
June 15th is a special day for anyone who enjoys nature, photography and spending time outdoors. It's Nature Photography Day, a holiday dedicated to professionals and amateurs who appreciate the beauty of the natural world. If you're looking at Harrisburg homes for sale, there are some lovely places to stop and take nature photos nearby. Here are a few top suggestions.
- Wildwood Park and Olewine Nature Center: 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Wildwood Park and Olewine Nature Center is a 229-acre preserve with plenty of great photo ops. You can walk along the 6-mile trail or the boardwalk, spotting various birds, frogs, and even turtles along the way. The preserve also has a shallow lake, where you'll often see water birds resting.
Wildwood Park does allow dogs, and there are several picnic spots where you can stop to enjoy a packed lunch. There are also restrooms on-site, along with a children's library. You can pick up a field guide inside the Nature Center, open Tuesday - Sunday.
- Harrisburg City Island: Off Market Street Bridge, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Harrisburg City Island is a recreational park on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Inside the park, you'll find baseball diamonds, a miniature golf course, and even some batting cages. These can be great places to take photos of people enjoying themselves in nature.
If you'd rather photograph nature without people, there are opportunities for that in this 63-acre park, too. You could capture a panoramic view of the river or some close-up shots of the sandy beach. When you're done photographing, consider taking a ride on the steam train or a horse-drawn carriage.
- Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area: 401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17112
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area consists of more than 1,000 acres of beautiful land on the outskirts of Harrisburg. Parts of Blue Mountain are contained inside the conservation area. There are also fields filled with wildflowers, many of which attract birds and butterflies.
The conservation area does not allow motorized equipment, so the space remains quiet and natural. You could capture some amazing photos of the forest, fields, and mountain terrain here.
- Kohl Memorial Park: 1050 Dowhower Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111
Kohl Memorial Park is a small but lovely community park at the corner of Union Deposit and Dowhower roads. The park has several basketball and racketball courts, along with softball fields and tennis courts. There's also a playground for kids.
If you're visiting to do some nature photography, you'll want to walk the nature trail. It offers great views of trees and landscaping. There are water fountains along the way for hydration, which will come in handy on a warm summer day.
- Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is a great place to take photos of the Susquehanna River and Blue Mountains. There are some lovely wooden fences along portions of the river, which add to the scene. The land was once home to Hunter's Mill, a sawmill and grist mill that operated in the 1700s. Fort Hunter, active during the same time period, is also found on the property.
As you stroll through the park taking photos of nature, you'll also learn about history. You could take a tour of the mansion or visit the museum shop.
These are just five of the many areas where you can photograph the beautiful nature around Harrisburg. Contact us if you enjoy what you see and decide you want to move here. Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect place to call home.