Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Susquehanna National Heritage Area America's 55th National Heritage Area
www.SusqNHA.org Susquehanna National Heritage Area operates two visitor centers along the river.

Susquehanna National Heritage Area is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, Congressionally-designated National Heritage Area, and official PA Heritage Area connecting people to the Susquehanna River and its history as it flows through Lancaster and York Counties in Central Pennsylvania. The John & Kathryn Zimmerman Center for Heritage, an historic home on the riverfront south of Wrightsville. We

also manage the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center in Columbia, PA. Susquehanna National Heritage Area is part of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and HeritagePA, Pennsylvania’s statewide network of state-designated Heritage Areas. We achieved designation as a National Heritage Area on March 12, 2019. History - Susquehanna National Heritage Area, originally known as the Lancaster-York Heritage Region, was designated as an official Pennsylvania Heritage Area by Governor Tom Ridge in August 2001. State designation resulted from an extensive, locally-driven community involvement process in the late 1990’s, with grant support from the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program. In early 2007 we established a new core focus on preserving and enhancing the cultural and natural resources of the Susquehanna River corridor through Lancaster and York Counties. This focus on the river led to a new name for the region in 2008 - Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area - with the Susquehanna Heritage Corporation serving as the not-for-profit management entity. We simplified our name to Susquehanna Heritage in 2015 and updated it once more when designated by Congress as the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in 2019. We now have a 19+ year track record of successful heritage development activities across York and Lancaster Counties and along the Susquehanna River.

Spend Labor Day Weekend on the Water!River Discovery Boat Tours are setting sail all weekend long! Enjoy being on the wa...
09/01/2026

Spend Labor Day Weekend on the Water!

River Discovery Boat Tours are setting sail all weekend long! Enjoy being on the water, spot local wildlife, and hear captivating stories of the river’s history on a 1-hour tour or make evening plans to cruise the Susquehanna at Sunset.

Don't miss your chance to experience the Susquehanna in style aboard our historic elegant electric powered wooden yacht. Book your next river adventure at susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/

The reviews are rolling in, and our Boat Tour Team looks forward to welcoming aboard more passengers this Fall!The Chief...
08/30/2026

The reviews are rolling in, and our Boat Tour Team looks forward to welcoming aboard more passengers this Fall!

The Chief Uncas has been collecting happy sailors, big smiles, and unforgettable memories on the Susquehanna all summer long! But don't worry, there are many more river adventures to come. Stay tuned for our upcoming Fall boat tour schedule that will be full of river experiences the whole family will enjoy!

To everyone who has cruised with us this season and left a review or shared about your experience: THANK YOU! Your kind words mean the world to our team! Seeing passengers return year to year and come aboard multiple times during our tour season reminds us how special this program truly is.

Reserve your seat on one of our upcoming boat tours at susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/

Calling all bird enthusiasts and nature lovers! Discover the incredible variety of birds that call the Susquehanna home ...
08/30/2026

Calling all bird enthusiasts and nature lovers! Discover the incredible variety of birds that call the Susquehanna home aboard a Heritage Cruise, led by naturalist and birding enthusiast Sarah Gotwols!

On Thursday September 3, keep your binoculars ready as we search for majestic bald eagles, graceful herons, soaring ospreys. Along the way, you'll hear how the Susquehanna River’s bird populations have changed over time.

Whether you're an experienced birder or simply enjoy spending time on the water, this relaxing 1.5 hour cruise at sunset offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife while taking in breathtaking river views.

📅 Learn more and reserve your seat on our Birdlife Heritage Cruise at susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/

Amber is a Gateway to DiscoveryThe Susquehanna River has always connected people.As Manager of the Zimmerman Center for ...
08/30/2026

Amber is a Gateway to Discovery

The Susquehanna River has always connected people.

As Manager of the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, Amber helps visitors discover those connections every day—from the stories of the people who lived along the river to the wildlife, landscapes, and waterways that continue to shape this region.

Her work also helps ensure that the stories we share are thoughtful, meaningful, and connected to the people whose history is rooted here. Amber has been involved in efforts to deepen the Zimmerman Center’s interpretation of Native communities. She also helps care for and share the collections that bring the river’s history and cultural legacy to life, including the Visions of the Susquehanna art collection.

Through exhibits, programs, collections, and visitor experiences, she helps bring the mission of the Heritage Area to life while welcoming guests to one of Pennsylvania’s unique connections to the National Park System: the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

The Zimmerman Center is more than a visitor center—it’s a starting point for exploration.

And Amber helps make sure every visitor finds a reason to begin their journey.

Tim, Leif & Carey Making Every Day HappenGreat visitor experiences are built on teamwork.Lief, Tim, and Carey help keep ...
08/29/2026

Tim, Leif & Carey Making Every Day Happen

Great visitor experiences are built on teamwork.

Lief, Tim, and Carey help keep our visitor centers running smoothly every day by welcoming guests, sharing information, answering questions, and helping visitors discover all there is to explore across the Susquehanna National Heritage Area.
But their impact goes far beyond the front desk.

They are the teammates who jump in wherever they are needed—supporting field trips, assisting with programs, helping guide visitors, and lending a hand behind the scenes to make sure every event and experience is successful.

Their flexibility, enthusiasm, and willingness to help make them an essential part of the SNHA team.

Because sharing America's story takes all of us.

Sophia & Blanton are Inspiring the Next Generation of StorytellersHistory comes to life when you can experience it for y...
08/29/2026

Sophia & Blanton are Inspiring the Next Generation of Storytellers

History comes to life when you can experience it for yourself.
As Program Manager, Sophia leads the creation of engaging educational experiences, with the support of Program Coordinator Blanton, that help visitors of all ages discover the stories of the Susquehanna Riverlands.
From welcoming students for National Park Service field trips and leading hands-on activities to sharing traditional skills and encouraging curious questions, Sophia and Blanton transform history into experiences that inspire exploration, connection, and discovery.

Every program is designed to spark curiosity—not just about the past, but about the people, places, and landscapes that continue to shape our region today.
Because today’s young explorers are tomorrow’s historians, conservationists, educators, and community leaders—and every great storyteller starts with a story worth discovering.

Kara is Building Partnerships That Tell a Bigger StoryA National Heritage Area is built on collaboration.As Heritage Par...
08/29/2026

Kara is Building Partnerships That Tell a Bigger Story

A National Heritage Area is built on collaboration.

As Heritage Partnerships Planner, Kara works with communities, organizations, municipalities, and partners across Lancaster and York Counties to strengthen the connections that make the Susquehanna National Heritage Area unique.
She helps partners bring their ideas to life, identify opportunities to collaborate, and create shared experiences that preserve and celebrate the stories, places, and traditions that define this region.

From historic sites and cultural organizations to community projects and regional initiatives, Kara helps ensure that every partner has a place in telling America’s story.

Because the best stories are not told by one person or one organization—they are created together.

Megan is Creating Connections Through CommunityA great place isn't just somewhere you visit—it’s somewhere you feel conn...
08/29/2026

Megan is Creating Connections Through Community

A great place isn't just somewhere you visit—it’s somewhere you feel connected.
As Manager of Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, Megan helps create a welcoming gateway where visitors discover the history, recreation, and natural beauty of the Susquehanna Riverlands. From helping guests plan their adventures to developing programs and experiences, she helps bring the stories of the river to life every day.

Beyond welcoming visitors, Megan helps strengthen the partnerships that make a Heritage Area thrive by working with community organizations, municipalities, and regional partners to support shared projects, create new opportunities, and connect people across Lancaster and York Counties.

From a quiet conversation with a first-time visitor, a collaboration that brings an idea to life, or a community event that brings people together, Megan helps create moments where connections are made and stories are shared.

Because sometimes the best way to share America’s story is by bringing people together.

Alene is Building the Foundation for SuccessGreat stories, meaningful experiences, and nationally significant projects a...
08/29/2026

Alene is Building the Foundation for Success

Great stories, meaningful experiences, and nationally significant projects all require a strong foundation.

As Vice President of Finance and Operations, Alene helps ensure Susquehanna National Heritage Area has the resources, planning, and operational support needed to bring its mission to life.

From managing financial strategy and organizational operations to supporting the systems that keep our programs, projects, and visitor experiences moving forward, Alene works behind the scenes to help the entire team succeed. While visitors may see the trails, exhibits, events, and programs, her work helps make those experiences possible.

Because preserving and sharing America's story takes more than passion—it takes thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and a dedicated team working together.

Address

1706 Long Level Road
Wrightsville, PA
17368

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+17172520229

Website

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