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Planning a Penn State Weekend: Things To Do Near State College, PA

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We are at the height of football season at Penn State University, our favorite time of year! If you're a loyal fan of the Nittany Lions, you’re probably considering coming to Beaver Stadium for game day. Even if you aren’t a fan of football and tailgates, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit State College for the weekend. 


From on-campus attractions to outdoor adventures, and local places to grab a drink, there are a lot of things to do around Pennsylvania State University. Here are some ways we recommend enjoying your Penn State Weekend.

Start at Penn State

It’s an unwritten rule that you can’t go to State College without visiting Penn State University. Why else would you be here? With a big, beautiful campus and rich history to explore, there are plenty to keep you entertained, but here are a few of our on-campus “must-sees”. 

A large building with a clock tower on top of it at Pennsylvania State University.

Beaver Stadium

Home to the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, this iconic stadium can seat over 100,000 fans, making it the 2nd largest stadium in the United States. Talk about an impressive place to watch the game!

Nittany Lion Shrine

A local landmark, taking a photo here is something of a State College tradition. We can’t think of a better way to show your Nittany Lion pride (pun intended).

All-Sports Museum

If you love sports, you’ll love a visit to this museum. As the name suggests, this museum celebrates the history of Penn State’s athletic achievements over the years.

Palmer Museum of Art

Not big on sports? Don’t worry, the university has more to offer than just football. The Palmer Museum offers an impressive collection of works, ranging from American art to European masterpieces.

Berkey Creamery

You can’t leave Penn State without grabbing a scoop of ice cream from this legendary creamery. Berkey Creamery has been a leader in dairy production for over 150 years, and hopes to remain so for at least 150 more!

A lake in the middle of a forest with a mountain in the background

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park

Visit America’s only all-water cave, where guided boat tours offer a unique perspective of the area’s geology. The surrounding wildlife park allows visitors to experience the beauty of Pennsylvania’s animal life.

Poe Valley State Park

For a peaceful day outdoors, Poe Valley State Park is ideal for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The serene lake and wooded trails offer a perfect place for relaxing walks.

Mount Nittany

This mountain is more than just a namesake—it’s a symbol of Penn State spirit. Hiking to the summit provides breathtaking views of the valley below with 800+ acres of nature to explore.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center

If you want to stay close to town, head to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. This 62-acre site consists of 12 acres of farmland and 50 acres of wetland designated for conservation and educational purposes.

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Have a Drink

Central Pennsylvania is blessed with a mix of fertile soil, temperate climate, and artisan spirit making it a great place for craft beverages. Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, a glass of wine, or something spirited, the local brewing, cidery, and distillery scene has plenty to offer.

Breweries


  • Antifragile Brewing Company: Known for always having “something new brewing”. With a vibrant, risk-taking approach to brewing, Antifragile is an idea for drinkers looking for adventure.


  • Boal City Brewing: Taking a more traditional approach to brewing, this brewery offers a range of beers made from local ingredients. Located in Boalsburg, this spot is perfect for unwinding.


  • Axemann Brewery: Proud Penn State supporters, this brewery is all about keeping things local. Operating on a “first come, first served” basis, Axemann offers hand-forged excellence.


  • Otto’s Pub and Brewery: A State College institution, Otto’s serves up a wide selection of house-made brews and delicious food. All about creativity and community, Otto’s is committed to making every visit memorable.
A row of wooden barrels stacked on top of each other in a warehouse.
Two glasses of wine are sitting on a rock in front of a vineyard.

Cideries and Wineries


  • 814 Cider Works: Cider is a big part of Pennsylvania’s history, and 814 Cidery reflects that tradition. Located at JL Farm, this cidery offers a rustic, family-friendly setting where visitors can enjoy craft ciders made from local apples.


  • Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery: If you want to enjoy breathtaking views while sipping award-winning wine, look no further. Turning a passion into a business, this family-owned vineyard is a prime example of American Spirit.



  • Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery: Another great stop for wine lovers, Happy Valley offers “farm to bottle” wines, grown in the heart of Pennsylvania. Growing 90% of their own grapes, this winery is proud to produce their distinct taste.

Distilleries


  • Barrel 21 Distillery and Dining: Looking for an amazing meal to pair with a crafty cocktail? Barrel 21 has you covered. Offering both dining and craft spirits, Barrel 21 is the place to go for an incredible, edible, experience.



  • Big Spring Spirits: Situated in Bellefonte, Big Spring Spirits has a big emphasis on keeping things local. This distillery and restaurant is all about combining sustainability and innovation in everything they do.


  • Hungry Run Distillery: Hungry Run is named after the small stream that runs through the property. Starting with handcrafted spirits on the homestead, Hungry Run now offers cocktails and local food vendors on Thursday - Saturday afternoons and evenings.
A person is pouring liquid into a glass with a thermometer.
Hartman Center Campground sign sitting in the middle of a field next to a tree.

Stay at Hartman Center Campground


Whether you are coming to cheer for the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium or explore the landscape, there are a lot of things to do in State College, PA. To make the most of your weekend,  stay with us at Hartman Center Campground. 


With cozy glamping cabins with private hot tubs, tiny homes, full-hookup RV sites, and tent camping sites, we have camping options and amenities for every kind of camper. Surrounded by the beauty of Central Pennsylvania, we are the perfect place to stay for your Penn State Weekend. Book Now!

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