My Local Guide

Mountain Boundaries And A River Edge

Perry County, Pennsylvania

New Bloomfield anchors Perry County, where Appalachian ridges and the Susquehanna River define much of the setting. Little Buffalo State Park, Lake Holman and covered bridges offer distinct local themes, connecting the county’s civic history with its surrounding landscape. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 46,806 residents in Perry County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 551 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.

Perry County at a Glance

Population46,806 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatNew Bloomfield
Largest Municipality (2025 estimate)Carroll township
Established1820 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP Code LookupUSPS address lookup
Total Area, Including Water555.538 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Roads & Traffic511PA travel updates
Telephone Area CodesPUC area-code map
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Perry County

Perry County

Perry County was separated from Cumberland County in 1820 and named for Oliver Hazard Perry. Landisburg served temporarily as the seat before New Bloomfield took on that role. The difficulty of traveling across the mountains to Carlisle helped motivate the separation, making terrain part of the county's administrative story. The mountain barrier makes county formation a practical transportation story as well as a political event. The temporary seat also shows that establishing a jurisdiction and choosing its lasting center were separate steps.

Begin with New Bloomfield, then choose a covered bridge or Little Buffalo State Park for another perspective. The county's river edge and mountain ridges suggest different routes. A focused plan can connect one historical place with one outdoor destination without crossing the entire county. Choose the actual bridge or park entrance before setting the route. Terrain is part of both the county's history and the present travel experience, so allow time between selected destinations.

What Shapes Us

Local Character

Little Buffalo State Park, Lake Holman and covered bridges offer distinct local themes, connecting the county's civic history with its surrounding landscape.

Community History

Perry County was separated from Cumberland County in 1820 and named for Oliver Hazard Perry. Landisburg served temporarily as the seat before New Bloomfield took on that role.

Explore Locally

Begin with New Bloomfield, then choose a covered bridge or Little Buffalo State Park for another perspective. The county's river edge and mountain ridges suggest different routes.

Discover the local stories between the ridges and river.
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Around Perry County

Stories from every corner of Perry County.

MARYSVILLE WEATHER

Perry County weather shown for Marysville.

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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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County Resources

Find the Right Local Connection

Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.

Plan Your Perry County Visit

Find places to go, compare activities and make the most of your time here.

Local Questions

Perry County: Places, Plans & Practical Answers

Start with these 11 answers, then find 5 more planning questions below the discovery lists.

No. General park entry is free, but the swimming pool and other paid services have their own fees and operating schedules. A trail walk or picnic is a different budget choice from a pool day.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Make Time for a Local Discovery

Explore places to eat, shop and spend time in Perry County, Pennsylvania. Follow each link for current visiting details.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Little Buffalo State Park — Explore the lake and historic mill area near Newport; pool admission and rentals are separate from free park entry.
  2. Perry County Council of the Arts Gallery — See changing art displays in Newport; look for separately scheduled family workshops.

Restaurants

  1. Espresso Yourself Café — Plan a café stop in Newport; check its limited weekly opening schedule.

Shopping & Retail

  1. Thunder and Lightning Boutique — Browse women's clothing and accessories at its Newport store.
  2. PCCA Gallery Shop — Look for locally made art, pottery and jewelry on Newport's square.

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Thunder and Lightning Boutique — Browse women's clothing and accessories at its Newport store.

Outdoor Fun

  1. Little Buffalo State Park trails — Choose a walking route near Holman Lake and the historic area; some trails climb the surrounding slopes.
  2. Newport historic streets and Veterans Memorial Park — Walk public streets past interpretive panels and murals, then stop at the town park.

Free Things to Do

  1. Little Buffalo State Park trails — Choose a walking route near Holman Lake and the historic area; some trails climb the surrounding slopes.
  2. Newport historic streets and Veterans Memorial Park — Walk public streets past interpretive panels and murals, then stop at the town park.

More Perry County Questions

How could I build a short Perry County outing from these places?

One possible plan is Little Buffalo State Park, a meal at Espresso Yourself Café, and a browse at Thunder and Lightning Boutique. These are separate stops; map their addresses and check opening times before deciding whether all three fit your day.

How can I keep a Perry County day trip inexpensive?

Start with Little Buffalo State Park trails and Newport historic streets and Veterans Memorial Park and bring a picnic where permitted. Budget separately for museum or amusement tickets, restaurant meals, parking where charged, rentals and purchases. Check the linked destination’s current fees instead of assuming every activity on its grounds is free.

Where should I check the forecast before visiting Little Buffalo State Park trails?

Use the county weather section above for the forecast. For Little Buffalo State Park trails, also open the destination’s notices for trail, road or facility closures. A county forecast does not confirm that an individual trail or activity is operating.

What should I confirm before making a special trip to Thunder and Lightning Boutique?

Use Thunder and Lightning Boutique to confirm the physical-store address, current opening days and whether the item or fitting you need is available. Some shops list online stock, multiple locations or appointment services, so contact the store about a specific visit.

Where can I find the businesses featured in this Perry County guide?

The “Businesses in This County Guide” section links to Ronan Funeral Home. Open a business page for its contact details. A business featured in this guide may serve the county from another location; confirm its address and service area directly.

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