Parks and Recreation Events

Join us after hours for a tour of the historic Fort Hunter Mansion as we explore taboo topics from mourning etiquette to hair jewelry. This is not intended to be a scary or haunted tour of the Mansion, but rather an opportunity to dig up the history of customs and practices that have since been laid to rest. Tour times are 6 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:30 PM. Pre-registration required. Space is limited.

Join a Naturalist for an afternoon hike at Fort Hunter Conservancy. Our adventure at this lesser-known park will include a look at plants, trees and whatever other interesting things we can find! Please bring water, a snack and proper footwear as the last section of the trail is very steep and has a lot of loose rock.

Visitors will begin their visit at Fort Hunter Mansion to learn about the McAllister family that first lived in the historic home. After a brief intermission, guests will then take a 40-minute round-trip walk to the McAllister Family Cemetery to learn more about the extended family and their final resting place.

Join a Naturalist for a leisurely walk at Detweiler Park with a focus on trees and their fall foliage. Become familiar with a variety of common species. This program is part of the Park Rx wellness series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Enjoy the night sky, learn the myths and legends of constellations, and discover the basics of astronomy. The evening will begin with a short 0.75 mile walk along variable terrain to the open fields of the Airstrip Loop. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration is required.

Join us for the fourth annual Off the Beaten Path Bus Trip. Aboard a luxury coach, on a crisp fall day, we will be transported to Historic Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park in Centre Hall, PA. By flat-bottom boat, we will explore the magnificent cave system through an interpretive tour. Our group members will also experience the wonders of native North American animals in a carefully preserved habitat, while on a Farm-Nature Tour.

Discover the beauty and resilience of hellebores, the elegant perennials that bring color to the garden when little else is in bloom. Join Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly as he explores the fascinating genus Helleborus-from species and hybrids to the best varieties for home gardeners. Learn how to grow these shade-loving evergreen gems with tips on soil preparation, care, and plant selection.

Join volunteer Jane Earle for a fall tree walk to view the leaves in their full color and learn how to identify them. Meet in front of the Nature Center. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Come in costume to Fort Hunter Park for the Trick or Treat Trek. Follow the clues to keep your search on track. Your reward? Goodies at each stop along the way! This adventure is for those age 12 & younger. Trick or Treat Trek is sponsored by The Hershey Company and Aetna and presented in collaboration with Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services. This is a rain-or-shine event. Pre-registration is required to participate.

Join the Friends of Fort Hunter on a bus trip curated by Dr. Donald Koones to Sagamore Hill. the home of President Theodore Roosevelt and the Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate!