Mechanicsburg

Understand

On April 12, 1828 the borough was given the name Mechanicsburg after the increased settlement of Conestoga Wagon mechanics to the area. Designated as a water station for the restocking of locomotives in the 1800s, railroads played a vital role in Mechanicsburg's development linking the town to the business and industry world. Grain and feed companies, lumber yards, and numerous factories were intentionally placed along these tracks to attract more business. During the 19th century an average of 25 trains chugged through the town daily carrying travelers, mail, newspapers, coal, and food. However, today only six trains travel through each day. This number did not used to be this high until Norfolk Southern gained more work on the local sub-line running through Mechanicsburg. Today Mechanicsburg is most well known for being the hometown of Shawn Abner, Del Beshore, Brett Michaels, Ricky Rockett, and Karen Bill. Mechanicsburg has had many nicknames throughout the years. It was first known to be called Drytown because of the intense droughts in the winters and summers, Pinchgut, which is a German term meaning a small town with very few people, and Staufferstown after Henry Stauffer who owned much of the land in the colonial time. The last nickname was Creekville because of the many creeks and small bodies of water located in Mechanicsburg.

Getting there

By plane Harrisburg International Airport is approximately 16 miles (25 km) from the center of Mechanicsburg. The Multi-Modal Transportation Facility (MMTF) is a four-story facility that provides services for all ground transportation including taxis, limos, rental cars, shuttles, and buses making it easy for travelers to get from point "A" to point "B". Philadelphia International Airport is a two-hour drive away and is sometimes more cost efficient to fly into for travelers coming farther distances.

By train Harrisburg is home to the Harrisburg Amtrak Station. The Amtrak train moves at an average speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) and sells reasonably priced tickets. The train is cheap, timely, and an economical means of transportation. Located at 4th and Chestnut Street the station is a quick 8 miles to Mechanicsburg. Harrisburg is home to many taxi companies willing to drive the 8 miles into Mechanicsburg including Capital City Cab Services, American Taxi, Personal Driver Services, and AAA Alpine Taxicab Company. Averaging $10-12 for a taxi ride into town these cab services are perfect to get a traveler to Mechanicsburg in a timely fashion.

By car Being that Mechanicsburg connects into the Carlisle Pike, a major trucking road, many highways connect to the area which makes it easily accessible by car. Coming from the north take I-81 to Exit 3, Carlisle Pike. Coming from the east or south take I-83 exit 4, Mechanicsburg. Coming westbound take PA Rt. 581. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76 takes you to Mechanicsburg off the Harrisburg West exit.

By bus Wolf's Bus Lines Inc, State St, +1 717-697-8569 Rohrer Bus Service-Cumberland Valley 206 Hempt Rd, +1 717-766-9205 Greyhound Bus

Getting around

Taxi

New Yellow Cab LLC +1 717-238-7252 Keystone Cab Co. +1 717-234-4400 Capital City Cab Services +1 717-939-6363 AAA Moonlight Taxicab Co +1 717-243-4343 Limousines

Henderson Limousine Services Unique Limousine Car rentals

Hertz Rent-a-Car Enterprise Rent-A-Car Sensible Car Rental Avis Rent A Car Car Rentals from Budget

See

Art & theatre

Art Center Schools and Galleries- 18 Artcraft Drive Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg- 915 South York St. 1 Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse, 1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs, ☏ +1 717-258-3211. A 15-minute drive from downtown Mechanicsburg. There are always a few great shows playing at a time and the dining is wonderful. This would be a great place for a date or a nice family outing. (updated Apr 2025) Oyster Mill Playhouse. 2nd Floor Gallery, on South Market Street in downtown Mechanicsburg. This particular gallery is very upscale and deals with investments. William Ris Gallery, 5 minutes outside of Mechanicsburg in [1] Camp Hill. This gallery specifies in traditional and contemporary regional/national art. History

Mechanicsburg is rich in history with easy access to the historical sites throughout town. The town played a large part in the Civil War and it is considered the most northern exchange by Confederate and Yankee troops. The Frankenberger Tavern, the oldest building still standing in town, is found on 217 East Main Street. The museum used to be owned by George Frankeberger who built the log home in 1801 as a hotel for travelers. George was later murdered in his home and to this day the tavern is rumored to be haunted. The Stationmaster's House was built in 1866 by the Cumberland Valley Railroad for the station master and his wife. Found on 4 Strawberry Alley, the home is now restored and furnished with antiques and reproductions from the period to portray a middle-class household during the 19th century. The Passenger Station found on 2 Strawberry Alley, is a historical train station built in 1831 connecting to the Cumberland Valley Railroad. Now the station is home to the Mechanicsburg Museum Association. Occupation of Mechanicsburg Story Stop, on East Main and South Market Streets, marks the importance Mechanicsburg played in the Civil War. The Bowmansdale Stone Covered Bridge was built in Bowmansdale, Pennsylvania and was l

Do

If you happen to travel to Mechanicsburg the second week in June the famous Jubilee Day street fair runs all day long. Rain or shine Market Street is annually shut down for the longest street fair on the east coast. Food, games, crafts and rides fill the town roads giving everyone a little taste of Mechanicsburg culture. The large Conodoguinet Creek runs right through the borough. During the warmer spring and summer months the Conodoquinet is a perfect spot to spend a day fishing, tubing, and kayaking with endless places along the water to enter and exit The Yellow Breeches Creek is also a few minutes from downtown. On McCormick Drive in Mechanicsburg you will find a quaint little road along the creek where many gather for family activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and picniking. Mechanicsburg is a short drive away to the larger Susquehanna River. Here you can go boating, fishing, or enjoy a tour of the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna. If you want to enjoy a leisurely day out on the golf course Mechanicsburg is home to two courses: Armitage Golf Club located on 800 Orrs Bridge Road and Rich Valley Golf on 227 Rich Valley Rd. Liberty Forge, ☏ +1 717 795-9880. Features a driving range, golf course, and an event center. Paulus Farm Market on 1216 S. York St. Ashcombe's. Features great farms and greenhouses. This particular atrraction features goods and also has a place for events. The Climbnasium. Full service indoor and outdoor climbing facility in a beautiful historic building. Finkenbinder Park on the Corner of Arch and Green Streets and Cen