Chambersburg is a friendly city with some great historic attractions. Stroll around the charismatic downtown district filled with Victorian buildings, admire the beautiful Greek Revival courthouse and visit a jail used to conceal Underground Railroad escapees. Venture beyond the city to explore beautiful parks and forests in the Keystone State.
Things to do in Chambersburg
Downtown Chambersburg is filled with handsome red-brick buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Franklin County Courthouse is one of several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The handsome Greek Revival building features soaring white columns and a domed cupola.
From mom-and-pop diners to trendy brewpubs, there’s plenty to satisfy your appetite in Downtown Chambersburg. Hunt for treasures at antique stores and shop for handmade gifts at the Chambersburg Heritage Centre. The centre is housed in a beautiful Victorian-era bank and doubles as a local history museum.
Old Franklin County Jail is another heritage-listed gem. The red-brick jail is reimagined as a museum with exhibits on notorious inmates like Davy Lewis, aka the Robin Hood of Pennsylvania. You can also peer into cells used to hide enslaved people travelling on the Underground Railroad.
Discover more than 30,000 hectares of pristine woodland in Michaux State Forest. Named after a famous French botanist, the park is dominated by several species of oak tree, as well as maples, pines and black gums. Explore more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.
Enjoy a show at the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Chambersburg. The Art Deco theatre has been hosting events since the 1920s and is a beloved local landmark. Check the program for concerts, film screenings and plays run by the community theatre group.
Getting around Chambersburg
Downtown Chambersburg is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions in Franklin County at your own pace. The city is a two-hour drive from Baltimore and three hours from Philadelphia. Baltimore/Washington International Airport is a two-hour drive away.