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Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddlewheel riverboat built in 1988 as a community service project to benefit the Central Pennsylvania region. The Pride of the Susquehanna is operated by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society whose mission is to increase tourism, facilitate economic development, and provide education on the history and ecology of the Susquehanna River.

The Pride of the Susquehanna season runs from May through October with 45-minute Public Sightseeing Cruises occurring from Memorial Day until Labor Day at 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM on weekdays and 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM on weekends. Fall public cruises after Labor Day through the end of October occur at 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM on weekends only. (Schedules are subject to change; call or see online calendar for exact schedule). You can enjoy snacks, ice cream, candy, soda, beer, wine during these sightseeing cruises. Reservations not required and tickets can be purchased online or at the Ticket Booth above the dock. All cruises board 15 minutes prior to departure.

The Pride of the Susquehanna also has Music Cruises, including our popular Jazzin' on the Pride, Classic Dinner Cruises, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, Wine on Wednesdays, Princess and Superhero Cruises and much more! The Susquehanna River School, our floating educational tour teaches children, adults, and seniors about the history, ecology, and environment of the Susquehanna River and our region is held on Saturday mornings. All the previous cruises require advanced reservations that can be made by calling our office or by making reservations online !

Groups: You can also privately charter the Pride for your wedding (very popular wedding spot!), parties, business functions, anniversaries, family and church picnics, corporate meetings, fundraisers, charity events, group team building, and pretty much everything else! The Riverboat is also available for schools, bus, or group tours/cruises. Email for additional information as dates fill up quickly!

Information

• Complimentary Parking:
• Months Open: May-November
• Motorcoach Parking:
• Online Coupons:
• Online Ordering:
• Parking: City Island Parking Lot
• American Express
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Water Recreation

• Alcohol Served:
• Groups Welcome:
• Audio Guides:
• Group Discounts Available:
• Group Reservations Required:
• Maximum # of People for Tour: 120
• Price Range: varies
• Tour Length: 45 minutes

Type of Experience

• Educational:
• Hands-On Experience:
• Historical:
• Private Dining Room:
• Team Building:
• Family-Friendly:
• Maximum Team Building Size: 80
• Minimum Team Building Session (Hours): 2
• Indoor Team Building Description: Build camaraderie on one of our many beer and wine tasting events, guess who the murderer is on a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, or show off your skills on a Rock the Boat open mic cruise
• Outdoor Team Building Description: The riverboat is both indoor and outdoor, so enjoy our many cruises as well as the cool air and river scenery
• Open For Business:

Personal Protection

• Masks Required-Staff:
• Masks Required-Guest:
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Facility Info

• Description Available for meetings, weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties, business functions for up to 100 people for buffet/appetizers/cocktail hour. 65 max for seated dinners.
• Floorplan File Floorplan File
• Reception Capacity 100
• Outdoor Space
• Preferred Caterer List
• Loading Dock
• Banquet Capacity 65
• Number of Rooms 1

• Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

by pridewpuser | Apr 24, 2023 | Tour

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddlewheel riverboat built 32 years ago as a community service project by the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat to benefit the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area.

The Pride is a replica of the 19th-century riverboats that captured the imagination of the American people and revolutionized river travel and trade in the United States. These riverboats feature prominently in cultural artifacts ranging from the 1939 film Gone With the Wind and Mark Twain’s 1883 famous novel Life on the Mississippi to the landmark1824 Supreme Court case Gibbons v. Ogden.

Interior doors on the Pride are restored from the RMS Queen Mary, a British ocean liner that sailed the North Atlantic in the 20th century.

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Pride of the Susquehanna-Riverboat

• 11 Championship Way Harrisburg, PA 17101
• (717) 234-6500

"Come join us on one of the last remaining paddle-wheel riverboats in America" The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler built to beautify and enrich the Hershey/Harrisburg region. Since her construction and launch in 1988, "The Pride" has carried almost a million passengers. She’s been used for private functions (meetings, parties, weddings, dinners, anniversaries) as well as countless public events. During the summer, The Pride launches every day for 45-minute Sight-Seeing cruises, leaving at 12:00 noon, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm. No reservations required. We also offer our very popular themed cruises, including Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, Wine and Cheese Night, Arooga's Wing Night Cruises, family-themed Pirates on the Pride adventure rides, live-music Blues Cruises, Jazzin’ on the Pride, Moonlight Party Cruises, Maryland Blue Crab Cruises, River School Educational Trips, and much more! Reservations are required for all cruises except public cruises. Cruises run from May through October, and public sightseeing cruises run every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Visit www.HarrisburgRiverboat.com or call 717-234-6500 for more information!

• What's Nearby
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Pride of the Susquehanna-Riverboat Meeting Facility

• Description: Paddle boat can be rented for a variety of meetings and activites. Call for details.

Meeting Facility Rooms

• Dimensions: 60 X 16
• Square Feet: 960
• Dimensions: 72 X 16
• Square Feet: 1152

3211 North Front Street, Suite 301-A

Harrisburg, PA 17110

877.727.8573 | 717.231.7788

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The Pride of the Susquehanna

Review Highlights

“ The ride on the riverboat is amazing as you pass under the bridges and by many sites and buildings of our wonderful city. ” in 4 reviews

“ My party of 4 just spent a Friday evening at their Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise. ” in 3 reviews

“ You see the Harrisburg skyline from city Island to the 83 bridge and back, going under both the Walnut and Market street bridges. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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11 Championship Way

Harrisburg, PA 17101

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About the Business

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The riverboat runs daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day for its 45-minute sightseeing cruises. Hours of operation will be noon to 3pm during the summer. During the fall, the riverboat sails on these tours at 12 and 1:30 on just the weekends September through October. There are also many events throughout the week during the evening, including dinner cruises, live music, and more. Please call us or go to HarrisburgRiverboat.com to see our full schedule! …

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Great evening on the Pride of the Susquehanna! We listened to music provided by Lil Brother Band. They are great musicians and fun to listen to as they bring energy and joy to the stage. The ride on the riverboat is amazing as you pass under the bridges and by many sites and buildings of our wonderful city. Highly recommend doing the music events in the Pride !

Music events like Jazzing on the Pride and Rocking the Boat are great to attend. The music is entertaining and paired with the cruise on the Susquehanna it's a very enjoyable evening . We had a group of 10 that attended and the music, venue , views of bridges and homes on Front Street were amazing!

The murder mystery cruise my husband and I went on was pretty awful. Instead of making it entertaining and interactive with all of the people who went, where we find the person whodunit, they have us eating dinner while a bunch of corny actors act out a bizarre skit, and we guess whodunit at the end. Food was also AWFUL and not worth the hefty price. Despite it being Halloween, the not wasn't decorated as such, and overall it was a lacklustre experience. The boat doesn't do anything to keep up with the times, but rather is made for Boomers and Gen X'ers who look down on millennials and literally anyone younger. Save your money and don't go.

My husband and I have done sightseeing and dinner cruises. Pleasant staff, good music and food, scenic and family friendly!

The best experience anyone can go to in Harrisburg!!! Simple so fun, everyone is SO kind! I have gone four times now! Jazz night is the best

The best time and place to ever go in Harrisburg!!!! I have gone 4 times now for the jazz night. Everyone is so kind!

Bar on the boat !

Girls day out. it was a relaxing cruise that we got to see beautiful sites and catch up together. staff was exceptionally nice. even had Captain Nicole help me carry my drinks . Al round great experience!

Had a great time! Very friendly staff and just a nice experience with some great views of Harrisburg!

It was so nice and relaxing. The speed of the boat was perfect to sight see and enjoy 45 minutes of relaxation.

A great family venture! $10 for adults not bad for 45 minute ride and audio information on the Susquehanna River. Then music! A great afternoon adventure with the grand-daughters!

See all photos from Christine F. for The Pride of the Susquehanna

Finding the boat was near impossible. Signage is practically non existent. Plan to walk a very long distance.

I went on an afternoon cruise with my dad. The water isn't very deep, I was really surprised. It was a warm day, and the boat doesn't go fast enough to generate much of a breeze. Everyone was looking for shade outdoors, not much tho. We ended up sitting inside the air conditioned bar area. Their hours are reduced now that it's after Labor Day.

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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The Pride of the Susquehanna

11 Championship Way, Harrisburg , Pennsylvania 17101 USA

• Independent
• More in Harrisburg

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler”

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheel riverboat built 28 years ago as a community service project by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society for the benefit of and visitors to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area. The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is a 501-c-3 non-profit public service organization headed by a Board of community leaders.  The purpose of our organization includes increased tourism, economic development, and enhanced education regarding the history and ecology of the Susquehanna River and our region. Since her construction and launch under the leadership of local businessman Mike Trephan in 1988, the Pride has carried over a million passengers.  She’s has been, and is continually, used for weddings, parties, business functions, a whole variety of themed dinner cruises, Murder Mysteries, and the ever popular Pirates on the Pride. In recent years, the Pride’s events expanded drastically to include fun events like Arooga’s Wing Night, Hard-shell Crab Nights, Blues, Jazz,  Family events, Wine & Cheese Cruises, and much more. The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is also highly dedicated to education.  To fulfill this important mission, we operate the Susquehanna River School, an organization and unique floating classroom experience, teaches children, adults and seniors alike about the history, ecology and environmental issues concerning the Susquehanna River and our region. The Pride is offered by the Riverboat Society as a low-cost, fun alternative activity for the public to enjoy our beautiful natural resource, the Susquehanna River.  Proceeds from ALL cruises (besides helping to keep the riverboat running!) go towards our community service projects that benefit seniors, children, military veterans and more. We work with various local organizations, including the Humane Society of Harrisburg, the “Feel Your Boobies” Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, and many more.  So, when you “Ride the Pride”, you are helping keep this wonderful historic landmark “afloat” and benefiting your community!

Reviewed by Melody P.

My husband and I have done sightseeing and dinner cruises. Pleasant staff, good music and food, scenic and family friendly! Read more

Reviewed by Linda S.

Great evening on the Pride of the Susquehanna! We listened to music provided by Lil Brother Band. They are great musicians and fun to listen to as they bring energy and joy to the stage. The... Read more

Reviewed by Sofia P.

The murder mystery cruise my husband and I went on was pretty awful. Instead of making it entertaining and interactive with all of the people who went, where we find the person whodunit, they have... Read more

View 33 reviews on

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Paving Contractor Harrisburg PA – Asphalt Driveways and Commercial Paving Company

Pride of Susquehanna Riverboat Cruise in Harrisburg, PA

Any good vacation has to include lazy sunset views of a beautiful city while lounging on a riverboat.  Especially if the riverboat happens to be one of the last remaining paddle-wheel boats in the United States.  If this sounds good to you, go to City Island in Harrisburg, PA, and board a leisurely cruise on the Susquehanna Riverboat. If you take this cruise when you first get to Harrisburg, it gives you a good overview of the city to help you plan what to do next.  The cruise is narrated and typically lasts 45 minutes.  The boat was built and launched in 1988 and has carried over a million passengers in that time.  More can be found here.  

Themed Tours

It’s great just appreciating being on the water, feeling the river breezes blowing, and enjoying the company of other boat lovers.  But you can also plan ahead and book one of the tours that have a special theme. Sometimes they offer a murder mystery cruise for people who love mysteries.  Other times they might have a Maryland blue crab cruise.  Sometimes the cruise features live music.  Or you can choose from wine and cheese night, family-themed pirate adventure cruises, Jazzin’ on the Pride cruise,  for the Moonlight Party Cruises.  Learn more about Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, PA.

How the Pride of the Susquehanna became a Harrisburg icon: vintage photos

• Updated: Jun. 08, 2023, 7:21 a.m. |
• Published: Sep. 05, 2019, 6:30 a.m.

The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, with the help of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, launches the Pride of the Susquehanna off its drydock and into the Susquehanna River at the south end of City Island in Harrisburg for the 2018 season. May 3, 2018. Dan Gleiter | [email protected] HAR

• Deb Kiner | [email protected]

Editor’s note: This story has been updated and was originally published in 2019.

More than 30 years ago, Harrisburg officials were looking for a way to make celebrations along the Susquehanna River more attractive.

According to Mike Trephan, who at the time was a member of the committee that planned the annual Labor Day event, Kipona, he had an idea that been tried before but was unsuccessful – a riverboat.

Trephan, who died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, and the mayor at the time, Stephen Reed, decided to try it.

Trephan shared with PennLive a written narrative of the long process that resulted in the creation of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year on Sunday, June 11.

After dismissing a plan to borrow the Millersburg Ferry for a weekend, Trephan decided to try to build one.

Mike Trephan, left, and Flanders Keller, discuss the construction of the hull of the Pride of the Susquehanna as a welder works on a seam, Aug. 12, 1985, in Port Trevorton.

Plans were drafted and the cost of materials were estimated. Then, Trephan said, they needed a “a paid foreman who knew how to do this job.”

Trephan found the builder – Flanders Keller of Port Trevorton. Trephan said Keller had been in the coal-dredging business for 50 years and had built several boats like the Millersburg Ferry.

The plan was for Keller to build the hull at his place then ship it to Harrisburg and finish it by the river.

Trephan himself provided the initial funding. He also put together a board of people to get behind the project and make it a reality. They formed the Harrisburg Area River Boat Society.

After researching other riverboats, the board came up with a new cost estimated much higher than the original - $150,000 for a boat that would be “12 [feet] wide and 55 [feet] long, single deck, steel hull and a diesel engine that would accommodate between 60 and 100 passengers and look more like a paddle wheeler of the type that sailed on the navigable rivers of the mid-1800s.”

The hull of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat is lifted wtih cranes from trucks that brought it to Harrisburg from Port Trevorton, Aug. 20, 1985.

Mike Trephan stands on the stern of the hull of the Pride of the Suquehanna riverboat after it was brought by truck then lifted by cranes into the Susquehanna River, Aug. 20, 1985.

The steel hull was built at Keller’s yard then trucked to Harrisburg and lifted into the river.

“At this juncture it was decided that the boat could be constructed on the West Shore at the Sea Plane Base right along the river and in full view of the public,” Trephan wrote. “It was determined that it could be built in 90 to 120 days, weather permitting. It was directly across from the site that Mike and the mayor had agreed to for its docking area, which was South Front Street at Paxton where the old coal barges used to berth for the night.”

The hull of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat in the decorated boat parade at Kipona during Labor Day weekend in 1985.

Trephan said after a couple weeks of work things seemed to be going smoothly – that is until a great deal of rain made the river rise. Despite their best efforts, the boat broke away and became wedged against a bridge pier on the Market Street Bridge.

A crane is used to lift the hull of what was to become the Pride of the Susquehanna out of the Susquehanna River on Nov. 21, 1985. The boat broke free from its moorings and slammed into the Market Street bridge.

A crane was used to lift the boat out of the river and deposit it on City Island “as a derelict dream gone sour,” Trephan wrote.

A story in The Patriot-News, however, said the project was “reminiscent of the Titanic,” Trephan said. After visiting with the editor, Trephan said the project took a more positive direction and the capital campaign “began to soar.”

Soon the riverboat society had an office, a strategy for donations then a larger office and fundraisers. Work proceeded as money was available. Plans for the riverboat evolved and changed and the cost escalated. The new plan called for a hull 24 feet wide and 65 feet long with two decks that could hold between 140 and 160 passengers.

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat on City Island, May 20, 1988.

It was eventually decided to move the hull to Acme Welding Co.’s fabrication shop in Hummelstown. As work progressed, public input on the name was sought. The winner received the first free charter of the riverboat. Barb Burrell submitted the winning name – Pride of the Susquehanna.

The hull was transported in the middle of the night with a special trailer and tractor, Trephan said. Road and intersections were closed. It took an hour and a half. That was in the late summer of 1987.

Work came to a standstill when the money ran out. Not much happened during the winter. The board decided to borrow money to finish the Pride. Some of the finishing work and materials were donated others were offered at reduced prices.

Three captains were hired, Mike Sweigert, senior captain; Lenny Camou, second mate; and Gil Miller.

The diesel engine generator was purchased along with the hydraulic system, controls, electric and plumbing and two paddle wheels.

When it came time to move the boat across the Market Street Bridge to the launch area, it was raised with hydraulic jacks and then a trailer was pushed under it with a fork lift, Trephan wrote.

But, the road surface could not withstand the weight of the riverboat. Within an hour and a half of the move, the riverboat and the machines being used to move it got stuck.

“It took five hours to go the next 25 yards,” Trephan wrote.

As the crew tried to move the boat into the correct angle at the launch area, “it got really bad. The more it turned, the deeper it dug into the road bed, totally destroying the surface and sub-surface. In no time at all, the boat was helplessly stuck,” Trephan wrote.

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat when it was dedicated, June 11, 1988.

The boat was eventually freed and maneuvered and in the river.

Volunteer passengers were used for the Coast Guard certification test. After adding more weight to the forward section, the Pride of the Susquehanna was certified.

Trephan said at this point a reporter took a ride the night before the official dedication. Sweigert allowed the reporter to take a turn driving. The boat struck a rock. A softball-size hole was torn in the hull. But, the builder and others were able to repair the boat in time for the launch and dedication the next day June 11, 1988.

Darren Cohick of Newport and Lynne Gross of Dauphin were the first couple to be married on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat on Aug. 8, 1988.

Trephan remembers many of the people who stepped up at various points to make the Pride a reality.

“It is impossible at this stage to remember all those that came forward to make it happen, but it did, and it did with Pride. The boat is a statement as to what a community can do by all pulling together,” Trephan said.

Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Capt. Mike Sweigert with a new wheel that he and his wife made, May 1989.

The Pride of the Susqehanna on its maiden voyage, June 11, 1988.

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Pride of the susquehanna riverboat launches for summer season.

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is back on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg and ready for the summer season.

It's the 35th anniversary of the boat.

It's one of only six remaining riverboats in the country with an authentic paddlewheel that propels and steers the boat.

The Pride was built in 1988 and replicates riverboats from the late 1800s.

More than one million people have taken a ride.

The goal of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is to increase tourism and educate people on the history and ecology of the region.

In addition to public sightseeing tours, it hosts multiple special events and fundraisers throughout the year.

"We're bringing back princess and superhero cruises. We do wine and cheese. We're doing murder mysteries, music. You name it, we're going to do it on the boat, along with charters. We're actually doing three weddings," said Melissa Snyder with the riverboat society.

Profits from all cruises fund community service projects for seniors, children and veterans in Harrisburg.

The first ride for the public will be on May 26. The boat will cruise the river through October.

Cruise With Us

Upcoming events, the hiawatha paddlewheel riverboat is now closed for the season. we will return to the beautiful susquehanna river the first week of may 2024 thank you to everyone who visited us during the 2023 season, 2023 season.

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Something for Everyone

Hiawatha amenities.

Visit the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, one of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania!

Enjoy a relaxing hour-long cruise on the Susquehanna River. Through narration and music, hear the story of the Hiawatha and learn the rich history of the early days along the river.

Quick Facts

About the hiawatha, nautical miles, seasonal hours, eyewitness news, destination pa: hiawatha riverboat.

She’s known as the queen of the Susquehanna. The Hiawatha Paddlewheel riverboat is one of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania.

Running the Hiawatha

Meet our captains and crew.

Mike Strunk

Darryl Stroble

David Cillo

Venessa Long

Stephanie Campbell

Beez Beasley

Nicole kiefer, monique wright, get in the know, subscribe our newsletter.

The Hiawatha, Inc. is a 501 C 3 not for profit organization and relies on community sponsors for each and every cruising season. We thank the many businesses for their financial support!

• Daily Cruises
• Rentals & Group Rates
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Explore the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg

Running through the Midstate, the Susquehanna River has attracted people to its shores for fishing, scenic hikes, kayaking, picnics and a range of other activities.

The waters called to early settlers who used the river as a resource for food, transportation and recreation. Running from New York to the Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna River helped develop the region, bringing civilization, jobs, and early government to the area. Today, the river is a reminder of Pennsylvania’s rich past and exciting future.

With so many things to do on the Susquehanna River, visitors looking for a bit of adventure will find it here, on the mighty waters that flow through this beautiful countryside. One of the many outdoor features on the Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail , The Susquehanna offers activities, beautiful scenery, and history for all visitors.

Susquehanna River Facts

The Susquehanna River flows more than 444 miles from New York to Maryland, making it the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay . Flowing at an average of 20 miles per hour, the Susquehanna River becomes its widest in Harrisburg, where it stretches up to a mile. Now that you know the nitty-gritty, let’s explore all the fun things to do on the water, specifically in the Harrisburg area.

Fishing on the Susquehanna River

There are plenty of Susquehanna River fishing spots to tempt novice and experienced fishers. Home of the native Brook Trout fish, as well as smallmouth bass and flathead catfish, the Susquehanna River is a great fishing location in Harrisburg.

Some of the best fishing is found off of launches at Harrisburg’s City Island, Duncannon, York Haven and New Cumberland. Experienced fishing guides often keep track of where fish are biting. They can also recommend where visitors can find more private locations to sit back and enjoy the quiet spots of the Susquehanna River. 

It’s best to head out around sunset or sunrise, although some smallmouth bass are active during the day. Thanks to its smooth waters, Susquehanna River fishing spots make it one of the best rivers for fishing. 

Get a Cruise on the Susquehanna River

For river admirers of all ages, Harrisburg City Island is home to a variety of activities. While visitors might want to catch a Senator’s baseball game or take a swing in the nearby batting cages, the water surrounding this island is the biggest attraction.

The Harrisburg PA riverboat, the Pride of the Susquehanna, provides daily tours around the island and along the river banks as it takes visitors back in time. Enjoy live music, hand-crafted cocktails and even dinner cruises on the Pride’s various themed excursions. It’s also a great way to have your wedding on the water or celebrate a milestone by renting the riverboat for a private event. It also becomes a floating classroom for field trips and school groups that want to explore the vast eco-systems the river has to offer.

The stern-driven paddle wheel was constructed more than 25 years ago as part of a project by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society. Its interior is decorated in brass, mahogany wood features and stained glass, transporting visitors to a time of older refinement and class. With room for up to 120 passengers, depending on the style of the cruise, the Pride of the Susquehanna is a must-see Harrisburg attraction for those who want a different view of the river. But if you want to ride, you’ve got to plan ahead. The riverboat is taken off the water November through April to protect it from the river’s winter ice. Keep an eye out for regular events the rest of the year.

More on Harrisburg's City Island

If the water tempts you, but you want to still stay close to it, there are plenty of things to do on Harrisburg’s City Island that don’t involve getting wet. Admire all the scenery from the quaint City Island Railroad, a mini version of a Civil War-era steam engine is a great way to see the island without having to wear yourself out.

Water Golf has also become a popular attraction, but you don’t actually have to wear a bathing suit to participate. Instead, this City Island mini-golf course leads players right along the river for beautiful views as the sun lowers in the sky. If you want to get in the Susquehanna River and cool off, the Susquehanna River Beach is a unique way to enjoy the cool water. Go ahead, get your feet wet.

No matter how many activities you plan to conquer during your visit to City Island, be sure to take a few moments to just relax by the water. Watch the boats drift by and consider taking an afternoon nap along the banks. The comfortable, visitor-friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to escape from reality and enjoy the quiet power of the Susquehanna River.

A Smaller Boat Ride

Want to get even closer to the Susquehanna River? The calm, smooth waters are very inviting to kayaks, canoes and other water activities. It’s just one of the many Susquehanna River activities in Harrisburg.

If you’re already on Harrisburg City Island, check out the boat launches where visitors can push off into the water on their own adventure. The City Island Marinas, featuring three locations to dock your boat, also are available. Plus, there’s plenty to explore off the beaten path the river offers island visitors. Susquehanna River kayaking is a great way to check out the wildlife, both in and out of the water.

Raccoons, deer, foxes, beavers, porcupines and several species of birds are just some of the creatures visitors can discover while kayaking around the island. 

If the river seems like an intimidating spot to start your kayak adventure, Cocoa Kayak Rentals of Hershey offers trips along the gentle Swatara Creek, which runs around small islands and takes visitors to unique locations to see wildlife, much like the Susquehanna River.

Another great island to stop and visit is McCormicks Island, owned by the City of Harrisburg. It’s the largest island on the river trail and is distinguished by white pines, which some believe are left from a farm that was once on the island. The southern tip offers spots to eat a picnic lunch you brought.

Fort Hunter Park , home to 37 acres of land and a 19th century home , is most famous for its involvement in the French and Indian War. Now a Susquehanna River park in Harrisburg, it makes for a great place to stretch your legs. Stop in for a visit during your tour and take in the historical countryside.

One of the top Susquehanna River spots in Harrisburg is the Dauphin Narrows. The most difficult part of the river, kayakers and those in canoes should stay to the left when headed downstream. If you’re in the area, look to the right to see a 25-foot version of the Statue of Liberty, created for the 100 th anniversary of the installation of the full-size version in New York City.

If you’re new to kayaking on such a big river but still want to set out on an adventure, there are plenty of kayak rental locations that will offer guidance and beginner lessons before venturing onto the water. Blue Mountain Outfitters offers information for a successful kayaking adventure. Be sure to ask about life vests, how to pack snacks and bottled water, and wear plenty of sunscreen for your time on the water. It might also be a good idea to bring a hat and pack extra clothes in the car in case you get wet.

Biking Along the Susquehanna River

The river can inspire outside activities that range to fit anyone’s fitness or activity level. Biking along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, PA is a great way to take in the sights and breathe in a bit of nature’s fresh air.

When it comes to finding a place to ride, the beautiful bicycle-friendly trails are scattered throughout the region. But if you’re looking for a view of the water, we’ve got you covered.

The Capital Area Greenbelt is just one trail that offers a variety of activities along the water. With more than 20 miles of parks, the bike trails offer visitors a unique and breathtaking view of the water while keeping people on dry land. The Tour de Belt bike ride, held annually, helps provide funds to keep the greenbelt, connecting crosswalks and parks in top shape for bicyclist safety. The Five Senses Garden is a great place to stop along your bike ride. Since 1996, the garden has helped visitors discover a deep connection with nature and all that Harrisburg has to offer.

Hiking Along the Susquehanna River

If you’d rather grab your walking stick and walk along the miles or riverfront trails, there are plenty of hiking trail options: 

• Riverfront Park Hike:  This 2.5-mile loop is easy for most people to walk, and it shows off some beautiful views of the Susquehanna River. Start walking across the Walnut Street Bridge, a pedestrian-only walkway, and then follow the river walking trail to the level of the water. The trail follows the paved walkway the whole way to the Harvey Taylor Bridge. Hikers should follow the ramp, make a loop through the Sunken Gardens and take the path through Riverfront Park until they arrive back at the Walnut Street Bridge.
• The Mason-Dixon Trail:  You have to travel a bit south for this one. The Mason-Dixon Trail starts in York County and takes you on a strenuous hike. While hikers can catch the trail at the Appalachian Trail in Cumberland County, it will lead them through Pinchot State Park and along very scenic routes. The Holtwood Dam hike is just a little more than 2 miles long and is known for its beautiful views. Despite being a tough hike in spots, outdoor enthusiasts return to conquer new sections and take in the sights.
• Hawk Rock:  Plan a hike to Hawk Rock , located ~15 miles away from Harrisburg in Duncannon, PA. Just over a mile long and approximately 750 feet in elevation, Hawk Rock provides outdoor enthusiasts with multiple trails both on and off the beaten path. To take in one the most scenic vistas in Pennsylvania, take the gradual path along the Appalachian Trail up to Hawk Rock, then head northeast to a fairly obvious unmarked trail. Despite some rough spots, this trail leads to the Cove Mountain Duncannon Overlook, best known for its picturesque views of the Susquehanna River Valley.

Picnic Along the Susquehanna River

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a peaceful moment during a busy day than by having a picnic lunch along the beautiful river. Whether you grab takeout from a local restaurant, or you pack your own picnic basket, the scenic options will have you napping on the grass in no time:

• Fort Halifax Park:  Fort Halifax Park, known for its historical significance and reenactment festivals, is also open to the public year-round. A great spot to go fishing, play with the kids or eat a picnic dinner, make sure you find a cozy spot along the river bank to lay out your meal. Also check out Sycamore Tree alley and consider stopping back to learn something about this historical landmark.
• Phoenix Park:  Located along the Capital Area Greenbelt, Phoenix Park is nestled right along the Susquehanna River and gives visitors a great place to park the bike and take a break. Cool your toes off in the water or just take a few moments to reenergize while you enjoy the shaded atmosphere.
• Harrisburg City Island:  Even if you can’t stick around to take part in all of the fun activities City Island has to offer, try to make it back for a picnic. Tables situated throughout the island give visitors a chance to relax by the water, watch people have a good time and see the bright sun disappear over the water.

Make Your Visit to Hershey Harrisburg Unforgettable

With so many activities waiting for you, why not get a little help planning the perfect visit? Whether you love the great outdoors or want to be exposed to new and upcoming cultural events, there are plenty of activities to entertain, rejuvenate and inspire you.

Beyond the Susquehanna River, there are parks, nature preserves, mountain trails and smaller creeks waiting to tempt the explorer inside you. With so many things to do in the Hershey Harrisburg Region, you might find yourself dreaming about how soon you can return.

Explore all of the outdoor options the region has to offer and be sure to request our traveler's guide to help you plan your stay.

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