EXPLORE

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

Your Adventure, Your Pace

EXPLORE

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

Your Adventure, Your Pace

A Few Great Moments in Franklin County

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Explore Central PA’s Outdoors, History and Main Streets

Travel the trails of Franklin County through acres of farmland and forests. Trek back to frontier settlements and forts, stopovers along the Underground Railroad, and sites of Civil War raids and invasions. Woven between these stories of America’s history are the verdant, rolling hills and azure skies, old-fashioned ice cream parlors, bakeries with shoo-fly pies and sticky buns; orchards with succulent sweet peaches in July and crisp, juicy apples in October; theatres and inns, meandering trails and streams, ski slopes and golf courses, and charming towns where people still smile, stop, and speak.

Chambersburg

Benjamin Chambers traveled west of the Susquehanna River in the early 1730s and established Chambersburg. Today, it is the county seat of Franklin County and home to nearly 300 years of American history, including the advance and retreat of the Battle of Gettysburg and the fateful burning of the core of town in 1864.

Greencastle

Scots-Irish settlers named the town Greencastle because it reminded them of home. It is another town of history and tradition in Franklin County and well-known for the triennial celebration Old Home Week.

Waynesboro

Waynesboro and nearby Washington Township are designated an Appalachian Trail Community with early American, agricultural, and industrial history.

Mercersburg

Mercersburg is the boyhood home of James Buchanan and his niece, who served as hostess of the White House during his tenure as 15th U.S. President. Early American, Underground Railroad, and Civil War history are part of 275 years of Mercersburg.

Shippensburg

Named for Edward Shippen and home to Shippensburg University since 1871, the community is partially in Franklin County and partially in Cumberland County. Surrounded by acres of farmland, it is not unusual to see an Amish buggy in town.

We're closer than you think. A real getaway, just around the corner. This could be your new favorite place.

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Check out more from our video collection, including Franklin County as one of the key stops along the historic Underground Railroad

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Buttonwood Presents After School Programs

Oct 1, 2025

Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute, is offering a new fall EXPLORE! programseries timed for after school. Designed for kids in grades K to 5, the programs will run on four Tuesdays: October 7, 14, 21 and 28, from 4–5 p.m. at Buttonwood Nature...

Buttonwood Nature Center’s Fourth Annual Pumpkins & Pippins Fall Festival

Oct 1, 2024

Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute presents its fourth annual Pumpkins and Pippins fall festival on Saturday, October 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area, Waynesboro. Rain location is the Waynesboro Area Middle School. A fundraiser for...

Lunch & Learn Spotlights the Tradition of Town Canes

Oct 1, 2024

Franklin County Visitors Bureau is pleased to host Pam Anderson for a special Lunch & Learn: Town Canes of Chambersburg and Waynesboro at the Franklin County Visitors Bureau on Tuesday, October 8, 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Anderson is a Certified Genealogist, researcher,...

FCVB’s Scary Mini Movie Contest

Sep 10, 2024

Franklin County Visitors Bureau and FCVB-TV want to have some Halloween fun with the first freaky, creepy, very eerie, Boo! Scary Mini Movie Contest. First prize is $250. Two honorable mentions of $100 will be awarded, also. Have a little spooky fun and win a little...

Let’s Explore!

Franklin County is simply a treasure to visit and explore, and the nice thing is you get to set the pace. There’s lots to do without the hustle & bustle and the big crowds. Whether you’re a planner or just like to wing it, we’ve got you covered. Below are few ideas to get you started as your memories await in Franklin County, PA

Explore Centuries of Military History on the Franklin County Military Trail

Take a tour of our many trails connected to history. Learn how Franklin County served important roles in winning the civil war and paved the roads to freedom.

Explore Trail Guide

On The Move in The Outdoors

Outdoors the way it should be, explore roads less traveled, fish clear blue waters, golf with mountain views, kayak on peaceful lakes, ski top-notch slopes. Franklin County has an outdoor season for everyone and every adventure.

Explore The Outdoors

Franklin Fresh Food & Dining Guide

Franklin County freshness is unbeatable, our local farms see to it! With an abundance of local fresh food, Franklin County is a favorite of food lovers across a diverse range of dining experiences.

Explore Franklin Fresh

DO / DINE / STAY

DO

We have great local shops, Festivals, Farmer’s Markets, Crafts, Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing, Golf, History Tours…we could go on, but best if you come see for yourself.

LET'S DO This

DINE

Did somebody say “eat?” Franklin County covers all the bases—home cooking, fine dining, neighborhood cafes, bodegas, authentic ethnic selections from across the globe, and more.

LET'S EAT

STAY

Historic Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Quaint Motels, Modern Hotels, Renovated Warehouses—you name it. Franklin County realizes that where you stay is key to a memorable visit, and our options are endless.

LET'S RELAX

“We can't tell you what a great getaway we had in Franklin County. The people are friendly, the North Square Farmer's Market was fantastic, and we had some of the best meals at the area's local restaurants—we can't wait to come back and explore other areas. I think Greencastle is up next."

~Eleanor Pena

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Franklin County Visitors Bureau

Explore Franklin County PA is the official site for adventure, history, and getaways throughout our wonderful county. You'll find adventure at your pace throughout our diverse and unique towns of Chambersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro, Mercersburg, and a little sliver of Shippensburg and all points in between.