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Saturday, February 17, 2018

Exploring Wildwood Nature Park in Harrisburg

Wildwood Park Nature Center in Harrisburg Pennsylvania
The Wildwood Park and Benjamin Olewine Nature Center is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It's right off interstate 81 and within walking distance of Harrisburg Area Community College. If you need GPS coordinates: Wildwood Park 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA. 17110.

Park Visitor's Information: There are several different parking lots available (all offer free parking), but we recommend the "Nature Center Lot" if you plan on visiting the Benjamin Olewine Nature Center too.If you plan on walking the trails or using the picnic grounds...the park is open from dawn to dusk.
Wildwood Park Nature Center in Harrisburg Pennsylvania

The walking trails range from easy to moderately difficult. Some of the trails are paved, some are wooden boardwalks and a few are uneven dirt trails. You can take baby strollers and wheelchairs on the boardwalk and paved trails. Dogs are allowed as long as they're friendly and must be kept on a leash. I recommend bringing along bottled water, sunscreen and bug spray.

If you're a historical maker hunter like we are...you'll find the Wildwood Park Historical Marker located at the entrance to the Nature Center Parking Lot (intersection of Wildwood Way and Industrial Road). Here's what it says.
Wildwood Park in Harrisburg Pennsylvania - Historical Marker

Wildwood Park

Inspired by 'City Beautiful' advocates Horace McFarland and Mira Lloyd Dock, Wildwood Park opened its first trails in 1907. The largest of several Harrisburg parks designed in 1901 by leading horticulturist Warren Manning, it was part of a nationwide movement to enhance recreation, nature preservation and flood control in urban areas. Formerly Wetzel's Swamp, this Dauphin County park provides both educational and recreational opportunities.

By: 2005 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Wildwood Park in Harrisburg Pennsylvania

In my honest opinion, the best time to visit Wildwood Park is during the late spring season and early fall seasons. The weather is cooler, so you don't mind being outdoors in the elements. Every time we visit, it's not overly-crowded, unless they're hosting an event or if school/scout groups are visiting. Even then, the only thing that might get crowded is the indoor Nature Center itself.

There are park map information markers along the trails and you can pick up a free paper park map at several locations, including at the Nature Center. You'll want to wear season-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes if you plan on hitting the trails.
Wildwood Park Nature Center in Harrisburg Pennsylvania

The purpose of this feature is to document the Wildwood Park historical marker. If you would like to check out our more extensive features on Wildwood Nature Park (the trails, nature center and picnic grounds), you can find that feature right here on the blog too!

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