A train station dating from 1891 is the starting point for an 11-mile round trip along Swatara Creek. Nearby, a museum, synagogue, and historic buildings tell different stories about Middletown. The river connections also differ: early settlement is associated with the banks of the Susquehanna River, while the train ride follows Swatara Creek. This mix gives you several ways to decide what interests you most during a stay in Middletown.
Local History on the Susquehanna
Middletown was laid out in 1755 and is considered the oldest community in Dauphin County. The town was settled on the banks of the Susquehanna River. The year it was laid out and its connection to the river place its history in a specific time and geographical setting without reducing it to a single building. If you are interested in how a place developed, this offers a concrete starting point: Middletown’s history can be explored through both its early settlement and its named institutions and buildings.
A Museum, a Synagogue, and an Unusual Exhibit
The Middletown Historic Museum is located at 29 E Main St. Among the objects on display is a wooden “Mickey Mouse” artifact made by the Performo Toy Company, which was once based in Middletown. The artifact connects a tangible museum object with the former presence of a toy manufacturer in town. It adds another dimension to Middletown, beyond the local history and historic buildings that are otherwise the main focus.
B’nai Jacob Synagogue was built in 1906 by Middletown’s Jewish community. It is the oldest continuously used synagogue in Dauphin County. Its construction date and continued use make it a distinct point of reference in local history: the synagogue speaks not only to a single date, but also to a lasting connection with the community. Together with the historic buildings and museum, it offers a broader view of Middletown as a place with different, clearly identifiable historical connections.
Liberty Band Hall and Swatara Ferry House
On South Union Street, Liberty Band Hall stands beside Swatara Ferry House, also known as “Old Fort.” Swatara Ferry House is the only known surviving example of its building type in Dauphin County. This description is deliberately specific to the building type and the county. For orientation, the focus here is on two named neighboring buildings; their connection is their proximity, while the special historical distinction applies to the Ferry House.
Ride the Milk & Honey Express Along Swatara Creek
The Milk & Honey Express offers an 11-mile round trip along Swatara Creek. The ride begins at the train station in Middletown, which dates from 1891. The excursion follows a clearly defined route and is distinct from the historical themes associated with buildings, institutions, and an exhibit. If you plan to take the train, check the schedule before your trip, as schedules can change.
The station has a ticket counter, a gift shop, and modern ADA-compliant restrooms. Station amenities can change, so check the latest information before your trip. This gives you two different options for planning your visit: a train ride along Swatara Creek or exploring Middletown’s local history. If you’re looking for hotels in Middletown, you can start by deciding which of these aspects you’d like to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Hershey, Dauphin, Hummelstown, Halifax, Harrisburg, Grantville, Oberlin
Return to the main travel overview: Dauphin.
