Harpers Ferry Appalachian Trail Visitor Center

Harper’s Ferry is working hard to make sure you enjoy your visit to the area. The visitor’s center is complete with a team of reenactors, many guides, park rangers, etc. There is a lot of history here, but most of it happened fairly recently in the 1870s-​1900s, so it’s that tacky sort of stuff that exists between now and not that long ago. I’m not even into Civil War history but this place will bring it out for you. Even though I’m not into it, the history is dense. Even after the Civil War, the development of Harper’s Ferry is interesting.

It’s a visitors center, not a tourist attraction, but if you’re planning on hiking around Harpers Ferry (and what’s wrong with you if you came and don’t plan on hiking?), this is a must-​stop. Not just because there’s a cool 3D topo map, a nice lounge (with a computer) for AT through-​hikers to chill and a place to buy whatever hiking supplies/​maps you need — it’s also got the most knowledgable volunteers staffing it. Perhaps that has something to do with the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy being in the same building.
If you go to Harper’s Ferry, make sure you stop here. You don’t have to spend any time or money, and even if you just pop in breifly your hike will be better for it.

Great staff! I’ve called them before for guidance on a multi-​day hike (I’m an experienced backpacker but my fiancé is not, and they gave me insight on how long it would take to go particular distances with a newbie, suggestion, etc.).
I’ve also been to this location and they sell some merchandise — much you can see on their website.