Things to see and do

Zimmerman Center for Heritage

If you are looking for a place to learn about the history, culture and nature of the Susquehanna River, you might want to visit the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. The Zimmerman Center is the headquarters of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area and serves as Pennsylvania’s Official Visitor Contact and Passport Station for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. You can explore the historic house, view the art collection, see the Susquehannock Indian artifacts, hike to Native Lands County Park, launch your kayak or canoe, or join a river discovery boat tour. The Zimmerman Center is open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit by boat and tie up at the floating dock and waterfront pavilion. The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is a great destination for anyone who wants to discover the rich heritage of the Susquehanna Riverlands.

Sam Lewis State Park

If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing place to visit in York County, Pennsylvania, you might want to check out Samuel S. Lewis State Park. This 85-acre park is located on Mt. Pisgah, an 885-foot-high ridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, kite flying, or just admiring the natural beauty of the park. The park also has a pavilion that can accommodate up to 100 people for events and gatherings. Samuel S. Lewis State Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. You can find more information about the park on its official website or by calling the park office. Samuel S. Lewis State Park is a hidden gem that you don’t want to miss!

High Point Scenic Vista

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of nature and the views of the Susquehanna River, you might want to visit Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area in Wrightsville, PA. This park is part of the York County Parks and the Susquehanna Heritage Park, and it features 79 acres of scenic meadowlands on top of a hill. You can hike up the paved trail, which is ADA accessible, and reach the summit in 15 minutes or less. There, you will be rewarded with a 360° view of the river and the towns of Wrightsville and Columbia. You can also see the Moon Dancer Winery and the Wright’s Ferry Mansion from the top. The park has benches, picnic tables, restrooms, and mowed trails for your convenience. It is also a designated area for drone use, so you can capture some amazing aerial shots of the landscape. Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially in the fall when the leaves change color. It is open from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. You can find more information and directions on the park’s website or on Tripadvisor. If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway, you should definitely check out this park!

Shanks Mare Outfitters

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors in Wrightsville, PA, you might want to check out Shank’s Mare Outfitters. Shank’s Mare is a family-owned business that offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, disc golf, hiking and more. You can rent or buy equipment, take lessons, join guided tours or sign up for events. Shank’s Mare is located in a historic building that used to be a general store in the 1880s. It has a beautiful view of the Susquehanna River and is close to several trails. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something fun and exciting to do at Shank’s Mare. Visit their website or call them for more information.

Hiking Trails in Lower Windsor Township

Whether you want a scenic stroll along the Susquehanna River, a challenging climb up to Highpoint Park, or a historic hike on the Mason-Dixon Trail, there is something for everyone in this area.
Here are some of our best hiking trails:

• Native Lands Heritage Trail: This easy 2-mile trail offers stunning views of the river and the Wrightsville Bridge. You will also learn about the Native American history and culture of this land, as well as the environmental conservation efforts of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway. The trailhead is located at the John Wright Restaurant parking lot, just a short walk from Shank’s Mare Outfitters.
• Highpoint Heritage Trail: This moderately steep 1-mile trail leads to the highest point in York County, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding countryside. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and there are picnic tables and benches at the top. The trailhead is located at Highpoint Park, about 4 miles from Shank’s Mare Outfitters.
• Mason-Dixon Trail: This long-distance trail follows the historic boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, passing through forests, farms, and towns along the way. You can access several sections of the trail near Shank’s Mare Outfitters, such as the Highpoint Park Loop (4.4 miles), the Long Level Road Loop (1.9 miles), or the Leibharts Corner to Otter Creek section (18.7 miles). The trail is marked with blue blazes and offers varying levels of difficulty and scenery.
  These are just some of the hiking trails near Lower Windsor Township that you can explore on your next visit to our area. For more information on these and other trails, check out these websites:
• https://www.traillink.com/city/wrightsville-pa-trails/
• https://www.shanksmare.com/group-outings.htm

Klines Run Park

If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, you might want to check out Klines Run Park in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. Klines Run Park is a 60-acre park that offers picnicking facilities, restrooms, hiking opportunities, a playground, and shoreline fishing. The park is situated along the Susquehanna River and is part of the 53-mile Susquehanna River Water Trail-Lower Section. You can also explore the Native Lands Heritage Trail, which starts at the park and leads to the Pinnacle Overlook. Klines Run Park is managed by Brookfield Energy Corporation and is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM depending on the season. All facilities are first-come, first-served, so plan ahead and have fun!

Disc Golf at Klines Run Park

If you are looking for a fun and challenging disc golf course in Wrightsville, PA, you might want to check out Klines Run Park. This course is set along the banks of the Susquehanna River, offering magnificent views, big mature trees, serene park setting, and a beautiful creek. The course has 18 holes with artificial turf tees, Prodigy T1 baskets, and next tee arrows on each basket. The course is moderately hilly and wooded, requiring a variety of shots to score well. The course also has high quality tee signs that include elevation profiles and QR codes for drone video previews of each hole. Klines Run Park is a public park that is open year-round and has restrooms, a pavilion, and a practice basket. The course was established in 2005 and redesigned in 2019 by the York County Disc Club. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will enjoy playing disc golf at Klines Run Park.

Moon Dancer Winery

For a scenic and relaxing place to enjoy some wine, cider, or beer, you might want to check out Moon Dancer Winery in Wrightsville, PA. This winery is located on a hill overlooking the Susquehanna River and offers a stunning view of the landscape. Moon Dancer Winery was established in 2004 and produces both dry and sweet wines in the European style. They also have a cider house and a taproom where you can sample locally made craft beverages. You can also enjoy their wood-fired pizza made with fresh ingredients grown on the property. Moon Dancer Winery hosts live music events and festivals throughout the year, as well as weddings and private parties. You can visit their website for more information on their hours, menu, and upcoming events. Whether you are a wine lover, a cider fan, or a beer enthusiast, you will find something to suit your taste at Moon Dancer Winery.

Lake Clark Marina

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the water and the scenery of the Susquehanna River, you might want to check out Lake Clarke Marina at Long Level. This marina offers boat launching services, storage, maintenance, and refueling for your convenience. You can also rent a pontoon boat and explore the river at your own pace. Lake Clarke Marina is located at 1552 Long Level Road, Wrightsville, PA 17368. You can call them at (717) 252-2881 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

Long Level Marina

If you are looking for a place to enjoy boating on the Susquehanna River, you might want to check out Long Level Marina. Long Level Marina is a full service marina located on the west shores of Lake Clarke in York County, Pennsylvania. They offer boat sales, service, rentals, and storage, as well as outboard motors and generators. You can find Avalon pontoons, Barletta pontoons, Carolina skiffs, and Mercury, Yamaha, and Suzuki outboards for sale at Long Level Marina. You can also rent an Avalon pontoon boat and explore a 9-mile stretch of the river. Long Level Marina has a qualified service department that can take care of your boat, motor, and trailer needs. They also have live webcams that let you see the river in real time. Long Level Marina is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. You can visit their website at https://longlevelmarina.com/ or call them at (717) 252-1589 for more information. Long Level Marina is a great destination for boating enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty and fun of the Susquehanna River.

Flinchbaughs Orchard and Farm Market

Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam, PA. is a fourth-generation family run farm that offers pick-your-own opportunities, seasonal events and festivals, and gift baskets and boxes. You can also order online from their store and browse their many products, from apple cider and cheese to honey and salsa. Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market is open year-round and trys to connect you with your food source and create memorable experiences. You can find more information on their website here or visit them at 110 Ducktown Rd, Hellam, PA 17406.

The Columbia / Wrightsville Bridge

The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge is a historic landmark that connects two counties in Pennsylvania. Here are some facts and features of this impressive structure that spans the Susquehanna River.

• The bridge was built in 1929-1930 as the Lancaster-York Intercounty Bridge and was later renamed as the Veterans Memorial Bridge in 1980 to honor the war veterans of both counties.
• The bridge is made of reinforced concrete and has 27 river piers and 22 approach piers. It is 6,657 feet long and 48 feet wide, with a two-lane roadway and a sidewalk for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The bridge is part of the Pennsylvania Route 462 and the BicyclePA Route S, which is a 435-mile-long bike route that crosses the state. It also connects to the Northwest River Trail and the Mason-Dixon Trail, which are popular recreational trails along the river.
• The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It is considered a splendid example of the graceful multiple-span, reinforced-concrete arched form popular in early 20th century highway bridges in the United States.
• The bridge is currently undergoing preliminary engineering and environmental studies for a planned project to rehabilitate and enhance the bridge, including adding a roundabout, a median feature, and under-bridge lighting.

The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge is a remarkable engineering achievement that has served the communities of Columbia and Wrightsville for over 90 years. It is worth a visit if you are in the area and want to appreciate its history and beauty.

Wrights Ferry Mansion

If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of colonial Pennsylvania, you might want to visit the Wright’s Ferry Mansion in Columbia, PA. This historic home was built in 1738 by Susanna Wright, an English Quaker poet and businesswoman who had a remarkable influence on the development of the region. She was friends with Benjamin Franklin, James Logan, and other prominent figures of the time, and she encouraged industry, especially the production of silk and linen. She also studied the local native American language and wrote poetry and letters that reveal her intellectual curiosity and literary taste.

The Wright’s Ferry Mansion is the only Pennsylvania English Quaker house that has been furnished exclusively to the first half of the 18th century. The von Hess Foundation has restored and furnished the house with meticulous care, using authentic furniture, ceramics, glass, metals, and textiles from the period. The house reflects the sophisticated and elegant style of Susanna Wright and her Philadelphia connections, as well as the rustic simplicity of her frontier surroundings.

The Wright’s Ferry Mansion is open from May to October, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10:00 to 3:00. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Reservations are required for groups. You can learn more about the house and its history by visiting https://lancastercountymuseums.org/wrights-ferry-mansion or calling (717) 684-4325.

National Watch and Clock Museum

If you are fascinated by timekeeping and timekeepers, you might want to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, PA. This museum is one of the few in the US that is dedicated to horology, the history, science and art of time. The museum has more than 13,000 watches and clocks from around the world, dating from ancient times to the present day. You can see how people have measured time in different cultures and eras, and marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation of clockmakers and watchmakers. The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, with different hours depending on the season. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children, and free for active-duty military personnel and their families. Whether you are a collector, a student, or just curious, you will find something to enjoy and learn at the National Watch and Clock Museum.

Indian Steps Museum

Interested in learning about the Native American history and culture of York County, Pennsylvania?, you might want to visit the Indian Steps Museum. This museum is not a typical museum, but a historic cabin that was built in 1912 by John Edward Vandersloot, a wealthy lawyer who collected thousands of prehistoric Indian artifacts . He embedded these artifacts in the walls, floors and ceilings of the cabin, creating a unique and fascinating display of the long history of Native American Indians .

The Indian Steps Museum is located along the Susquehanna River, offering a scenic view of the natural landscape. The museum also hosts cultural programs throughout the year, such as festivals, workshops, lectures and demonstrations . You can also rent the grounds and pavilion for your own events. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 4:00, and you can also book private group tours by appointment. If you are looking for a one of a kind destination that showcases the rich heritage of Native American Indians, you should definitely check out the Indian Steps Museum .

The Haines Shoe House

Looking for a unique place to visit in Pennsylvania, you might want to check out the Haines Shoe House. This is a house that is shaped like a giant shoe, and it has a fascinating history behind it.

The Haines Shoe House was built in 1948 by Mahlon Haines, a successful shoe salesman who wanted to advertise his business in a creative way. He hired an architect to design a house that looked like a work boot, and he used it as a guest house for his customers and employees. The house has five stories, with a living room in the toe, a kitchen in the heel, two bedrooms in the ankle, and an ice cream shop in the instep. There is also a stained glass window that depicts Haines as “the Shoe Wizard”.

The house is located on Shoe House Road, near the Lincoln Highway, and it is visible from US Route 30. It is open for public tours and rentals, and it also has a shoe-shaped doghouse on the property. The house is currently owned by Waylon and Naomi Brown, who plan to turn it into an Airbnb rental property.

The Haines Shoe House is a quirky and charming attraction that showcases the legacy of Mahlon Haines, who was known for his generosity and eccentricity. If you are interested in seeing this shoe-shaped wonder, you can visit their website at www.hainesshoehouse.com or call them at (717) 683-6328.

Chickies Rock Park

Chickies Rock Park in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This park is the county’s second largest regional park and has a name that comes from the Native American word “Chiquesalunga”, meaning “place of the crayfish”. The park has many trails that you can explore and see the remnants of the industrial past, such as iron furnaces, canal walls, and trolley lines. The highlight of the park is Chickies Rock, a huge quartzite rock that rises 100 feet above the Susquehanna River. From the top of the rock, you can admire the stunning views of York County, Marietta, and the farmlands of northwestern Lancaster County. Chickies Rock Park is a great destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and adventure.

Historic Wrightsville and Burning of the Bridge Diorama

If you are interested in learning about a pivotal moment in the Civil War, you should visit the Wrightsville Historic Diorama. This museum showcases a realistic and detailed model of the burning of the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge in June 1863. The bridge was set on fire by a local militia to prevent the Confederate army from crossing the Susquehanna River and advancing into Pennsylvania. The diorama also tells the story of the brave men who fought on both sides of the river, and how this event affected the course of the war. The diorama is located in a historic building that was once a post office, a barber shop and a stove store. It is open on Sundays from April to October, and you can also book a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. The Wrightsville Historic Diorama is a must-see attraction for history buffs and anyone who wants to appreciate the rich heritage of this town.

Wrightsville Lime Kilns

If you are interested in learning about the history of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, you might want to visit the Wrightsville Lime Kilns. These are large stone structures that were used to produce lime from limestone in the 19th century. Lime was a useful product for various purposes, such as fertilizer, building materials, or lime-washing buildings. The Wrightsville Lime Kilns were established by the Kerr family in 1848 and were known for their whiteness and purity. They stopped operating by 1909 and were donated to the Borough of Wrightsville in 2000. You can find them on North Front Street at Limekiln Alley, near a major restaurant. There is a historical information plaque that explains more about the kilns and their function. The kilns are a remnant of a very important nineteenth-century Wrightsville Industry and a rare example of industrial lime kilns in the country.