State College Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally beautiful State College in Pennsylvania with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip with our list of must-visit places, hiking and biking routes, and local dishes to try.


Introduction to State College

State College is a borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds region, which is known for its idyllic forests, rivers and mountains. The town is home to the Pennsylvania State University, a leading research institution in the world, and has a vibrant and friendly community.

Visitors to State College can enjoy exploring the culturally rich museums, historical landmarks, and natural attractions, and participate in outdoor adventures, tours, and local food and drink experiences. The town has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that will immerse you in the beautiful nature of Central Pennsylvania.

List of Places to Visit in State College

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Palmer Museum of Art - Explore a wide range of contemporary American, European and European art in this art museum located on the Penn State University campus.

  2. Pennsylvania Military Museum - Witness the proud military history of Pennsylvania by exploring the museum’s collections, which include artifacts from the American Revolution to the present.

  3. Centre Furnace Mansion - Take a tour of the historic Centre Furnace Mansion, a restored ironmaster’s mansion from the 19th century, and learn about the history of the iron-making industry in State College.

  4. Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania - This science museum is perfect for curious kids and families looking to learn and create in a hands-on environment.

Natural Attractions of State College: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Nittany - Hike to the top of Mount Nittany and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of State College and the surrounding hills.

  2. Rothrock State Forest - Located south of State College, Rothrock State Forest has more than 300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing.

  3. Tussey Mountain - Go skiing, snowboarding or tubing in winter, or ride the ski lift in summer to enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.

  4. Bald Eagle State Park - This park is perfect for a day trip or longer vacation, with amenities like swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of State College

  1. The Penn State Arboretum - Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or choose a more challenging 9-mile run through the trails at Arboretum.

  2. Rothrock State Forest Trails - Hike or bike the Mid State Trail, the Allegheny Front Trail, or the Appalachian Trail, which goes through portions of Rothrock State Forest.

  3. Mount Nittany Trail - This 7-mile round trip trail starts in the parking lot of the Mount Nittany Conservancy and is a great workout for hikers and trail runners.

  4. Bellefonte Central Rail Trail - A popular 7-mile bike trail that goes through the historic town of Bellefonte.

Best Things to Do in State College: Activities and Tours

  1. Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park - Take a guided boat tour of Penn’s Cave and experience the natural beauty of the park’s underground limestone caverns.

  2. Wine Tours - Visit the local wineries and vineyards to savor the region’s finest wines and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

  3. Tussey Mountain Fun Centre - Ride the go-karts, play mini golf or have a thrilling ride on the zip line at this outdoor adventure park.

  4. Farm to Table Experience - Tour the local farms and food producers that provide the region’s farm-to-table cuisine and enjoy tastings and demonstrations.

Week-Long Itinerary for State College

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in State College and explore Downtown for shopping and dining
Day 2 Visit the Palmer Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Military Museum
Day 3 Hike or bike the Mount Nittany Trail and explore the Penn State Arboretum
Day 4 Take a tour of the historic Centre Furnace Mansion and attend a local festival or concert
Day 5 Take a guided tour of Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park followed by a farm-to-table dinner
Day 6 Spend the day exploring Rothrock State Forest and Tussey Mountain Fun Centre
Day 7 Relax at Bald Eagle State Park and enjoy swimming or boating before departing

Food and Drink Scene of State College

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Penn State Berkey Creamery - Sample the famous Berkey Creamery ice cream, made on campus, and try unique flavors like Death by Chocolate.

  2. Ye Olde College Diner - Try the famous grilled stickies, a classic State College sweet treat made by wrapping dough around a gooey cinnamon filling.

  3. The Great American Grill - Savor American classics and local Pennsylvania dishes like crab cakes and steak at this downtown restaurant.

  4. The Corner Room - Indulge in comfort foods like mac and cheese, burgers, soups, and salads at this old-school diner.

Local Beverages

  1. Otto’s Pub and Brewery - Try the local craft beers made onsite at this popular brewery and eatery.

  2. Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery - Sample a wide range of local wines from this family-owned boutique winery near State College.

  3. Big Spring Spirits - Taste their house-made gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey in their elegant tasting room that features a bar made from reclaimed barn wood.

  4. Robin Hood Brewing Company - Enjoy the lively atmosphere and local beers and ciders brewed in house at this friendly brewpub.

Where to Stay in State College: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Nittany Lion Inn - A historic hotel on the Penn State campus with elegant rooms and an on-site restaurant.

  2. Hyatt Place State College - A modern hotel with stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a meeting area.

  3. Carnegie Inn & Spa - A luxury boutique hotel with a spa and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.

  4. State College Hostels - The State College area has several hostels that are affordable options for budget travelers and backpackers.

What to Buy in State College: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Penn State Merchandise - Buy Penn State apparel, hats, and memorabilia at the Penn State bookstores.

  2. Local Crafts - Check out the local arts and crafts fairs that showcase pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and other handcrafted items.

  3. Cheese and Wine - Take home local cheeses and wines from the many wineries and artisanal cheesemakers in the area.

  4. Maple Syrup - Visit local maple farms and buy their pure maple syrup and maple candies.

Local Culture and Customs of State College

State College has a friendly and welcoming community, so feel free to explore the town and interact with the locals. Just be mindful of the university students and their academic schedules during the school year.

Best Time to Visit State College

The best time to visit State College is during the fall when the foliage is at its peak, and the weather is cool and crisp. Visit from September to November to enjoy fall traditions like pumpkin patches, apple cider, and the famous Penn State Nittany Lions football games.

Do’s and Don’ts of State College

Do:

  1. Take advantage of the extensive outdoor recreation opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and other adventures.

  2. Visit the Penn State campus to explore its museums, galleries, and historic landmarks like Old Main.

  3. Try the local foods, especially the ice cream from the Penn State Berkey Creamery, and the grilled stickies from Ye Olde College Diner.

  4. Attend local festivals and events that highlight the town’s culture and music.

Don’t:

  1. Take pictures of the students without their permission, especially on game days or during parties.

  2. Trespass on private property or natural reserves.

  3. Litter or vandalize public spaces and historic landmarks.

  4. Drive when under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Safety and Health

Safety in State College

State College is generally considered a safe town, but it’s always wise to follow basic safety precautions. Lock your cars and secure your valuables, especially during busy events like football weekends. If you plan to hike or bike the trails, tell someone your intended route and estimated return time. Be mindful of ticks and other local wildlife in the forests and parks.

Health in State College

The town has a world-class medical center with a range of specialty services, so travelers can rest assured they will receive prompt and professional care if needed. Also, be careful to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during outdoor activities, especially during hot and humid summer months.

Getting to State College: Transportation Options and Logistics

State College has several transportation options for visitors:

Airports Near State College

  1. University Park Airport (SCE) - Located just a few miles away from downtown State College.

  2. Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) - An hour and 45 minutes drive from State College.

  3. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) - Two and a half hours drive from State College.

Bus Stations Near State College

  1. Greyhound Lines - Located in downtown State College.

  2. Martz Trailways - Provides daily service between State College and a host of other destinations.

  3. Megabus - Provides daily service to destinations including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia from downtown State College.

Other Options

  1. Amtrak - The closest Amtrak station is in Lewistown, about 30 miles away from State College.

  2. Car Rental - Multiple car rental agencies are available at both airports and in downtown State College.

How to Get Around in State College

The town has multiple public transportation options:

  1. CATA (Centre Area Transportation Authority) - Provides bus services throughout the town and campus areas.

  2. Uber/Lyft - Both ride-sharing services are available in State College.

  3. Taxis - Multiple taxi services are available in the town.

  4. Biking/Walking - The town has bicycle and pedestrian-friendly paths that allow for convenient travel throughout the area.

Where to Go Next from State College: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Penn’s Valley - Explore the nearby Amish countryside, visit the local farmers’ markets, or go to the quaint town of Millheim.

  2. Bellefonte - Take a tour of the historic Victorian houses in Bellefonte, visit the Talleyrand Park, or take a ride on the Bellefonte and Snow Shoe Rail Trail.

  3. Huntingdon - Go canoeing or kayaking on Raystown Lake or explore the striking Juniata College campus and the Huntingdon County Historical Society.

  4. Tussey Mountain - Continue your outdoor adventures by exploring the nearby Tussey Mountain Ski Resort or the Tussey Mountain Fun Centre.

Conclusion

State College is a culturally rich town with an illustrious natural backdrop and is ripe for exploration by tourists and adventure enthusiasts. The town offers a variety of attractions and amenities, from museums and historic landmarks to parks and outdoor adventures, and the region boasts an abundance of local food and drinks. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an immersive outdoor adventure, State College has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and explore this beautiful region.