Parks and Recreation Events

Explore the history of the Fort Hunter Park Service Station in this year’s special exhibit. Built in 1929, the Fort Hunter Park Service Station has served the community in a variety of ways over the past century. Once home to an automobile service station, café, antique store, mini golf course and more, there are unlimited possibilities of what lies ahead for this historic building.

Spend time outdoors this fall at beautiful Detweiler Park enjoying The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and Penn State Health are excited to provide an interactive Storywalk®. Squirrel is happily counting the colorful leaves on his tree when he notices—gasp!—one is missing. Convinced there's a thief in the forest, he sets off on a frantic quest to find the culprit, dragging his calm and patient friend Bird along for the ride. As Squirrel suspects everyone from Mouse to Woodpecker, he eventually learns a gentle lesson about the natural cycle of the seasons.

Join in the fun of making outdoor art in the park!

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY | 12:30 - 4:30 PM. Enjoy the cherished nostalgia of the toy trains in person. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, this massive display represents familiar scenes from central Pennsylvania on a bite-size scale. Admission is free for all park visitors. Visit https://forthunter.org/ for information on all events and programs.

Enjoy the splendor of six themed Christmas Trees on view. Each tree is beautifully decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs. Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of these magnificent trees. A selection of handmade ornaments are also available for purchase. Co-sponsored by the Harrisburg Area Civic Garden Center.

Catch the holiday spirit as you enjoy a guided tour of Fort Hunter Mansion decorated with fresh greens and fruits, dried materials, and fresh flowers. The lives of the families that lived at Fort Hunter are highlighted on guided tours of the elegant rooms. CLOSED ON MONDAYS.

Join us in the Fort Hunter Centennial Barn to find the perfect holiday gift. Stroll around the Centennial Barn, Room 1, which will be filled with handmade crafts from local artisans.

Join a Naturalist for a night-time stroll at Wiconisco Creek Park. Discover WHO may be calling in the night and the eight different species of owls found in Pennsylvania. A 1-mile walk will lead us along Wiconisco Creek in search of nocturnal hunters. This prowl will focus on using our sense of hearing while listening for responses to owl calls. Dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. Meet at the pavilion. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join a Naturalist for a night-time stroll at Wiconisco Creek Park.

Christmas Bird Counts are the longest-running citizen science survey, helping to track bird populations and promote their conservation. Join members of the Appalachian Audubon Society’s Young Birders Club and Christmas Bird Count volunteers to learn about how and why we count as we do an unofficial Christmas Bird Count along one of the Boardwalks. Afterward, warm up inside the Nature Center at the Bird Viewing Area with a warm beverage. Bird Friendly Coffee will also be for sale. This is a perfect chance for young bird enthusiasts to learn how Christmas Bird Counts work. Binoculars will be available. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Program limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration required.