Parks and Recreation Events

Explore the history of the Fort Hunter Park Service Station in this year’s special exhibit. Built in 1929, the Fort Hunter Park Service Station has served the community in a variety of ways over the past century. Once home to an automobile service station, café, antique store, mini golf course and more, there are unlimited possibilities of what lies ahead for this historic building.

Join in the fun of making outdoor art in the park!

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY | 12:30 - 4:30 PM. Enjoy the cherished nostalgia of the toy trains in person. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, this massive display represents familiar scenes from central Pennsylvania on a bite-size scale. Admission is free for all park visitors. Visit https://forthunter.org/ for information on all events and programs.

Enjoy the splendor of six themed Christmas Trees on view. Each tree is beautifully decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs. Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of these magnificent trees. A selection of handmade ornaments are also available for purchase. Co-sponsored by the Harrisburg Area Civic Garden Center.

Catch the holiday spirit as you enjoy a guided tour of Fort Hunter Mansion decorated with fresh greens and fruits, dried materials, and fresh flowers. The lives of the families that lived at Fort Hunter are highlighted on guided tours of the elegant rooms. CLOSED ON MONDAYS.

Adorned in the holiday spirit, view dress forms decorated like Christmas trees!

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY | 12:30 - 4:30 PM. Kids aged 12 and under can shop for family and friends with the aid of helper elves. All gifts are under $15 with items for all ages, including grandparents. Santa’s helpers will assist youngsters in picking out tasteful and unique items from the Museum Shop at Fort Hunter.

Join a Naturalist for a night-time stroll at Detweiler Park. Discover WHO may be calling in the night and the eight different species of owls found in Pennsylvania. A 1.5-mile walk on various terrain will lead us through spruce trees and along field and forest edges. This prowl will focus on using our sense of hearing while listening for responses to owl calls. Dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Visit the Olewine Nature Center to view and vote for your favorite photos! Take a tour of beautiful photographs from all of Dauphin County’s parks. Winners will be announced at the Photo Contest Reception on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. The People’s Choice Award winners will be announced in February after the display ends. 

Visit the Olewine Nature Center, where special exhibits and activities will highlight the magic of the winter world. Follow self-guided signs along the Towpath Trail to enhance your winter outdoor experience while learning about the natural history of Wildwood Park and animals in winter.