Why Pennsylvania's Happy Valley is the Ultimate Summer Destination
Summer is synonymous with outdoor exploration, and Pennsylvania's Happy Valley delivers an unbeatable getaway close to home. Nestled around Penn State University, this region spans Nittany Valley to the northeast, Penns Valley to the east, and Bald Eagle Valley, Moshannon Valley, and Halfmoon Valley to the north and west.
Officially Centre County but lovingly called Happy Valley, it's centrally positioned for easy access—about 3 hours west of Philadelphia and 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh via I-80 and Route 322—offering the best of rural charm without isolation.
From geocaching and arts festivals to county fairs and fresh air escapes, Happy Valley has it all. Discover why it's essential for your summer itinerary. (Pro tip: Visit midweek for optimal pricing and fewer crowds.)
Get Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts thrive here amid over 750,000 acres of public lands. Tackle hundreds of miles of trails for running or mountain biking in Rothrock, Sproul, or Bald Eagle State Forests. Spot wildlife like cottontail rabbits and turkeys in Bald Eagle State Park, or camp and fish in the forests and wetlands of Black Moshannon State Park. Don't miss hiking Mount Nittany, inspired by a legendary Native American warrior princess whose burial mound, folklore says, transformed into the peak overnight.
On these trails, join the Visit Centre County GeoTour. Geocaching is a GPS-guided treasure hunt using your phone to find hidden caches—containers with logbooks and trinkets (swap items of equal value). Hunt 58 caches countywide; find 45 to earn the exclusive GeoTour geocoin.
For aerial thrills, try hot air ballooning at sunrise or sunset over State College's landscapes—hour-long flights covering up to 15 miles.
Descend underground at Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, the nation's only all-water cavern (National Register of Historic Places-listed), featuring a 50-minute illuminated boat tour through the cave and wildlife viewing.
Additional adventures include the Harvest Fields Community Trails for skill-building mountain biking and serene gardens at The Arboretum at Penn State. Anglers chase green drake hatches in Penns Creek and wild trout in Spring Creek.
For a unique tradition, attend the annual Grange Fair (typically late August), America's last tenting fair. Enjoy livestock shows, grandstand entertainment, and rows of 1,000 historic green canvas tents evoking 1874 picnics. Families camp overnight; visitors can use the Overflow RV area.
Take in the History
Happy Valley boasts rich farmland—and deep American roots. The Memorial Day tradition originated here in October 1864 amid the Civil War, when teens Emma Hunter and Sophie Keller placed flowers on graves, evolving into "Decoration Day" and the 1971 national holiday.
Bellefonte was pivotal in the Underground Railroad. The Bellefonte Art Museum (formerly Linn House, Quaker-occupied pre-Civil War) hid escapees in a secret room and tunnel—viewable today.
Admire Victorian homes (some governors' former residences, now B&Bs) and browse antique shops, from boutique dealers to gallery co-ops.
Eat & Drink
Support locals via the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail: four wineries, two cideries, two distilleries, three microbreweries. Savor award-winning Vidal Ice (2019 Pennsylvania Governor's Cup) at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars or Green Weenie IPA at Otto's Pub & Brewery.
Penn State fans rave about Grilled Stickies from Ye Olde College Diner (available at local markets despite closure)—grilled cinnamon buns, divine with ice cream as the Mount Nittany. Indulge at Penn State Berkey Creamery (since 1865), where global pros train in ice cream science; alumni from Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry's, and Häagen-Dazs have attended.
Balance indulgences with year-round farmers' markets offering fresh produce from bountiful lands.
Explore Small Towns & Hidden Gems
Beyond State College's vibrant energy and historic Bellefonte and Boalsburg, discover charming spots like Philipsburg, Aaronsburg, and Millheim. Catch the annual Millheim Walk Fest (typically early July) with 40 artists, music stages, and food vendors.
Amish farm stands abound; visit Goot Essa cheese shop on a working farm ("good food" in Pennsylvania Dutch), supplying East Coast eateries.
In Boalsburg, the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum houses Napoleon’s hair lock, Christopher Columbus' sea chest, 15th-century weapons, and more—shipped from a descendant's Spanish castle by 19th-century owners with elite connections.
Ready to Visit?
Request your free Happy Valley visitors guide online and book an overnight stay. Weekdays offer the best rates and serenity.
