Top 10 Things To Do In State College, Pennsylvania

1. Enjoy The Arboretum, a floral wonderland

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A riot of colorful blossoms carpets the landscape at this beautiful arboretum, inviting visitors to learn, discover and enjoy a fun day out. Part of the University Park campus, it is home to a multitude of gardens that delight children and adults alike. Families visiting with children will love the Children’s Garden that hosts fun and informative activities during the summer months. There is also the fragrant Rose Garden, another charming feature that enchants visitors with its rose displays, wisteria-adorned pergolas, and cottage-core vibes. A visit during the summer months is highly recommended to be able to admire these botanical wonders in the best possible way.

The Arboretum at Penn State

Address: E Park Ave & Bigler Rd, State College, PA 16803, United States

Website: The Arboretum at Penn State

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

2. Get back to nature at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center

This wonderful nature center is a lovely oasis in the midst of State College’s urban landscape. Not only does it provide a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city, but also ensures an incredibly informative experience through its diverse learning programs and events. Within its 62-acre (25.09-hectare) sprawl, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center has plenty to keep any nature-lover occupied. From opportunities for spotting local birdlife to hiking along its peaceful boardwalk and nature trails, there is never a dull moment here. Families visiting the center can also bring along a picnic lunch for a fun experience amid nature. The best part about this park is that it is free to visit!

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center

Address: 548 Puddintown Rd, State College, PA 16801, United States

Website: Millbrook Marsh Nature Center

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Marvel at the iconic Old Main at Penn State University Campus

Probably the most recognizable building in the city, this majestic landmark was one of the earliest established structures on Penn State University campus. Today, it serves as both an administrative office and a historic location that several visitors like to stop by. Although it isn’t open to the public, the building makes for a wonderful photo-op. Stop by here to take in the historic atmosphere, explore the surrounding campus, and admire the building from the neighboring lawn.

Old Main

Address: Pollock Rd, University Park, PA 16802, United States

4. Skate your worries away at Pegula Ice Arena

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A behemoth ice-skating facility located on the Penn State University campus, Pegula Ice Arena is a recreational space hosting sporting events as well as myriad ice hockey programs. You can sign yourself up for a fun ice hockey lesson, or catch an exciting on-ice game between college teams. The arena is the home ground for Penn State Nittany Lions (both men and women). National Hockey League games are also occasionally hosted here, and bring about an atmospheric excitement that must not be missed! There is also a separate rink on-site for public use, where you can twirl and skate to your heart’s content.

Pegula Ice Arena

Address: 250 University Dr, State College, PA 16802, United States

Website: Pegula Ice Arena

5. Learn about the fascinating arthropods at Frost Entomological Museum

Never thought that spiders, dragonflies, or bees could be interesting? This riveting museum, tucked inside Penn State University is here to prove you wrong. An eminent research space, Frost Entomological Museum invites curious minds to understand and explore these arthropods up close and learn more about how they’re collected, researched, and classified. Even the most unsure visitors would be spellbound at the museum’s whopping collection of over a million arthropod specimens, which include aphids, damselflies, and dragonflies, among other vibrant and interesting insects. Visitors typically have access to two rooms that form part of the research space, where most of the displays are informatively mounted.

Frost Entomological Museum

Address: 160 Curtin Rd, State College, PA 16802, United States

Website: Frost Entomological Museum

6. Discover the enchanting art collection at Palmer Museum of Art

Located on Penn State University campus, this fine art museum is a definite must-visit during your trip here. Visitors to the museum will find it hard to miss the iconic bronze lion paws that grace the building’s main steps. On display within the museum is a plethora of awe-inspiring artworks that are curated from a staggering collection of over 7000 artworks. While the American collection features paintings from as far back as the 19th Century, the global collection ranges from priceless print collections and ceramic art to sculptures, vintage Japanese woodblock prints, and even photographs. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also hosts rotating exhibits and temporary exhibitions that are equally riveting. Admission to this stellar repository of art is absolutely free of cost!

Palmer Museum of Art

Address: Curtin Rd, University Park, PA 16802, United States

Website: Palmer Museum of Art

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

7. Tuck into a hearty breakfast at The Original Waffle Shop

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This cute little breakfast spot in State College is nothing short of legendary for its fresh and delicious waffles, a fact that even locals vouch for. This is why you will see residents trickle into the restaurant in the mornings and on weekends, ready to savor some of the best breakfasts in town. Besides the rich waffle dishes, this establishment is also known for its scrumptious omelets, pancakes, and home fries. Yet another reason to visit this place is their friendly and warm service and their generous portions.

The Original Waffle Shop

Address: 1229 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803, United States

Website: The Original Waffle Shop

Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)

8. Unearth hidden cultural gems with Mystery of the Willard Mural

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

In a forgotten corner of the historic Willard Building on Penn State Campus, a mysterious work of art captures the attention of curious travelers that go looking for it. The work of art is an east-facing mural that occupies a maintenance tunnel behind the building; its presence there, in a dreary alley with electrical metal boxes and grates is as strange as it is beautiful. What makes it even more interesting is the absolute anonymity of the artist that might have rendered this painting. Those who stumble upon this piece of unusual wall art will notice that there is no visible signature but only a set of curious inscriptions that further deepen the mural’s mystery.

Mystery of the Willard Mural

Address: 1 Pollock Rd, State College, Pennsylvania, United States

9. Spend a fun day with family at Holmes-Foster Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This cute little town park is just where you need to be if you’re looking for a place to unwind and relax. A lovely slice of verdure amid State College’s busy midst, the park has tall trees, a jungle gym for the kids, and a swing set. There is a small bocce ball court as well. Whether you wish to spend some time reading on the park bench or play catch with family, Holmes-Foster Park promises a wonderful day out.

Holmes-Foster Park

Address: 901 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA 16801, United States

Opening hours: 12am - 12am (daily)

10. Unwind with a scotch on the rocks at Local Whiskey

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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This wildly popular whiskey bar on Penn State campus is the college hangout you cannot miss on your visit to State College. Spirits run high at this atmospheric bar that offers over 200 varieties of whiskey, along with beers and other cocktails. With pub grub staples to nosh on, and a lively crowd that often pours in on hockey game nights, you’re all set to have an enjoyable evening. Take full advantage of the happy hour specials that offer amazing deals on beers and cocktails.

Local Whiskey

Address: 107 E Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801, United States

Website: Local Whiskey

Opening hours: 11am - 2pm (daily)

A lovely college town with lots to explore

Although the city has developed around Penn State University, it still has a bevy of attractions that interest all kinds of travelers, whether you’re traveling with family, or as a solo tourist. From outdoorsy sights and cultural landmarks to nightlife and shopping options, State College has it all.