Great Places to Visit in Early Spring
Early spring is a great time to visit the Riverlands. Unpredictable spring weather can keep people away from outdoor destinations but the Riverlands has indoor and outdoor attractions to adapt to any weather. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in early spring — any why!
Enola Low Grade Trail – Manor Township
Creswell Station Trailhead along River Road, Manor Township, PA
Sunrise to Sunset Every Day
The Enola Low Grade Trail in Manor Township is a great place to walk and ride in early spring. You’ll find very little shade on this trail so it is best to visit when the weather is cool and the sun is bright. This 5.25-mile trail is completely flat and offers stunning views of the Susquehanna River. At its terminus, you’ll find a large railroad trestle bridge over the Conestoga River where it flows into the Susquehanna. Fundraising has already starting to re-deck the bridge for trail users. For now, bask is the spring sun and beautiful views over the river.
Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery
1330 Klines Run Road, Wrightsville, PA 17368
Wed-Thu 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Fri Noon – 10:00 pm, Sat – Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Moondancer Winery is located in a beautiful French country chateau along the Susquehanna River. Their charming atmosphere offers stunning views while you enjoy their European style dry wines and Pennsylvania sweet wines. You’ll also find great tours of the cellars where their wines are handcrafted seventeen feet below ground. In the great room, you can devour delicious offerings from their wood-fired oven. Live music is also offered on weekends throughout the year. Drop in on Saturday, May 5th for the first Food Truck Festival – pay as you go through all kinds of food vendors while enjoying live music.
Columbia Kettle Works
40 N. 3rd Street, Columbia, PA
Tues–Sat 11:30 am -10:00 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Columbia Kettle Works is located in the heart of Columbia Borough and offers local craft beer, spirits, wine, and hard cider. From blondes and pale ales to porters and bitters, the craft beers here will suit any beer drinker. It’s funky open warehouse style is balanced by a gorgeous wooden bar top plus the added Corn Hole Room offers great lawn games. Enjoy grilled paninis and appetizers as you taste the delicious creativity of Kettle Works owners. Take a stroll through a local antique shop after your visit – there’s one just across the street. Kettle Works is also located just two blocks from the end of the Northwest River Trail.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park
6000 Mt. Pisgah Road, York, PA 17406
Sunrise to Sunset Every Day
Samuel S. Lewis State Park is 85-acres is dominated by Mt. Pisgah, which is an 885-foot-high ridge that separates Kreutz Creek and East Prospect Valley in York County. The top of Mt. Pisgah offers spectacular panoramic view of the Susquehanna River including almost aerial like views of the bridges. There you’ll also find a pavilion with coin-operated viewing scope. It’s also a very popular place for star-gazing. It may be a little breezy at the top so bundle up on windy days.
Riverlands Museums
Many of the local museums close for the winter so early spring is a great time to visit. You’ll find many museums have opening day events with special children’s activities, tours, and more.
- Indian Steps Museum will open on April 21st this year. Their opening day events include Native arts and music, activities with local archaeologists, meeting the Museum Managers, and much more!
- The Haines Shoe House is another fun stop open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays in spring. Their tours share the amazing history of the man that build this amazing 5-level shoe home.
- The Conestoga Area Historical Society opens in early April. The main building and grounds hold a vast amount of local history. You’ll find a colonial log cabin, blacksmith shop, broom shop and tannery to explore during your visit.
Make a day of it! Use our Map & Guide to create a fun driving tour through the region that stops at museums that feature your favorite topics!