Susquehanna National Heritage Area

06/18/2026

🚨Tickets for the Burning Bridge VIP Party at John Wright Restaurant are officially SOLD OUT! 🚨

We are thrilled by the incredible response and want to thank everyone who purchased tickets. See you on June 28 for an unforgettable evening along the Susquehanna!

Missed out? We’ve got you covered! Join us at one of three locations to celebrate the Riverfest fiery finale for FREE. No tickets required!
🔥𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲
Lawn at John Wright Restaurant
5 - 9:30 PM
🔥𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝟯𝟬𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆
Columbia River Park
6 - 8 PM
🔥 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲
Bridge closed to vehicular traffic
7:30 - 9:30 PM

Learn more ➡️ https://riverfestpa.com/activities/

06/18/2026

Step back in time and experience the beauty of the river at sunset on the Chief Uncas Heritage Cruise! On June's Heritage Cruise learn from naturalist and birding educator Sarah Gotwals how the Susquehanna River’s bird populations have changed over time. Use the binoculars on board to get an up close view of the wildlife that use the Conejohela Flats to feed and rest on their journey.

Learn more and reserve your seat on June's Heritage Cruise at susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/

06/18/2026

Join us June 27–28 for a weekend of history, recreation, and community along the Susquehanna River. 🔥

Read the article below and start planning your Riverfest weekend!

Riverfest returns with a rare illumination of all 26 historic Susquehanna River piers to mark the burning of the bridge during the Civil War.

06/17/2026

🔥 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺🔥
History comes to life at the Historic Mifflin Farm over Riverfest weekend!

🌾𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀
Sat., June 27: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM
Sun., June 28: 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM
Take a FREE guided tour of one of the Susquehanna region’s most treasured historic sites and discover how it played a key role in the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge during the Gettysburg campaign. No registration required!

🎵 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲
Sat., June 27 | 5 -7 PM
Come out for a casual, family-friendly evening at this historic property. Settle in with friends around fire pits, enjoy live music and food trucks, and connect with stories of the river. No registration required. Bring your own lawn chair.



Riverfest | June 26-28 | Wrightsville, Columbia, & Marietta
Thank you to Our Lead and Blaze Sponsors
Louise Steinman Von Hess Foundation, John Klinedinst, Columbia Water Company,
John Wright Restaurant, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, WellSpan Health, Brightspeed, CPRS Physical Therapy, Discover Lancaster

06/17/2026

⚓ Celebrate Dad on the water this Father's Day weekend! ⚓
Spend quality time together cruising the Susquehanna, enjoying scenic views, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether Dad loves history, nature, or simply relaxing with family, a River Discovery Boat Tour is the perfect way to show dad how much you care. Reserve your seats today and make this weekend one to remember! Book your boat tour at susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/

06/17/2026

Last weekend our Boat Tour Team completed on-water training to prepare for this boat tour season! Our team sharpened their skills, performed safety procedures, and enhanced their customer service skills to provide an exceptional experience on the water.

From learning the history of the river to practicing onboard operations and guest engagement, this training helps ensure every tour is informative, safe, and memorable. We’re excited to welcome visitors aboard and share the stories, beauty of the river, and unique perspectives that make a Chief Uncas boat tour experience so special!

Come aboard and meet our boat tour team that makes every tour a memorable adventure! susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/

06/15/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday 114th birthday Chief Uncas!
On this day in 1912, ownership of the 55 ft. ELCO electric powered yacht, “Chief Uncas” was officially signed over to beer dynasty legend Adolphus Busch. From luxury cruises on Lake Otsego to heritage tours on the Susquehanna today, her story reflects innovation, industry, and the river’s enduring role in American life. More than a century later the Chief Uncas continues this legacy, offering unforgettable river experiences to visitors from near and far.

Join us in wishing the Chief Uncas a very happy birthday! Here's to many more years of smooth sailing, scenic cruises, and cherished memories on the water. Visit susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/ to learn more about the Chief Uncas and make plans to come aboard for her 114th year on the river!

06/15/2026

Don't forget! This Friday evening, SNHA is hosting a FREE outdoor screening of the 1989 film, "Glory" at the historic Mifflin Farm.

Glory is the powerful story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all-Black regiment raised in the North during the Civil War. Their courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of the war and the fight for freedom. The movie will begin at dusk (approximately 8:00–8:30 PM) and runs about two hours.

Preceding the screening, a panel of local historians will discuss connections between the 54th Massachusetts and south central Pennsylvania.

Bring a blanket and chair and join us for this special Juneteenth commemoration. To register, visit: https://susqnha.org/events/

06/15/2026

Looking for one of the best views of the Riverfest pier lighting finale?🔥Join us for the Burning Bridge Bash VIP Party at John Wright Restaurant!

During this special evening, you’ll have a front-row view of this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle while supporting the Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s ongoing preservation and education efforts.

🌉 Take in premium patio views overlooking the burning bridge piers
🥂 Enjoy fire-themed appetizers and one complimentary drink ticket
🗣️Meet one of the community advocates who helped rehab the historic piers more than 20 years ago

Tickets are limited and going fast, so grab yours today! https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/susqnha/items/731464/calendar/2026/06/?flow=1199840&full-items=yes&back=https://riverfestpa.com/riverfest-schedule/&g4=yes



Riverfest | June 26-28 | Wrightsville, Columbia, & Marietta
Thank you to Our Lead and Blaze Sponsors
Louise Steinman Von Hess Foundation, John Klinedinst, Columbia Water Company,
John Wright Restaurant, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, WellSpan Health, Brightspeed, CPRS Physical Therapy, Discover Lancaster

06/13/2026

🌅 Set Sail into the Sunset aboard the Chief Uncas!

Experience the most magical time on the river on an intimate 1.5 hour cruise at sunset! Bring aboard your favorite snacks and BYOB alcoholic beverages and take in the spectacular river views as our historic electric powered tour boat silently cruises under the setting sun. You'll have opportunities to spot wildlife, capture stunning photos, and learn about the river's heritage from knowledgeable tour guides.

Book your next river experience at sunset at susqnha.org/explore/boat-tours/