Fort Indiantown Gap is a hidden gem in the heart of Pennsylvania that carries 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 more about Fort Indiantown Gap, I am bringing here the most awaited guide for wanderlusts and history buffs. Let’s begin!

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History Of Fort Indiantown Gap Name:

The name Indiantown Gap is an amalgamation of the Native American presence and geography. “Indiantown” is derived from the villages that once existed 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 authorization of acquiring land in Lebanon and Dauphin counties. In 1932, the National Guard utilized this palace for training maneuvers.

After 8 years, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania completed the military reservation. By 30 Sep 1940, Pennsylvania Commonwealth decided to lease a reservation in the hand of 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 setup at Fort Indiantown Gap began.

As soon as the facility finished, around 1400 buildings were added comprising three fire stations, four theaters, a 400-bed hospital, and so on. Finally, by March 3, 1941, Indiantown Gap was named officially 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 serving as 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 kilometers 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:

Preserved within the walls of two-story barracks, the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum was built in 1941. It is providing a permanent memorial for all those Pennsylvanians who dedicated their life to protecting their freedom.

Here, you will get to 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 to 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 honor the contributions of Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers to World War I and World War II.

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

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

3) Hershey Garden:

Hershey Garden is a botanical garden that was 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 come across bountiful flowers, rare trees, 11 theme gardens, and a children’s garden. There’s also a conservatory where three areas are the center of attraction including the Welcome Pavilion, Butterfly Atrium, and a Horticultural wing. It’s just 18-20 minutes away from Fort Indiantown Gap.

If you are seeking 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 with the separation 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 the visitors including fishing, hunting, and so on. If you want to take part in hunting, fishing, or any recreational activities, it’s important to register yourself 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.

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

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

6) Fitness Centre:

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

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

On the other hand, Fort Indiantown Gap provides full access to Blue Mountain Sports Arena from Monday to Saturday. It has locker rooms, a basketball court, a cardio room, a weight room, etc. At the same time, the sky multipurpose room 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, there’s a wide variety of decor and furnishing available for your lovely home. In case you need decorative items for your home, this is the ideal place to go.

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, it 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 Raptor 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 now to participate in the upcoming America’s Transportation experience.

You can also choose to volunteer at the museum in many domains like 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, keep in mind that several activities and events keep happening 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 months because the climate remains unfavorable.

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

Conclusion:

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

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 that is worth visiting in Lebanon? If yes, feel free to drop 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 schpeeder.