Tripper’s Guide: Making The Most Of Your Visit to Fort Indiantown Gap

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Fort Indiantown Gap is a hidden gem in the heart of Pennsylvania, with several years of military history hidden within its name.

Also, popular as “The Gap” or “FIG,” this is one of the busiest installations in the United States. It served as the National Guard Training Centre, and a certain portion is located in Dauphin County.

The place is easily accessible from Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Hanover, and many other towns. If you want to explore Fort Indiantown Gap more, I am bringing here the most awaited guide for wanderlusts and history buffs. Let’s begin!

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Where Is Fort Indiantown Gap?

Located in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Fort Indiantown is a significant military training facility.

It serves as the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s primary training site. The fort is situated about 10 miles west of Harrisburg, which is the state ccapital.

History Of Fort Indiantown Gap Name

The name Indiantown Gap amalgamates the Native American presence and geography. “Indiantown” is derived from the villages in the Fort Indiantown Gap. “Gap” comes from the divergence in the Blue Mountains from the Indiantown Run passes.

The establishment of Fort Indiantown Gap commenced with the authorisation of acquiring land in Lebanon and Dauphin counties. In 1932, the National Guard utilised this palace for training manoeuvres.

After 8 years, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania completed the military reservation. By 30 September 1940, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth decided to lease a reservation to the Federal government for $1.

After that, a big construction project started, with 13000 workmen prepared to welcome troops and supplies, and the US Army Garrison set up at Fort Indiantown Gap began.

As soon as the facility finished, around 1,400 buildings were added, comprising three fire stations, four theatres, a 400-bed hospital, and so on. Finally, by March 3, 1941, Indiantown Gap was officially named Indiantown Gap Military Reservation.

Today, it has become the main site for the National Guard of Pennsylvania and is widely known as a National Guard Training Centre. It is also the adobe to Veteran Affairs and the Pennsylvania Department of Military.

9 Things To Do and Places Worth Visiting Near Fort Indiantown Gap

The rich history of Fort Indiantown Gap has given birth to many areas to explore. Apart from that, there are many pieces of attractions a few kilometres from the Fort Indiantown gap. If you are wondering what you can do after visit, go through this list:

1) Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum

The Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum, built in 1941 within the walls of two-story barracks, is a permanent memorial to all Pennsylvanians who dedicated their lives to protecting their freedom.

Here, you will see many preserved items and weapons collected from the Civil and Gulf Wars.

The visitors have to check in at However, be aware that it remains open between 10 AM and 3:30 PM on Monday and Friday only. For Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, visitors have to make appointments or visit during some special events.

2) Memorial Lake State Park

Surrounded by the Fort Indiantown Gap, Memorial Lake State Park was built in 1945 to honour the contributions of Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers to World War I and World War II.

This place has many things to offer, especially recreational activities like casual or ice fishing. Some of the most common game fish found here include northern pike, bullhead, trout, white crappie, and more.

You can also gain experience boating, but keep in mind that the prices vary per season. Ultimately, it’s one of the worth-checking places close to Fort Indiantown Gap, where tranquillity and excitement are available in a perfect blend.

3) Hershey Garden

Hershey Garden is a botanical garden set up by Milton S. Hershey in 1936 and opened to the public after a year. This 23-acre garden features an abundance of beauty.

You will find bountiful flowers, rare trees, 11 theme gardens, and a children’s garden. There’s also a conservatory, where three areas are the centre of attraction: the Welcome Pavilion, Butterfly Atrium, and Horticultural Wing. It’s just 18-20 minutes away from Fort Indiantown Gap.

If you seek a picturesque environment with a serene landscape, strolling through the Hershey Garden will make you forget all your stress.

4) Hunting

Fort Indiantown Gap is spread over 1700 acres and is divided into two regions: the Cantonment to the south of Blue Mountains and the Corridor lying north of Zait.

Thus, plenty of recreational activities are offered to visitors, including fishing, hunting, and so on. If you want to take part in hunting, fishing, or any recreational activity, it’s important to register as per the Pennsylvania Game Code Laws and Regulations.

5) Regal Fritillary Butterfly Habitat

Regal Fritillary Butterfly Habitat is a preservatory for the rarely existing regal fritillary butterflies. Visiting this place takes you into its magical aura and the unparalleled beauty of nature.

In the mid-1990s, their reduction in the population caught the public’s and scientific attention. Since then, the biologists at Fort Indiantown Gap have been working to conserve and protect the existing population.

It partners with ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to implement conservation strategies and provide refuge to the regal fritillary butterflies.

6) Fitness Centre

For fitness freaks, Blue Mountain Sports Arena or Warrior Fitness Centre are worth checking out. The latter is open 24×7 for soldiers only, regardless of their time constraints.

It boasts a satellite facility featuring vending machines, treadmills, nautilus machines, and more. To get an entry, you have to submit a request to the Garrison Commander and get an access code.

On the other hand, Fort Indiantown Gap provides complete access to Blue Mountain Sports Arena from Monday to Saturday. It has locker rooms, a basketball court, a cardio room, a weight room, and more. The sky multipurpose room also contains TV and DVD players.

7) Farmstead Farmers Market

Farmstead Farmers Market is the best place in Pennsylvania to shop for some perishable goods like vegetables, beef, seafood, raw milk, organic chees, soy candles, and several other things.

Apart from them, a wide variety of decor and furnishing is available for your lovely home. This is the ideal place to go if you need decorative items for your home.

8) Pennsylvania Falconry and Hawk Trust

Falconry is a dedicated group of conservationists who work together to protect and preserve the fostering of falconry in Pennsylvania state. This place allows you to trap, train, maintain, and hunt the raptor you want to see flying.

Due to its commitment and passion for protecting Falconry, PFHT has become a vital hub for nature enthusiasts and conservationists. You must check out PFHT, as it offers an amazing chance to learn a lot about Raptors while developing a strong knowledge of Falconry.

Although it takes plenty of time to become a Falconer (the one who trains Falcons for hunting purposes), stay away from it if you have no desire to hunt.

9) AACA Museum

Are you too much in vehicles? If yes, get a chance to explore world-class vintage and classic vehicle models only at the AACA Museum. The tickets are live to participate in the upcoming America’s Transportation experience.

You can also volunteer at the museum in many domains, such as guest services and special events. Until now, over 200 volunteers have already contributed to the success of the AACA Museum.

To be a volunteer, you can click on the link here. Moreover, remember that several activities and events happen all year round. So, no matter when you choose to visit the Fort Indiantown gap, cross through US-22 W to visit the AACA museum.

Best Time To Visit The Fort Indiantown Gap

Considering the climate and all other factors, the best time to visit Fort Indiantown Gap is from May to September. During this time, the temperature remains warm with little chance of precipitation. However, you should avoid reaching here in January and February because the climate remains unfavourable.

In the end, your preference for the best time to visit Fort Indiantown Gap will depend on your individual choices. Because every season has its charm and unique experiences to offer, make sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Conclusion:

As you know now, with the unique blend of military history and the unparalleled charm of Fort Indiantown Gap, don’t miss the chance to visit here. This place offers many experiences and takes you deeper into some unknown Pennsylvania military life treasure troves.

Whether you are simply attracted to nature or looking for an outdoor adventure to a historical place, there’s no match as good as Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania. Additionally, it is not far from many of Pennsylvania’s attractions.

Do you have any other historical place in your mind worth visiting in Lebanon? If yes, please leave your views in the comment, and don’t forget to share your experience after visiting the Indiantown Gap. For more such travel experiences and blogs, keep reading. Until then, Sehn dich speeder.

Awesome Traveler