Journey the Underground Railroad

This exclusive Cumberland Valley tour includes sites on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Guests will enjoy walking in history's footsteps through scenic farmland, secret hiding places, period architecture, an interactive trial and the National Civil War Museum.

Full Day

Next Stop: Freedom! Begin your journey on scenic Route 174 to your first "stop." Don't be deceived by the innocent beauty of the rolling farmland; it is a perfect backdrop to hide unexpected guests.

Lunch on the Run: Enjoy a late lunch at the 1832 Boiling Springs Tavern. Prominently located in the heart of the village, this tavern is the longest continually running tavern in the country.

Forging into the Wild: Part of the National Underground Network to Freedom, Boiling Springs was one of the major escape routes leading from Maryland to Harrisburg. A walking tour of this picturesque village will include Underground Railroad sites like the iron forge and clock tower, with an abrupt ending at the home of abolitionist Daniel Kaufman. Don't forget your walking shoes!

Order in the Court: Continue your adventure with an interactive trial in one of the best preserved examples of a county courthouse in the US. The 1846 "Old" Courthouse in Carlisle was the staging ground for two runaway slave trials, Daniel Kaufman and the McClintock Riots, which made national headlines.

Through Soldiers' Eyes: Conclude with a walk around and through the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center in Carlisle. Inside you'll find The Soldier Experience exhibit. Highlights include a parachute simulation, a bunker where you sit and watch a video from the eyes of the soldiers waiting inside, and a soldier's gear exhibit. Head outdoors for a walk around the mile long Army Heritage Trail featuring full-scale military exhibits.

Make it a Weekend

Discover Civil War sites in Mechanicsburg and on the West Shore including the Peace ChurchMechanicsburg Museum AssociationGeneral Couch Monument, and more.

Relive the history and experience the passion of the Civil War at the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park.

Uncover the "human side" of the Civil War at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. The museum houses a collection of over 24,000 items including photographs, historic documents, manuscripts, and artifacts.

 

Must-See in Cumberland Valley

Discover and explore all the possibilities