Discover Pennsylvania's Happy Valley: Outdoor Adventures, Rich History, and Local Delights
Penn State University is world-renowned, but the scenic valleys surrounding Pennsylvania's flagship campus are hidden gems waiting to be explored. Happy Valley, named in the 1930s for its resilience during the Great Depression (unrelated to its storied football tradition), encompasses Nittany Valley to the northeast, Penns Valley to the east, and Bald Eagle Valley, Moshannon Valley, and Halfmoon Valley to the north and west. Centrally located in Centre County, it's far from remote—about 3 hours west of Philadelphia and 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh via I-80 and Route 322.
With vast landscapes for exploration, Happy Valley is ideal for social distancing and reconnecting with nature away from screens. Here are our top ways to discover your own happy place in Pennsylvania's Happy Valley.
Get Outdoors
Nature lovers will thrive amid over 550,000 acres of public lands. Run or mountain bike along hundreds of miles of trails in Rothrock, Sproul, or Bald Eagle State Forests, spot wildlife like cottontail rabbits and turkeys in Bald Eagle State Park, or enjoy ice fishing and camping in the forests and wetlands of Black Moshannon State Park. Don't miss hiking Mount Nittany, steeped in legend as the burial mound of a beloved Native American princess that became a mountain overnight.
For an aerial thrill, try hot air ballooning at sunrise or sunset over State College's scenic vistas—flights last about one hour and cover up to 15 miles.
Go underground at Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, the nation's only all-water cavern (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), featuring a 50-minute flat-bottom boat tour through illuminated chambers and a wildlife experience.
Other highlights include the new Harvest Fields Community Trails for building mountain biking skills, gardens at The Arboretum at Penn State, and prime fishing for green drake hatches in Penns Creek or wild trout in Spring Creek.
Take in the History
Happy Valley's rich farmland pairs with deep American history. The Memorial Day tradition began here in October 1864 during the Civil War, when teens Emma Hunter and Sophie Keller placed flowers on graves, inspiring "Decoration Day"—which became the national holiday in 1971.
Bellefonte was key in the Underground Railroad. The Linn House, now the Bellefonte Art Museum, sheltered escapees via a secret room and hidden tunnel—viewable by visitors.
Admire Victorian homes (some former governors' residences turned B&Bs) and browse antique shops, from small dealers to gallery co-ops.
Eat & Drink
Join the Happy Valley Takeout Trail: Grab a free passport from 50+ participating restaurants, collect 10 stamps, and enter prize drawings at the Centre County Visitor Center (first in 2021 on April 30).
Craft beverage fans love the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail, featuring four wineries, two cideries, two distilleries, and three microbreweries. Try award-winning Vidal Ice at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars or the Green Weenie IPA at Otto's Pub & Brewery.
Penn State fans rave about Grilled Stickies from Ye Olde College Diner (available at local markets)—grilled cinnamon buns, or add ice cream for a Mount Nittany. For ice cream, visit Penn State Berkey Creamery (since 1865), where global pros learn the science of premium frozen treats.
Balance indulgences with year-round farmers' markets offering fresh produce from the bountiful lands.
Explore Small Towns & Hidden Gems
Beyond State College's energy and historic spots like Bellefonte and Boalsburg, visit quaint Philipsburg, Aaronsburg, and Millheim with Amish shops and farm stands. Sample cheeses at Goot Essa, an Amish farm shop supplying East Coast eateries.
At the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg, marvel at Napoleon's hair lock, Christopher Columbus' sea chest, 15th-century weapons, and more from the family's Spanish castle legacy.
Ready to Visit?
Request your free Happy Valley visitors guide online and book an overnight stay to fully immerse yourself.
