State College

Much more than just a college town.  It is vibrant with exciting nightlife, great shopping, and diverse restaurants to satisfy almost any craving. Featuring a variety of hotels, motels, cozy bed & breakfasts, and other accommodations, State College, PA is a unique and wonderful combination of small town charm and college town action that makes it a great place to live or visit.

State College is also referred to by the term "Happy Valley", which has origins dating back to the Great Depression and the town's ability to be sheltered from much of the financial hardship falling on the rest of the country. Another origin comes from sports writers looking for a way to describe the town during football broadcasts. As of the 2010 census, there were 42,034 full-time residents. 

The town was largely founded around satisfying the needs of what would become the Pennsylvania State University, but it has come a long way since those days. The town is now home to plenty of entrepreneurship and companies. There are also several events and facilities welcoming thousands of people to the area including Penn State Football, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Bryce Jordan Center and many others. The town is also home to the State College Spikes, a short-season Single A baseball team that competes in the New York-Penn League from June-September. 

There is no shortage of things do to in State College.  Choose from various indoor and outdoor recreation activities like mountain biking, golf & fishing. There are many options for arts & culture, such as The State Theatre, Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre and the Bryce Jordan Center, offering performing arts including dance, theatre & live music as well as film festivals and screenings.  

State College has festivals year-round to delight tourists & locals of any age. Summer festivals include the Central PA Festival of the Arts, People's Choice, Happy Valley Culinary Week and the Central PA 4th Fest. Fall ushers in the celebration of Fall Foliage, Harvest Festivals and Oktoberfest. In winter, enjoy the Winter Craft Market and the Festival of Trees & Craft Show. Celebrate New Year's Eve with First Night State College.

With so much to do, State College is a one-of-a-kind place. 

Philipsburg 

Offers a variety of activities for tourists and the local communities alike. Walk tours are available that detail the history of Philipsburg's Historic District and downtown, as well as residential areas. Philipsburg celebrates its proud history annually at Philipsburg Heritage Days, a week-long festival that takes place the week after the Fourth of July. Heritage Days includes a grand parade, vendors, entertainment, delicious food, the honoring of history and heritage, and an annual car or truck raffle at the end of the car show at 3 p.m. on Sunday each year by the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation, the Main Street Program for downtown historic Philipsburg.  Thousands of people who are native to Philipsburg and the Moshannon Valley attend this annual celebration.

The Philipsburg shopping district was added to the national register of historic places in 1999.

James and Henry Philips founded Philipsburg, Pennsylvania in 1791.  Some reports say that the land was bought at an auction on the streets of Philadelphia at two cents an acre. Today the town boasts a wide variety of historic buildings, representative of a variety of architectural styles, including the Rowland Mansion House (currently Whispering Sisters B&B), Union Church (Mud Church) and the Carlisle-Loraine House.

Bellefonte

"Central Pennsylvania's Victorian Secret," is located 10 miles from Penn State University, and is named after the natural spring located in the center of town. This charming town was established in 1795 and has been home to seven Pennsylvania governors and hosts stunning examples of Victorian architecture.

The shopping in Bellefonte is ideal for collectors with its numerous antique stores and gift shops. Bellefonte also features several charming bed and breakfasts waiting to welcome vacationers and business travelers looking for something a little closer to home.

For those planning to visit Bellefonte in Spring, make sure to attend the Big Spring Festival, which takes place during the third weekend in May. This annual festival offers great entertainment, crafts, trout stocking, food, music, and more. Fun stops include the Annual Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair, the American Philatelic Society, Big Spring Spirits distillery in the historic Match Factory, Victorian Christmas and more.

Bellefonte is a photographer's dream and is often the subject of local and amateur photographers alike. The waterfront walkway alongside Talleyrand Park has long been a favorite for wedding, graduation and fall foliage photographers. While you're there, stop into our satellite visitor center in the train station. 

Millheim

The heart of Penns Valley, a town that surprises. Look at the bare description – 900 people, a traffic light, named for mills that have been gone for a hundred years – and you wouldn’t expect much. A quick drive-through town probably wouldn’t change your mind.

But this little village offers rural quiet and unexpected attractions, a friendly combination that’s worth your time. Slow down and take a look at Millheim; really, you have to, the traffic light is the only one in 35 miles on Rt. 45!

Right in the center of town is a local brewery and music venue, whose restaurant also operates farm-to-table. Just south of the brewery is a local winery by the millrace that still flows through town. If the weather’s warm, grab a table outdoors by the water and meet Millheim’s ducks. There’s often live music here, too. 

Two of Pennsylvania’s finest ‘primitive’ state parks are just south of town: Poe Paddy, and Poe Valley. These are old CCC parks, preserved and protected, and a treasure we hold close to our hearts. The swimming lake at Poe Valley is a green-girdled gem.

Drive dirt roads or hike trails to visit two excellent panoramas, at Bell’s Majestic View on the Sieglerville-Millheim Pike, and Penns View on Poe Paddy Drive. Right below you at Penns View is one last thing we love, the Coburn Tunnel, an old hand-drilled railway tunnel that cuts across the neck of a loop of Penns Creek, making for a great tubing situation in the summer. Float half a mile, cut through the tunnel, repeat.

Boalsburg

Considered the birthplace of Memorial Day. This charming and patriotic small town is still reminiscent of the early 19th century, yet is located only five minutes from Penn State University. Boalsburg has it all: charming hotels, bed & breakfast accommodations, casual and fine dining restaurants, and unique specialty shops, all with the added benefit of old-fashioned small town charm.

In addition to Boalsburg's lovely local Victorian style bed and breakfast accommodations, Boalsburg also boasts many historical and educational attractions, including the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum, which boasts peices of the "true cross" and the Pennsylvania Military Museum 28th Division Shrine with daily tours. Visit the Boalsburg Heritage Museum for more info on all available tours.

Each year, locals and tourists come together to participate in the traditional Memorial Day celebration. This festival attracts nearly 25,000 visitors and includes a parade, a community walk to the cemetery, arts and crafts, military reenactments, and more. 

Pop by this quaint town just minutes from downtown State College for your history fix.

Pine Grove Mills

In 1791,Thomas Ferguson, who is credited with founding Pine Grove Mills, bought 321 acres of land for 300 pounds in gold and silver coins. In 1800, he dammed Slab Cabin Run and built the first of his mills. According to local history, a grove of pine trees separating two of the early mills along the run provided the rest of the name.

Pine Grove Mills is a small, close-knit community of 4.3 square miles and approximately 1200 inhabitants. There are a variety of home styles, from Victorian homes to mountain retreats.  The town boasts a tavern, dairy store, post office, and elementary school, as well as, a few other businesses.

Pine Grove Mills is a common destination for hikers and bikers, in addition to those who just want to survey the surrounding rural landscape from the scenic high-altitude lookout not far from the town’s center.

Pine Grove Mills is also just a short drive from Whipple Dam State Park and Shavers Creek Environmental Center.

Lincoln Caverns Inc. & Whisper Rocks

Where science and adventure are NATURALLY FUN! One-hour interpretive tours of two spectacular crystal caverns. Daily spring, summer, and fall. Winter by appointment. The northeast’s premiere caves & karst educational facility with programs for schools and youth groups our specialty. Badge programs for Girl and Boy Scouts, Ultimate Underground Birthdays, Kids Cave Kamp, Raystown Rocks Gift Shop, gem panning, primitive camping, picnic facilities, and five great family events… October Ghosts & Goblins Tours, December Santa in the Cave, February Batfest, April Easter Bunny Underground, June Discovery Days, plus summer Blacklight Adventures, Photo Tours, Family Fun Nights and T-Rex Tuesdays! Closest Cavern to Raystown Lake. Just 3 miles west of Huntingdon, PA.  

Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park

America's only all-water cavern and wildlife park. 

Penn’s Cave is located in the topographic region of Pennsylvania known as the Ridge and Valley section of the Appalachian Highlands; within this section, the cavern is located in the physiographic division known as the Ridge and Valley Province. The Penn’s Cave area is a typical karst terrain, which is characterized by a large number of caves, springs, sinkholes, and surface streams that disappear underground.

Penn’s Cave, the only cave in Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places, features glittering stalactites and stalagmites, often in mysteriously familiar shapes, such as “The Statue of Liberty” and “The Garden of the Gods.” See how dripping water has sculpted magnificent flowstone, curtains, cascades, and draperies against a background of pillars and gigantic columns.

Soaring Eagle Wetlands & Dreibelbis Birding Area

Experience the beauty of nature at the Soaring Eagle Wetland in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. This exceptional destination, owned by the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, offers access to a part of nature that is rarely experienced, especially for people with limited mobility. Whether you enjoy fishing, walking, bird watching, or simply immersing yourself in nature, the Soaring Eagle Wetland provides opportunities for everyone.

The wetland features a large gravel lot for convenient parking, giving access to Pennsylvania's only Keystone Select Stocked Trout Stream. This section of Bald Eagle Creek is stocked with trophy-sized trout and offers year-round fishing. A brick paver and boardwalk trail, along with a two-level accessible fishing platform, provide an inclusive experience for all visitors. Additionally, an 18-nesting box bluebird trail adds to the diverse wildlife habitats found at the wetland.

Embark on the one-mile trail that guides you through wetland, meadow, and riparian forest habitats. While the trails are currently not fully accessible, plans are underway to make them wheelchair-friendly. The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation is actively seeking funds to enhance the trails with an additional $200,000 worth of improvements.

Just a short distance away, the Dreibelbis Birding Area awaits. Divided by Miles Hollow Road, this area boasts two large wetland areas and has become one of the top birding spots in Happy Valley. Thanks to generous donations and financial support, the Dreibelbis Birding Area features ADA-compliant viewing blinds, paved parking lots, and an out-and-back trail that provides breathtaking views of the wetlands and abundant bird species.

During your visit, keep an eye out for waterfowl, terrestrial birds, beavers, muskrats, deer, and other fascinating wildlife. Delight in the beauty of wildflowers that adorn the trails, while benches along the way invite you to pause and appreciate the surroundings.

The Arboretum at Penn State

395-acre campus site being developed. Botanical gardens, conservatory & greenhouses, education center, turfgrass research & air quality learning.

Strolling Garden: The Strolling Garden surrounds the oval Event Lawn, a space often used for festivals and concerts. The Arboretum's witness tree, the Hosler Oak, which was the first tree planted in the botanic gardens, can be found in the Strolling Garden.

Childhood's Gate Children's Garden:  In July 2014, the Arboretum finished construction of and opened the Childhood Gate's Children's Garden, designed by Didier Design Studio. It includes a limestone cave, stone amphitheater for events, a Glass House, and other attractions for children.[1] The Children's Garden has many native Pennsylvania plants and is a microcosm of the regional landscape.[2] Sculptures representing Pennsylvania animals can be found throughout the garden.

Pollinator and Bird Garden:  In 2021, the Arboretum opened the Pollinator and Bird Garden, a space designed with the ambitious goal of attracting every species of pollinating insect and every resident and migratory bird found in Pennsylvania. It provides a mix of habitats, including open meadows, shady woodlands, wetlands, and a large pond. The garden also contains orchards and agricultural beds situated near honeybee hives and native bee "hotels."

The Rose and Fragrance Garden: The walled Rose and Fragrance Garden contains plants selected for their beauty and scent, including numerous roses and tree peonies.

The Oasis Garden: A circular pool lies in the center of the Oasis Garden. During the summer months, the pool holds displays of aquatic plants. A path lined with bamboo leads to the nearby Soaring Waters fountain.

The North Terrace and Poplar Court: A square of tall poplar trees marks the site of a future planned glass house conservatory. The adjacent terrace garden holds seasonal displays of tropical plants.

The Ramage Marsh Meadow: A marshy field of switchgrass lies at the eastern edge of the Arboretum. The Marsh Meadow preserves a sensitive groundwater recharge area. Visitors coming from campus can cross the Marsh Meadow via a boardwalk.

Natural land areas: the Hartley Wood and Gerhold Wildflower Trail, Prairie Restoration Site, Big Hollow and the Bellefonte Rail Trail

Extensive natural areas lie beyond the botanic gardens. They include a remnant of old-growth forest, the Hartley Wood, a rare native prairie, and the Big Hollow Valley. Both the Hartley Wood and the prairie are being managed to reduce the presence of invasive plant species and foster the growth of native ones, including ephemeral native wildflowers planted along the Gerhold Wildflower Trail in the Hartley Wood.

An underdrained valley called Big Hollow lies at the western edge of the Hartley Wood and the prairie. The Bellefonte Rail Trail, which converted an old stretch of railroad into a walking and biking path, runs through Big Hollow.

Centre Furnace Mansion Historic Site

Tour the historic mansion, gardens and iron furnace site associated with the Centre Furnace, established in 1791. Here in 1855, owners James Irvin and Moses Thompson gifted 200 acres of Centre Furnace land to establish "Farmers High School" - today known as Penn State University. Now the HQ of the Centre County Historical Society and listed on the National Register, the mansion is interpreted for the period of 1842-1891. 

House Tours: Wed./Fri./Sun. 1pm-4pm, or by appointment. 

Gardens & Furnace Grounds: Open daily.

Graduate

State College. PA

Rekindle the spirit of your alma mater at the smartest place to stay in town. From Graduate State College, it’s just one block to the Penn State University and a quick skip to Old Main. Located in the heart of downtown and an easy walk to the best spots in State College, our hotel is the perfect home base for Nittany Lion gamedays, campus visits and more.

Guestrooms are a classic college clubhouse, with sturdy wood furniture, vintage art and rich botanical prints. Pinstripes and plaids round out the room, and a stately lion floor lamp presides over the space. Here’s looking at you, State College.

Find ample space to work or play in the lobby lounge, where barnwood walls mingle with grand chandeliers and a touch of Pennsylvania Dutch. Pick up a read from our pleasantly packed bookshelves and settle in at the 20-foot communal table. While you’re in the lobby, grab a drink and classic American fare from Trophy Room, our signature Graduate Hotels food and beverage concept rooted in nostalgia.

The Gamble Mill

Bellefonte,PA

All the sophistication of metropolitan dining with small town warmth & convenience. Full service lunch & dinner menu. A landmark since 1786. Wine Spectator Award. Historic Building. Modern Rebirth. Dating back to 1786, the mill's history is a beautiful chapter in the story of historic Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Remodeled and revitalized in 2020 by entrepreneurial brothers Chris and Jon, this space has found new life along the Riverwalk offering modern suites, a fresh-from-farm restaurant, craft cocktail bar, intimate event space, and local boutique. Whether it is a quick stop for a crafted cocktail or a week-long stay we welcome you to revel in the historically rich surroundings and contemporary comforts of the Mill . 

Harmony Forge Inn

Bellefonte, PA

A beautiful Inn and event property located minutes from Historic Downtown Bellefonte.  The property dates back to the 1790s, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Originally the site of the Harmony Forge/Milesburg Iron Works, today the Harmony Forge Mansion survives, along with a large antique barn and a number of other outbuildings.  

The Inn is located in the Harmony Forge Mansion, and offers 4 guest rooms, a dining room, parlor, and enclosed porch.  The barn has undergone extensive renovations to make it suitable to hold events such as weddings.  The property consists of 38 beautiful acres bordering Spring Creek, and also boasts a number of areas that may be used to hold outdoor events. 

Carnegie House

State College, PA

Nestled in the woods overlooking the 17th green of the prestigious Toftrees Golf course, just three miles from the Penn State campus, Carnegie House offers discriminating travelers the comforts, charm and warm hospitality of a European Country Inn. Its 20 guestrooms and two luxurious suites are individually decorated with Carnegie House's private collection of beautiful rugs and antiques. Carnegie House is perfect for executive retreats, intimate weddings, receptions and reunions. The Boardroom can accommodate meetings of up to 20 people. From daily breakfasts to elegantly prepared hors d'oeuvres and dinner selections, dining at Carnegie House is as spectacular as it is relaxing. The Library invites casual conversation while savoring a favorite cocktail or glass of wine from the Wine Spectator award winning selection. Come see why the Carnegie House has won the AAA Four Diamond Award for lodging and exceptional personal service as well as the Best Ambience Award from State College Magazine.

Nature Inn at Bald Eagle

Howard, PA

Voted the #1 Eco-Lodge in the nation, the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is unlike any place else in the Pennsylvania state park system.  With 16 overnight guest rooms and multiple meeting spaces, the inn offers sweeping lake views, comfortable modern accommodations and amenities, all within the natural setting of Bald Eagle State Park.  

The lakeside location in central Pennsylvania provides door-step access to exceptional year-round land and water activities.  Whether you're on holiday with friends or family, traveling on business, you’ll find that the Inn's walls of windows, covered porches, private balconies, and communal patio and fire pit offer an unrivaled natural experience.

The Nature Inn is thoughtfully designed to comfortably accommodate every visitor,  Eight of the 16 guestrooms and suites feature lake views and private balconies overlooking FJ Sayers Reservoir.  The others feature peaceful patios or balconies overlooking the forest and rain gardens.  There are five room types to choose from and each features queen-sized beds, mission style furnishings, coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave oven. Small and large suites offer kitchenettes with dining tables and counters. Guests also will find a 40” television, Direct TV satellite feed, DVD player, telephone and ethernet ports for high-speed data.  The entire facility also is conveniently covered by complimentary WiFi!