Carlisle boasts a wealth of military history, and at its center is the United States Army Heritage Center—a museum experience unlike any other. Carlisle, Pennsylvania, may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of historic travel destinations—but maybe it should be. Tucked between rolling farmland and wooded hills in the Cumberland Valley, this quiet town is home to history, colonial legends, and small-town charm. The expansive collections, personal stories, living-history trail, and free entry make the center stand out. Whether you’re a researcher or a curious traveler, you will find something here that resonates long after you leave.
Immersive indoor exhibits and winding trails lined with life-sized tanks, helicopters, and underground bunkers will draw you in. Walking through that underground tunnel to a bunk room gave me chills, and an even stronger appreciation for our military men and women. Perhaps you, too, have a deep respect for the stories of those who served. In any case, the United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) offers a powerful reminder that history isn’t confined to textbooks. Here, at the Army War College, it walks beside you—sometimes quite literally.
The Visitor and Education Center offers an interesting range of exhibits that span conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present. Interactive displays, personal stories, and authentic artifacts bring the Army’s past to life, but not in a way that feels overwhelming. It’s human, accessible, and paced for curious travelers with or without a military background.
In a room just past the museum store is the Animals in the Army Exhibit. The Army’s extensive use of animals is represented here, from carrier pigeons to horses. On display is a gas mask used on pack mules. Everybody had to stay safe.
In September, the Army Expo ’25 is planned, with live demonstrations, a Black Hawk Helicopter, and historic re-enactments and demonstrations. This family event will include live music, flyovers, and food trucks. What a perfect time to visit and meet your U. S. Army.
Tucked into 56 acres at the historic Carlisle Barracks, the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center is the Army’s premier history and research hub—and believe it or not, admission is entirely free. Newsweek named USAHEC as one of the Top 10 free museums in the United States for 2025. Since opening to the public in 2011, USAHEC has grown into a world-class destination that blends indoor museums, archives, and an immersive outdoor experience.
Inside the Visitor & Education Center, the 7,000-square-foot “Soldier Experience” exhibit lets you personalize your visit by scanning a dog tag with stories of a real U.S. soldier. I chose a WWII dog tag, in honor of my father, a WWII sailor.
Alongside artifacts and oral histories, you’ll find a digital shooting range, a WWII parachute drop simulation, and a mini-theater—all offering sensory access to history.
Expert Tip: If the parachute doesn’t lower to the ground after your simulated “jump,”—send for help—don’t really jump!
The USAHEC’s new exhibition, “This We’ll Defend: Celebrating 250 Years of Army History,” is a perfectly timed celebration of the U.S. Army’s milestone birthday—a year older than our country. The exhibit is a collection of artifacts chosen by the staff to give a human voice to the stories of Army War College members and USAHEC staff.
Researchers aren’t left out either; inside Ridgway Hall, 66,000 square feet of archives house over 15 million historical items, including what is likely the world’s most extensive collection of Civil War photographs, personal letters, battle orders, and veteran memoirs. While most remain behind the scenes, rotating exhibits showcase standout artifacts—such as General Bradley’s personal papers or rare photographs.
Outside, the one-mile Army Heritage Trail invites you to stretch your legs while taking in a different kind of exhibit. The trail features 17 large outdoor displays, ranging from a full-scale WWI trench system to historic barracks, from Civil War cabins, to a guard tower from a Cold War installation.
It’s not often you get to walk through history quite so literally. You will find yourself walking between helicopters, M4 Sherman, and M60 Patton tanks. Each era showcases replicas and the real thing. Whether you’re traveling with kids, history buffs, or just need some fresh air, this trail is worth the time.
It was fascinating to see how the Army constructs camps; many from wire “boxes” lined with sand-colored fabric and filled on-site with sand, then configured as needed. When my neighbor saw my photos, he pulled out pictures of himself in Iraq, standing beside a nearly identical structure.
Expert Tip: Arrive early, even before the museum opens. This section is outside, and will take you more than an hour to explore. If you’re there in the summer, this means you’ll finish and be indoors when you need that air conditioning. You can thank me later.
Kings Gap State Park is another destination you should visit while in the area. With 2,500 acres and a huge rock mansion perched on South Mountain, above the Cumberland Valley, the Kings Gap Environmental Education Center and State Park is the jewel in the Cumberland County Crown.
One Sunday each month of summer, live music brings the hills to life at Kings Gap. The mountaintop is the perfect place to spend a lazy summer afternoon, listening to jazz or bluegrass. Take along a picnic, or buy your lunch from one of the food trucks lining the drive.
You can hear more about Kings Gap and other fantastic spots in the Cumberland Valley on this Jo Goes Everywhere! podcast.
From this museum, it’s a short drive into downtown Carlisle, where history is displayed in quieter yet equally moving ways. In the old cemetery at the First Presbyterian Church lies the grave of Molly Pitcher, the legendary Revolutionary War heroine who took her husband’s place in battle.
Discover Molly’s statue and grave along with other prominent citizens of Carlisle using this map: Self-Guided Tour of Carlisle’s Old Public Graveyard. The site is simple and solemn, but powerful—a reminder that bravery isn’t always loud.
After a morning steeped in military history, you will be ready for a pint and a plate. The British-style Market Cross Pub is a local favorite. Tuck into hearty pub fare while sampling a rotating selection of local and imported beers. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is friendly, and it’s the kind of place where you might lose all track of time. The Sheperd’s Pie is full of lamb, carrots, and a multitude of spices, then topped with enough potatoes for an Army company. If you prefer beef, they also serve Cottage Pie. But, I mean—why? The Sheperd’s Pie is an absolute dream.
For something sweet, plan to stop at Destiny Dairy Bar. Located just outside of town, this family-run farm stand serves up generous scoops of house-made ice cream. The amazing thing is that they breed cows that produce milk with only the A2 enzyme, which is similar to the milk of goats, sheep, or buffalo. Scientists believe A1 is the milk enzyme that triggers lactose intolerance-type responses (my curse!)
After eating my half (and then some) of a pound of ice cream without any issues, I’m a believer. It isn’t lactose-free ice cream, but it is lactose-intolerance effect-free. You’ll find classic flavors alongside seasonal specials, all enjoyed in a setting that feels delightfully unplugged, and you may find yourself sharing your table with baby goats and pigs.
Expert Tip: Allow extra time if you arrive mid-afternoon to watch the milking process. Contact the farm for a tour, and you may also have the opportunity to watch calves being bottle-fed. Also, Destiny is on the Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail; click here to get the scoop!
The Barn at Allenberry Resort is perfect for dinner if you are staying there or have theater tickets. For the best appetizer you’ve ever tasted, order the Blackberry Bruleed Brie, with blackberry bourbon compote. Trust me on this.
If wine is more your speed, Carlisle won’t disappoint. You can visit the Totem Pole Ranch and Winery, run by U. S. Veteran Don Hopler and his wife, Joan. Go hungry—Joan’s charcuterie board is impressive and holds housemade treats, including a delicious locally made cheese laced with their red wine (yes, I brought home a pound). And take note of the labels, designed by the owners’ 15-year-old granddaughter.
Expert Tip: Totem Pole is a designated stop on the 2025 Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. Sign up for your passport and collect prizes along the way.
Head to The Winery at Long Shot Farm for a serene, scenic tasting experience surrounded by vineyards and country charm. Their wines are made on-site, and the atmosphere is as friendly as it is photogenic. Or, stay closer to town and stop into Castlerigg Wine Shop, where knowledgeable staff will guide you through a curated tasting of Pennsylvania wines inside a cozy, historic 1890s building.
To round out your visit to Cumberland Valley, I highly recommend booking a night or two at the Allenberry Resort in nearby Boiling Springs. The resort sits on the bank of the Yellow Breeches Creek, seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you’re staying in a cottage, lodge, or historic guesthouse, there’s a restorative calm that surrounds you.
The Allenberry isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place to unwind. Stroll the walking paths, book a spa treatment, or attend a live theater performance in the Playhouse Theater (depending on the season). And suppose you’re lucky enough to catch the morning mist rising over the creek as fly fishers cast their lines. In that case, you’ll understand why generations of travelers have been returning here for decades.
So whether you’re hunting history or looking to unplug, Carlisle fits the bill. It is a town that doesn’t shout about its history—it invites you in to live it.
Hours
Mon–Sat 10 am–5 pm; Sun 12 pm–5 pm;
Trail open dawn–dusk (indoors open to 4 pm Sun/Weekdays)
Admission
Free to all visitors
Plan for
At least 2 hours for indoor exhibits, plus 45 minutes–1 hour for the trail
Access
Fully wheelchair-accessible; free wheelchairs available at the information desk ahec.armywarcollege.edu
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Jo Clark is a travel writer, photographer, and podcaster. She calls the Grand Strand of South Carolina home, but enjoys visiting little-known corners of the globe in search of unique spots to share with her readers. It might be a café, winery, safari lodge, museum, or quaint bed and breakfast inn.
You can find links to all her articles on Have Glass, Will Travel, follow her on Instagram, and click this link to listen in to the monthly Jo Goes Everywhere! podcasts.