A magical destination to spend a week or weekend, beautiful Harpers Ferry is overflowing with historical places and outdoor spaces to explore. Sitting pretty between two rivers and where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet, it marks the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail between Maine and Georgia. A visit here takes you back into the 19th century, where you can walk the cobblestone streets that meander through the picturesque downtown—now designated a National Historic District by the National Register. There’s so much to experience within the city limits and just a short drive (or hike) away—so, for a little inspiration, here’s a list of the 10 best things to do on your next vacation to Harpers Ferry.
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Take a hike up to Camp Hill from Lower Town along the Appalachian Trail for beautiful scenery and historical sites that include the armory and former Storer College campus.
Explore over 20 miles of wooded hiking trails through old battlefield sites scattered with ruins and along stunning, picture-perfect vistas at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park—the town’s top outdoor attraction. Here you can enjoy guided tours, take part in 19th-century trade workshops, experience living history events on the weekends, and explore over 4,000-acres of gorgeous parkland as it crosses into Maryland and Virginia. Take a hike up the Maryland Heights Trailhead for the best views of town. And be sure to visit the original site of Robert Harper’s Ferry down at the Point at the Rivers, where the Potomac and Shenandoah meet.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Situated just north of town, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers a look back at America’s early transportation history. The canal system—which operated for nearly 100 years—is now defunct, but you can find endless opportunities for outdoor recreation along the nearly 185-mile tow path. There’s no main entrance to the park and there are hundreds of sites to visit across West Virginia, Maryland and into DC, so plan your day accordingly.
Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum
Open on the weekends between April and October, the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum is a great place to take the family. The museum showcases toys and antique electric trains from before 1938. You can also ride the Joy Line, a miniature train that’s suitable for kids and adults. It’s stationed inside an original B&O railroad section car house.
True Treats Historic Candy
Like their slogan says: “History never tasted so sweet!” Satisfy your candy cravings and your love of history at the incomparable and award-winning True Treats Historic Candy shop in downtown Harpers Ferry. This incredible sweet shop is more than just a confectionary, it’s a world-class museum dedicated to candy—where hundreds of unique treats are lined up in order of their date of origin (some dating back as far as the 1700s). It’s a stop worth taking, especially with the kids.
O' Be JoyFull Historical Tours
A guided tour through the cobbled streets and alleys between the impeccably preserved 19th century buildings of downtown Harpers Ferry is one of the best ways to experience the town's storied history.
Downtown Harpers Ferry, with its 19th-century buildings, cobblestone streets and preserved historical markers, is an open-air museum just waiting to be explored. What better way to experience it all (and be sure you haven’t missed anything important) than on a guided walking tour of the town via O' Be JoyFull Historical Tours. Or, if you’re looking for something a little spookier, you can take part in a ghostly tour of Historic Lower Town, which is the country’s oldest historical ghost tour. Historical songs and stories concert shows are offered at Thomas Hall on Church Street.
River Riders Family Adventures
Choose your own Harpers Ferry outdoor excursion through River Riders Family Adventures, where there’s plenty of all-ages, fresh air experiences to enjoy. In fact, there are several days-worth of activities from river rafting and kayaking, to tubing down whitewater rapids and zip lining through the trees and over the Potomac River! The adventure park is just across the street from the Clarion Inn, giving you an easy place to find rest after long days of spirited, adrenaline-pumping fun.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Just a 15-minute drive west of Harper’s Ferry, you’ll find the Hollywood Casino and Charles Town Races. Book a room at The Inn at Charles Town and test your luck on the Vegas-style casino floor, with over 2,200 slots, 74 table games, a 16-table poker room and a sportsbook. Plus, you can experience all the excitement of thoroughbred racing at the home of premier competitions like the Charles Town Classic, Race for the Ribbon and West Virginia Breeders Classics.
John Brown Historical Sites
After the infamous raid, John Brown's Fort was used as a prison and supply house. It's the only armory building to escape destruction during the Civil War.
John Brown was an abolitionist during the years leading to the Civil War and is a bit of a local legend. Harpers Ferry is full of places that focus on the man and his 1859 raid on the town. Start your history tour at the old fire engine and guard house of the Armory, now known as John Brown’s Fort, first erected in 1848. Next, visit the John Brown Museum, located on Shenandoah Street in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park near downtown. Enjoy a memorable tour of the John Brown Wax Museum to get the full story via 87 life-size figures enhanced by voice, music and animation. Finally, take a short drive across the river into Maryland to visit the John Brown House & Farm.
Harpers Ferry Brewery
Visit Virginia’s northernmost brewery (it’s a stone’s throw from the Potomac River) and enjoy a tasty local beer with gorgeous views. Located just three miles from town and sitting just across from the Sandy Bridge, the Harpers Ferry Brewery offers uniquely named, seasonal craft brews that range from the smooth and refreshing Dewbrew Blonde Ale to the rich and potent Bourbon Barrel Aged Mothman imperial stout. They don’t serve food in-house, but there’s occasional a local food truck on-site, or you can bring your own snacks.
Local Wineries
If taking it slow and sipping on wine is more your speed, you’re in luck! There are several amazing wineries within a short drive of Harpers Ferry. Enjoy a tasting of boutique wines housed in a eco-friendly, man-made earth cave at the female-owned Maggie Malick Wine Caves in Purcellville, VA. Discover a day of relaxing outdoor recreation that includes bocce ball, croquet and woodland walks—all with a glass of wine in-hand—at the historic Two Twisted Posts Winery (also in Purcellville). Or, enjoy the rustic charm of Hiddencroft Vineyards, which is about 14 miles outside of Harpers Ferry in rural Lovettsville, VA.