Explore Harpers Ferry’s rich history and stunning views with a self-guided audio tour. Discover stories of ambition and change at your own pace.
Explore Harpers Ferry’s rich history and stunning views with a self-guided audio tour. Discover stories of ambition and change at your own pace.
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters - Discover the heart of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail at its symbolic midpoint. This inviting center celebrates hikers and shares tales from one of America’s most renowned long-distance trails.
- Black Voices Museum - This impactful museum focuses on the narratives of African Americans in Harpers…
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters - Discover the heart of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail at its symbolic midpoint. This inviting center celebrates hikers and shares tales from one of America’s most renowned long-distance trails.
- Black Voices Museum - This impactful museum focuses on the narratives of African Americans in Harpers Ferry—enslaved, freed, educated, and resilient. It’s an essential visit that challenges, honors, and inspires. The museum is currently closed for renovations.
- Harper Cemetery - Perched high above the town, this serene cemetery offers expansive views and poignant stories. Here rest soldiers, citizens, and visionaries who shaped the essence of Harpers Ferry.
- US Armory Site - Once a significant U.S. weapons factory, this site became the focal point for John Brown’s infamous raid. Today, only foundations remain—but the legacy is unforgettable.
- Harpers Ferry Historical Museum - Nestled inside an old building in Lower Town, this museum features interactive exhibits and diverse artifacts that bring Harpers Ferry’s history to life—from everyday life to monumental events.
- Jefferson Rock - Named after Thomas Jefferson, this cliffside vantage point offers one of the most iconic views in the region. It’s not just a photo opportunity—it’s a chance to see the landscape through history’s lens.
- John Brown’s Fort - This humble brick building was once the fire engine house—and became the final stronghold of John Brown’s abolitionist stand. Few places in America resonate with such tension and significance.
- Lockwood House - Used by Union officers and educators alike, this grand home once housed the leadership of Storer College. Its walls witnessed both military strategy and the rise of Black education.
- St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church - This impressive stone church overlooks the town from a dramatic hillside position. Once serving Irish immigrant families and spared during the Civil War, it remains a symbol of resilience and sanctuary.
- Storer College Campus - Founded after the Civil War to educate formerly enslaved individuals, Storer College became a beacon of hope and empowerment. The campus tells a compelling story of learning, leadership, and civil rights in the Reconstruction era.
- The Point - Stand at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers—where geography, trade, and strategy intersected. This dramatic natural setting offers breathtaking views and a sense of Harpers Ferry’s pivotal place in history.
- Virginius Island, West Virginia - Now a tranquil woodland of ruins and trails, Virginius Island was once a bustling industrial village. As you explore its moss-covered remains, you’ll uncover the rise—and fall—of Harpers Ferry’s water-powered economy.
- White Hall Tavern - Once a vibrant gathering spot, this 19th-century tavern hosted travelers, locals, and even Union soldiers. Step back in time at a place where pints were poured and politics debated.
- Murphy Farm - A peaceful landscape with a turbulent past, Murphy Farm was once a battlefield, then home to powerful Civil Rights speeches. Today, it’s a place for reflection and panoramic views.
- Bolivar Heights - One of the most contested ridges in Civil War history, this overlook offers more than just scenery—it’s a front-row seat to Harpers Ferry’s strategic importance and stunning vistas.
- Harpers Ferry Public Square - The heart of town life for centuries, this lively square has seen markets, militias, protests, and parades. It remains a gathering place full of echoes and energy.
- Lower Town Train Station - Still active today, this historic station connects Harpers Ferry to the region’s rail legacy. It’s also a reminder that this small town was once a major transit hub.
- Original Site, Shenandoah River Bridge - This is where it all began—Robert Harper’s 18th-century ferry launched a town that would become a national crossroads of commerce, conflict, and change.
- Appalachian Trail Staircase - Carved into the cliffside, this dramatic stairway connects Lower Town to the Appalachian Trail. It’s steep, scenic, and symbolic of the effort and perspective the trail demands.
- Arsenal Square - Once the site of a sprawling U.S. arsenal, this open space witnessed the explosive beginnings of John Brown’s raid. Today it’s quiet, but charged with historical significance.

- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide
- App and Tour Download
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide
- App and Tour Download
- Smartphone (bring your own)
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Meandering through trails, town, and history, this self-guided audio tour delves into the compelling stories and landscapes of Harpers Ferry. Spanning 3 miles, participants will travel from serene riverbanks to striking ridgelines, passing by weathered ruins and historic landmarks that have influenced the course of American history.
This is not just an…
Meandering through trails, town, and history, this self-guided audio tour delves into the compelling stories and landscapes of Harpers Ferry. Spanning 3 miles, participants will travel from serene riverbanks to striking ridgelines, passing by weathered ruins and historic landmarks that have influenced the course of American history.
This is not just an ordinary walk—it’s an in-depth exploration of a place where freedom was fought for, ideas were challenged, and the nation’s future often teetered on the edge. From John Brown’s daring raid to the legacy of Storer College, each stop unveils a new chapter of ambition, conflict, and transformation.
With GPS-triggered audio to guide the way, participants can explore at their own pace—pausing for a scenic view or reflecting at a historic site. Whether a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply here for the beauty, this tour provides a moving and unforgettable way to experience Harpers Ferry.
- Children 10 and under are free
- Download before you go - cell service is spotty at best
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.