One of the reasons State College made the 2018 Top 100 Best Places to Live list is because of the number of things to do in State College. While it comes in third on the list of 10 Best College Towns, activities are not limited to the college crowd. In fact, there are some State College summer and fall activities with something for everyone — the outdoor enthusiast, art lover, concert goer, ice cream aficionado, festival goer, college sports fan and more.
Whether you’re a Penn State alumnus — like us — planning a trip back to your college town or someone looking for a great place to plan a long weekend trip in the summer or fall, we’re sure you’ll find something on our list that will appeal to you.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Located in the midst of the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, there are quite a few hikes very close to State College. Not all of these hikes are for the beginning hiker, but there are plenty of walking trails throughout State College that are perfect for those looking for a scenic walk or just getting started with hiking.
Hike Mount Nittany
Mount Nittany is one of the classic hikes in State College — you’re sure to get an awesome view of campus and the surrounding community. Perhaps one of the most popular is the Mike Lynch Overlook, where you can get a birds-eye view of campus, including Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center.
The views don’t come with an easy hike — this area is definitely for intermediate to advanced hikers. You’ll climb a total of about 650 feet on a well-groomed trail. There are a couple of different trail options, giving you some flexibility in the amount of time it takes you to hike Mount Nittany. If you want to spend the day hiking, you can see pretty much everything in four to five hours. Limited on time? Not a problem — you can take a loop around the top in about two hours.
The scenery depends on the time of year you choose to hike. In the summer, you’ll see plenty of yellow, with a mix of blueberries, black raspberries and small red wintergreen and teaberries. In the fall, you’ll begin to see the foliage — yellows, bronzes and dark reds. Regardless of when you choose to go, a hike up Mount Nittany is worth your time.
Explore Shaver’s Creek
There are also plenty of trails available in the 7,000 acres surrounding Shaver’s Creek, located between State College and Huntingdon. These options are great for any age or level of experience — ranging from a brief quarter mile to a combined over five miles of trails to explore. Regardless of which of the many trails you choose, make sure you leave a few extra minutes to follow the boardwalk over Shaver’s Creek to give you a beautiful view of Lake Perez.
You also have the opportunity to get a close look at over 20 different species of birds of prey at the Raptor Center at Shaver’s Creek. You’ll see a variety of hawks, owls and eagles.
Shaver’s Creek also serves as an education facility to schoolchildren, college students and the community. They’re currently in the process of renovating and expanding so that they can continue to grow these initiatives and bring the community together with nature.
Discover Penn’s Cave
Less than 20 miles from downtown State College you’ll find Penn’s Cave — a natural landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. This underground masterpiece was discovered by the Seneca Indians centuries ago. According to a popular local legend, this cave has ties with a story of forbidden love — it’s the place a young Frenchmen was thrown into as punishment for running away with an Indian chief’s daughter, Nita-nee. Sound familiar?
Today, you have the opportunity to take a boat tour of Penn’s Cave, pan for gemstones, take a cave rock tour, get lost in a miner’s maze and go on a tour of the nearby farm and wildlife.
Arts and Entertainment
If the outdoors aren’t your thing, perhaps you’ll enjoy some of the arts and entertainment things to do in State College. There’s plenty to choose from, including shows at The State Theatre, concerts at the Bryce Jordan Center, artwork displays at the Palmer Art Museum, movies and events at Tussey Mountain, sightseeing at the Arboretum and, of course, enjoying a cone of ice cream from the Penn State Creamery.
See a Show at The State Theatre
Located in downtown State College, The State Theatre has a variety of performances, including dance, improv, jazz, bluegrass, theatre, comedy, opera, movies and more. This nonprofit is completely dedicated to putting the performing arts on display for State College and all of Centre County. Glancing at their calendar of events, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a day without some sort of event — whether it’s a romantic night out, a good laugh with friends or a family-fun performance.
Sing Along With a Concert at the Bryce Jorden Center
The Bryce Jordan Center is a one-of-a-kind event venue in Central Pennsylvania. Located on the Penn State University campus, it seats 15,000 people and hosts both campus events — lectures, sports events, graduation — and community events — concerts, family shows, circuses. This venue is the place to see big names in the music industry and beyond. Be sure to check out the calendar of events — you just might find one that’s worth planning your trip around.
Explore the Palmer Art Museum
Take some time to wander through the Palmer Art Museum — for free. This museum, located on the Penn State University campus, has several galleries. Eight of the galleries are a part of its permanent collection, featuring 8,200 objects, including paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculptures, ceramics and jades from American, European, Japanese, Asian, African and Near Eastern cultures.
Depending on when you visit, you’ll also find one of the museum’s nine rotating exhibitions. Plus, they host over 100 annual museum programs and events. Regardless of when you go, you’re sure to find some exciting exhibits.
Go to an Event at Tussey Mountain
In the winter, Tussey Mountain is a favorite spot for many skiers and snowboarders. In the summer and fall, it serves as an outdoor event venue. Throughout the summer and fall months, you’ll find a variety of things to do in State College at Tussey Mountain, including concerts, obstacle course races, beer expos and outdoor movies.
Wing Fest here is a favorite for many foodies over the summer. In the fall, Oktoberfest is a beer lover’s paradise. They also have go-karts, a skate park, a par three golf course and mini golf that you can take advantage of with the whole family.
Admire the Landscape at the Arboretum
The Arboretum at Penn State is a beautiful display of nature. For those who enjoy the art of nature, this choice is sure to be a hit. You’ll find gardens featuring beautiful flowers and trees — complemented with sculptures, an impressive sundial, a pool with lilies, water features and a boardwalk and rail trail to lead you through it all.
In addition to admiring the landscape, you’re sure to see a variety of birds. Throughout the summer and fall, they have a smattering of special events for the public to enjoy, so in addition to a self-led tour of the arboretum, you may be able to take advantage of even more events in nature.
Enjoy a Cone at Penn State Creamery
For those with a sweet tooth, getting a cone of ice cream from the Penn State Creamery is a must. For over 150 years, food scientists here have been studying the science of ice cream. They began offering courses on the subject in the late 1800s, making Penn State the first collegiate institution to do so.
This ice cream might just be the smoothest you ever taste. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from over 20 flavors — flavors that are chosen from over 100 ice creams, ten frozen yogurts and six sherberts.
Sports
State College is a college town, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch a game when you’re in town in the fall. Coming over the summer? Campus may be quiet, but there are still opportunities to get out to a ball game and try your hand at golf.
Tailgate and Cheer on Penn State Football
Out of all of the State College fall activities, Penn State Football weekends are the quintessential experience. Rather than being surrounded by parking decks and high-rise buildings, Beaver Stadium, where the Penn State Nittany Lions play, is surrounded by fields. On Penn State Football weekends, those fields turn into some of the largest tailgating fields in the country. Fans pack up grills, coolers and yard games and travel to State College from all over in RVs, vans, SUVs, trucks and cars.
Before every home game is one big Penn State picnic — there’s a reason it made the list of America’s Top 10 College Tailgate Cities. When the football game begins, approximately 107,000 fans can be found dressed in blue and white and cheering on their Nittany Lions. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss — don’t forget to buy tickets and a parking pass in advance.
Go Out to a Spikes Baseball Game
The State College Spikes are a Class A Short Season Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They have games that start in mid-June and don’t end until the beginning of September, so if you decided to take advantage of State College summer activities, this is a great one to try. Tickets in the outfield start at just $8.00, making it an affordable evening out. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is located just across the street from Beaver Stadium, so it’s sure to be easy for you to find.
Golf at One of the Penn State Courses
Choose from two Penn State Golf Courses — the Blue Course and the White Course. Both come with a par of 72. The White Course dates all the way back to 1922 and includes a total of 6,344 yards. The Blue Course is newer and provides golfers with modern elements of championship golf play. Regardless of which course you choose, you’re sure to enjoy scenic vistas while playing a course that’s fit for a variety of golfers.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the summer and into the fall, several annual events and festivals have made their home in State College. From celebrations of the arts and homecoming to pumpkin festivals and fairs, make sure you check the calendar to see if one of these fun things to do in State College is happening when you visit.
Celebrate America at State College’s 4th Fest
Chances are, when you think of Fourth of July celebrations, you think of some of the big cities that were an integral part of our nation’s history. However, the fireworks show at State College’s 4th Fest has been ranked among the best in the nation.
Choreographed precisely to music, these fireworks are something you don’t want to miss. Find a viewing area, and you can see the show for free. Interested in getting a VIP experience? You can buy tickets for that. Aside from the fireworks, you’ll find a Firecracker 4K and 4Mile, an Independence Day Parade and lots of food from several different State College vendors.
Browse Unique Arts and Crafts at Festival of the Arts
Central Pennsylvania’s Festival of the Arts — more frequently referred to as Arts Fest — is an annual event that occurs every July. The nationally ranked Sidewalk Sale & Exhibition comes to town, featuring more than 300 of the nation’s best craftsmen and artists — plus performances on six stages throughout the community.
The streets of downtown State College are packed with artists, craftsmen, food and events. In addition to browsing art of all kinds — including jewelry, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and other unique creations — you can also participate in one of the Sue Crowe Memorial Arts Festival Races. Choose from a 5K, 10K and a 10-mile run.
Visit the Unique Grange Fair
The Grange Fair has been around for almost 150 years. Yes, you’ll find the traditional fair food, games and grandstand entertainment, but this fair is known for being unique. Rather than coming to the fair in the evenings, as many do, at The Grange Fair, the majority of attendees move into the fairgrounds and live there for the entire week, creating a city within the town.
There are 1,000 permanent tenting sites and 1,500 permanent RV sites here, many of which have been in families for generations. Those who are visiting are welcome to come for just an evening — one low admission fee gets you access to the fair and free entertainment. You’ll find everything from amusement rides to livestock shows at this one-of-a-kind fair.
Be a Part of Penn State Homecoming
Homecoming is one of the biggest fall activities at Penn State. Leading up to homecoming weekend, events take place all week long, including a carnival, live music, an ice cream social and then a parade, followed by a home Penn State Football game. Students, alumni and community members are all invited to take part in many of the activities, including a BOPS Carnival and Field Day on the Old Main Lawn. A dance competition and homecoming concert are also a part of the weekend festivities.
Join the Fun at the Arboretum Pumpkin Festival
Visit State College in October, and you just might be lucky enough to catch the Arboretum at Penn State’s Pumpkin Festival. Each year, they give away 1,000 pumpkins, host a jack-o-lantern carving contest, feature lighted night displays and present a variety of other crafts, refreshments and family activities. This event is one of the fall activities at Penn State that you won’t want to miss.
Shopping Downtown State College
While you’re visiting State College, don’t forget to stop by Old Main Frame Shop & Gallery on College Avenue. Whether you’re searching for a Penn State gift to take home or are interested in having a custom frame made to preserve a photo or piece of artwork from your trip, we have plenty to choose from.
All three of us are Penn State alumni, so we understand what it’s like for alumni who may only be in town for Penn State Football weekends. That’s why we offer our customers the ability to drop off any custom framing pieces at one football weekend and pick it up at another later in the season. Contact us by filling out our online form or calling 800 321 2275 to learn more about our services.