You know that feeling when you plan a trip and worry things might fall through? Yeah, we had that moment when we heard about the government shutdown, but here’s the good news: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park stayed open for visitors, even though things looked a little different than usual.
Perched right where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet—at the magical intersection of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia—Harpers Ferry is already one of those places that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The historic Lower Town, with its brick buildings dating back to the 1800s, sits along charming streets that beckon you to explore. Sure, the absence of living history actors definitely changed the vibe from what it usually is, but honestly? The bones of the place are so incredible that it didn’t diminish the experience one bit. We could still wander through the museums, check out the sites connected to John Brown’s famous 1859 raid, and soak in over 150 years of American history.
One of the best parts about visiting during the shutdown? Way fewer crowds. The historic district felt wonderfully peaceful, and we had plenty of space to actually appreciate what we were seeing without jostling through throngs of tourists.
Fuel Up at The Rabbit Hole Gastropub
After a morning of exploring, we grabbed lunch at The Rabbit Hole Gastropub, and let me tell you—this place is the real deal. Located right on High Street in the heart of downtown, it’s the kind of spot that makes you understand why Harpers Ferry keeps showing up on those “best small towns” lists.
The Rabbit Hole isn’t your typical historical town lunch place. It’s a modern gastropub with seriously impressive craft beer selection (we’re talking 75+ options!), and the food is thoughtfully prepared pub fare. But here’s what really got us: the views. The restaurant has a fabulous outdoor patio and an indoor historic dining room, and from either spot, you can see the trains rolling across the bridge over the Shenandoah River. There’s something magical about watching those trains pass while you’re eating. One reviewer even mentioned discovering a natural spring grotto feature in the dining area—now that’s quirky Harpers Ferry charm!
The menu rotates with seasonal specials, and they’ve got solid vegetarian and gluten-free options if you need them. Plus, the craft beer selection means even the pickiest beer enthusiast in your group will find something to love. Judging by their top-ranked spot-on TripAdvisor (number one out of 18 restaurants in Harpers Ferry!), we weren’t the only ones impressed.
So Much to See, Living History or Not
Beyond the restaurant and the Lower Town strolls, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park spans nearly 4,000 acres and packs in some seriously cool attractions. You’ve got over 20 miles of hiking trails that range from easy riverside walks to more challenging four and eight-mile adventures. There are museums and exhibits exploring everything from John Brown’s raid to Civil War history. You can climb the historic Stone Steps up to Jefferson Rock for views that supposedly impressed Thomas Jefferson himself back in 1783. The Point offers stunning views of the river confluence. There’s even a portion of the Appalachian Trail running right through here if you’re into that.
The fact that the living history actors weren’t present due to the shutdown definitely meant we didn’t get those immersive reenactments that usually bring the place to life, but honestly? The authentic historic buildings, the museums, the trails, and the natural beauty of the setting more than made up for it. You’re still standing in the same spots where some of the most pivotal moments in American history unfolded.
The Takeaway
If you’re thinking about visiting Harpers Ferry but are worried about shutdown-related complications, don’t be. The park stayed accessible, the town was charming, and The Rabbit Hole gave us one of the best lunches we’ve had in a long time. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you almost don’t take because of logistics. This one definitely proved that theory right.