Quick Summary:

  • The small town of Harpers Ferry has a population of only a few hundred people, but it still packs a major punch of history and natural beauty.
  • The town is located at the confluence of two major rivers: the Shenandoah and the Potomac Rivers, which are also the state borders, meaning that right across those banks are the states of Maryland and Virginia.
  • Harpers Ferry is named for the 18th-century ferry, run by Robert Harper, which carried passengers and cargo across the river, and is part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
  • Today, Harpers Ferry is home to some historic buildings, monuments, landmarks, and a charming little downtown district, and it makes for a great day trip or weekend destination.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

2. Appalachian Trail Conservancy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Appalachian Trail Conservancy | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© avmedved/stock.adobe.com

3. The Point

Category: Activities
The Point | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Robert Herhold/stock.adobe.com

4. Jefferson Rock, Harpers Ferry

Jefferson Rock, Harpers Ferry | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

5. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Category: Activities
Appalachian National Scenic Trail | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© ablokhin/stock.adobe.com

6. John Brown's Fort

Category: Activities
John Brown's Fort | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Anthony/stock.adobe.com

7. Heyward Shepherd Monument

Category: Activities
Heyward Shepherd Monument | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Indiana Division - Sons of Confederate Veterans

8. Kelley Farm Kitchen

Category: Activities
Kelley Farm Kitchen | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Kelley Farm Kitchen

9. John Brown Wax Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
John Brown Wax Museum | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© John Brown Wax Museum

10. Harpers Ferry Station

Harpers Ferry Station | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© World Travel Photos/stock.adobe.com

11. Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum & Joy Line Railroad

Category: Kids & Family
Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum & Joy Line Railroad | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum

12. Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail

Category: Activities
Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© Kristina Blokhin/stock.adobe.com

13. True Treats Historic Candy

Category: Kids & Family
True Treats Historic Candy | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© True Treats Historic Candy

14. The Rabbit Hole

The Rabbit Hole | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© The Rabbit Hole

15. The Barn of Harpers Ferry

Category: Food & Drink
The Barn of Harpers Ferry | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
© The Barn of Harpers Ferry

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