Maximize Your Happy Valley Weekend: Must-Visit Historic Sites Near Penn State
Planning a football weekend in Happy Valley? Elevate your trip by cheering on the Nittany Lions and exploring Centre County's rich historical attractions.
Happy Valley delivers an unbeatable mix of thrilling sports, diverse dining, outdoor pursuits, and deep-rooted history. If you're new to Centre County's top historical sites, now's the perfect time. Local museums and historic homes offer guided tours and engaging fall events, many family-friendly. Whether you're a dedicated history enthusiast or simply curious about the region, these spots are essential visits.
Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum
Constructed in 1798 by an Irish immigrant on a 50-acre family estate, the Boal Mansion showcases stunning architecture and the Boal family's treasures, including artifacts, furnishings, artwork, musical instruments, multilingual books, presidential documents, antique fans, family paintings, and 19th-20th century fashions. Cynthia Shaler, executive board president and communications chair, highlights these diverse collections from various eras and countries.
The estate's crown jewel is the Columbus Family Chapel.
Docent-led tours of the mansion, chapel, and Columbus Vault last 1-1.5 hours and suit families with elementary-aged children and older. Reserve in advance by calling museum director Bob Cameron at 814-876-0129; tours run daily (book early for fall weekends).
Catch fall highlights like the Celtic Music Festival (Sept. 19) or Olde Europe Renaissance Faire (Oct. 10). Holiday visitors shouldn't miss the Kristkindl Market and Christmas tea (Dec. 3-4).
Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel | 163 Boal Estate Drive, Boalsburg, PA 16827 | office@boalmuseum.com | 814-876-0129
Centre Furnace Mansion
Home to the Centre County Historical Society, this site traces back to Pennsylvania's iron industry with a furnace operational since 1792. The current mansion evolved from an original log structure, blending Victorian and Georgian styles with period furnishings from the mid- to late-1800s iron master.
Tours extend beyond the mansion to cover Centre Furnace history and Victorian life, customized by knowledgeable docents to match your interests—iron industry, Victorian era, or local history.
Post-pandemic, tours resume by reservation Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1-4 p.m. Book online at CentreHistory.org/visit or call 814-234-4779 (advance notice for groups over six). Ideal for start or end of your weekend.
Mark your calendar for fall events: Legacy Day of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Poe Valley State Park (Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), Boogersburg Open House (Aug. 29, 1-4 p.m.), and Music Under the Sycamore concert (Oct. 3, 4-6 p.m.). Details at centrecountyhistory.org.
Centre Furnace Mansion | 1001 East College Avenue, State College PA 16801 | info@centrecountyhistory.org | 814-234-4779
