The charming town of Bellefonte is full of hidden gems for visitors to take a closer look at, including its antique shops, Victorian architecture, art museums, and the beauty of its natural surroundings. By staying in one of the town’s B&Bs, visitors will feel more at home with their hospitable hosts and be closer to sights on the outskirts, such as Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park—where they can explore the limestone stalagmites by boat and sight cougars, wolves, and other local wildlife. Throughout the year, events like JazzPa and Big Spring Festival offer visitors the chance to expand their horizons by absorbing the local craft, music, and entertainment culture of the area alongside the locals. Make certain to research which season best suits your interests and to go over the following list of things to do in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, prior to your arrival to ensure a most memorable stay.
1. Be enriched through art at Bellefonte Art Museum
Make certain to visit this museum to check out works of art created by local artisans as well as those by artists from around the globe. Sign your children up for free art classes each first Sunday of the month, while you enjoy the photography gallery. Admire art history along with the watercolour, pastel, and drawing catalogues showcased in the library. Be certain to purchase original jewellery, glasswork, and other art pieces at the gift shop before exiting the museum.
Bellefonte Art Museum
Address: 133 N Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Bellefonte Art Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm (closed Mon - Thu)
Price: Donations
2. Hop on board at Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society
Hop on board a locomotive for an exciting ride through the fall foliage of rural Pennsylvania. If you don’t have time for an exhilarating train ride, visit the grounds to check out the wooden caboose and four speeder cars on display. The proceeds from your train ticket will help the organization to continue educating the public on the area’s railroad history for generations to come. Donations are very much appreciated to aid in covering the railroad operation expenditures.
Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society
Address: 320 W High Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society
Opening hours: Fri: 5pm, 7pm; Sat: 10am, 1pm; Sun: 12pm, 3pm
Price: Donations
3. Paddle through Spring Creek at Sunnyside Paddle Park
Pack up your kayak or canoe for a day of paddling on the waters at Sunnyside Paddle Park. Enjoy paddling down the slalom course of Spring Creek while taking in beautiful views of the surrounding forest. Even beginners can feel at ease joining the rainbow of kayaks along the course since lessons are available from professional paddlers. Make certain to take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy some recreation in Pennsylvania’s great outdoors when visiting Bellefonte.
Sunnyside Paddle Park
Address: 32-301, 066, 0000, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Sunnyside Paddle Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Join fun workshops at Centre County Library & Historical Museum
Wander through exhibits that highlight Bellafonte’s industrial heritage, textile history, and influential citizens. Comb through artefacts imagining what everyday life would’ve been like for early settlers of Bellefonte in its early days. While you scour the shelves for something to read, your children can enjoy participating in creative workshops, including baking cupcakes or making origami swans. Sign up to join the film discussion group or review a book with the local book-lovers club while your children enjoy a storytelling session by staff members during your library excursion.
Centre County Library & Historical Museum
Address: 200 N Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Centre County Library & Historical Museum
Opening hours: Mon & Wed: 9am - 8pm; Tue & Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Donations
5. Stroll through beautiful Talleyrand Park
Spend an afternoon strolling along this beautiful park with plenty of green space to enjoy a peaceful picnic, sunbathe, or play a game of croquet on. Wander onto the bridge surrounded by weeping willows to admire the waterfall at the base of the bridge. Watch as the mallards and Canadian geese swim in the peaceful waters. However, remember that feeding the wildlife here is prohibited. Sit near the Victorian-style gazebo, enjoying the shade while taking in the live entertainment during the summer months when the park hosts numerous events.
Tallyrand Park
Address: 320 W High Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Tallyrand Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Admire the Victorian and antebellum architecture of Bellefonte's Historic District
Take time to stroll through the historic district, admiring the Victorian and antebellum architecture dating as far back as 1795. Appreciate the masonry skills of the bricklayers, along with the colour schemes and craftsmanship used in the gingerbread details on these historically important landmarks. The national historic district is made up of 296 buildings located throughout the residential and business areas of Bellefonte. Noteworthy structures include St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Garman Opera House, and Centre County Courthouse, along with many other significant sites.
Bellefonte Historic District
Address: Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Bellefonte Historic District
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Take hold of the reins at Buffalo Run Farm
Sign up for a riding lesson during your visit to Buffalo Run Farm and Equestrian Center. Enjoy a leisurely ride either on the track or through the surrounding woodland with a professional guide at your side. Watch as jockeys command their steeds to jump, gallop at full speed, and round obstacles throughout the property. During winter months, visitors can experience a relaxing sleigh ride through the deep powdery snow while being pulled by a powerful Clydesdale. .
Buffalo Run Farm
Address: 2929 Buffalo Run Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Buffalo Run Farm
Opening hours: Mon: 8am - 5pm; Tue - Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 6pm
Price: 50 USD
8. Sample spirits at Big Spring Spirit's Tasting Room
Sign up for a tour of Big Spring Spirit’s bourbon and whiskey distillery in the town’s historic Match Factory Complex. After finishing an informative tour of the distillery, learning about the production of bourbon, take time to enjoy a sampling in the tasting room. Indulge in Mediterranean- and Moroccan-inspired dishes after sampling two flights of in-house produced whiskey. For those who don’t have a preference for hard liquor, the place also serves local Pennsylvania-produced beers and ciders alongside their artisanal cocktails featuring their award-winning spirits.
Big Spring Spirits
Address: 198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Big Spring Spirits
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 2pm - 8pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
9. Search for treasures at Plaza Centre Antique Gallery
Posted by Plaza Centre Antique Gallery on Monday, 20 August 2018
Scour through the shelves of antiques and collectables, searching for treasures from the past. Visitors will be amazed by the selection of vintage clothing, artwork, objects of daily life, and antique furnishings stored in what were formerly two theatres. It may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, the feeling you experience when you finally discover your prize is worth it. Enjoy the hunt through this spacious gallery containing items spanning numerous generations.
Plaza Centre Antique Gallery
Address: 124 W High Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Plaza Centre Antique Gallery
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm
10. View collector stamps at American Philatelic Society
Stamp collectors will enjoy wandering through the aisles of shelving spanning nearly 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) of journals and books filled with stamps issued over the decades. The digital database enables visitors to access thousands of pieces of literature with just a click of a button, which is more efficient than looking through shelves of volumes. Enjoy looking at special-issue stamps featuring Elvis and James Dean as well as stamps celebrating historical events and nature, to name a few. The American Philatelic Society is truly a unique stop to check out and well worth a visit for stamp collectors and others interested in the impact of the postal system throughout the ages.
American Philatelic Society
Address: 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: American Philatelic Society
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
11. Bowl a strike at Bellefonte Lanes
Head over to a local favourite since 1960, Bellafonte Lanes, for an evening of 10-pin bowling fun. Lace up your shoes for a night of friendly competition on one of the alley’s 24 lanes. Take a mid-game break to enjoy a pizza and beverages with your bowling buddies in comfy leather booths. This bowling alley offers patrons the opportunity to book private parties to celebrate special occasions as well.
Bellefonte Lanes
Address: 2767 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Bellefonte Lanes
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 10pm; Tue: 9am - 11pm; Wed: 5pm - 10pm; Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 1pm - 7pm
Price: 2 - 55 USD
12. Tour the halls of Centre County Court
Happy #FlagDay Stars: 50 States Stripes: 13 Original Colonies Red: Valor & Bravery White: Purity & Innocence Blue: Vigilance, Perseverance & Justice
Posted by Centre County Government on Wednesday, 14 June 2017
Stroll under the iconic columns of this ancient building to tour the halls of the still-in-use courthouse. Constructed in 1805, this historic place is where legal cases are still presented on a daily basis and town hall meetings are held regularly. Special events are conducted throughout the year, including eating breakfast with the local presiding judicial representatives. Let your voice be heard by participating in community rallies supporting various causes, found on the grounds surrounding this grand brick courthouse.
Centre County Court
Address: 102 S Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Centre County Court
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
Price: Free
13. Sit beside the campfire at Fort Bellefonte Campground
Park your RV on one of the campsites or rent a rustic log cabin to stay in during your time at Fort Bellefonte Campground. Enjoy playing mini-golf, beach volleyball, and basketball on the spacious recreational grounds. Take in the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding you while fishing, swimming, or kayaking on the calm waters. After visiting the new addition of the water lagoon, set up the campfire to enjoy a picnic lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. The campsite grounds are spacious and offer enough recreational choices to host large parties for special events, such as reunions and weddings.
Fort Bellefonte Campground
Address: 2023 Jacksonville Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Fort Bellefonte Campground
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
Price: 50 USD
14. Play ball at Governor's Park
Posted by Judy Adkins Rang on Sunday, 4 August 2019
Enjoy an afternoon sitting on the wooden stands while watching a local baseball team play on one of the diamonds in the park. Take time to relish a peaceful picnic after playing a competitive game of basketball on one of the park’s courts. Spend time along the trails, exercising with your furry companion while enjoying the crisp autumn breeze and colourful foliage. The spaciousness of the park with its eleven picnic pavilions and numerous sports fields makes it a popular location to rent out for parties and social gatherings.
Governor's Park
Address: Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Governor’s Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
15. Cast your line to enjoy fishing at Masullo Park
Unload your rods from your vehicle and walk down to Spring Creek at Masullo Park to enjoy some class-A fishing. Not only that, but the park also offers a basketball court and a spacious lawn to enjoy various recreation. After spending time reeling in your catch, take a break to enjoy a picnic at a table under the canopy of one of the many sprawling deciduous trees. This relaxing place is perfect for taking a break from the city during your vacation in charming Bellefonte, with its cool, shady areas and rippling stream.
Masullo Park
Address: 399 Reynolds Avenue, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Masullo Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
16. Participate in an evening picnic along the Bellefonte Waterfront Walkway
After a fire that destroyed the majority of Bellefonte Waterfront, the area was redesigned and opened in August 2016. It quickly became a popular location for running and walking for both the locals and visitors to Bellefonte. For kayakers and fishermen, access to Spring Creek is located a short walk from the steps near Lamb Street Bridge. During the summer months, join up with the locals to enjoy a community picnic to take in the warm evening weather alongside the rushing waters of the stream.
Bellefonte Waterfront Walkway
Address: Water Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Bellefonte Waterfront Walkway
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
17. Wander the nature trails at Krauss Park
If you have crossed the Lamb Street Bridge in Bellefonte near the Gamble Mill you may have seen the sign for Krauss...
Posted by Lodge #268 Free & Accepted Masons Bellefonte, PA on Sunday, 10 April 2016
Capture the beauty of the birds and squirrels while enjoying peaceful walks through nature along the trails at Krauss Park. Take time to read a book on a bench while enjoying the peaceful, less crowded setting of nearby Bellefonte Parks. Take delight in listening to the waters of Spring Creek while taking time to bird-watch along the path or fishing in the stream. Spend time indulging in a picnic alongside the rushing water during the warmer months, surrounded by the colourful blooms of the park’s flowering trees.
Krauss Park
Address: Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Krauss Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
18. Test out innovative cocktails at The Governors' Pub & Restaurant
What's for dinner... Pub Paella.
Posted by The Governors Pub on Sunday, 1 September 2019
Pull up a seat at one of the dark wooden tables to enjoy a comfort-food extravaganza of pub favourites. Try fun and enticing cocktails, such as Fun on the Beach, consisting of vodka, peach schnapps, along with pineapple and cranberry juices. Enjoy an Old Fashioned comprised of cherry and orange juices, bourbon, and bitters, alongside a heaping plate of shepherd’s pie. Finish off your dinner of fish and chips or swordfish with a delicious chocolate or tiramisu cocktail for dessert.
The Governors' Pub & Restaurant
Address: 211 W High Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: The Governors’ Pub & Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
19. Savour classic Italian favourites at Jim's Italian Cuisine
Get ready to indulge in savoury Italian classics while dining at Jim’s Italian Cuisine. Sit back in one of their comfortable leather booths to enjoy a dish of delicious manicotti (or stuffed pasta shells). Jim’s offers a wide selection of delicious bestsellers, including pizzas, pastas, salads, and hot sandwiches that will leave you unable to eat another bite. After completing a course of their delicious lobster ravioli, take time to relax with a steaming cup of cappuccino and a bowl of spumoni ice cream.
Jim's Italian Cuisine
Address: 204 E Cherry Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823, United States
Website: Jim’s Italian Cuisine
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm (closed on Sun - Mon)
Experience charming Bellefonte
In conclusion, Bellefonte is a charming upstate Pennsylvania town featuring many things to do that provide a memorable experience for visitors to the State College borough. Tourists can stroll along the streets to admire historical Victorian architecture remaining from centuries past, participate in white-water rafting adventures through guides such as Tussey Mountain Outfitters, and picnic under an avenue of willow trees at Talleyrand Park. Don’t depart from this memorable town without taking time to venture into the great outdoors, including Black Moonshannon Park, which is absolutely awe-inspiring during the autumn months when the foliage comes to life and produces a stunning living masterpiece.
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