Penn State and Beyond: Top Things to Do in State College, PA
More than just the home of Penn State University and the Nittany Lions, State College, Pennsylvania is a vibrant community brimming with activities, cultural depth, and scenic beauty. Known affectionately as Happy Valley, this energetic region offers a unique blend of academic and athletic excellence, diverse outdoor experiences, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
**Disclaimer: This was a hosted stay, however, all opinions are my own. I strive to provide my readers with my most authentic sentiments.
State College’s unexpectedly cosmopolitan vibe, set against the backdrop of Happy Valley’s rural landscapes, makes it unique and deserving of a spot on every traveler’s list. Here are a few things to do in State College and beyond and this only scratches the surface.
On-Campus Experiences at Penn State
Penn State’s Main Campus encompasses nearly 8000 acres and has 312 buildings. Features include sports complexes, educational and research facilities, residence halls, agricultural buildings, administrative buildings, museums, an arboretae, and even a creamery.
- HUB-Robeson Center: The heart of student life, this student union offers a glimpse into the campus culture reflecting the vibrant community spirit of Penn State.
- Lion Shrine: A visit to Penn State is incomplete without a photo at the iconic Nittany Lion Shrine, one of the most photographed sites on campus.
- Berkey Creamery: Celebrated for its rich tradition of dairy excellence since 1865, Berkey Creamery is one of the largest university creameries in the nation. Treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of over 120 flavors of ice cream or sherbets. Beyond its delicious ice creams, cheeses, and other dairy products, the creamery plays a role in dairy research and education, contributing to Penn State’s agricultural legacy.
- The Penn State Arboretum: Offering more than just a spring visit, the Arboretum provides year-round beauty with themed gardens, such as the Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden, and hosts seasonal events that delight visitors of all ages.
Penn State Sports: Beaver Stadium and Beyond
Beaver Stadium
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Penn State football game at one of the world’s largest stadiums. With a seating capacity of over 106K Beaver Stadium is not only the second largest in the Western Hemisphere but the 4th largest in the world.
Returning alumni, current students, and townspeople alike come together on weekends throughout the season to root for their beloved Nittany Lions. If you are visiting during football season you should try to attend a game. If you can’t get tickets at least join in on some of the tailgating activities.
All-Sports Museum
Located on the ground level of Beaver Stadium, the All-Sports Museum celebrates the university’s storied athletic history across all sports. This engaging museum showcases the achievements, traditions, and spirit of the Nittany Lions through exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the rich legacy of Penn State athletics, including profiles of legendary figures like Joe Paterno and artifacts from memorable games. A must-visit for sports enthusiasts and Penn State fans alike, the museum embodies the excellence and pride of Nittany Lion sports.
Bryce Jordan Center
A premier venue for entertainment and athletics, the Bryce Jordan Center is the home court for Penn State’s basketball teams. Additionally, this versatile arena hosts major concerts, family shows, and special events. Whether for sports fans or concertgoers, the Bryce Jordan Center ensures a memorable experience in Happy Valley.
Pugula Ice Arena
A state-of-the-art facility, Pugula Ice Arena is a premier venue for ice sports and entertainment. Home to the Penn State Nittany Lions ice hockey teams, it offers an exhilarating environment for fans to experience the thrill of collegiate hockey. Beyond games, the arena hosts public skating sessions, figure skating, and ice hockey leagues.
Intramural Fields and Recreational Facilities
For those looking to engage in sports, Penn State’s intramural fields and recreational facilities offer spaces for various activities, from tennis to swimming.
Top-tier Museums On and Off Campus
Penn State alone has five cosmopolitan museums on its campus. In addition to the All-Sports Museum (mentioned earlier), the campus is home to several other first-rate museums. Most of the campus museums are free, however some have suggested donation amounts, typically around $5.
The Palmer Museum of Art
Set to reopen June 1, 2024, in its new state-of-the-art facility, the Palmer Museum is sure to please even the most discerning art aficionado. The largest art museum between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the new 71,254 sq. ft. facility containing over 10,500 works of art boasts twice the exhibit space of the original. The new space will include education spaces and flexible event spaces. The museum acts as the gateway to the Penn State Arboretum seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape.
Frost Entomological Museum
An intriguing stop for nature lovers, the Frost Entomology Museum offers a fascinating look at the world of insects and their ecological importance. This campus gem showcases both local and exotic specimens.
Matson Museum of Anthropology
Offering an insightful glimpse into human cultures past and present Matson Museum of Anthropology showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts that span the globe. Exhibits highlight the breadth of human creativity, adaptation, and innovation. From ancient tools and ceremonial objects to contemporary cultural items, the exhibits invite visitors to explore how humans have interacted with their environments and each other throughout history.
Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery
This eclectic museum merges natural wonders with artistic expression. The Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of minerals, rocks, and fossils, alongside thematic fine art. Its exhibits not only educate visitors about the planet’s geological history and the science behind earth and mineral sciences but also highlight the beauty found in nature through various forms of art.
The Pasto Agricultural Museum
This museum provides a deep dive into the agricultural history of Pennsylvania, connecting visitors with the region’s farming heritage.
Must Visit Off-campus Museums
In addition to the museum spaces on campus, you will find several galleries throughout Happy Valley including the Discovery Space Museum, an interactive science museum ideal for families providing hands-on exhibits and activities that make learning about science fun for all.
Art enthusiasts will want to visit the Bellefonte Art Museum (BAM), located in the historic Linn House, the museum offers a small thoughtfully curated space. This intimate gallery offers a nice collection of artworks including pieces on loan from around the world and compositions by regional artists.
Taste Small-City Life
State College may surprise you with its cosmopolitan feel, offering a diverse range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options, all enriched by the university’s global community.
Take some time to explore the shops, restaurants, and bars. Getting off the main track is encouraged. You can find some great public art and some of the more eclectic shops and galleries.
Local Breweries and Cideries
State College boasts an impressive craft beer scene with local breweries like Otto’s Pub & Brewery and Happy Valley Brewing Company, Robin Hood Brewing Co, Axemann Brewing where visitors can savor unique brews. If you prefer hard cider to craft brews, check out 814 Cider Works.
Global Cuisine
International cuisines from Italian to Thai, enrich State College’s culinary landscape, reflecting the town’s diversity.
Farm-to-table dining
Unsurprisingly, Farm-to-table dining is popular in this largely agricultural region. If you desire an organic experience, try RE Farm Café. Located on Windswept Farm, this unique restaurant operates on the philosophy of respecting resources through regeneration and repurposing. RE uses ingredients from the farm to create inspired foods in their open kitchen.
Pine Grove Hall offers an intimate dining experience that is a creative fusion of fine dining, craft cocktails, and local music. It is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Located in a former Masonic Lodge, this place feels like a speakeasy of days gone by.
If you love books, vinyl records, vintage apparel, and vegan foods, you will find all that and more at Webster’s Bookstore Cafe (133 East Beaver Avenue, State College). Located just off campus, this eclectic space appeals to college students, locals, and visitors alike. Websters offers a full vegan/vegetarian menu including a complete Sunday Brunch.
WC Clarkes Cheese Shoppe and Coffee Roaster
Tucked one block behind the shops on College Avenue, on the lower level in Calder Square is WC Clarkes Cheese Shoppe and Coffee Roaster. As soon as you enter you know you are someplace special. The heady aroma of coffee and cheese mingles while the sound of locals discussing the day’s matters fills the air. As if coffee and cheese aren’t nirvana, they even sell a bit of chocolate.
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine by visiting the farmer’s market, a “producer-only” market where you can sample and purchase fresh, local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. Located on Locust Lane in downtown State College the market is open every Tuesday and Friday from 11:30 am to 5:30 p.m., May through November.
Dive into Local History
Explore Charming Victorian Bellefonte
As the county seat and an industrial center during the iron boom, Bellefonte’s well-preserved Victorian architecture tells tales of its affluent past. Take a guided walking tour to fully appreciate the town’s rich history, and ties to the Underground Railroad, learn why Bellefonte is known as the “Town of Governors,” and much more.
Eagle Ironworks at Curtin Village
Eagle Ironworks at Curtin Village depicts life in a 19th-century company town. The site features Pleasant Furnace, a waterwheel-powered cold blast charcoal furnace, the Roland Curtin Mansion, and the worker’s village.
Underground Railroad Sites
With four documented stops on the Underground Railroad, Bellefonte was an important and prominent location for slaves making their way to freedom. The Linn House which houses the Bellefonte Art Museum (BAM) was part of the network of residences that made up the Underground Railroad. The museum’s third floor is devoted to this piece of the home’s history and offers a hint into the conditions that freedom-seeking slaves endured for that outcome.
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Located in Boalsburg, this museum honors Pennsylvania’s military history from the colonial era to the present, with indoor exhibits and outdoor displays including tanks and aircraft.
Bellefonte Historical Railroad
Experience the charm of vintage rail travel with seasonal train rides that offer scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel
The 200+ year-old Boal Mansion showcases nine generations of the Boal family’s collections including centuries-old artifacts, furnishings, portraits, and weapons. But for many, the highlight of this unique site is Columbus Chapel which has been called the “Most Important Columbus Collection in North America.”
Originally from Columbus Castle in Spain the chapel was reconstructed on-site in 1908 by the Boal family, descendants of Christopher Columbus. It features 15th to 18th-century art and converted confessionals hold family correspondence. Its most notable relics are pieces of the “True Cross.”
Outdoor Adventures and Natural Beauty
Bald Eagle State Park
Located about 45 minutes from State College, Bald Eagle State Park is a vibrant outdoor destination, offering an abundance of activities for adventurers and nature enthusiasts throughout the year.
The park’s centerpiece is the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, a 630-acre lake ideal for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The reservoir’s waters, rich in fish species, make for excellent fishing spots, including ice fishing in winter.
Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Shencks Grove’s sandy beach, complete with amenities for a perfect day out. The park boasts 48 miles of mountain bike trails and nearly 100 miles of forestry roads, alongside over 14 miles of hiking trails that provide scenic views and wildlife spotting.
For overnight stays, the park offers various camping options, including full-service sites, walk-in and drive-up sites, yurts, and a deluxe cabin campsite.
The fun doesn’t cease with summer’s end. Wildlife observation, photography, and stargazing are popular year-round activities. Fall sets the park ablaze with the vibrant colors of autumn leaves. The scenic vistas and trails offer some of the best foliage views in the region. Winter invites adventurers to indulge in sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.
Black Moshannon State Park
A short drive from State College, this park offers outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking, set against the backdrop of a unique bog ecosystem.
Mount Nittany and Mike Lynch Overlook
If you are a bit of an adventurer and you are up for a hike, head to the Nittany Mountain Conservancy. Here you will find hiking trails. Take the trail for the Mike Lynch Overlook. The hike to the overlook up Mount Nittany is less than one mile but there is a 600-foot vertical climb. However, once you arrive you will be treated to panoramic views of State College and Penn State’s Campus including views of Beaver Stadium.
Rothrock State Forest
Rothrock State Forest, near State College, PA, spans over 96,000 acres and encompasses four state parks—Whipple Dam, Greenwood Furnace, Penn Roosevelt, and Trough Creek—offering diverse natural landscapes, recreational activities, and educational opportunities.
The forest is home to unique ecosystems, such as Thickhead Mountain and Bear Meadows Natural Areas, providing habitats for rare species and old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy many activities across the parks, including swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping. Attractions like Balance Rock, Rainbow Falls, and historical iron furnaces add to the appeal.
Additionally, the forest’s extensive trail network, including the Mid-State Trail, offers endless exploration possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts, making Rothrock State Forest a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Spring Creek
Renowned for its trout and fly fishing, Spring Creek provides a peaceful escape for anglers. and Nature explorers will find hiking and biking trails that meander along the tranquil stream.
Tussey Mountain
Offering skiing and snow tubing in the winter and outdoor concerts and activities in warmer months, Tussey Mountain is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
With each visit to State College, you’ll uncover more layers of this vibrant area. The region offers a multifaceted experience blending academics and athletics, cultural vitality, historic richness, and serene natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, education, or entertainment, you’ll find it here in the heart of Pennsylvania.
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