Discovering the Charm of State College: Top Activities and Hidden Gems
State College, Pennsylvania, often recognized as the home of Penn State University, offers a diverse range of attractions and activities that extend far beyond the campus. Nestled in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, State College and its surrounding Happy Valley region provide a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant local culture. This article explores the best things to do in State College, catering to a variety of interests and ensuring a memorable visit.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures
Central Pennsylvania is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park
Embark on a unique adventure at Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park, the only all-water cavern tour in the United States. Explore the 1,300-foot-long cave by boat, navigating through narrow limestone passageways while admiring ancient rock formations. Afterward, venture into the wildlife park for a bus tour through sprawling enclosures, observing bison, elk, wolves, bears, and other native North American animals. Allocate at least half a day for this combined experience and bring a jacket for the cave's cooler temperatures.
Mount Nittany
Mount Nittany, a prominent geographic feature overlooking the region, serves as a landmark for Penn State University and a favorite spot for hiking. Rising 600 feet, it offers scenic trails and panoramic views of Happy Valley.
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
Immerse yourself in nature at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. Visit the nature center, hike scenic trails, encounter birds of prey at the Raptor Center, and engage with hands-on exhibits and live reptiles in the Discovery Room.
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The Arboretum at Penn State
Escape to the tranquility of The Arboretum at Penn State, a garden oasis featuring ten acres of themed gardens and fourteen acres of lush green meadows. Discover a variety of flora and fauna, and spend at least an hour wandering through the serene landscapes.
Historical and Cultural Experiences
State College and its surrounding area boast a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, offering a glimpse into the region's past and present.
Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum
Delve into history at the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum, where the Boal family's story unfolds through eight generations of original furnishings, heirlooms, and artwork. Explore the Columbus Chapel, brought from Spain in the early 1900s, and discover the family's connections to historical figures like Christopher Columbus and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Centre Furnace Mansion
Visit the Centre Furnace Mansion, a restored mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places and headquarters of the Centre County Historical Society. Reflecting the period of residency (1842-1891) of ironmaster Moses Thompson and his family, the mansion offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
The State Theatre
Experience the grand screen of The State Theatre in downtown State College. Each October, the theatre transforms into a portal of classic terror, family fun, and late-night chills!
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Arts and Entertainment
State College offers a diverse range of artistic and entertainment venues.
Palmer Museum of Art
Explore the Palmer Museum of Art on Penn State's campus, showcasing a collection of classic American paintings and contemporary pieces. The museum provides a space for both quick visits and in-depth exploration of diverse artistic expressions.
Eisenhower Auditorium
Attend a performance at the Eisenhower Auditorium, a modern-style auditorium that hosts almost 200 events each year. With a seating capacity of 2,500, it serves as Penn State's primary theatrical performance space, having hosted famous artists such as Tori Amos, B.B. King, and Billy Joel.
Pegula Ice Arena
Interested in learning to ice skate? Pegula Ice Arena offers Learn to Skate classes for skaters ages 2.5 to adult. Registration is now open.
Local Flavors and Culinary Delights
State College's culinary scene reflects the region's agricultural heritage and innovative spirit, offering a range of dining experiences.
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RE Farm Cafe at Windswept Farm
Experience local dining at RE Farm Cafe at Windswept Farm, where the rustic-chic dining room showcases reclaimed and repurposed materials. Indulge in the Composer's four-course dinner, a prix fixe menu that changes weekly and features the season's best produce.
Flour & Stone
Enjoy a date night at Flour & Stone, known for its refined yet approachable atmosphere. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including falafel, marinated olives, and handmade pastas.
The Original Waffle Shop
Visit The Original Waffle Shop, a breakfast institution in State College since 2004. Experience the cheerful atmosphere and classic breakfast fare that has made this spot a local favorite.
Gigi's Southern Table
Savor Southern cuisine at Gigi's Southern Table, where the menu features dishes like fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, gumbo, and shrimp and grits.
Berkey Creamery
Indulge in ice cream at the Berkey Creamery, the largest university creamery in the United States. Choose from a variety of flavors and enjoy a sweet treat made with locally sourced ingredients.
Big Spring Spirits Tasting Room
Sample local spirits at the Big Spring Spirits Tasting Room, offering a long list of seasonal creations and elevated classics. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the menu and help you find a drink you'll love.
Boal City Brewing
Visit Boal City Brewing, a welcoming taproom where locals gather. Enjoy their menu of rotating beers in a rustic and comfortable setting.
Hublersburg Inn
Prepare to be positively charmed by the Hublersburg Inn. Despite its country-road setting, the menu here takes a surprisingly global approach.
Bellefonte
Friends chatted over coffee in the sunshine, and families popped in for post-soccer lunches-a quick glimpse was all I needed to gather that this was a beloved neighborhood spot. After ordering at the counter, we joined in, enjoying a perfect rosemary ham panini and a summery peach, prosciutto, and burrata appetizer.
Shopping and Local Crafts
Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at State College's shops and markets.
The Makery Market
Find locally made items at The Makery Market in downtown State College. This shop carries art, home goods, and gifts made by local artisans, offering something to discover around every corner.
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery
Taste local wines at Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, located just 10 miles from our resort. This family-owned winery has been producing award-winning wines for more than 25 years.
Sports and Recreation
Bryce Jordan Center
The Bryce Jordan Center opened in January 1996 right on the Penn State campus at a cost of $55 million.
Medlar Field at Lubrano Park
This state-of-the-art stadium is the home of the Nittany Lion baseball team. Completed in 2006 and situated within Lubrano Park, it is arguably one of the best collegiate stadiums in the country. It features wooden lockers, an expanded training room, a weight room, team lounge, indoor batting cage, and seating for 5,406 guests, plus 20 luxury suites.
Beaver Stadium
An outdoor college football stadium in University Park and home to the Penn State Nittany Lions of the Big Ten Conference, the stadium was named for James A. Beaver, a former governor of Pennsylvania and the president of the University of trustees.
Tussey Mountain
Tussey Mountain is a beautiful year-round resort with conference facilities located right near State College in Boalsburg.
Learn to Sew
This 4-week class will introduce children to machine sewing and quilting. Limited hand sewing will be done as well. Prerequisite skills include scissor cutting, ability to take directions and follow through with practice, and the capability to be safe when working with a hot iron.
Practical Information for Visitors
Transportation
While you can explore much of State College on foot or rent a bike, a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding region. State College Regional Airport offers flights from Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington-Dulles. Contour now offers twice-daily direct service from Charlotte-Douglas to Altoona-Blair County Airport, which is only an hour from State College, and you can rent a car right at the airport.
Accommodation
For a centrally located stay with amenities, Scholar State College makes a perfect home base.
Cost and Budget
Hotel prices rise around the start of the semester and graduation, peaking on home football game weekends. Room rates can be significantly higher on game day weekends compared to other times of the year.
Special Events
- Trunk or Treat: Bring Your Kids to our Trunk or Treat Sunday, October 19th 2:00 - 3:30 pm 105 N. Church St.
- Halloween Movie Spooktacular: The State Theatre’s October Halloween Movie Spooktacular.
- Learn to Skate: Registration is now open for Learn to Skate at Pegula Ice Arena.
- Raffle: The Coyotes are offering up chances to win 2 PSU Men’s Hockey vs Michigan tickets! Saturday November 15th Time: TBA Seats: Center Ice Section 110 Row N Seats 1 and 2 Chances are $10 Each.
- Fall Activities: Straw Tunnel, Food vendors, Homemade Ice Cream, Maple Cotton Candy, Corn Maze, Farm Animals, Barrel Train rides, Apple Cider Slushies, Wine Tasting, Baked Goods and MORE. Get ready for old favorites and new food and fun to try in 2025.
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