210 acres of woodland, meadow, wetland and lake habitats. Outdoor enhancements include one mile of accessible boardwalk, seating, spotting scopes and bird blinds and picnic areas. The Benjamin Olewine, III Nature Center hosts a hands-on exhibit area on the freshwater wetland habitat, aquatic lab, indoor and outdoor wildlife viewing area, meeting space and nature shop. The Park and Nature Center is located five miles north of downtown Harrisburg, 1/2 mile north of Harrisburg Community College on Industrial Road. The Park is open daily form sunrise to sunset and the nature center is open Tuesday - Sunday form 10am - 4pm. For more information call (717)221-0292 or visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

Operating as usual

In March of 1970, the brook trout became our state fish. Living in Pennsylvania’s 4,000 miles of coldwater streams, they...
01/24/2021

In March of 1970, the brook trout became our state fish. Living in Pennsylvania’s 4,000 miles of coldwater streams, they are the only trout species native to Pennsylvania. Clear and pure coldwater streams containing no pollution provide the perfect habitat for this fish species. Brook trout are also called speckled trout, squaretails or just “brookies” by anglers. Join Jason Detar for a virtual presentation on our state fish on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Registration required at https://dauphincountyparksandrecreation.ticketleap.com/virtual-winter-lecture-series-spotlight-on-pa-state-species-bro/

And the winners are... Advanced1st: Eric Willet, “More than a Mouthful2nd: Kevin Spandler, “To the Top!3rd: Shannon O’Sh...
01/23/2021

And the winners are...

Advanced
1st: Eric Willet, “More than a Mouthful
2nd: Kevin Spandler, “To the Top!
3rd: Shannon O’Shea, “Eye to Eye”

Intermediate
1st: Pauline Medori, “Walking on Sunshine”
2nd: David Williamson “Untitled”
3rd: Ted Wang, “Dance with Me”

Beginner
1st: Ella Trick, “The Assassin”
2nd: Patricia Marshall, “Curious Fawns”
3rd: Christopher Ramsey, “Brotherly Love”

Youth
1st: Zachary Gleiter, “Snake”
2nd: Riley Werner, “Hide and Seek”
3rd: Ember Landis “Taking Flight”

Special Thanks to all 2020 Photo Contest Participants. Photos will be on display in the Olewine Nature Center until February 28.

Join the Dauphin County Library System and Commissioner Jeff Haste as they host Christy S. Coleman, Executive Director o...
01/22/2021

Join the Dauphin County Library System and Commissioner Jeff Haste as they host Christy S. Coleman, Executive Director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in a Black History Month conversation about Narrative Correction. The Hidden Histories collection and program series celebrates the life and work of visionary historian, Hari Jones. Both the program and collection have been designed to foster ongoing community dialogue, discussion and discernment.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 | 7:00 pm
Via Zoom

For more information and to register for this event, please visit www.dcls.org/harijones

Check out these late 19th Century Glass Lantern Slides of Wildwood Park & Wetzel's Swamp. "Magic" Lantern Slides were th...
01/22/2021

Check out these late 19th Century Glass Lantern Slides of Wildwood Park & Wetzel's Swamp. "Magic" Lantern Slides were the closest thing to Netflix they had back then... and all they were was a projection of a small image made larger.

#FlaskbackFriday #wildwoodpark #wetzelsswamp

Last Day to submit an application for the 2021 Art In The Wild Exhibition!
01/22/2021

Last Day to submit an application for the 2021 Art In The Wild Exhibition!

Don’t miss our last (virtual) public meeting for the Detweiler Park Master Site Plan! Join us on Wednesday, January 27th...
01/21/2021

Don’t miss our last (virtual) public meeting for the Detweiler Park Master Site Plan! Join us on Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00 pm. Visit www.DetweilerPark.org for details on how to join the meeting. We hope to see you there!🌲

01/21/2021
Nuts to You!

Happy National Squirrel Appreciation Day! View this fun book entitled "Nuts to You!" by Lois Ehlert, read by a Dauphin County Naturalist at Wiconisco Creek Park in Millersburg, PA.

#nationalsquirrelappreciationday

A big thank you to Gable Design for the thoughtful article on our Pennsylvania Federal Style Mansion... the Fort Hunter ...
01/20/2021
Local Landmark: An In-Depth Guide to a Pennsylvania Federal Style Mansion

A big thank you to Gable Design for the thoughtful article on our Pennsylvania Federal Style Mansion... the Fort Hunter Mansion!

Did you know that Fort Hunter Park was originally settled in 1725 by Benjamin Chambers, a native of Ireland?

Read the full article here!
https://gable-design.net/2021/01/10/local-landmark-fort-hunter-mansion/?fbclid=IwAR2SVhFZcSpzKJvnub_wVyKiY6JHyzJd5TGUFPME_eJpM9pv-OOkrohCQpk

Did you know that it was the British who named this mansion and its land Fort Hunter? This mansion has such history and was owned by many prominent founders of Central Pennsylvania.

01/18/2021
“Wildwood Park by Moonlight in Winter, Harrisburg, Pa.” Moon over Paxton Creek Postcard#ThrowbackThursday #wildwoodpark
01/14/2021

“Wildwood Park by Moonlight in Winter, Harrisburg, Pa.”
Moon over Paxton Creek Postcard

#ThrowbackThursday #wildwoodpark

01/13/2021

Winters at Wildwood are full of frozen water! Take a look! ❄️#winterwednesdays #wildwoodpark

Red-tailed Hawk sightings have been a rather common occurrence these days. You might catch a glimpse of one along the Bo...
01/11/2021

Red-tailed Hawk sightings have been a rather common occurrence these days. You might catch a glimpse of one along the Boardwalks or behind the Nature Center. Squirrels beware!

Have you gotten a good photo of one? Share them in the comments below.

Mountain Laurel was designated as Pennsylvania’s official state tree in 1933 by Gov. Gifford Pinchot. It is one of the f...
01/10/2021

Mountain Laurel was designated as Pennsylvania’s official state tree in 1933 by Gov. Gifford Pinchot. It is one of the few broad-leaved, evergreen plants native to PA that do not lose their leaves in the winter. A member of the “health family”, mountain laurel is grouped in the same genus as azaleas, blueberries, cranberries, huckleberries and rhododendron. Each spring, Pennsylvania’s mountainsides come alive with blooms of mountain laurel. Join Kelly Sitch, DCNR Ecologist, for a virtual presentation on our state flower and other native wildflowers on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Registration required here https://dauphincountyparksandrecreation.ticketleap.com/wls-mountain-laurel/

Take a look at a few of the outdoor Winter Discovery stops along the Delta Boardwalk. Your journey begins at the Nature ...
01/07/2021

Take a look at a few of the outdoor Winter Discovery stops along the Delta Boardwalk. Your journey begins at the Nature Center Kiosk or the Nature Center Front Desk and directs you to begin at the Morning Glory entrance to the boardwalk. We bet you'll discover something new! ❄️🦌

01/06/2021
Winter at Detweiler

Detweiler Park is even prettier in the snow, take a look! 🌲❄️#winterwednesdays #detweilerpark

01/02/2021
Snowballs Book

Today's book is "Snowballs" by Lois Ehlert brought to you from Detweiler Park. ❄️⛄🏔️

Wishing you a warm and healthy New Year!
01/01/2021

Wishing you a warm and healthy New Year!

UPDATE: Repairs have been completed and the restroom has reopened as of January 6th. The restroom located near the Olewi...
12/30/2020

UPDATE: Repairs have been completed and the restroom has reopened as of January 6th.

The restroom located near the Olewine Pavilion at Wildwood Park will be closed from December 31 - January 15 for repairs.

The restrooms located at the north and south lots are still available for use.

Thank you for your patience!

12/30/2020
Winter at Fort Hunter

Take a peak at Fort Hunter Mansion & Park covered in snow. ❄️#winterwednesdays #forthunter

12/28/2020
Natural Ornaments

Stuck inside with bored kiddos who still have one thing on their minds, Christmas. Take a look at some easy do-it-yourself Natural Ornaments you can make from simple craft supplies and natural items you can find in your backyard. Share your creations below! Happy Crafting! #diy #naturalornaments

12/26/2020

12 days of Christmas! 🎄🎅

12/25/2020

Enjoy a virtual up-close look at the Fort Hunter Toy Train Exhibit maintained by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society. 🚉🎄

https://www.keystonemidland.org/

12/25/2020
12/24/2020

'Twas the Night before Christmas...🎄🎅🦌🎁🧝

12/23/2020

Take a look at this year's Festival of the Trees. A special thanks to all local Garden Club participants. 🎄

12/21/2020
Fort Couture

Enjoy a virtual behind-the-scenes look at Fort Courture! This is one of the most creative holiday displays around! Thank you to all who participated! 👗🎄

12/20/2020

Today Mrs. Claus shares with us the classic story of "Frosty the Snowman" ⛄❄️

Address

100 Fort Hunter Rd
Harrisburg, PA
17110

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

(717) 599-5188

Website

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Videos

Nuts to You!
Nuts to You!

Natural Ornaments
Natural Ornaments

Winter at Fort Hunter
Winter at Fort Hunter

Snowballs Book
Snowballs Book

Bayberry Candle Making
Bayberry Candle Making

Fort Couture
Fort Couture

Mansion Gift Shop
Mansion Gift Shop

Rudolph
Rudolph

Oh There's No Place Like Space
Oh There's No Place Like Space

Fort Hunter Conservancy
Fort Hunter Conservancy

Wiconisco Park
Wiconisco Park

Wildwood Lake in Fall
Wildwood Lake in Fall

Fall Fruits
Fall Fruits

During the month of October, join us for #fallfridays to learn more about all things fall: from food, books, foliage, crafts & activities- there will be something for everyone! 🍂🍁

The Lorax
The Lorax

Do you love the Lorax as much as we do? 📖 Join Wildwood Park Educators as they make this familiar story come to life once more. Book by: Dr. Seuss

🦋 #MonarchMonday

Monarch Monday 1
Monarch Monday 1

🦋 #MonarchMonday

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Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhM_yta62Gc&list=UU3HjOoPpCa08dyKnfw-hXaA&index=1
Come out and support our local small business owners who have been impacted so heavily this year - and don't forget to buy a little something for yourself too!!! https://fb.me/e/37CUtDNQt
Wildwood Park This little Dalmation Puppy Lovey lost their best friend. They were sad sitting on Towpath, so they walked with me to the lot closest to HACC. They are waiting and miss their friend. #loststuffedanimal #DalmationStuffedDog #WildwoodPark
it's 100+ degrees out here in Tucson so I'm inside in the air conditioning reviewing photos I've taken over the years and I came upon this one which I took on one of my periodic visits to Fort Hunter before we moved southwest...I won't mention exactly where this is on the property so maybe it will lure visitors to explore...
I love Wildwood Park. However, I would like to express a concern that I have. I walked on Tuesday morning and discovered at least 90% of people on the towpath trail did not have a mask on. Now, I understand that most people feel they can maintain 6 feet distances. Unfortunately, that is not always true, especially when people are walking side-by-side. I find it to be very self-centered and it is disheartening to me. Perhaps the walking paths should be closed altogether.
I need some help ID'ing this bird - the closest that I could find is the Bonaparte Gull - but I am not sure that is correct. Seen two days ago on Wildwood Lake - at the end of the North Boardwalk
Wildwood is a photographers bounty! From Northern Flickers, Egrets, Tree Swallows, Robins and Turtle's and so much more!
You are all invited to support PTSD Awareness! Free Event. No registration fees! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5k-run-1-mile-walk-for-ptsd-awareness-tickets-96767168205 #NotAllWoundsAreVisible
From my visit at Fort Hunter, beautiful place! Glad I was able to check it out!
I was just in the middle parking lot of Wildwood lake park. I saw this hanging from a tree. It’s a small branch dangling by fishing line — that still has the hook attached. Fishermen, please be mindful and clean up your supplies. Park workers, could you remove it so no critters get harmed? (It’s in one of the trees to the right as you go down the ramp at middle lot.)
I am looking for a venue that will donate the space to a nonprofit on a Saturday in September. We would need a stage for bands to play, a concession stand, and a large open field for bounce houses, vendors, and games. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciates. Will need to hold up to 500+ people preferably.
Hi All, Congrat's on the Detweiler Park program! As I am unable to attend the meeting on Peters Mountain Rd after work Friday, I hope you will share the Minutes of the Meeting here or in email? Thanks and again congrat's! Exciting times ahead. :) Regards & Blessings... "Cap'n" Toni with my Coco, Maya and Carly Pups and All the Animal-Kids of the lil Haus... Linglestown, PA