What makes Happy Valley, Pennsylvania happy? Take your pick: mountain views, small towns, the energy of Penn State University and major athletic and endurance events, the distinctive charm and traditions of Amish communities, and plenty of room to roam. Centre County brings them all together in the heart of Pennsylvania, with local flavors, surprising history, family-friendly attractions, and more than a few reasons to stay another day. Start with these eight wonders.
Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum
A collection of Christopher Columbus artifacts in Boalsburg? That’s just the beginning. Explore the Columbus Chapel & Boal Museum and find medieval weaponry, European art, and a relic believed to be part of the True Cross of Jesus, then discover the family story that brought it all here.
Caves and underground marvels
Head below ground for two very different adventures. Woodward Cave is home to Pennsylvania’s largest stalagmite, while Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park takes you through the country’s only all-water cavern. Above ground, there’s plenty more to explore.
Happy Valley Dairy Delight Trail
Follow your cravings along the Happy Valley Dairy Delight Trail to seven stops serving farm-fresh ice cream, cheese, and more. Try a scoop at Penn State’s Berkey Creamery, visit Amish-owned creameries, and tour Goot Essa’s cheese cave, where cow, sheep, and goat milk cheeses age.
American Philatelic Society
Stamp collectors, this one’s for you. Inside a former match factory in Bellefonte, the American Philatelic Society explores the stories carried by the mail. Learn about postal history and Bellefonte’s role in the early days of airmail.
Eye-catching public art
Take an art walk through downtown State College, where large murals bring works from the Palmer Museum of Art’s American collection onto building walls. It’s a colorful way to see the town and discover what’s inside the museum.
Pennsylvania’s tallest Santa
Even Santa goes big in Happy Valley. Visit Cold Stream Dam in Philipsburg to see Pennsylvania’s tallest Santa, a cheerful seasonal landmark that gives you one more reason to explore the region during a winter getaway.
Central PA Tasting Trail
Sip your way through 19 stops along the Central PA Tasting Trail pouring locally made beer, wine, cider, and spirits. Come hungry, too: many offer food, zero-proof drinks and a side of entertainment, from live music and trivia to line dancing and open mic nights.
The great outdoors
With more than 750,000 acres of public land nearby, Happy Valley gives you plenty of ways to get outside. Cast a line in a trout stream, take on a gravel cycling route, or find an accessible spot to enjoy the view.