Are you on the search for the best things to do in Harpers Ferry? Go no further! We have compiled a list of the best activities in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to ensure that whatever kind of trip you’re having, from a quick stop in or a lengthy stay, is adventurous and fun for all visitors!
Filled with historical significance and beautiful landscapes, making this a must-stop for history lovers and outdoorsmen combined there are plenty of options when thinking of what to do in Harpers Ferry!
Harpers Ferry is a cute little town in West Virginia filled with wineries, hikes, and gorgeous views that also make this an adorable option for a girl’s getaway! West Virginia is home to plenty of amazing activities and cool things to learn, whether Harpers Ferry is merely a stop on a road trip or your final destination, there is something in this state for everyone!
So, sit back and relax while we show you all your options for the best things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Harpers Ferry is truly one of the best small towns in West Virginia that you should explore.
15 Things To Do In Harpers Ferry, West Virginia!
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a great spot to stop when considering things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Spanning 2200 miles between Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the Appalachian Trail is hiked in both sections and in its entirety throughout the season! There are portions maintained by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, making this a great spot to stop in on your hike through, start your hike off, or just learn more about the nature of the area!
The building itself is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is definitely a great spot to enjoy nature’s surroundings or even watch a portion of the trail! Don’t miss out on this option for free things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Maryland Heights
Maryland Heights is a scenic overlook featured on a hiking trail, it gives an amazing view of Harpers Ferry and the conjunction of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
Maryland Heights is definitely one of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry, the trail itself is free to access but parking is around 10 dollars. The views are extremely worth the price of parking! The trails themselves are open Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, and its within reasonable distance to D.C. which makes it a fun day trip!
Give yourself at least 3 hours to do this hike, it is moderately difficult, so whether or not you’re there for the challenge or just the views give yourself the time to complete it safely! If you give yourself time you could enjoy Maryland Heights view at sunset a great option for romantic things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Maggie Malick Wine Caves
A girls trip, couples getaway, or adventure with friends is never complete without enjoying the atmosphere at a winery!
Home to great food, live music, and friendly staff, Maggie Malick Wine Caves is a great destination to consider for things to do in Harpers Ferry for adults! Past patrons recommend the Tango and the Unoaked Chardonnay! The unique thing about Maggie Malick’s is that it is located in a cave!
They have a great seating area both indoors and outdoors for guests and is a great destination for people with some furry dog friends! They have a pond with ducks for dogs to run, swim and play in! If you’re looking for things to do in Harpers Ferry with dogs, Maggie Malick’s is dog friendly!
Don’t leave your pups at home when visiting Maggie Malick’s Wine Caves!
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is another fantastic option for things to do in Harpers Ferry for kids and still being able to enjoy the outdoors!
Originally named as a national monument, this historical park is located in and surrounding Harpers Ferry, West Virginia! This industrial area is the scene of John Brown’s fail abolitionist uprising! Home to almost four thousand acres of land, there is not a single spot that does not have some historical significance to West Virginia and the United States.
The park itself is open from 9 am to 6 pm and requires an entrance fee ranging from 20 dollars for a private vehicle, 15 dollars for a motorcycle, and 10 dollars per person by foot. There is free access for kids in the fourth grade to encourage kids to adventure outdoors so if you have a child in that year look on their website for more information!
This is definitely a great option for families travelling through the area as they have so many educational tools on nature, science and research, as well as the history of the area! This is one of many things to do in Harpers Ferry with kids!
Bolivar Heights Battlefield
Located inside Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Bolivar Heights Battlefield is a great location for history buffs looking to learn as much as they can about the Civil War!
Bolivar Heights Battlefield is the location of five separate engagements between the union and confederate soldiers. Because of it’s strategic position unique with both an overlook over Harpers Ferry, home to a US Armory and its placement at the top of the Shenandoah Valley.
It is filled with informational signs, cannons and a preserved defensive trench! It rests partly between the 204 miles of Bolivar Heights plateau and includes the School House Ridge! There are plenty of locations and interesting things to learn on this battlefield, making it a great option for fun things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Lockwood House
Lockwood House is another historically significant building in Harpers Ferry that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on!
It is one of the largest residences in the town and still contains eighty percent of its original stone and brick! The building has an amazing view of both the town and the two rivers and is a great location to not only learn some history, but to chill out and enjoy the views!
Lockwood House served as the residence of the paymaster of the Harps Ferry Armory and later served as Union General Henry Lockwood’s residence during the Civil War! This is definitely one of the attractions in Harpers Ferry you shouldn’t miss out on!
Weverton Cliffs
Weverton Cliffs is another great location for places to visit in Harpers Ferry!
Located on a 10 mile trail long the Appalachian, this overlook as some amazing views of the Potomac river! Walk along the C&O canal and enjoy the moderate climb up! There is no charge for walking along the trail but they ask for donations for the upkeep! Weverton Cliffs is a great option for people looking to spend the day outdoors and in nature!
This is one of the best things to do near Harpers Ferry, so don’t forget the bugs spray and the sunscreen while you’re out for your adventure!
Two Twisted Posts Winery
Another great option for the best things to do in Harpers Ferry for adults! Having a relaxing afternoon or evening at a winery is exactly the kind of fun every person needs to enjoy a vacation and Two Twisted Posts Winery is a great spot to relax!
Established in 2008 and boasting viniferas Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and hybrid Traminette wines! This is another dog friendly destination, they welcome all sorts of furry friends so you don’t need to leave them behind when you go out for your wine tasting!
Their wines are good quality and fairly prices! Enjoy some great wine in a comfortable venue with friendly staff, and cozy indoor and outdoor seating! There’s plenty to enjoy at this destination, making it one of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry you can’t miss!
John Browns Fort
Another historically significant building and important spot to Harpers Ferry History is John Browns Fort!
John Browns Fort was originally built for the purpose of being a guard and fire engine house by the Federal Harpers Ferry Armory but eventually became John Brown’s refuge during his raide on Harpers Ferry in 1859! It is also the only surviving building of the Armory as the rest were destroyed during the Civil War!
John Brown’s Fort is definitely rich in history and is a location you definitely shouldn’t skip! It is one of the best activities in Harpers Ferry for history buffs and must-visit destination!
Virginius Island, WV
Another unique historically significant destination, Virginius Island is definitely one of the best Harpers Ferry activities!
This formerly inhabited island off of the Shenandoah River was created by the Shenandoah Canal Construction by the Patawmack Company in the early 1800’s! It’s covered with ruins with some cool information behind them. It’s free to visit and definitely a fun afternoon wandering the island and discovering a unique part of US history!
Don’t miss out on this option for things to do in Harpers Ferry!
White Hall Tavern
White Hall Tavern is a short and sweet stop to look in at the history of Harpers Ferry, it’s a great option for free things to do in Harpers Ferry!
The front section of White Hall Tavern was removed in 1850 when the street was widened, but it is an authentic building that is rich in Civil War history! This is definitely one of the best Harpers Ferrys activities for a quick break from outside, or even just to escape bad weather while still learning about the area!
It’s an informative and aesthetically pleasing, while focusing on education regarding the Civil War! It’s open 9 am to 6 pm every day of the week! Don’t miss out on this option of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Ruins of St John’s Episcopal Church
The Ruins of St John’s Episcopal Church is a unique option for things to do in Harpers Ferry that you shouldn’t overlook!
It’s open 24 hours a day, every day of the week and rests at the top of a very steep hike, but the view from the church is well worth it! It’s also pet friendly so it’s a great option for things to do with the fur babies!
The church itself is home to a lot of historical significance in that it used to serve as a hospital and barracks during the civil war! The church was eventually abandoned in 1895, but the ruins are still present and cool to explore! Don’t miss out on this option for attractions in Harpers Ferry!
Jefferson Rock
Jefferson Rock is a cool destination to hike towards while out on the trails in Harpers Ferry!
It is a rock formation on the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry that boasts an amazing view of the river and nature! It’s a gorgeous spot to hike to and from and is only such a short distance to hike to! It’s also complete with steps and a railing and while it has that, it is still a moderate hike!
The rock itself is made up of masses of Harpers shale piled up on top of each other! And the time spent outdoors with family is definitely worth the view at the top! Don’t miss out on this great option of activities to do in Harpers Ferry!
John Brown Wax Museum
The John Brown Wax Museum might not be as famous as Madame Tussaud’s but it has some interesting wax figures depicting scenes from the Civil War!
This is a seasonal museum that opens for weekends in March and through April to November is open every day of the week. The Fall hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm daily, and the summer hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm! It costs 7 dollars per adult to visit!
The figures were done by Earl Dorfman who is the same artist who did the wax figures in Gettysburg! This is a cool exhibit that showcases scenes explaining John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry as well as what happened after! Be mindful that this is an old building and does not have elevator access. Don’t miss out on this cool option for things to do in Harpers Ferry!
Shannondale Springs
Another great outdoors option for adventurers and hunters is Shannondale Springs! Shannondale Springs is one of the Wildlife Management Areas in West Virginia and covers a large portion of the area!
During hunting season, and with proper permits, you are able to hunt in the area. If that’s not your taste, there are still plenty of trails to walk with kids and with dogs but remember your blazing orange during hunting season!
This area was a former American resort associated with Mineral springs on the bank of the river, so there are plenty of cool things to explore with kids!
With plenty of things to do and see, Harpers Ferry is the perfect vacation destination for those looking for a laid back area to relax while also exercising their mind and thinking of the impact of this little town in America’s history. And being so close to Virginia and Kentucky, it’s a great stop destination on an epic Southern State Road Trip!
With Virginia being home to some amazing hiking trails, as well as having a large portion of the Appalachian Trail running right through it! There are some amazing things to do in Virginia that you definitely shouldn’t overlook, and definitely make the effort to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Kentucky is the other Southern State that’s packed with amazing things to do and is the perfect first or second destination after a relaxing few days in Harpers Ferry! With amazing unique vacation spots and great wineries to stop and have a sip at, there is no shortage of awesome things to do in Kentucky!
Now that you’ve seen our list of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry, where will you go first?
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