Exploring Penn State's Main Campus: Top Attractions Beyond Football and Classes
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) anchors the vibrant community of State College, Pennsylvania. While it's famous for top-tier education and electrifying Nittany Lions football, the main campus brims with diverse attractions. From indulgent treats to artistic treasures, here are standout spots to enhance your visit—football fan or not.
Penn State Berkey Creamery
The Penn State Berkey Creamery stands as one of Pennsylvania's premier ice cream destinations, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavor.
Established in 1865 as the university's first creamery, it has crafted delectable ice cream on campus for over 150 years. Operated by Penn State's Department of Food Science, the Creamery pursues ice cream perfection through rigorous academic research. For added credibility, Ben & Jerry's founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, completed the university's ice cream short course before launching their iconic brand.
With more than 100 flavors on offer, favorites include Peachy Paterno and Bittersweet Mint. Note: Flavor mixing is prohibited—except for the one-time indulgence by President Bill Clinton.
No Penn State visit is complete without savoring a scoop from the Berkey Creamery.
Penn State All-Sports Museum
Housed in the southwestern corner of Beaver Stadium, the Penn State All-Sports Museum celebrates the achievements of all 34 varsity sports throughout university history.
Dedicated galleries for each sport display historic memorabilia, including uniforms, equipment, and trophies. Discover even lesser-known programs like the former bowling team.
Non-game-day tours often allow glimpses inside Beaver Stadium, the world's third-largest by capacity. Its grandeur impresses even non-football fans. The museum also features the taxidermied Nittany Lion, the last mountain lion killed in Pennsylvania in the late 1800s—now the university's enduring mascot.
Palmer Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Palmer Museum of Art on Penn State's campus. Far beyond student works, its collection spans nearly 10,000 global pieces, some dating back millennia.
Nearly a dozen galleries house the permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, featuring diverse media: ancient South American and Asian ceramics, Renaissance paintings, and contemporary works.
State College Spikes
Besides elite college athletics, Penn State's campus hosts professional baseball with the State College Spikes, the Class-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They share Medlar Field with the Nittany Lions baseball team.
This modern minor-league venue delivers high-quality baseball and family entertainment during summer months. Catch rising stars, enjoy between-innings fun, and create memories—perfect for family trips.
Penn State Arboretum
The Penn State Arboretum may be the campus's most serene escape, featuring seven stunning gardens tailored for nature lovers.
Wander the Fragrance Garden, Tropical Grove, and Grove of the Ancients for an enchanting experience.
The enclosed Children's Garden delights with whimsical plants mimicking central Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley topography. Kids explore streams, caverns, and activities safely, giving parents peace of mind.
Jim Cheney is the creator, primary writer, and photographer of UncoveringPA.com, drawing from extensive firsthand experience exploring Pennsylvania.
