Nestled in the fertile Cumberland Valley, Carlisle is an attractive town in southern Pennsylvania. It is named after Carlisle in England’s historic county of Cumberland, with the town’s original jailhouse designed to resemble the medieval Carlisle Citadel. Modern-day Carlisle is home to the U.S. Army War College and its Army Heritage Museum where trenches and camps from historical conflicts have been recreated.
Things to do in Carlisle
In the heart of Carlisle is the Cumberland County Historical Society, where you’ll find exhibits about the people, events and industries that have shaped the region. Learn about the historic Carlisle Indian School and the town’s Revolutionary War history, then admire the wooden creations by one of America’s most celebrated carvers, Wilhelm Schimmel.
In addition to its museum, the Cumberland County Historical Society operates Two Mile House, a magnificent Federal-style residence named because of its distance from Carlisle’s town square. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features 12 beautifully restored rooms and pollinator-friendly landscaped gardens where community events are regularly held.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to Letort Park where you’ll find a children’s playground, a picnic pavilion and picturesque meadows. You can get active on the baseball diamond and tennis courts or stretch your legs on the nature trail that hugs the Letort Spring Run. Alternatively, head to Thornwald Park, which is home to an early-20th-century mansion and the Carrol J. Warrell Amphitheater where outdoor concerts are often staged.
Getting around Carlisle
Carlisle is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Harrisburg and 40 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect from Harrisburg to Carlisle while renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the town.