# Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: River Confluence & Lower Town Family Winter Excursion

> Place to go for families in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area (DC / VA / MD / WV). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Park grounds open daily sunrise to sunset; Visitor Center and Lower Town shuttle operate…
- Dates: Tue, Dec 1 – Sun, Feb 28
- Where: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
- Ages: All ages; shuttle buses are stroller and wheelchair accessible; Lower Town sidewalks and pedestrian Potomac footbridge are paved
- Price: $20 per private vehicle (valid for 3 consecutive days); $10 per pedestrian/bicyclist; Free with America the Beautiful Interagency National Park Pass
- Schedule: Park grounds open daily sunrise to sunset; Visitor Center and Lower Town shuttle operate daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
- Organizer: National Park Service (NPS)
- Official page: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74304
- Last checked: Wed, Nov 4

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/harpers-ferry-national-historical-park-river-confluence-and-lower-town--listing-a1ad719a325d66a4bb9b24cc

## About

Located roughly an hour from DC at the picturesque confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is magical in winter. Crisp mountain air and snow-dusted ridges unveil unobstructed vistas of the dramatic Potomac water gap and Maryland Heights cliffs that are obscured by summer foliage.

Families can board the heated park shuttle bus from the Cavalier Heights Visitor Center down into historic 19th-century Lower Town. Stroll along cobblestone sidewalks to John Brown’s Fort, cross the pedestrian footbridge over the icy Potomac River to touch the C&O Canal towpath, and explore living history museum exhibits. The town features family-friendly cafes serving warm cider, hot soups, and baked treats.

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