Have you explored all that the Susquehanna National Heritage Area has to offer? Here you have an outdoor, recreational hidden gem, based along the encompassing south-central Pennsylvania regions of the scenic Susquehanna River. Adjoining both York and Lancaster Counties, it makes for a convenient closer-to-home day trip getaway for folks hailing from surrounding Mid-Atlantic locales. Moreover, you’ll find plentiful nature and heritage-based endeavors to pursue while visiting. From hiking landmark trails to viewing historical exhibits and displays, joining in regularly occurring programs to seasonal special event celebrations, and even embracing several on-the-water outings being offered, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is thriving with recreational wonders just waiting to be discovered.
What Is the Susquehanna National Heritage Area?
The lay of the land and the flowing waters of the Susquehanna River may be old, but the federally designed Susquehanna National Heritage Area is surprisingly much younger. First introduced in 2008, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area was formally established in 2019 as a Congressionally designated, coordinating entity for America’s 55th National Heritage Area.
Operating as a nonprofit, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area receives private contributions and support from generous independent donors. Funding comes from local state and national partners. With an ongoing mission of commemorating and promoting the regional heritage, history, and continued legacy of the river and its surrounding terrain, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is part of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and HeritagePA, Pennsylvania’s statewide Heritage Area network.
On the York Side
As I mentioned earlier, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area encompasses both the York County and Lancaster County sides of the river. Each features an array of area-specific attractions.
The anchoring endeavor on the York side is the Zimmerman Center for Heritage. This historic, 18th-century brick home, which overlooks the scenic riverfront of the Susquehanna, was restored and renovated by John and Kathryn Zimmerman in the late 1990s and then donated along with all the surrounding property to the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in 2007.
The Zimmerman Center for Heritage serves as the Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s official headquarters and is home to several onsite attractions and regularly offered programs. Step inside and explore the awe-inspiring Visions of the Susquehanna River Art Collection along with unique semi-interactive exhibits highlighting the history of the Susquehannock of the region.
Kids take note of the Junior Ranger program and other fun activities, including school events and outings. For the older folks, there are various ongoing Ranger-led Heritage Programs and events. Explore the area and take in some breathtaking views with surrounding scenic hikes and tours. Hike to Native Lands County Park and the Mason-Dixon Trail. And remember that the Zimmerman Center also doubles as the Official Visitor Contact and Passport Station for the famed Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
On the Lancaster Side
The Lancaster side of the Susquehanna is where you will find the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, located within the limits of Columbia River Park. Serving as a resourceful visitor/education center, it’s here that you can get area maps, guides, brochures, and more. They also house a couple of onsite exhibits and displays here as well.
Columbia Crossing River Trails Center also marks the trailhead for both the land and water trails that make up the Susquehanna Riverlands. The park offers 14 miles of terrain on which seekers of more land-locked experiences can hike, bike, explore heritage sites, or enjoy a scenic picnic out in nature. There are also boat launches catering to powerboats and paddlecrafts alike. An onsite outfitter, operating seasonally, provides kayak, canoe, and bike rentals for visitor convenience. Of course, you are always more than welcome to bring your own.
Columbia Crossing River Trails Center hosts numerous onsite happenings throughout the year due to its plentiful space, conference rooms, and even the large covered porch boasting riverfront views. These, include featured special programs and events of many different kinds. Several surrounding nature centers have been known to opt for this location specifically for hosting fun hands-on happenings that are open to the public.
On that note, it should be stated that both the Zimmerman Heritage Center and Columbia Crossing River Trails Center can be rented out for private events, parties, and other occasions as well. These include everything from weddings to reunions, galas, and more. Click here for additional details on renting one of the onsite facilities or rooms.
River Discovery Tours
While there is just so much to see and do within the Susquehanna Heritage Area, I’ve yet to talk about what is arguably the most alluring onsite attraction of all—their River Discovery Tours. Offered seasonally from June and October, River Discovery Tours are available to guests as an additional, ticketed experience. These on-the-water boating excursions launch at various times and even feature differing themed outings and durations. But they all set sail via the same unique vessel—the historic 1912 Chief Uncas.
The most general outing takes up to 22 passengers on a one-hour guided tour, offering insight into the history of the Chief Uncas boat, interesting stories surrounding Lake Clarke’s unique landscape, and fascinating facts and tidbits about the Susquehanna River’s lasting legacy.
Select Sunset Cruises are also available. Limited to 14 guests, these cruises run for one and a half hours and allow attendees a quieter experience to roam about the boat freely, taking in the scenic setting sun and warm vibrant hues of the surrounding region. This is a BYOB (and food) event.
Another popular pick is the Wildlife on the Susquehanna Tour. These one-hour guided tours allow you to experience an up-close view of the natural wonders of the Susquehanna. Learn about its terrain and abundance in housing so many plentiful and diverse species of fish, birds, mammals, and more.
Other specially themed cruises are offered regularly around the operating season. Again, these all range in interest, subject matter, and duration. Some highlights for the 2024 sailing season include the Flames Across the Susquehanna Tour, Brews Cruise, Crossing the Susquehanna Tour, Native Peoples of the Susquehanna Tour, Wild and Uncommon Susquehanna Tour, and Haunted Heritage Tour. All tours depart from the Zimmerman Center’s boat launch.
I cannot emphasize enough all the endless endeavors you can enjoy throughout the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Whatever your age, interest, or pursuing passions may be, you’re sure to discover a delightful day trip here.
The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is located at 1706 Long Level Road, Wrightsville, PA 17368. They are open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is located at 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512. Visiting Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For the rest of September through the end of May visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. To learn more visit the website at www.susqnha.org.