Looking for cheap Flights to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA (MDT) airport?

Harrisburg, accessible via cheap flights to MDT airport (Harrisburg International Airport), is the capital city of Pennsylvania, uniquely situated on the scenic Susquehanna River and renowned for its pivotal role in Civil War history and its impressive State Capitol Building, offering a compelling blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and family-friendly attractions, making it an essential and accessible travel destination. The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is the undisputed unique landmark, a stunning architectural masterpiece often called a "Palace of Art." Its magnificent dome (inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome), grand staircase, and intricate artwork make it one of the most beautiful state capitols in the nation, offering free tours and a profound sense of civic pride and history.

Harrisburg is the closest major city to Gettysburg National Military Park (a short drive southwest), the site of the pivotal Civil War battle and Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. This allows for an essential and deeply moving day trip to one of America's most significant historical sites. The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg offers a comprehensive look at the Civil War from both Union and Confederate perspectives. The State Museum of Pennsylvania explores the natural and cultural history of the Commonwealth, from prehistoric times to the present. The Harrisburg Riverfront Park offers beautiful views of the Susquehanna River and City Island, which features a minor league baseball stadium. For a unique experience, the Pride of the Susquehanna Paddlewheel Riverboat offers scenic cruises. Savor classic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, hearty American comfort food, and diverse culinary options. Harrisburg’s unique blend of its magnificent State Capitol, its proximity to the iconic Gettysburg battlefield, and its rich Civil War history make it an essential and truly distinct destination for anyone seeking to explore a pivotal chapter of American history and experience the charm of Pennsylvania's capital.

Why Visit Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg captivates with its stunning State Capitol Complex, proximity to Gettysburg, and rich Civil War history at the National Civil War Museum. Enjoy Susquehanna River cruises or Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Perfect for history buffs, families, and cultural explorers seeking a vibrant capital experience.

Quick Facts & Highlights

• Nickname: Capital City
• Airport: Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
• Key Attractions: Pennsylvania State Capitol, National Civil War Museum, Gettysburg National Military Park
• Population: Approximately 50,000
• Major Event: Pennsylvania Farm Show (annual)

Geographic Location & Climate

In Central Pennsylvania’s Dauphin County along the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg has a humid continental climate with warm summers (average high 85°F) and cold winters (average low 23°F). Spring and fall are ideal for riverfront walks and Capitol tours.

Vital Statistics & Demographics In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Total Population

Harrisburg’s population is approximately 50,000 (2025 estimate).

Age Distribution

Median age ~35 years, with diverse families and young professionals.

Ethnic & Racial Composition

• White: 55%
• Black or African American: 30%
• Hispanic or Latino: 10%
• Asian: 3%
• Other: 2%

Gender Breakdown

Approximately 48% male, 52% female.

Household Types & Sizes

Average household size 2.5, with families and singles.

Population Growth Trends

Stable, with growth from government and tourism sectors.

Economy & Living Standards In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Major Industries & Employers

• Pennsylvania State Government: 500 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120
• Hershey Medical Center: 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
• Harrisburg School District: 1601 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17103
• PHEAA: 1200 N 7th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Employment Rate & Job Market

Unemployment ~4.0%, with jobs in government, healthcare, and education.

Median Income & Cost of Living

Median household income $45,000; cost of living near national average.

Poverty Rate & Economic Challenges

Poverty rate 25%, tied to urban challenges.

Business Environment & Investment Opportunities

Growing in government services, tourism, and tech.

Health & Wellness In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

General Health Overview

Robust healthcare via UPMC and Hershey Medical Center, with urban wellness focus.

Common Health Issues

Urban health disparities, seasonal allergies.

Fitness Centers & Wellness Studios

• Planet Fitness: 6010 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17111
• Gold’s Gym: 5103 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
• Harrisburg Yoga Collective: 701 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Mental Health Resources

• UPMC Behavioral Health: 2501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
• Dauphin County MH Services: 1100 S Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17104

Public Health Initiatives

Riverfront fitness programs and health fairs.

Hospitals & Clinics In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Major Hospitals & Emergency Services

• UPMC Harrisburg: 111 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
• Hershey Medical Center: 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

• UPMC Urgent Care: 409 S 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
• Patient First: 5125 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112

Specialty Medical Centers

• Penn State Cancer Institute: 400 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
• UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute: 2808 Old Post Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Telehealth & Remote Care Options

UPMC and Hershey Medical offer telehealth services.

Veterinary Services & Pet Care In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Animal Hospitals & Emergency Vets

• Animal Hospital of Dauphin County: 241 S Hershey Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112
• Shores Veterinary Emergency Center: 835 Sir Thomas Ct, Harrisburg, PA 17109

Pet Clinics & Routine Care

• Harrisburg Veterinary Clinic: 4010 Londonderry Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109

Grooming & Boarding Facilities

• Paws & Claws Grooming: 4920 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
• Harrisburg Kennels: 2425 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

• Riverfront Park: 200 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
• Wildwood Park: 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Local Government & Public Services In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

City Hall and Administrative Offices

• Harrisburg City Hall: 10 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

County Government Services

• Dauphin County Courthouse: 101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Public Records and Licensing

• Dauphin County Recorder: 101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Planning and Zoning Departments

• Harrisburg Planning Dept: 10 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Tax and Revenue Offices

• Dauphin County Treasurer: 101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

• Harrisburg Police Dept: 123 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
• Harrisburg Fire Dept: 123 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Courts and Legal Aid

• Dauphin County Courthouse: 101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
• MidPenn Legal Services: 213 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Public Works and Utilities

• Harrisburg Public Works: 123 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

• Dauphin County Voter Services: 1251 S 28th St, Harrisburg, PA 17111
• U.S. Senators: Bob Casey (D), John Fetterman (D)
• U.S. House Representative: Scott Perry (R), District 10

Education & Libraries In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Public School Districts

• Harrisburg School District:
  • Ben Franklin School: 1205 N 6th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102
  • Downey School: 1313 Monroe St, Harrisburg, PA 17103
  • Foose School: 1301 Sycamore St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
  • Marshall Math Science Academy: 301 Hale Ave, Harrisburg, PA 17104
  • Harrisburg High School - SciTech Campus: 215 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
  • Harrisburg High School - John Harris Campus: 2451 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Charter and Private Schools

• Cathedral School: 212 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
• Harrisburg Academy: 10 Erford Rd, Wormleysburg, PA 17043

Colleges and Universities

• Harrisburg Area Community College: 1 HACC Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110 - Main Majors: Nursing, Business, Criminal Justice, Education
• Harrisburg University: 326 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 - Main Majors: Data Science, Cybersecurity, Business, Biotechnology

Public Libraries and Learning Centers

• Dauphin County Library System: 101 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Prominent Public and Private Personalities In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg has produced influential figures in politics, sports, and culture.

• Gene Harris (Athlete): Olympic basketball player, born in Harrisburg
• Tom Corbett (Politician): Former Pennsylvania Governor, worked in Harrisburg
• Ed Rendell (Politician): Former Pennsylvania Governor, worked in Harrisburg
• Milton Hershey (Entrepreneur): Founder of Hershey’s Chocolate, nearby Hershey
• Ricky Watters (Athlete): NFL running back, born in Harrisburg

Flights & Travel Logistics In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Cheap Flights to Harrisburg

Book cheap flights to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA (MDT) and save up to $150 with early booking.

Best Time to Book

Book 2 months ahead for Pennsylvania Farm Show or fall foliage.

Airlines That Serve Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Allegiant Air

Nearby Airports and Alternatives

• Baltimore-Washington (BWI): 80 miles south
• Philadelphia International (PHL): 100 miles east

Transportation After Arrival

Rentals, taxis, and shuttles at MDT; CAT buses locally.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Book Capitol tours early; pack for variable weather.

Where to Stay In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• Quality Inn: 525 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
• Red Roof Inn: 950 Eisenhower Blvd, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Boutique Hotels and Inns

• Hilton Harrisburg: 1 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Luxury Resorts and Spas

• Crowne Plaza Harrisburg: 23 S 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Family-Friendly Lodging

• Hampton Inn Harrisburg-East: 4230 Union Deposit Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Vacation Rentals and Extended Stays

• Residence Inn Harrisburg: 450 Friendship Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Getting Around In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Public Transportation Overview

Capital Area Transit (CAT) buses serve the city.

Car Rentals and Ride Shares

• Enterprise: 255 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
• Uber/Lyft available

Walkability and Bike-Friendly Areas

Downtown and Riverfront Park walkable; Capital Area Greenbelt bike-friendly.

Parking Tips and Local Driving Rules

Paid downtown parking; watch for one-way streets.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

National Parks and Scenic Areas

• Gettysburg National Military Park: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails

• Capital Area Greenbelt: 2020 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102
• Wildwood Park: 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Wildlife Viewing

Birds and deer along Susquehanna River.

Lakes, Rivers, and Water Activities

• Susquehanna River: Access at Riverfront Park, Harrisburg, PA 17104

Camping and RV Parks

• Harrisburg East Campground: 1134 Highspire Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking in summer; ice skating in winter.

History & Heritage In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Founding and Historical Background

Founded in 1719, named for John Harris; became state capital in 1812.

Major Disasters and Events

1972 Hurricane Agnes flood caused $2B damage; 1863 Battle of Gettysburg nearby; Farm Show since 1917. Recovery: Federal FEMA aid ($500M), state funds ($200M), local efforts rebuilt 90% of areas by 1975.

Historical Landmarks

• Pennsylvania State Capitol: 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120
• John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion: 219 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104

Museums and Cultural Centers

• National Civil War Museum: 1 Lincoln Cir, Harrisburg, PA 17103
• State Museum of Pennsylvania: 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120

Local Folklore and Legends

Tales of Civil War soldiers and river ghosts.

Indigenous and Pioneer History

Susquehannock tribes; English and German settlers.

Arts & Culture In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Performing Arts Venues

• Whitaker Center: 222 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
• Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra: 800 Corporate Cir, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Art Galleries and Exhibitions

• Susquehanna Art Museum: 1401 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Local Artists and Artisans

Civil War-inspired art and Pennsylvania Dutch crafts.

Cultural Festivals and Events

• Pennsylvania Farm Show: 2300 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Music Scene and Live Performances

Concerts at Whitaker Center and riverfront events.

Food & Drink In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Top Restaurants by Cuisine

• The Millworks (American): 340 Verbeke St, Harrisburg, PA 17102
• Home 231 (American): 231 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Farm-to-Table and Local Ingredients

Pennsylvania Dutch dishes and local produce.

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

• Zeroday Brewing Co.: 250 Reily St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Street Food and Casual Dining

• Broad Street Market: 1233 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dietary Options

Available at The Millworks and Broad Street Market.

Shopping & Leisure In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

• Midtown Scholar Bookstore: 1302 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Malls and Shopping Districts

• Colonial Park Mall: 4600 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109
• Strawberry Square: 320 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Antique Stores and Markets

• Midtown Antique Mall: 1421 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Souvenirs and Specialty Goods

Civil War memorabilia and Capitol-themed items.

Events & Entertainment In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Annual Festivals and Parades

• Pennsylvania Farm Show: 2300 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
• Harrisburg Artsfest: 200 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104

Farmers Markets and Local Gatherings

• Broad Street Market: 1233 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102

Sports Events and Recreational Leagues

Harrisburg Senators baseball at FNB Field.

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Fun

Winter ice skating and summer riverfront festivals.

Nearby Destinations In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Popular Day Trips

• Hersheypark: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033 (15 miles east)

Hidden Gems in the Region

• Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: 5300 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Scenic Drives and Routes

Susquehanna River Scenic Byway.

Regional Attractions Worth Visiting

• Lancaster Amish Country: 2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602 (40 miles southeast)

Audience-Specific Guides In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Family Travel Tips

State Museum and City Island baseball.

Solo Traveler Highlights

National Civil War Museum and Capitol tours.

Romantic Getaways

Dine at The Millworks, stay at Hilton Harrisburg.

Business Travel Essentials

Stay near Capitol for government meetings.

Accessible Travel Resources

CAT ADA buses; contact tourism board.

Natural Resources In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Rich in Susquehanna River water, timber, and agricultural land.

Article Published on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on September 30, 2025. Content subject to change at any time.