There is a unique kind of luxury in spending a portion of your day basking in nature. It’s like giving your body the quiet reset it needs. The fresh air, natural light, and harmonious sounds of the forest shift your mind to a slower rhythm of life. Even brief moments among trees and wildlife can sharpen your perspective and improve your creativity. It can be an emotional boost that no amount of caffeine or screentime can emulate.
Just a short drive from our beautiful Hershey bed-and-breakfast, Wildwood Park offers a place where guests can breathe deeply and immerse themselves in the serenity of the outdoors. Whether you are seeking a peaceful morning stroll or a wellness-focused retreat, Wildwood Park delivers an experience that feels both energizing and restorative in any season.
A Park Full of Nature and Grounded in Community
Wildwood Park is more than a scenic outdoor space; it has been thoughtfully preserved to support an ecosystem that offers unique opportunities for exploration and education. At the center of the park lies Wildwood Lake, a shallow wetland that functions as a vital habitat for a wide range of species. Whether you are a novice wildlife observer or a dedicated birdwatcher, the herons sweeping over the water and turtles basking in the sunshine make this spot a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Nestled along Wildwood Lake, the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center welcomes curious explorers to learn about the wetlands that shape this beautiful landscape. Mr. Olewine’s generous philanthropic gift created a gathering space where education, conservation, and community come together to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts that keep the park thriving.
Trails for Leisurely Walks, Serious Hikes, and Those with Mobility Needs
One of the many benefits of visiting Wildwood Park is its extensive trail network. From a gentle ramble through nature to a challenging hike that will get your blood pumping, it has something for all ages and abilities. The Delta Boardwalk offers a comfortable way to observe nature along a 0.4-mile wooden walkway that is ADA accessible. If you are looking for an adventure, consider trails such as East Shore and Tall Timbers, which are rated moderately difficult to difficult. Because much of the terrain is relatively flat and well-maintained, Wildwood is a rare park that remains enjoyable year-round.
Beauty in Every Season: A Park to Explore Any Time of Year
As winter recedes and spring emerges, the wetlands come alive with music and color. Frogs and migratory birds begin their chorus, and wildflowers burst through the ground with warmth and beauty. It is one of the best times for photography with soft light and vibrant greens creating a stunning backdrop. It’s the perfect place to wake up your senses and shake off any lingering seasonal blues you may have!
In the summer, the park feels like a nature painting that has come to life. Sun-drenched lily pads float across the lake as dragonflies dance above the water. It’s the ideal time of the year to enjoy the boardwalks lined with cattails, count how many turtles you can see lounging about on logs, or participate in the park’s many seasonal events and nature programs. Shady sections of the trails offer cooling shelter from the heat, and pavilions are open for that quintessential summertime picnic. Early morning brings a soft mist over the lake, while later afternoon casts a golden glow across the trails, making even a short walk feel relaxing and restorative.
Autumn brings about a quieter, more contemplative feel to the park. The fall foliage around the lake turns brilliant shades of gold and red, making it a perfect spot for leaf peeping, and the cooler temperatures make long walks especially pleasant. Birdwatchers and photographers flock to the park during migration season, hoping to catch that one-of-a-kind viewing.
Winter at Wildwood is serene and surprisingly inviting. The boardwalk remains open, offering a peaceful place for brisk walks or to enjoy the season’s stillness and beauty. Hawks, geese, and ducks are common winter birds that hang about the park. The Nature Center is also the perfect spot to warm up while you explore the indoor exhibits and activities.
Enjoying the Many Activities at Wildwood Park
Every year in April, Wildwood Park hosts their Wetlands Festival, a day filled with fun and education. The event features guided nature walks, wildlife demonstrations, and opportunities to learn from local naturalists and environmental organizations. Spend the day getting up close to wildlife, exploring the many exhibits, and learning about nature and conservation as local environmental organizations bring the wetland ecosystem to life. Live music, savory food trucks, and spring in full bloom make this festival one you won’t want to miss!
Wildwood’s annual Run Wild for Wildwood 5K/10K is a relaxed, nature-focused race that invites runners and walkers to experience the wetlands in a new way. The course winds through shaded trails, open boardwalks, and scenic lake views, offering a peaceful alternative to your typical road race. It’s a great one for adults and couples who enjoy fitness and fresh air. Proceeds support the park’s conservation efforts, so your participation helps protect the trails, wildlife, and habitats that make this park the year-round treasure that it is.
Art In The Wild transforms the park into an open-air gallery each spring and summer. Each piece is handcrafted from natural materials and designed to blend with the wetlands. The project is open to everyone for participation and is perfect for anyone who enjoys creative exploration, photography, or simply adding a touch of art to a peaceful walk through the park.
Their monthly event calendar features an impressive mix of nature-focused activities, such as Weekly Wellness Walks and Birds and Coffee with the Appalachian Audubon Society, along with many other engaging activities, highlighting the parks’ dedication to conservation and community.
The park also offers fishing, boating, and biking; please visit their website for more information and guidance on these activities.
Planning Your Visit: Helpful Tips
- Located at 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA.
- Park Hours are from dawn to dusk.
- Nature Center Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm (check calendar for holidays).
- Cost is free, but donations are welcome!
- Picnic Areas are all open to the public unless otherwise noted.
- Restrooms are available at various locations.
- Parking: Available at multiple trailheads.
Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and appropriate seasonal attire. You can download a map from their website that includes a helpful description of each trail and its difficulty level. Bring your camera and a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature’s beauty!
A Perfect Finish to a Day at Wildwood Park
After a day of wandering through Wildwood Park’s scenic boardwalks, spotting wildlife, and soaking in the calm of nature, returning to our luxury bed and breakfast feels like the perfect finish. Guests can unwind with a glass of wine, take in the local beauty, and enjoy the unhurried comfort of the inn.
Book your stay today and enjoy the year-round beauty of Wildwood Park and the year-round hospitality of our inn!
