Harpers Ferry is a lovely town in Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States. It’s right in the center of Rivers Shenandoah and Potomac, which forms the state’s boundaries with Virginia and Maryland as its neighbors.

The town had 334 inhabitants as of 2020. Harpers Ferry is renowned for its lavishly stocked history and attractions.

Its name was derived from Robert Harper’s ferry, which he used in the 18th century. The ferry can be found in the National Historic Park, named after Harpers Ferry.

Harpers Ferry has now become a home for landmarks, historic houses, and Monuments, which are incredible sights to behold. Ensure to enquire about their opening hours ahead of time or make reservations before visiting.

Are you planning an exploration of Harpers Ferry? Here are the top things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV

1. The Point

The Point is situated at the slope of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Tourists visualize Virginia and Maryland through these waters of historical significance while standing on the Point.

Its beauty blossoms and is appreciated all year round. It is a beautiful opportunity for some incredible scenic snapshots to upload on social media or for professional purposes using a high-grade camera.

The best part is, you can easily locate it!

Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

2. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

This Trail is one of the lengthiest and most popular hiking trails in the U.S.A. The Trail is the only one in the world that is reserved solely for hiking. Visiting this Trail is one of the top things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is more than 2000 miles long. It spans from Maine to Georgia while traversing 14 states. Harpers Ferry is at the Trail’s center -hikers celebrate it as a landmark.

For a complete hiking experience, one would have to spend more than a month navigating the process. But the beautiful thing about the journey is that you have a good time alongside the magnificent splendors of the area.

Address: 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

3. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is famous for being among the most beautiful parks in the United States. Tourists from different parts of the world come to appreciate its beauty.

It is the section of the Western part of Virginia that incorporates all of the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Park is made of lands from Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.

This implies that Harpers Ferry town is a segment of the Park. Harpers Ferry was first formed in 1944 as a National Park. Still, before that moment, it maintained its famous title as one of the prettiest destinations in the U.S.

There are many hiking trails in the Park, covering more than 20 miles, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs directly across the Park.

Through these trails, you will be launched into the charming views or the historical attractions of Civil War combats. If you are a lover of beautiful things and places, you should add a visit to the Park to your list of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Address: 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

4. Jefferson Rock

You will easily find Jefferson Rock alongside the popular Appalachian Trail. It is a uniquely formed rock, comprising a lengthy, vast portion of shale rock directly on four rock pillars strategically positioned to substitute the innovative rock creation which was battered.

It was named after Thomas Jefferson, one of the pioneers of America who had penned a beautiful remark about the rock in his write-ups on Virginia after visiting and standing on the rock in 1783.

Another splendid thing about Jefferson rock is that you can see the beauty of the Shenandoah River, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and other regions around it when you hike up the rock. Exploring this attraction is one of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Address: Harpers Ferry, WV, United States

5. Ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church

John’s Episcopal Church is another church of historical significance.

The Church, which served as both barracks and hospital while the war was ongoing, witnessed a lot of damage at the time.

It was renovated when the war ended but was left alone after the townspeople constructed another church – the division of the St John’s Episcopal Church in the town today.

Though the old Church now lies dilapidated, visitors are granted access to it and the new one.

Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

6. Kelley Farm Kitchen

This beautiful place was opened towards the end of 2018 and has since been blessed by Harpers Ferry with its brand new and exhilarating vegan venue. Kelly Farm Kitchen is one of the best places to visit in Harpers Ferry, WV.

You can easily find it in Bolivar, some miles away from Harpers Ferry. You should check it out, regardless of if you are a vegan or a vegetarian.

It has a small dining room which can take only a small number of visitors per time, but if you manage to get inside, you will have the time of your life!

Unlike so many other places, in Kelley Farm Kitchen, you will have access to breakfast at every time of the day, including wraps and many other entrees. Their vegan dishes are outstanding in that they look just like the actual dishes; most times, guests can’t differentiate them.

Address: 1112 Washington St, Bolivar, WV 25425, United States

7. True Treats Historic Candy

True Treats Historic Candy is the only store that sells historical candies in the nation. It has candies from the oldest to the ones available in the mid-1900. Exploring this Candy store is one of the fun things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV.

They offer fascinating candy sections that would give customers a memorable experience.

Candy connoisseurs usually choose candies either from novel sources or from reliable treats.

True Treats Historical candy shop is arranged chronologically, so their tags display the histories. The workers in the shops are also very informed about the candies; they are willing and ready to impact the customers with more knowledge of them.

Candies sold here include Native American fruits, Napoleon Sours, mastic resin, etc.

Address: 144 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

8. Lockwood House

This is among the biggest residential areas in the whole of Harpers Ferry. It served as a venue for different events during the Civil War.

In 1848, it was constructed to serve as the Armory Paymaster’s home. It was built with substantial brick and stones and had a two-story extravagant porch.

In 1862, it served as a hospital and also headquarters.

Architects and conservationists discovered the Civil War period graffiti on the Lockwood House‘s plastered wall. The graffiti made the House peculiar because it has been intact for a long time.

Address: 359 Fillmore St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

9. St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church

This building, constructed in 1833, is among the finest churches in Harpers Ferry mainly because of its location.

It is way above the city and prides itself in the magnificent sweeping sight of its neighboring regions, Shenandoah’s valley, and where it meets with the Potomac River.

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The Church has, over the years, refurbished its architectural pattern. It’s also the only Catholic Church throughout Harpers Ferry that lived through the Civil War.

The Church is open to tourists. Beyond the church service on Sundays, visitors are equally permitted to tour the premises at other hours and take in the amazing features.

110 Church St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

10. John Brown Wax Museum

This peculiar Museum outlines John Brown‘s detestation for slavery and hints at the story behind his cruel acts.

Some episodes from the events of the raid led by Brown on the Harpers Ferry city are also outlined in it, with its current situation on a Park that has been termed Historical Park of the Nation since 1963.

Guests can explore this Museum to witness the story of John Brown. Many dramas are visualized as visitors tour the various aspects of this little space.

Address: 168 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

11. Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

This Conservancy was built to preserve the beauty and splendor of the Appalachian Trail so that tourists will have a good time on them.

It was instituted in 1925 and had, with the help of various devoted workers and helpers, managed to consistently take care of the 2,190 miles of trails spanning from Maine to Georgia.

Harpers Ferry houses their headquarters, which is also the center of the whole Trail, on the approximate; because of this, most hikers enjoy taking their snapshots anterior to the Tourists’ Center.

Hikers ascribe the headquarter as a landmark in their journey.

Address: 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

12. John Brown’s Fort

This Fort was a section of Virginia State before it was constructed in 1848. It was a home for guards and a fire engine for the Armory of Harpers Ferry. Exploring this Fort is one of the top things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV.

The Fort was named after the 1859 John Brown raid. Brown, alongside his abolitionist groups, had forcefully taken over the Armory and took 60 persons captive.

They had intended to colonize the weapons safely kept away in the Armory and share them among themselves.

The timely intervention by a sect of marines, including Robert E. Lee, aborted their mission.

Even though their plan wasn’t fruitful, the Fort was turned into a tourist spot and, later in the 1800s, a monument for the Black Americans.

In 1893, the structure was taken down and moved to Chicago. However, in 1895, it was taken back to Harpers Ferry.

Address: Shenandoah St & Potomac St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

13. The Rabbit Hole

This awesome place, incepted precisely in April 2019 in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a home for tourism, hiking, a sanctuary for its local occupants, and a higher dining practice than the town regularly offers.

Don’t hesitate to try out their Shank basket, overloaded pork fries, house hummus, wing basket, and pulled pork nachos, which are fixated on the consumer’s health.

Salads, Louisiana-Style oyster Po Boy, Appalachian Barbecue, desserts, chicken tenders, buttered pappardelle pasta, numerous revolving specials, and build-your-own-burgers are also available on the menu.

There are numerous food options to suit every individual, and the workers pay particular attention to ensuring that everyone who comes here is attended to properly.

It also has an attractive outdoor space with amazing sights and the biggest craft beer collection in the entire zone.

If you are wondering what to do in Harpers Ferry, WV, for a swell time, ensure to visit this excellent destination.

Address: 186 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, 304-535-8818.

14. Heyward Shepherd Monument

This Monument is that of Heyward Shepherd, a black man who wasn’t enslaved. He was also the first to be slain during the 1859 raid led by John Brown.

Its construction in 1931 faced many controversies by groups who depicted some blacks as unruly or against slavery.

Although, no evidence proved that Heyward Shepherd was an enslaved person or opposed to the abolitionist raid led by John Brown.

His tombstone, which looked like a shrine, was erected as a direct refutation of the image of John Brown’s Fort for the African Americans.

The tombstone currently serves as proof of the contrasting stories told by the whites of the Southern part of the nation and the black Americans about the Civil War.

Address: 801 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

15. Harpers Ferry Station

Also located in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is this notable train station. While touring the station, you will acquire important information on how the community’s origin. Harpers Ferry Station is one of the best places to visit in Harpers Ferry, WV.

An Amtrak Station is currently situated next to this significant wooden depot, which was designed in 1894 by E. Francis Baldwin.

Currently, it primarily opens for MARC commuter passengers; nevertheless, the waiting zone is open and can be explored daily.

There is also a display ballroom in the depot, located in the area previously used as a Women’s waiting zone.

Address: Potomac St & Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

West Virginia holds some cool attractions and activities, check out our guides on things to do in Lewisburg as well as things to do in Martinsburg for a memorable time here.

16. Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum & Joy Line Railroad

Here is a perfect hang-out spot for you and your kids, and as such, a visit to this destination should be added to your list of fun things to do in Harpers Ferry, WV. It is stocked with a pool of historical electric trains and toys from before 1938.

There is also a Joy Line Railroad, an out-of-doors small train where you can enjoy a ride alone or with your little ones.

You can enjoy a fun, packed train ride through the valleys for just a few dollars.

Also, the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum houses various features like lanterns, signs, and many other trains and railroad memorabilia from the altitude of the railroad company.

Address: 937 Bakerton Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

17. White Hall Tavern

You will find White hall Tavern just across the United States armory.

Its people used to assemble there in the 1850s to discuss local events, protest armory wages, layoffs, management, and politics.

Since the people abused the Tavern’s closeness and took to a habit of drinking before and while at work, the Armory officials were forced to label it a threat to armory production.

 The government subsequently bought the property and took out its anterior. After a while, they broadened the street surrounding the Armory with the desired protective shield.

A visit to this place will not only endear you with the unique history of the Tavern, but you will also get to acclimatize yourself with a bit of the history of the neighborhood. You will also have an opportunity to embrace the history in detail from the tavern exhibitions and professional translators if you so desire.

Address: 39 Potomac St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

18. Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail

This farm can be toured after a 1-3 miles round trip train in Harpers Ferry in the Western part of Virginia. The tour ranges from moderate to difficult.

There are also side trails on the train for those who want to hike. Visitors spend a minimum of 30 minutes on the loop train and a maximum of 2 hours, on average.

While traveling through the fields and wooded ravines, you can enjoy numerous magnificent sights.

You could go through the parking lot to visualize the Shenandoah River overlook within a 0.75-mile walk.

Clean water is available for drinking at the guest’s center. The fountains outdoors are put off during the winter to avoid them being damaged by freezing.

There are also restrooms in the guest center, all to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Address: 123 Murphy Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

19. The Gilded Flea

This destination is not a regular historic shop. It houses handmade vintage materials, creations, and other old items that different people might want to buy, all made by hand.

Everyone who visits Gilded Flea will surely see what interests them at a very cheap cost.

Most shoppers are interested in handmade rugs, furniture, electric decorations, fixtures, and many other items from the 1800s to the 1980s in different parts of the world.

You will also see different types of peculiar vintage instruments, handmade furniture created from domestic woods by native artists, repurposed furniture components, unique but durable and maintainable artworks you could use for your houses, and so many others.

You could also explore the vintage vinyl records. You are allowed to play any of them before purchasing them.

Opening hours are 11 am to 4 pm from Fridays to Sundays, 11an to 5 pm on Saturdays, and Mondays to Thursdays by appointment.

Address: 970 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

20. The Haunted Hill Top House Hotel

This is one of the best sights in town. In each of the sixty-five guest rooms available, you could fully appreciate the beauty of 3 states, two rivers, and a few stunning mountains.

It was constructed in 1888 and has received vital visitors like Mark Twain, President Woodrow, and Alexander Graham.

There have been reports of ghostly occurrences. A typical example of such an incident is one that took place close to the reception of the hotel when some female putting on a dress strolled into the dining zone, and when a staff came through to find out if she needed anything, she was nowhere to be found.

Like every other ancient building in the city, it has faced many challenges: two fire outbreaks and many reconstructions and repairs.

 Even though it hasn’t been in use for many years now, it is still among the famous attractions in Harpers Ferry.

Lots of scary stories are in circulation about this hotel. You could check it out and have a personal encounter!

Address: Harpers Ferry, WV, United States.

21. The Anvil Restaurant

Since 1985, the Anvil Restaurant has consistently served classy dishes and unique seafood to the native communities in Harpers Ferry.

No matter the section of Harpers Ferry you wish to explore, you shouldn’t leave the town without checking this seafood out. There are samples made available for you to give a trial.

There is also live music from 6 pm to 8 pm every Friday. You could pick the ticket for the Megamillions, Powerball, Hot Lotto, or Keno and have fun enjoying their music.

The Slot Room proposes 4 West Virginia Machines for video lotteries. You could join, and who knows? You might be the winner.

From 4 pm to 6 pm every day, you get a happy hour and, in addition to, Powerball and Keno at both bars.

Suppose you’re interested in organizing cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, and other occasions at Anvil Restaurant. In that case, the patio and garden have a large expanse just for these purposes.

Address: 1290 W Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

22. Antietam National Battlefield

This location is one of those few places where you get to know the town’s history.

 One of the main combats during the Civil War took place here. In addition, this was where the full-force attack from General Robert E. Lee happened, amounting to the biggest amount of bloodshed.

During the attack, numerous lives were lost, and the single incident caused the Civil War to extend to the Northern parts of the country.

Are you looking for what to do in Harpers Ferry, WV, for an intriguing experience? Then visit this place to get more information on how these lives were lost and pay your respect to them.

Address: 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, United States

23. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, also referred to as “the Grand Old Ditch” or C&O, was in active use from 1831 to 1924. It is located alongside River Potomac, the space leading from Washington D.C. to Maryland.

This destination served as a place of redemption when the inhabitants couldn’t find a link to lead them to Harpers Ferry city.

The Canal was the solution to the connectivity issue, but after the railways were established, it lost its glory.

Though it’s no longer in use, the exact anatomy can still be appreciated during hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Even the lockmaster’s House can be sighted, though the public can’t access it.

Address: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Harpers Ferry, MD 25425, United States

24. The Barn of Harpers Ferry

You could use this place as a venue for your event or as a bar you visit to have some fun over a couple of beers.

The Barn of Harpers Ferry is located in a serene site in the historical region of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

It is famous for its live musical performances by artists that are natives of different parts of the United States. The Barn also features an open and attractive environment, craft beer, a full bar, and amiable bar attendants.

It has a spacious apartment on the top floor, indoor bathrooms, and a venue for occasions like birthday parties, fundraisers, festivals, dances, weddings, and talks.

If you are interested in these occasions, you could locate their page on Facebook for the event calendar. Visit the center and check out what they’ve got!

Address: 1062 W Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, 855-935-2276.

Planning to explore West Virginia? Get the best of attractions and activities in Elkins, Beckley, and Morgantown for a fun vacation.

Plan Your Trip to Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry, WV, is a great vacation destination, especially for history enthusiasts. Although there are other attractions visitors will find fascinating.

Don’t forget to refer to this list when you visit the town. A memorable vacation awaits you!

The post 24 Best & Fun Things to Do in Harpers Ferry (WV) appeared first on The Tourist Checklist.