There might be just a couple hundred people living in the town of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, but the amount of history and tales it holds is immense.
The presence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers makes the town an immaculately gorgeous sight to behold.
Did you know that Harpers Ferry happened to play an essential role in the American Civil War as well?
On top of all these, there’s much to do and explore in this charming town.
Interested in finding out what it has in store for you?
Check out this list of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia:
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is something that people come to see from far and wide.
It has been declared one of the prettiest parks in the USA.
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The most interesting thing about the attraction is that Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is not a part of Harpers Ferry; rather, the city is just one part of the park.
It comprises places from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia as well.
You can catch the Appalachian Trail right in the middle of the park.
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Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts worship the Appalachian Trail.
The job of protecting the beloved Appalachian Trail is given to the one and only Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
There are more than 2,000 miles to protect on this trail that runs from Maine to Georgia.
Harpers Ferry also happens to be the location of the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
The middle point of the trail is also located here.
It is an aesthetic point for all sorts of adventure enthusiasts.
Do snap a few pictures of the headquarters.
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The beauty of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is truly indescribable and is something you need to see with your known two eyes.
For adrenaline junkies, hiking along this trail is considered an achievement.
This is the only trail in the world that allows only hiking and no other activities.
The officials are quite proud of this trail, and for a good reason; there are very few paths as incredible as this one.
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Did you know that this path runs through 14 states of the USA?
Take part in this hike and be a part of the American legacy.
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This city serves as the middle point in this long hiking trail.
It might not be possible for all to embark on a hiking journey covering the entire trail, but you can go on a short hike from the midpoint if you are in Harpers Ferry.
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When you walk along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, you will spot a lot of beautiful sights.
Jefferson Rock is one of them.
It also happens to be one of the most Instagrammed spots on the Appalachian Trail.
It is a rock formation with quite a unique shape.
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There are four pillars of stone above which a wide piece of shale rock has been placed.
It’s named after Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders of the USA.
It is said that the man even stood here while he talked about how beautiful Virginia is.
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The Point is more than just a lookout point with good views.
It’s one of the most talked-about places in Harpers Ferry.
This is where the mighty Potomac River meets the beautiful Shenandoah River.
When you look beyond, you can see Maryland and Virginia on the other side of the horizon.
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The presence of the Blue Ridge Mountains also adds to its beauty.
No matter which season you go, the Point is always one of the most spectacular places to see in Harpers Ferry.
Photographers from all over the world come to capture and appreciate its beauty.
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The Civil War destroyed many beautiful structures and works of architecture, including a lot of churches.
Very few were able to hold their dignity and still stand strong.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is one of those places.
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It served as a hospital that treated the injured, diseased, and dying during the Civil War.
It went through heavy damages caused by the war, but since it was such a historical place, it was renovated and rebuilt.
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John Brown’s Fort was constructed in 1848.
At that time, Harpers Ferry was not yet part of West Virginia.
Everything was under the rule of the government of Virginia.
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The Harpers Ferry Armory kept a fire engine in here.
The beautiful fort was almost like a guardhouse to the government.
John Brown’s Fort happens to be one of the key factors in the infamous John Brown raid of 1859.
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In the raid, the protestors got control of the fort and took over 60 hostages.
The initial plan was to take all the weapons too, but it failed when the Marines showed up and took the fort back.
Learn all about the fort’s historical importance when you see the fort in real life.
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During the horrific John Brown raid of 1859, a man named Heyward Shepherd was the first of many who suffered and lost their lives.
The fact that a black man got a monument dedicated to his memory also raised a lot of conflicts.
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Overall, the Heyward Shepherd monument is one of the most interesting places in Harpers Ferry.
It is also a memorial to show how terrible the Civil War was for everyone.
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Antietam National Battlefield tells the story of a horrible past.
Its relevance dates back to the Civil War, as it was where one of the major battles was fought.
It also saw the highest amount of blood among any battlefields.
General Robert E. Lee attacked with his full force.
A lot of people lost their lives in just a single day.
This battle marked the beginning of the Civil War in the northern parts.
Before this, there were no battles as severe as this one in these parts.
Go over, pay your respects to the lost souls, and learn more about how the massacre happened.
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The John Brown Wax Museum attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year.
This is one of the most fascinating modern locations in town.
Would you like to know more about the John Brown raid in detail?
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At the John Brown Wax Museum, the authorities have taken it as a responsibility to pass down this horrific story via statues, presentations, and animation.
Go to the John Brown Wax Museum to learn more about how the raid occurred, what happened before it, and what followed.
There are even structures of the main characters.
Harpers Ferry has a lot of spooky spots, but Hilltop House Hotel happens to be one of the most popular ones.
The hotel stopped functioning several years back.
Constructed in 1888, it is one of the oldest properties in town and has seen a lot of ups and downs.
Having faced two fires in its lifetime, it also went through a lot of rebuilding and renovations.
There are a lot of creepy tales about this haunted place—and you can experience its spookiness for yourself.
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When there were no railroads to connect to the town of Harpers Ferry, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal were considered the place’s salvation.
It was believed that this canal would solve the problem of connectivity.
But soon, the railways came, and the canal lost its significance.
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It no longer operates, but you can still see the exact structure while hiking the Appalachian Trail.
You can even see the lockmaster’s house, but it is not open to the public.
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Haven’t bought any souvenirs for your friends or family nack home?
Looking for an excellent place to grab some brunch?
Downtown Harpers Ferry is the best place to go.
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It’s filled with countless shops and drool-worthy eateries.
Located at the meeting point of the gorgeous Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry is quite a beautiful place, and taking a stroll around downtown will make you feel the beauty even more.
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Explore the City with “O’ Be JoyFull” Historical Tours & Entertainment
One of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry is offered by this tour operator, which has been in business since 1970.
In Harpers Ferry, O’ Be JoyFull provides a handful of thrilling excursions.
This award-winning tour company’s knowledgeable guides will provide you with a unique city viewpoint.
Seeking some unnerving sights?
Look no further.
Why not enjoy the two-hour Lower Town ghost tour?
You may also take their instructive Historical Walking Tour for a more traditional experience.
River Riders, founded in the 1970s, is the place to go if you’re looking for a rush.
If you’re tired of doing historical tours all day, why not try something new?
Visit River Riders while you’re in town.
River Riders offers a wide range of thrills and spills, from rapids to ziplines.
Enjoy kayaking and whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah or Potomac rivers.
Zip lines and mountain bike experiences are available for those who prefer not to get wet.
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Since its construction in 1833, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry has been regarded as one of the most magnificent churches.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, isn’t complete without this ancient chapel listing great things to do in the area.
Additionally, it’s an Instagram-worthy architectural marvel that also rewards visitors.
The Shenandoah River canyon and the Potomac River’s confluence are seen from the church’s vantage point high above the town.
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After being destroyed during the Civil War, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry has been rebuilt many times throughout the years in various styles.
You are welcome to join its Sunday morning service.
You may also go at any time of the week to take in the stunning vistas and enjoy the old-fashioned construction.
Based on actual research, True Treats Historic Candy at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is the only historical candy business in the country.
The store’s proprietors are always searching for the most genuine candy options available to ensure consumers leave a positive impression of their establishment.
True Treats Historic Candy’s candy selections are made by candy connoisseurs or by going straight to the original suppliers.
There is a chronological layout of the candy store, complete with historical labeling.
The knowledgeable merchants are also an excellent resource for customers.
Try gummy sweets, Napoleon Sours, and licorice pipes from the turn of the century to taste the past.
Aside from these, the shop sells ancient treats, including Native American fruits and mastic resin.
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In the 1850s, the White Hall Tavern served as a hub for locals to meet and socialize.
Historical attractions like this one help visitors learn about the area’s history.
An excursion to the White Hall Tavern offers a fascinating peek into the neighborhood’s history.
Aside from that, it has a lot of lovely details.
Learn about its fascinating past from the tavern displays and expert interpreters eager to share their stories.
Want to check out a place where you can taste different wine samples for free?
The Bloomery Plantation Distillery is not exactly in Harpers Ferry, but if you have some free time on your hands, do make your way to the adjacent Charles Town.
It is just 15 minutes away and is home to the beautiful distillery.
The building where the distillery was built is rich in history.
It is said that this building happened to be the house of several enslaved people back in the 1840s.
Did you know that when alcohol was banned in the States, this was one of the places where the slaves illegally prepared moonshine?
Taste some spirits and hear interesting stories at the Bloomery Plantation Distillery.
If you’re a history buff or an adrenaline addict, you’ll love Harpers Ferry.
Experience this quaint town brimming with exciting activities, from historical tours to river rafting to picturesque hiking routes.
Discover the world.
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