We will reopen for appointments next year. During the season, our calendar opens reservations one month in advance for the following month. Example: May 2023 will open April 1, etc.
Visitors begin with a meadow walk which takes them through the planted gardens, the six-acre meadow, along the woods edge or savanna, and the rain filled “pools”. Curated sculptures are carefully sited into the environment to enhance the visitor’s experience. The walk can be extended with a one mile trail through the forest and, if desired, to the top of Little Mountain. Walking sticks are highly recommended for this rocky path. Our visitor center provides information on native plants and the sculptures; we ask that masks be worn inside.
We planted extensive garden areas and drifts of plants into existing meadow in November 2020, and have added to these each fall and spring. These new plantings will take a few years to establish and spread. Our visitors should gain an appreciation for the process of establishing native plants into existing ecosystems.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy The Bower throughout the seasons. Early Spring brings on flowering trees, shrubs, and ephemerals, signaling what is to come. An array of color in Summer permeates the gardens and meadows as native flora bloom in their successive turns amidst waving meadow grasses. Fall leaf color highlights the sculptures, surrounding them with rich autumnal colors. Winter is the time for seed heads and trees and sculptures wrapped in shining ice or snowy blankets.
Please scroll below through each section to learn more about a visit and what you need to know prior to your trip to The Bower. Plan to take your time on your visit; relax and enjoy the natural world. The natural setting is sloped, so expect to do some walking up and down the trails. If you are not able to walk on rough and sometimes steep terrain, please make sure to discuss with us before your visit. Follow us on Instagram to keep up with The Bower.
We are an easy day trip in the region: Harrisburg 30 min; Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle 25 min; Lancaster, York, Lewisburg, and Gettysburg 1 hour; Baltimore, MD, Huntingdon or State College, PA 1 1/2 hours; Washington D.C., and Philadelphia 2 1/2 hours.
You will be outside, so dress appropriately.
Layers are good in cooler weather.
Sturdy, closed toe shoes are a must.
A hat and perhaps some bug spray are recommended in summer months.
A hiking pole or stick will be useful for upland walks though the rocky Appalachian Mountain terrain.
Birds and butterflies abound at The Bower; you may want to bring binoculars.
This is a very rural area so you may want to bring snacks and a picnic lunch.
Plan to pack your paper and plastic waste to take home with you.
Bring a water bottle to quench your thirst.
We have no food or beverage facilities on site.
We have no public rest room facilities on site at this time. A portable toilet is available May-October only.
We want you to have the freedom to enjoy our art installations and the expansive property’s features. We do have a few simple guidelines that we ask you to follow to preserve the area and provide an enjoyable experience for all.
If you live in an area with Spotted Lantern Fly, please check your vehicle and remove (and destroy) any uninvited pests before leaving home.
The entire property is a no smoking area
Take care of the plants by looking and not picking/stepping into the garden bed
Walk gently across moss and ferns, but only as necessary
Wildlife is great for observing, but keep your distance please; stay on the paths to avoid critters!
Quiet voices in the woods will enhance your chances of seeing wildlife
bower (noun) 1. a pleasant shady place; 2. a retreat or sanctuary