U.S. Army War College

U.S. Army War CollegeLocated in the historic town of Carlisle, Carlisle Barracks was established in 1757 and is one of our nation's oldest military installations.

The U.S. Army War College was established in 1903 and relocated to the Carlisle Barracks in October 1951. Today, military students undertake an intensive 10-month resident course or a two-year non-resident course to prepare officers from all service branches for leadership at the highest level while advancing knowledge in the global application of Landpower. Graduates are skilled critical thinkers and complex problem solvers who operate at the strategic level worldwide.

Carlisle Barracks consists of 217 acres on the outskirts of downtown Carlisle. Students and their families can enjoy a variety of eclectic dining, shopping and entertainment options while also exploring the offerings of nearby towns such as Gettysburg, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. See below for some suggestions or further explore the restaurants and attractions of Cumberland Valley.

 

Nearby Things to DO

Carlisle Sports Emporium

  • 29 South Middlesex Road

Carlisle Sports Emporium, The Place to Play, is Central PA’s year-round indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, with fun for all ages! Entertainment options include: 100+ Virtual and Interactive Arcade Games, HOLOGATE VR, Indoor & Outdoor Go-Karts, NEW LED LASERTRON Laser…

Cumberland Valley Rail Trail

  • 23 McFarland St.

Wildlife viewers of all ages and experiences can hike, bike, walk, or horseback ride on the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail that follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad corridor from Shippensburg to Newville. Enjoy interpretative way-point signs on the agricultural…

Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail

  • 534 Park Drive

WATER QUALITY ADVISORY: The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is advising the public to refrain from water activities on the Yellow Breeches Creek, due to unsafe water quality conditions. The Yellow Breeches Creek is a world-renowned limestone stream that originates on…

Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail

  • 40.27185, -76.91323

The Conodoguinet Creek is approximately 90 miles long and weaves through agricultural lands, villages and small towns. You can enjoy a leisurely float, fishing, bird watching and even turtle hunting (view our turtle hunting video) on this Class 1 stream. View suggestions for…

Appalachian Trail Museum

  • 1120 Pine Grove Road

The Appalachian Trail Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to hiking. It portrays and preserves the history and the physical, emotional and spiritual human experiences of the Appalachian Trail (A.T). Exhibits are devoted to early founders of the trail - Benton…

Children's Lake

  • Located off Rte 174

Charming and scenic seven-acre, man-made lake with perfectly clear water that literally bubbles in the middle of Boiling Springs. Take a stroll down Lover's Walk, admire the lovely historic buildings and gardens, and feed the ducks and swans. Pick up lunch at Caffe 101 across the…

K1 Speed

  • 1001 Bosler Avenue

Autobahn Indoor Speedway is now K1 Speed. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience like never before! K1 Speed, the ultimate indoor go-kart racing destination, offer exhilarating racing adventures for thrill-seekers, racing enthusiasts, and families. With state-of-the-art…

City Island

  • City Island

While visiting, be sure to enjoy this unique treasure nestled in the middle of the Susquehanna River. On City Island, you can: picnic in a pavilion ride the carousel or mini train catch a Minor League Baseball Game with the Harrisburg Senators board the Pride of the Susquehanna…

Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

  • City Island

2025 Update: After a brief hiatus for the 2024 season, the board and volunteers of the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat are thrilled to announce that renovations should be completed on the stern-driven paddlewheeler soon, with plans to launch the city’s signature red-and-white…

Cumberland Drive-in Theatre

  • 715 Centerville Road

Showing drive-in movies to the Cumberland Valley since 1952, Cumberland Drive-in is one of only about 330 drive-in theaters remaining in America! An affordable night out, it's a great place to bring the family for an evening of entertainment. The movies are always family-friendly…

Hershey's Chocolate World

  • 251 Park Blvd

With it's new and improved 4D Chocolate Show, Make-Your-Own chocolate bars, and a gift shop to dazzle all chocolate lovers... what more could you ask for? Oh yeah, free chocolate!  How about a free sample of Hershey's Chocolate after riding the Factory Tour ride at Hershey's…

Harrisburg Senators

  • Riverside Stadium City Island

Enjoy Minor League Baseball with the Harrisburg Senators on City Island. A recent stadium renovation is complete, offering families the opportunity to tour the boardwalk, play in the Kids Zone and experience the largest video system in Minor League Baseball.

Totem Pole Playhouse

  • 9555 Golf Course Road

A summer playhouse nestled in the woods of Caledonia State Park. The 389-seat theatre offers "top performers presenting top shows." Every two weeks during the summer, the stage transforms from one production to the next.  To order tickets, call or visit us online. Assisted…

Nearby Shops

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)

  • 38 West Pomfret Street

Located in the heart of downtown Carlisle, the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) offers a fabulous visual arts experience for everyone, whether you live in the area of whether you are just visiting. The center houses a unique sale gallery with hand crafted items and fine art…

Georgie Lou's Retro Candy

  • 56 West High Street

Forget the housework and mortgage and immerse yourself in nostalgia that will make you giggle at Georgie Lou's Retro Candy! Georgie Lou's specializes in childhood favorites from the past alongside candy kids love today. From Bit-O-Honey to Turkish Taffy and from Airheads to…

the greatest gift

  • 117 N. Hanover Street

Unique gifts crafted by innovative artisans in a warm atmosphere offering relational, purposeful customer service. With over 90 artists showcasing their handcrafted work, our product lines include Bill Campbell Pottery, Helder Designs and Red House Waxed Canvas bags.

Carlisle Antique Mall

  • 164 N. Hanover Street

The Carlisle Antique Mall, in the heart of downtown, is housed in a restored three-story 1920's-era building that harkens back to its days as a Montgomery Ward. Visitors will enjoy browsing vendor spaces that are a spacious 10 feet by 15 feet with 6-foot-wide aisles that leave…

the clothesVine

  • 134 West High Street

A mother-daughter duo runs this downtown boutique carrying a variety of styles and sizes, accessories and purses.

Create-A-Palooza

  • 11 E. High Street

ARTSY entertainment business for ALL ages! Pottery•Canvas•Clay Projects•Painting Create amazing art and family memories in a restored, historic 19th century tailor shop located in the heart of downtown Carlisle! We have convenient metered curbside parking, as well as our own free…

Exquisite Chocolates of Carlisle

  • 35 South Hanover Street

When asked what we make, we simply say "We make people happy!" and that's just what we do. Discover for yourself the visual beauty, the wonderful aroma and exquisite taste that leads up to a huge smile and one word…"Wow"! We are proud to offer imported Neuhaus Belgium Chocolates…

The Garden Gallery

  • 10 North Hanover Street

This downtown shop features artwork and sculpture from locally and nationally recognized artists from New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Kansas. The gallery also offers custom frame and photo restoration services. Our Annex, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors at 12 N. Hanover…

The Kitchen Shoppe & Cooking School

  • 101 Shady Lane

A locally owned and operated business celebrating 50 years in 2024! Shoppe - This gourmet super store offers over 20,000 items and is the place to go for kitchen gadgets, bakeware, cutlery, cooking utensils, housewares and more. A perfect stop for fun and practical gifts. Oil &…

History on High Museum Shop

  • 33 West High Street

Located in the historic district of Carlisle, this unique shop carries a variety of local artists' work including paintings, fine jewelry, textiles, pottery, metalwork, wood carvings, clothing and food items. Historians will love their collection of reproduction photographs and…

Lindt Chocolate Factory Outlet

  • 40 Logistics Drive

Lindt offers premium chocolates made from the finest raw materials and highest quality ingredients. Synonymous with excellence, Lindt chocolate is an ideal way to treat yourself, your friends and family, your employees, your guests, or your friends to delicious and delightful…

Mummert Chocolates

  • 21 West Pomfret Street

Family-owned Mummert Chocolates makes gourmet milk and dark Swiss chocolate using only the highest quality ingredients. Their downtown store, located on fun and funky West Pomfret Street, offers an array of products that satisfy your sweet tooth craving or you can order…

Pat Craig Studios, LLC

  • 30 West Pomfret Street

Visitors to this funky gift shop will find wall-to-wall wares including handcrafted jewelry, fine arts and prints, unique cards and gifts, and a crazy, huge selection of socks.

Nearby Restaurants

Fay's Country Kitchen

  • 203 South Hanover Street

Fay's is known for their tasty home style cooking and generous portions. Their pancakes are a particular favorite among the locals. Stop by for breakfast or lunch. Be sure to bring cash. Fay's does not accept credit cards.

Market Cross Pub & Brewery

  • 113 North Hanover Street

Named after a monument located in the town square of Carlisle, England, this family-owned restaurant offers English/American meals for lunch and dinner paired with over 250 varieties beer and ales. Live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Monthly Sunday brunch…

Cafe Bruges

  • 16 North Pitt Street

The taste of Belgium in historic downtown Carlisle. Enjoy traditional Belgian food, beers and ales in a casual setting. Be sure to stop by for weekly beer tastings. Sunday brunch served from 10 am to 1 pm. Belgian beers offer a variety of flavors including sour, musty, sweet and…

Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe

  • 500 East Main Street

Casual cafe setting offers a large variety of Greek favorites, including Gyros and Greek salads. Also has a full espresso bar, offering coffee and gourmet drinks. Lovely courtyard seating area with fountain. BYOB. Personal Reviews Staff Picks: Sweet Treats in Cumberland Valley…

Chalit's Thai Bistro

  • 5517 Carlisle Pike

Enjoy made-to-order Thai cuisine in a casual and relaxing atmosphere. Chalit's Thai Bistro uses local, seasonal produce and fresh ingredients -- no MSG. BYOB.

Appalachian Brewing Company

  • 6462 Carlisle Pike

The Appalachian Brewing Company is a microbrewery and brewpub in the Central PA area. They operate five locations, including the one on the Carlisle Pike. The restaurant seats more than 250 diners in five different dining areas including a patio, mezzanine, and open-air brewery…

Massey's Frozen Custard

  • 600 West High Street

A Carlisle institution since 1949... Massey's is famous throughout the area for the delicious frozen custard. Available in a variety of flavors and as soft-serve or hand-dipped. Pretzels, sundaes, milk shakes -- Massey's has it all. Made on-site with PA Preferred milk.

Leo's Homemade Ice Cream

  • 816 West High Street

A local favorite featuring hand-dipped hard ice cream in traditional and unique flavors made in-house with fresh ingredients. Our ice cream is made with milk from Gallagher's Dairy in Johnstown, PA, and is PA Preferred. Leo's is an independently owned local ice cream shop that…