Overview
Mercersburg is a small town in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country region of Pennsylvania, not far from the Appalachian mountain chain that separates Mercersburg from McConnellsburg.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mercersburg
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
Whitetail Resort
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Baltimore)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HGR Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field, Hagerstown — 12 mi away. Directions
- AOO Altoona Blair County Airport, Altoona — 39 mi away. Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 66 mi away (major hub). Directions
The main road that passes through the town is Route 16. Route 416 and 75 mold into Route 16 as it passes through the main section of the town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
- Afternoon Whitetail Resort
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
In town, there are a variety of restaurants and an area on the northwest outskirt of town where a McDonald's, Subway and Chinese restaurant are located.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
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Get in
The main road that passes through the town is Route 16. Route 416 and 75 mold into Route 16 as it passes through the main section of the town.
The closest airport is Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR), which is still over 30 miles away. There are also trains that come to Harrisburg, which is an hour and a half away from the town.
Get around
There is no public transportation available, so it will be necessary to bring your own vehicle. The town is also very walk and bike friendly.
See
Mercersburg has a historical presence that the residents take pride in preserving. Many homes and buildings on Main Street have remained almost unchanged in appearance. Several years ago, a fire revealed a log cabin from underneath a brick facade that is on the town square.
There are also many sights related to James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, who was raised and lived in Mercersburg. A statue of Buchanan is located next to the First National Bank of Mercersburg, and there is a house named after him and his First Lady, Harriet Lane. His birthplace cabin was relocated from outside of town to Mercersburg Academy.
- Mercersburg Academy is an expansive private college preparatory high school that is on the eastern side of the town. Located on campus is a large stone chapel, the Lenfest Library, and the Burgin Center for the Arts.
- Fairview Cemetery and Zion Union Cemetery are the predominant white and black cemeteries, respectively. Civil War soldiers are buried at both.
Do
Mercersburg is a relatively slow-paced town, so there is a lack of attractions. History buffs may enjoy visiting Civil War sights and taking in the town's scenery. There is a plentiful amount of trees and flora that make the town beautiful, especially in the spring and fall.
There is a small movie theater, called the Star Theatre, located on West Seminary Street. Be wary, it is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, only has one viewing room, and shows one movie per night. The plus is that an adult ticket only costs $5 and it's $4 for those 12 and under.
A small community park is on the southwestern outskirt of town and hosts the town fair in late August. Fireworks commence the beginning night of the fair, amusement rides are brought in, and musical guests perform.
Seminary Street is closed to vehicles for a day in September for the Fall Fest. Performances by local bands and dance troupes take place, and there are handcrafts, food and prizes available.
There are also parades held around Halloween and on Memorial Day.
Buy
There are few shops in town, but a handcraft store is close to the town square. A florist shop, grocery store and pharmacy are also within the town limits.
Eat
In town, there are a variety of restaurants and an area on the northwest outskirt of town where a McDonald's, Subway and Chinese restaurant are located.
Drink
Stoners On the Square (formally known as Flannery's) is located on the town square on Main Street.
Byron's Dining Room in The Mercersburg Inn offers a fine dining experience Thursday thru Sunday from 5:30PM to 8:30PM.
Sleep
Stay Steiger House Bed & Breakfast
Go next
Nearby
Chambersburg
City / town · 16 listings · 15 mi away
Hagerstown
City / town · 48 listings · 16 mi away
Hancock
City / town · 6 listings · 17 mi away
Hedgesville
City / town · 1 listings · 20 mi away
Breezewood
City / town · 10 listings · 21 mi away
Berkeley Springs
City / town · 47 listings · 22 mi away
Boonsboro
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Martinsburg
City / town · 26 listings · 26 mi away
My experience
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