Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your connection to the struggle for freedom, education, and civil rights at Storer College.
Discover miles of trail in the Blue Ridge and along Civil War battlefields.
Photo: NPS Photo/Shenandoah Sanchez
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry.
- LocationHarpers Ferry, WV
- Entrance $20 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now59°F Partly Cloudy
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Abolition Movement
- African American Heritage
- Animals
- Armories
- Battlefields
- Birds
- Civil Rights
- Civil War
12 more topics
- Climate Change
- Enslavement
- Fish
- Floods
- Geology
- Military
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Social Movements
- Tragic Events
- Wars and Conflicts
- Wetlands
Alerts (2)
Park ClosureBridge to Maryland Heights & C&O Canal CLOSED Due to safety concerns, the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge to the C&O Canal NHP towpath is expected to remain closed… Read more
Due to safety concerns, the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge to the C&O Canal NHP towpath is expected to remain closed this fall for safety repairs on the pedestrian bridge. This work is in addition to the staircase replacement. A shuttle with very limited space currently runs between Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center and C&O Canal Lock 34. This will impact access to Maryland Heights, the Appalachian NST, and the Potomac Heritage NST. We strongly advise considering other trails when possible.
CautionOngoing work on Lower Town buildings Facilities staff are doing repair work on several buildings in Lower Town. Please follow signs for alternate entrances a… Read more
Facilities staff are doing repair work on several buildings in Lower Town. Please follow signs for alternate entrances and heed temporary closures.
Things to Do
4 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Hike Civil War Skirmish Lines at Harpers Ferry
Fee applies
Did you know the park has over 20 miles of hiking trails? The trails vary from easy, riverside strolls to four-mile hikes across Civil War battlefields to eight-mile adventures on the tops of…
Learn more about Hike Civil War Skirmish Lines at Harpers Ferry on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Step Back in Time at Jefferson Rock
Fee applies
Jefferson Rock is a popular destination in Harpers Ferry. It is situated along the Appalachian Trail between the Lower Town and Camp Hill areas of the park.
Learn more about Step Back in Time at Jefferson Rock on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visit Jefferson Rock
Fee applies
Hike along the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry, WV to see the view Thomas Jefferson once described as "one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature."
Learn more about Visit Jefferson Rock on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visit John Brown's Fort
Fee applies
A visit to John Brown's Fort is more than seeing the building where John Brown and several of his followers barricaded themselves in 1859. The building has a complex history that begins in 1848…
Learn more about Visit John Brown's Fort on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 4 of 4
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center
Facility
The Visitor Center is located at the park's main entrance after passing through the entrance station (where you buy your entrance pass). You can park your vehicle here…
Cavalier Heights Visitor Center, Harpers Ferry, WV (304) 535-6029 Directions
Details
The Visitor Center is located at the park's main entrance after passing through the entrance station (where you buy your entrance pass). You can park your vehicle here to take the shuttle bus to the historic Lower Town district of the park. Visitor Center address: 171 Shoreline Drive Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Inside the Visitor Center, you can ask questions, pick up a park map, and learn about programs and events. Note: Park passports stamps are located at the Bookshop in Lower Town. -
Lower Town Information Center
Facility
The Lower Town Information Center is currently CLOSED. Maps and information are available at the nearby "Place in Time" exhibit, a few doors down the street towards the…
Harpers Ferry, WV (304) 535-6029 Directions
Details
The Lower Town Information Center is currently CLOSED. Maps and information are available at the nearby "Place in Time" exhibit, a few doors down the street towards the shuttle bus stop.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Parkwide Hours of Operation
Hours by area (2)
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Parkwide Hours of OperationDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Park museums/exhibits, the Visitor Center, and restroom facilities are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park passes may be purchased at the entrance station Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like to purchase a nationwide America the Beautiful pass, we encourage you to call 304-535-6299 before you come. Park shuttle bus hours are currently 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM -
Park Grounds and TrailsDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
- $20Private Vehicle
- $15Motorcycle
- $10Per Person
Fee details
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Private Vehicle$20
For a single, private vehicle. Excludes group tours and 7+ passenger vans. Entrance passes are valid for three consecutive days, beginning on date of purchase and are required in all park areas. Fees are payable at the Entrance Station near the park's visitor center, Bolivar Heights, Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry Train Station, and River Access Parking Lot.
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Motorcycle$15
Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance passes are valid for 3 consecutive days, beginning on date of purchase and are required in all park areas. Fees are payable at the Entrance Station near the park's visitor center, Bolivar Heights, Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry Train Station, and River Access Parking Lot.
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Per Person$10
Persons arriving on foot or on bicycle are required to pay the per-person fee. Entrance passes are valid for three consecutive days, beginning on date of purchase and are required in all park areas. Fees are payable at the Entrance Station near the park's visitor center, Bolivar Heights, Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry Train Station, and River Access Parking Lot.
Passes
- $35Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Valid for one year from month of purchase for Harpers Ferry NHP only. Admits pass-holder and passengers in a single, private vehicle (excluding groups) or immediate family if entering by other means. Nontransferable. Hard copies of the annual pass can be purchased at the Entrance Station near the park's visitor center. The digital version of the annual pass can be purchased online at the link above.
Address
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 171 Shoreline DriveHarpers Ferry, WV 25425
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
59°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 59°
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Today
74° 56°
Overcast65% rain -
Tomorrow
82° 53°
Sunny8% rain -
Wednesday
87° 63°
Sunny57% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
Harpers Ferry experiences all four seasons - the cold and snow of winter, the rain and flowers of spring, the humidity and sunshine of summer, and the chill and leaf change of fall. We will strive to keep you up-to-date as Harpers Ferry's landscape changes with the seasons. To see the current weather or the forecasted weather for Harpers Ferry, please visit the National Weather Service site and set the zip code to 25425.
Upcoming Events
7 coming up-
Proceed to the Ferry: John Brown's March Commemoration
About
“We will proceed to the Ferry.” With these words, abolitionist John Brown launched an attack on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry—an event that helped ignite the Civil War. Follow in the footsteps of Brown’s small “Provisional Army” during this solemn five-mile hike from his headquarters in Washington County, Maryland, to Harpers Ferry. This rarely offered experience invites participants to consider how acts of moral conviction have influenced the nation’s course across generations.
In addition to the processional hike led by retired park Chief Historian Dennis Frye, this event includes shuttle service to Brown’s headquarters at the Kennedy Farm, presentations, music, and an authentic period meal.
Registration is required. Cost: $200. Space is limited. This rain-or-shine event includes elevation changes and walking on road and gravel surfaces. Co-sponsored by the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, with support from the Shepherd University Civil War Center; Washington County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office; and Washington County EMS.
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At All Times Ready
About
America’s efforts to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence have often involved conflict, sacrifice, and profound consequences. Few events were as dramatic as John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry. Experience the raid through the perspectives of U.S. Marines, townspeople, formerly enslaved men and women, and John Brown himself. Join park staff and volunteers from the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Company to explore how the raid unfolded and transformed Harpers Ferry into a key site in American civil rights history.
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
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The Story Behind the Scenery
About
Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square.
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The Story Behind the Scenery
About
Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.
Show 3 more events
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Leaves and a Good Read
About
Join a park ranger under the fall leaves to read a children's book, create an autumnal craft, and learn why leaves change color and fall this time of year. Those who finish the activity will earn a junior ranger badge! Meet the ranger at the Visitor Center (171 Shoreline Dr.) at 11am. This program is designed for children under 10 years old, but all ages are welcome. It is accessible for people using wheelchairs and free with paid park admission. -
Art in the Park
About
Let the park's vibrant autumn colors and significant history inspire you to get creative Saturday, November 1st! Grab your art supplies and meet a park ranger at 10 am at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church parking lot (47 Storer College Pl, Harpers Ferry, WV). You will take a six-minute walk to the Lockwood House and Harper Cemetery where you will create art in plein air. This location has natural scenery, a vista, historic buildings, and a cemetery. According to projections, the leaves will likely be at peak color. The ranger will be with you until 2 pm but you are welcome to stay longer to finish your masterpiece. A portable restroom is available nearby. A limited number of art supplies are available to you and all skill levels and ages are welcome. Please bring something to sit on, portable art supplies, water, and your creativity. This program is free and is cohosted by our partners at the Harpers Ferry Park Association. -
Veterans Day Ceremony: Soldiers at Harpers Ferry
About
For 250 years, military service has shaped the nation’s democratic institutions and the lives of those who have defended them. This ceremony honors their service with a wreath-laying at the Storer College Veterans’ Monument, which honors Storer College students who served in the Civil War, Spanish American War, and World War I Local veterans are encouraged to attend, while volunteers will represent soldiers from past generations.
Co-sponsored by Harpers Ferry Park Association, the American Legion, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
More details will be added soon.
Photos
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View from Jefferson Rock — NPS Photo/Autumn Cook -
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Getting There
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Harpers Ferry NHP's Visitor Center is located off of US Route 340 in West Virginia. The park entrance is 8 miles east of Charles Town, WV and 20 miles southwest of Frederick, MD.
Mailing address: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
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