Outdoor living in Dauphin County is serious business. Between hot summer sun on Harrisburg rowhomes, breezy back decks in Hummelstown, and storefronts in Hershey that need shade more than ever, awnings can make a big difference in everyday comfort. Professional awning installation helps keep patios usable on the brightest afternoons, protects indoor furnishings from UV fading, and can even trim cooling costs by shading big glass doors and windows. A properly measured and mounted awning stands up to riverfront winds, winter snow loads, and years of daily use, so you are not fighting with sagging fabric or flimsy brackets. From retractable awnings over tight city balconies to fixed canopies over suburban patios and business entrances, a local installer who understands Dauphin County’s homes, codes, and weather can turn underused outdoor areas into a relaxing, shaded living space you’ll actually enjoy.
History of Dauphin County
Dauphin County sits in south-central Pennsylvania, roughly halfway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and has long been a transportation and commerce hub. Early colonial settler John Harris Sr. established a trading post and ferry across the Susquehanna River in the early 1700s, drawing more settlers to what became known as Harris’ Ferry. His son, John Harris Jr., led the push for a separate county so residents would no longer have to travel to Lancaster for court and government business. In 1785, the General Assembly created Dauphin County from part of Lancaster County and named it in honor of the Dauphin of France, acknowledging French support during the American Revolution. Harris’ Ferry evolved into Harrisburg, later selected as Pennsylvania’s state capital in the early 1800s, with the first statehouse completed in 1822. Over time, the county transitioned from Indian trails, canals, and Conestoga wagons to railroads and highways, becoming part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle metropolitan hub. Today, Dauphin County is known for its role in state government, its chocolate heritage in Hershey, and its place in energy history as home to the former Three Mile Island nuclear generating station. You can explore more of this story on the Dauphin County government site and the Dauphin County Wikipedia page.
Top 10 Attractions in Dauphin County
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Hersheypark – Pennsylvania’s largest amusement park, with coasters, family rides, and a full water park in the town that calls itself “the sweetest place on Earth.”
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Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction – A free factory-style chocolate tour ride, giant candy store, and ticketed immersive experiences that dive into Hershey’s famous brands.
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ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park – An 11-acre walk-through zoo showcasing more than 200 animals from across North America, located right beside Hersheypark.
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The National Civil War Museum – One of the largest museums devoted solely to the American Civil War, telling balanced stories from both Union and Confederate perspectives atop Reservoir Park in Harrisburg.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol – A stunning Beaux-Arts capitol building featuring murals, stained glass, and free guided tours that highlight Pennsylvania’s political history and architecture.
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City Island – A 63-acre island in the Susquehanna River with miniature golf, ballparks, trails, and some of the best skyline views of downtown Harrisburg.
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Fort Hunter Mansion & Park – A historic riverfront estate and 40-acre park where you can tour an 18th–19th century mansion and enjoy festivals and sweeping views over the Susquehanna.
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Hershey Gardens – A 23-acre botanical garden overlooking Hersheypark, with themed gardens, a children’s garden, and an indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium.
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Wildwood Park & Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center – A 229-acre urban nature preserve just north of Harrisburg featuring a 90-acre lake, boardwalk trails, and an environmental education center.
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The State Museum of Pennsylvania – The Commonwealth’s official museum, with four floors of exhibits covering geology, industry, Native history, and more, often called the “Smithsonian of Pennsylvania.”
We serve all ZIP codes and neighborhoods in Dauphin County, including 17005, 17018, 17020, 17022, 17023, 17028, 17030, 17032, 17033, 17034, 17036, 17043, 17048, 17057, 17061, 17070, 17080, 17097, 17098, 17099, 17101, 17102, 17103, 17104, 17105, 17106, 17107, 17108, 17109, 17110, 17111, 17112, 17113, 17120, 17121, 17122, 17123, 17124, 17125, 17126, 17127, 17128, 17129, 17130, 17140, 17177, Harrisburg, Hershey, Colonial Park, Progress, Middletown, Linglestown, Steelton, Paxtonia, Hummelstown, Rutherford, Skyline View, Lawnton, Penbrook, Millersburg, Highspire, Lykens, Paxtang, Elizabethville, Bressler, Williamstown, Palmdale, Enhaut, Wiconisco, Royalton, Halifax, and more.