Facility Overview

The Millersburg Ferry parking facility is an open-air surface parking and vehicle staging area located directly along River Street within Millersburg Riverfront Park, on the scenic eastern banks of the Susquehanna River in Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Serving both day visitors exploring the riverfront and motorists queuing to cross the river aboard America's last remaining historic wooden double-sternwheel paddle boats—The Roaring Bull V and The Falcon III—this lot provides seamless river access in a peaceful, tree-lined environment. Because it is an open-air grade-level parking lot, there are no overhead clearance restrictions or parking garage ceiling limits, making it fully accessible for standard passenger cars, minivans, full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and vehicles carrying rooftop racks, kayaks, or bicycles. Staging lanes are situated adjacent to the ferry slip at the foot of North and River Streets, while dedicated public stalls are provided for trail users, boat launch visitors, and walk-on ferry passengers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated directly at the historic landing site, this parking area places visitors at the threshold of rich Pennsylvania heritage and outdoor recreation. Notable local destinations and walking distances include:

• Millersburg Riverfront Park & Boat Ramp: On-site access to picnic tables, riverfront walking paths, swings, and public boat launch facilities along the Susquehanna River Water Trail.
• Lykens Valley Rail Trail Head: Immediate on-site access to the scenic walking and cycling trail stretching eastward across northern Dauphin County.
• Historic Downtown Millersburg & Market Square: Located just 3 to 4 blocks east (a gentle 5- to 7-minute walk), featuring local dining, cafes, bakeries, antique shops, and the historic town square.
• Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art: A premier cultural, gallery, and nature preserve situated approximately 2.5 miles east (under a 7-minute drive).
• Ferryboat Campsites & Perry County Shore: Accessible directly across the Susquehanna River via the historic 15- to 20-minute ferry crossing to Perry County and Routes 11/15.
• Lake Tobias Wildlife Park: Located about 9 miles southeast (approximately 15 minutes by car), a popular family attraction and safari park.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress to the Millersburg Ferry parking area are straightforward via local borough roads. Drivers arriving from Harrisburg or points south follow PA-147 North or US-209 North directly into Millersburg, turning west onto Keystone Street or North Street down to River Street. Motorists traveling via Interstate 81 take Exit 107 toward Millersburg via PA-209 South for approximately 12 miles into town. After daytime excursions or during busy weekend river crossings, vehicular traffic disperses easily into the borough's well-spaced grid network, avoiding urban congestion. While fixed-route metropolitan rail and subway systems do not operate in rural Dauphin County, the ferry itself functions as a cherished water transit connection linking Dauphin County on the east shore with Perry County (connecting with US-11 and US-15) on the west shore.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Level grade parking adjacent to the riverbank and ferry launch, free from vertical clearance barriers.
• Direct Boat Ramp & Ferry Access: Dedicated queuing lanes directly feeding the ferry landing ramp and the municipal boat launch.
• Restroom & Welcome Facilities: Borough-maintained public restrooms and seasonal visitor information located within Riverfront Park.
• Recreational Amenities: Shaded picnic pavilions, park benches, river swings, and paved path connections to the Lykens Valley Rail Trail.
• Ferry Boarding Support: Attentive on-site deckhands to manage vehicle queuing, staging, and boarding onto the ferry vessels.
• Accessible Stalls: Paved, level accessible parking spaces situated near park pavilions and ramp walkways.

Ideal For

• Heritage Travelers & Sightseers: Visitors coming to ride or photograph the National Register of Historic Places wooden paddle wheel ferryboats.
• Kayakers, Boaters & Anglers: Outdoor enthusiasts utilizing the Millersburg boat launch and Susquehanna River Water Trail.
• Hikers & Cyclists: Trail users seeking a convenient starting point for the Lykens Valley Rail Trail or riverside strolls.
• Cross-River Drivers & Motorcyclists: Motorists and touring motorcyclists taking a picturesque shortcut between Dauphin and Perry counties.
• Daytrippers & Picnickers: Families spending an afternoon enjoying Riverfront Park pavilions and downtown Millersburg eateries.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Confirm Operating Status: The historic ferry operates seasonally (typically May through October) and is strictly subject to river depth, water current, and weather. Always call the ferry hotline or check daily status updates before traveling.
• Bring Cash for Ferry Crossings: While parking in the municipal park lot is free, ferry transportation fares (per vehicle or walk-on rider) are collected aboard the vessel, and cash is strongly preferred for prompt boarding.
• Queue Etiquette: When queuing to cross the river, pull forward in the designated staging lane toward the ramp, remain inside your vehicle, and follow the hand signals of the ferry deckhand.
• Low-Clearance Vehicles: Drivers of extremely low-profile sports cars should approach the vessel loading apron slowly to avoid scraping the front air dam when river ramp angles change with the water level.
• GPS Address: For seamless navigation directly to the east landing, set your GPS destination to Riverfront Park or North Street at River Street, Millersburg, PA 17061.