During your stay at The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, discover what the surrounding nature and quaint communities have to offer. Under an hour away, the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park sits at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. This beautiful stretch of land has witnessed history, from the arrival of the first successful American railroad to the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War. It also watched John Brown’s attack on slavery and the education of former slaves in one of the first integrated schools in the country. Within the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park are the footsteps of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Stonewall Jackson, Meriwether Lewis, and Frederick Douglass. You can hike nature trails and visit battlefields in the same location. Here are just a few ways to spend your day at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.
Hike Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
There are many things to do in Harpers Ferry but one of the most popular is going for a scenic hike. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park hiking involves trails from easy to strenuous with sublime views and an aura of compelling history. The park is considered one of the best walking parks in America, encompassing around 4,000 acres among the intersection of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. This also serves as the midpoint of the 2,178-mile Appalachian Trail and home of the 184.5-mile towpath of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. Cross the footbridge over the Potomac River, explore 20 miles of hiking trails, climb surrounding mountaintops, and wander through historic battlefields.
Register for Historic Trades Workshops
If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path to participate in during your visit to the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, consider registering for a 19th-century trade workshop. The workshops include baking, sewing, gardening, and blacksmithing. Many require a pre-registration and payment, so call ahead at 304-535-6881 and sign up early! Some particular past workshops have included The Art of the Forge: A Blacksmith Workshop, “Whey to go” 19th Century Dairy, Cheese, and Butter Making, and Feeding the War Machine: Soft Bread for Sheridan’s Army. This is a great date idea that will take you back in time and teach you a new skill in the process!
Visit Exhibits and Museums
Among the beautiful nature trails, there is a small town that features a variety of attractions and entertainment. Here, you can explore museums and exhibits or join a ranger-guided tour of surrounding battlefields. You can browse the Harpers Ferry Historical Association Bookshop and find a postcard to send back home. Or, you can stop at the Visitor Center for planning your day of adventures. Along with a variety of museums and exhibits, there are also many events throughout the year that might interest you. Thunder in the Valley: Sheridan’s 1864 Valley Campaign will be a significant part of this year’s commemorative Civil War 150th Anniversary. This event takes place on Sept. 27-28 and will include several exhibits, guided horse and wagon rides, and living history demonstrations.
Stay at Our Inn!
Make The Inn at Vaucluse Spring your home during your visit to Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We will provide solitude and ultimate relaxation in one of our cottage, chalet, luxury cabin, and hillside accommodations. Our gourmet morning breakfast and masterful dining experience is the icing on the cake of a wonderful vacation stay. For more exciting attractions like the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park to enjoy near our inn, download our free vacation guide!