PA Counties

10 Must-See Attractions in Cumberland County

A collage of four photos highlighting attractions in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a serene lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, with a wooden bench overlooking the water. The top right image shows a Civil War memorial in a cemetery, with a statue of a soldier, an American flag flying above, and headstones and memorial markers in the foreground. The bottom left image displays a preserved World War II Sherman tank on a concrete platform, set against a bright sky and open landscape. The bottom right image captures a bustling car show with colorful classic and modern vehicles, vendor tents, and crowds of visitors at a large outdoor venue.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Cumberland County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with county boundaries outlined, highlighting Cumberland County in red at the center-southern part of the state, while the surrounding counties are shaded in beige. The map provides a clear visual representation of Cumberland County's location within Pennsylvania.

The county was established in 1750 and named after Cumberland County in England.

A historical marker for Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, painted in black with gold text, provides details about the county's formation on January 27, 1750, from Lancaster County. It explains that the county was named after Cumberland County in England and initially extended to Pennsylvania's western limits. The marker highlights Carlisle as the county seat, founded in 1751, and notes the county's significant role in westward migration due to its location at the crossroads of major roads. The Pennsylvania state emblem is featured at the top of the marker, with a backdrop of autumn trees and blurred buildings.

The county seat is Carlisle, which was attacked by the Confederate Army on July 1, 1863, leaving one of the columns at the old Cumberland County courthouse bearing the marks of the Confederate artillery barrage.

The Old Cumberland County Courthouse in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, featuring a red-brick facade with four tall, weathered columns supporting a white pediment, topped by a clock tower with a cupola and a weather vane against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Leafy green trees frame the building on both sides, adding to its historic charm.

From museums and historic sites to scenic overlooks and state parks, here are 10 of the best things to see and do in Cumberland County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

A World War I-era tank exhibit at the US Army Heritage Center in Cumberland County, PA, featuring a green, riveted French Renault FT light tank with its distinctive rotating turret. The display includes lifelike mannequins dressed as American soldiers in period uniforms, standing next to the tank, which is positioned against a backdrop of a battlefield scene. A sign near the tank advises visitors not to touch the artifacts, emphasizing the preservation of historical equipment. — The US Army Heritage Center in Cumberland County.

1. Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Surrounded by the Michaux State Forest, Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a 696-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A collage showcasing the beauty of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County, PA, featuring: (top left) a wooden bench overlooking a reflective lake with autumn-colored trees, (top right) a rugged overlook with rocks and a lone pine tree against a landscape of rolling hills and a blue sky with fluffy clouds, (bottom left) an Appalachian Trail Museum sign in front of a historic stone building surrounded by lush greenery, and (bottom right) a serene lake scene with a mirror-like reflection of fall foliage on the water's surface.

2. Colonel Denning State Park

Colonel Denning Sta te Park in Cumberland County is a 273 acre wilderness haven that offers a diverse range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

A collage of four photos showcasing Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA. Top left: A vibrant autumn scene by a lake with golden leaves framing the tranquil water. Top right: A hiker stands on a rocky overlook, gazing out over a lush, green valley under a clear blue sky. Bottom left: A gravel nature trail marked by a sign winds through a forest with sunlight filtering through the green foliage. Bottom right: A wooden viewing platform at the edge of a serene lake surrounded by dense trees with the sun casting a warm glow over the scene.

3. Camp Michaux

Camp Michaux in Cumberland County was a formerly-secret POW camp in the Michaux State Forest, used to house German and Japanese POWs during World War Two.

A collage of four photos from the former Camp Michaux POW Camp in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the entrance to a concrete underground bunker, surrounded by forest and overgrown vegetation. The top right image highlights the remains of a roofed, overgrown structure with trees growing through it in a wooded area. The bottom left image features a stone fountain with a central column, enclosed by a circular stone wall, situated amidst dense trees. The bottom right image displays a historical marker titled "Pine Grove Furnace POW Interrogation Camp," detailing the site's use during World War II for interrogating Axis prisoners, its later conversion to a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and its subsequent role as a church camp.

4. The US Army Heritage Center

The US Army Heritage Center in Cumberland County is an indoor/outdoor museum offering visitors a deep dive into the history of the United States Army.

A collage of three photos showcasing the US Army Heritage Center in Cumberland County, PA. The top image features a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and a Huey helicopter displayed outdoors against a partly cloudy sky. The bottom left image highlights the World War I exhibit inside the museum, featuring historical artifacts and educational panels. The bottom right image shows the entrance sign of the center, providing operational details and welcoming visitors to explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits.

5. The Molly Pitcher Monument and Grave Site

The Molly Pitcher monument and grave site in Cumberland County offers a poignant glimpse into the life of one of America’s most-celebrated Revolutionary War heroines.

A collage of four photos featuring the Molly Pitcher monument and gravesite in Old Cemetery, Carlisle, PA. The top left image shows the statue of Molly Pitcher standing on a pedestal with an American flag beside it, surrounded by gravestones. The top right image is an illustration of Molly Pitcher operating a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth. The bottom left image shows a raised relief plaque on the monument depicting Molly Pitcher in battle, aiding with the cannon amid fallen soldiers. The bottom right image captures the monument from a different angle, highlighting the statue, the pedestal, and the surrounding cemetery with gravestones and American flags.

6. The Appalachian Trail Museum

The Appalachian Trail Museum in Cumberland County preserves the rich history of the famed Appalachian Trail (AT), and is a tribute to the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, stretching over 2,000 miles across 14 states.

Exploring the Appalachian Trail Museum at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County Pennsylvania.

7. The Appalachian Trail Halfway Point

The Halfway Point of the Appalachian Trail is located in Pennsylvania’s Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County, just a short distance from Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Appalachian Trail Museum.

Hiking to the Halfway Point of the Appalachin Trail in the Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County Pennsylvania.

8. Pole Steeple Overlook

Pole Steeple Overlook is located in the Cumberland County portion of the Michaux State Forest, adjacent to Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Exploring Pole Steeple Overlook in Cumberland County Pennsylvania.

9. The Cameron-Masland Mansion

The Cameron-Masland Mansion, a historic stone villa perched on a Cumberland County mountaintop, offers a scenic overlook that captures the essence of Pennsylvania’s picturesque outdoors.

A collage of photos from the Cameron-Masland Mansion Scenic Overlook at Kings Gap Environmental Center in Cumberland County PA

10. Carlisle Events Car Shows

For 50 years, Carlisle Events has been hosting some of the largest car shows in the United States at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Cumberland County.

Nearby Attractions

10 Must-See Attractions in Franklin County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Cumberland County’s neighbor to the west.

The best things to see and do in Franklin County Pennsylvania.

22 Must-See Attractions in Adams County is your guide to the best things to see and do in Cumberland County’s neighbor to the south.

A collage of 5 photos from Adams County Pennsylvania.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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