Fort Hunter Mansion and Park — Attraction in Susquehanna Township

Fort Hunter Park commands a magnificent view of the Susquehanna River and Blue Mountains beyond. It was originally settled in 1725 by Benjamin Chambers, who later founded Chambersburg. Samuel Hunter, Chamber’s brother-in-law, inherited the well-favored property which included grist and saw mills. The bustling settlement thus became known as Hunter’s Mill.

One can enjoy outdoors activities such as taking a walk by the river or the old towpath of the Pennsylvania canal. Bird watching and observation of nature can be enjoyed at several natural areas along Fishing Creek, the Susquehanna River, and the old Pennsylvania canal. If you wish to enjoy the river even more can put in a canoe, kayak, or small boat from the boat launch.

Located within the park are ten historic buildings, two picnic pavillions, two sets of playground equipment, and a play field. In season, tours of the park and mansion are available. Educational opportunities allows groups of students to learn about mansion life in the 1800s, and examine old artifacts and tools used over 100 years ago. Hands-on workshops on how Native Americans lived in the Fort Hunter/Harrisburg area are also available.

Other sights in the area include the Rockville Bridge, which is the world's longest stone masonry arch railroad viaduct, as well as the Susquehanna Statue of Liberty located in the Dauphin Narrows section of the...

A great little park to come to with kids or just for a stroll. There is a beautiful scenic path following the river. Lovely views. They have swings along this path overlooking the river as well.

You can visit the mansion to learn some of the history of the area or walk around to see the other buildings also. The barn is quite impressive.

The park seems very well-maintained and cared for. The restrooms were immaculate when we used them and the lower restroom by the larger playground even had a changing table outside the building for easier access! I thought this was a brilliant idea!

There are two playgrounds for kiddos to play on. There is a smaller one up by the walking path and has views of the river on either side and then there is also a larger one with swings for all ages down by a small shelter house in the lower portion of the park. My daughters (1&3) have a great time playing here.

While definitely not a party for hiking, there are some decent areas for a small amount of walking. You could probably get around 2 miles or maybe more if you went around the entire park.

There are also multiple large grassy areas great for walking and crawling by the tiny humans. They can definitely burn some...

Parking: North Front St divides the house with the other buildings: barn, covered bridge, tavern etc. There is parking on both sides of North Front St.

House: Guided tour of the house. Tour lasted about 60 minutes. Lovely house, you go to 2 floors and the garden. Gift shop in one of the rooms. In the beginning, you go to a room to watch a short video and then our group got divided in two to tour the house. I did not see any chairs for people to sit while visiting the different rooms.

Bathroom: Staff told me that the bathroom is located outside by the river walk. That bathroom does not have flushing toilets and sink. People take pictures around the home and they change in that bathroom. I wanted to use the bathroom and opened the door and I saw 2 ladies changing their clothes. Later on, I saw one of the women modeling for pictures and the other one coordinating the location of the pictures.

There are picnic tables by the river walk. Plenty of shade.

I did not notice any bathrooms by the barn side.

I am glad we...