Explore State College PA on Your Next Getaway
Best Things to Do in State College, PA
State College sits at the center of Happy Valley, and the list of things to do in State College, PA goes well beyond a Penn State football weekend. Between mountain trails, working dairy farms, a walkable downtown, and a food scene that has grown up fast over the last decade, this corner of central Pennsylvania is worth exploring. Whether you are dropping off a student, catching a show at the Bryce Jordan Center, or planning a quiet weekend away from the city, here is where to start.
Start on Campus, Then Head for the Hills
Penn State’s campus is worth an hour or two on its own. The revival architecture, open lawns, and the Nittany Lion Shrine draw visitors from all across the country. From there, the Berkey Creamery is the single most requested stop on any State College itinerary. It is a working dairy science lab that turns out some of the best ice cream in Pennsylvania.
Just off campus, the Arboretum at Penn State offers a proper garden with themed sections, a children’s garden, and enough ground to fill an afternoon. It is free, dog-friendly, and changes completely by season.
If you’re looking for a hike, Mount Nittany is the trail everyone mentions first. The main loop runs two to three hours round trip and ends with a view over the valley that earns the climb. Parking fills early on weekends, so plan to arrive before mid-morning if you want to avoid the crowd. Rothrock State Forest, just south of town, spreads across tens of thousands of acres of trail for hikers and mountain bikers who want more distance and fewer people. Bald Eagle State Park, about twenty minutes out, adds a lake for kayaking, fishing, and a proper beach day in summer.
Food, Music, and a Home Field Crowd
Downtown State College has walkable blocks now mixing casual sandwich counters with sit-down spots that carry a serious wine list, and the Downtown State College Farmers Market runs seasonally with local produce and the occasional Saturday morning band. A handful of breweries and cideries have opened just outside town with taproom views over farmland, worth planning as two or three stops rather than one long crawl.
For entertainment, the State Theatre downtown hosts everything from independent film to live comedy, while the Bryce Jordan Center on campus brings in the larger touring concerts and events that put State College on a national calendar. If your visit lines up with a home football weekend, the tailgate energy downtown is worth experiencing even without a ticket.
Choosing a Hotel in State College, PA
Most of what makes this list worth visiting sits within fifteen minutes of downtown, which makes choosing the right hotel in State College a big part of your trip. The Apple Pony Inn sits just outside town in Boalsburg, PA, on a country estate that trades hotel corridors for a modern Bed and Breakfast experience. Guest rooms and suites are named for horse breeds, from the Appaloosa to the Clydesdale, and a full breakfast is included each morning before you head out to the trails or the creamery counter.
Boalsburg itself is worth a stop before or after your hike. It is one of the older villages in the region, with its own historic character separate from the university a few minutes away. Between the trails, the campus, and a downtown that keeps adding good reasons to visit, State College fills a weekend easily, especially when you have a great place to make your home away from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking trail near State College, PA?
Mount Nittany is the trail most visitors climb first. The main loop takes two to three hours round trip and ends with a valley overlook. Rothrock State Forest offers longer, quieter trail systems for hikers who want more distance.
Is the Berkey Creamery open to the public?
Yes. The Berkey Creamery is a working Penn State dairy science lab that sells ice cream and other dairy products to visitors, not just students and staff.
How far is Boalsburg from downtown State College?
Boalsburg sits about ten minutes from downtown State College and Penn State’s main campus, close enough for an easy day trip in either direction.
What can I do in State College besides Penn State football?
Beyond game day, the area offers hiking at Mount Nittany and Rothrock State Forest, a day at Bald Eagle State Park, the Arboretum at Penn State, downtown dining and breweries, and live shows at the State Theatre and Bryce Jordan Center.