ABOUT THE CENTENNIAL BARN:
The Centennial Barn is one of several historic buildings within Fort Hunter Park. The Centennial Barn was built in 1876. In modern times, this building housed John Reily’s budding dairy milk business. Constructed with Gothic Revival details in typical German bank barn form, the structure graciously housed the 19th-century Fort Hunter Dairy. Today the Centennial Barn is u
sed as a community meeting center which may be rented for weddings, meetings, and parties. OVERVIEW OF FORT HUNTER PARK:
Built on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park has served as a war fort, a hub for frontier commerce, and an exclusive private estate. Now preserved and open to the public, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park invite you to explore Pennsylvania's rich history. The Centennial Barn is open only on select dates throughout the year during festivals and special events held at Fort Hunter Park. FORT HUNTER PARK FACILITIES AND GUIDELINES:
Donated in 1980 by the Meigs family, the park includes ten historic buildings, two picnic pavilions, two sets of playground equipment, a non-motorized boat launch, and a recreation field. Seating overlooks the river and allows guests to enjoy the scenic view. The park offers a variety of programs and festivals throughout the year. The Mansion is open for guided tours from May - December. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Take a walk along the river, the old towpath of the Pennsylvania Canal, or around the park perimeter. Learn about the historic buildings and old estate with a self-guided Walking Tour (link to map) or take a professional tour of the Mansion. Open field areas encourage pickup games, while two play areas allow children to swing, slide down the sliding board and climb ladders. The natural areas along Fishing Creek, the Susquehanna River, and the old Pennsylvania Canal allow bird watching and the observation of nature. Put a canoe, kayak, or small motorized boat in the river from the fish access and enjoy the beautiful sites of the river close up and personally. Photographs in the park: Fort Hunter Park is a lovely spot for pictures. Guests are welcome to use the park as a backdrop for their engagement photos and family portraits. No fee or reservation is required, please be respectful of the park and other users. Restrooms are available on the river side of the park year-round. Food trucks are not permitted. In case of an emergency, please contact Dauphin County Security at (717) 780-6333.
