Unplug & Explore: The Best Things to Do in Happy Valley PA for a Nature-Filled Getaway

We use affiliate links. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Are you looking for things to do in Happy Valley?

Happy Valley is easily one of my favorite regions of Pennsylvania. Located in the middle of the state, Happy Valley is what locals commonly call Centre County.

While the town of State College here is known for Penn State University, there are countless other cozy towns, state parks, and rustic farms full of charm. I love getting away from city life in Philadelphia and Happy Valley is the perfect place to rest and recover.

Bask in the awe of nature and come home to yourself while discovering the community, culture, art, and nature of the Happy Valley region in Pennsylvania.

A scenic park with a suspension bridge stretching over a calm pond, surrounded by lush, drooping willow trees. Ducks and geese float on the water, while a person walks across the bridge. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a peaceful glow on the green landscape.

This post is sponsored by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, however everything is my own, honest opinion. Thank you Happy Valley for partnering with me to bring this amazing guide!

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Happy Valley

Penn State University is at the heart of State College, the biggest town in Centre County. If you are looking for things to do, this is a great place to start!

Things to do near Penn State

Did you know that Pennsylvania was settled on land that was occupied by the Susquehannock Native tribe for centuries? You can honor that history by attending the Penn State Powwow and learning more about Native American culture and practices.

An older fair-skinned woman with long gray hair braided in pigtails is dressed in traditional Native American regalia stands on a gymnasium floor, wearing a red dress adorned with intricate beadwork, fringe, and fur details. She has a feathered headpiece, beaded jewelry, and moccasins with colorful embroidery. She holds a numbered card with "505" on it, indicating participation in a powwow event.

A young Black man in traditional Native American attire poses indoors, wearing a wide-brimmed black hat, glasses, a blue checkered shirt, and a beautifully beaded breastplate with fringe. His outfit includes feathers, bells, and other cultural adornments. He wears a numbered card with "458" on it, suggesting he is a participant in the powwow.

The next Powwow coming up is in March 2025. This annual event is open to the public and admission is free. Don’t miss the fry bread tacos, and bring cash to shop handmade artisan items while you’re there.

Satiate curiosity near campus by exploring Happy Valley’s very own Geocaching trail. Geocaching is searching for a secret cache given only general geographic information and a clue. Caches vary in difficulty with some easy to find and others more difficult. This is such a fun way to explore State College and the surrounding area.

For a softer adventure, check out Millbrook Marsh. This protected marshland is owned by Penn State and operated by Centre Region Parks & Rec. The trails are easy and flat and may be somewhat accessible if you can navigate over grassy terrain to the boardwalks that stretch across the marsh.

A field of bright yellow black-eyed Susans stretches towards a wooden building with large windows and a metal roof at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in Happy Valley. In the background, a silo and trees are visible. The flowers and greenery create a lush, natural setting perfect for an easy hike in nature.

A wooden boardwalk curves through a marshy landscape, surrounded by tall grasses and bushes with hints of red, yellow, and green foliage. A small clear stream flows beneath the boardwalk, reflecting the sky. The background is filled with trees, some with autumn leaves, under a partly cloudy sky.

Getting ice cream from a local creamery like Berkey Creamery at Penn State is one of the top things to do in Happy Valley. A hand holds a waffle cone with scoops of creamy ice cream under bright sunlight. The ice cream appears to be a mix of vanilla with caramel swirls. Blue patio umbrellas and blurred greenery are visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor setting.

I loved walking around this park and listening to the peaceful sounds of nature. You really don’t have to go far out of town to experience the miles of trails and acres of protected land in Happy Valley (but you totally can, and should!)

Another way to treat yourself that you shouldn’t miss is the Berkey Creamery on Penn State’s campus.

This historic creamery has been operating for over 150 years! It’s cool to see the science-backed “cow-to-cone” process, but the ice cream is also just delicious in its own right. Cookies and cream is usually my go-to order but I also enjoyed their Cinnamon Roll flavor.

Other things to do at Penn State

Palmer Museum at Penn State:
A couple stands in an art gallery, admiring a large impressionist painting of a tree and countryside, framed in gold. They are surrounded by additional framed artwork on a blue-gray wall. The gallery’s wood flooring and soft lighting create a calm, contemplative atmosphere.

A woman in black clothing walks along a paved garden path at the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in State College, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage. A tall tree with mixed green and orange leaves towers over her, while neatly landscaped plants and shrubs frame the walkway.

Palmer Museum + Arboretum

Unwind and take in some culture at the newly opened building for the Palmer Museum of Art. This state-of-the-art, LEED-certified building is free to visitors and houses some incredible art.

I was surprised to see art I recognized, from the glass etchings with PNW Indigenous art like what I have seen in Seattle, to paintings by Georgia O’Keefe, to sculptures from modern Pennsylvania artists.

I also loved that they have so many efforts to be accessible to visitors, with free tours, easy wheelchair access, and alternative ways to access the descriptions like audio and large-print.

Just outside head to the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens. The gardens are a small part of the Penn State Arboretum which spans across 370 acres. This is a beautiful, easy walk that starts outside of the Palmer Museum but goes on for miles if you’re up for it.

A close-up of an attendant holding a black Eastern Rat Snake, one of the ambassador animals in the Litzinger Discovery Room at Shaver’s Creek. The snake is wrapped around the person's hands, with its head resting on an open palm. Natural light streams in through wooden window panes, highlighting the snake’s smooth, glossy scales. — Eastern Rat Snake, one of the ambassador animals in the Litzinger Discovery Room at Shaver’s Creek

Discover local nature at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center

One of the most popular things to do near Happy Valley is visiting Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. While the center is known for the raptors in their aviary, Shaver’s Creek was incredibly cool to me for a myriad of reasons.

The main lodge houses an exhibit of amphibians and reptiles – many of which are native to the area, as well as examples of their habitats. I was so excited to finally lay eyes on an Eastern Hellbender which is the Pennsylvania state amphibian.

The lodge itself is beautiful and well-built, a restored version of the original forest lodge built by the CCC during their work in Pennsylvania’s forests in the 1930s and 40s. It is a zero-waste facility that works to educate visitors on conservation: what it is and why it matters.

A wooden building with large glass windows is surrounded by lush greenery and a stone staircase leading up to its entrance. A metal statue of a bird stands near the entrance, while metal silhouettes of birds decorate the building’s exterior. The sign reads "KLINGSBERG AVIARY SHAVER’S CREEK."

Shaver’s Creek is an excellent destination for those interested in nature, not just with the exhibits inside but also recreation available beyond the doors. They are most famous for the Klingsburg Aviary, a raptor exhibit outside housing injured birds of prey like a Golden Eagle.

Beyond the education center is a short trail leading to an accessible boardwalk along Shaver’s Creek. Further on, check out the network of trails along the property, or head to the nearly 3-mile Lake Trail to circumvent Lake Perez.

Shaver’s Creek Educational Center is located at the convergence of multiple protected areas: Rockthrock State Forest, Stone Valley Recreation Area, and Whipple Dam State Park covering thousands of acres and miles of trails.

A uniquely designed public bench in the shape of an open book sits on a brick sidewalk in State College. The bench is painted with vibrant designs, including music notes and colorful shapes. A city bus with an advertisement is parked in the background, along with a row of buildings and a decorated storefront.

Shopping in State College

I always love a little day of shopping local stores when I am having a restful weekend, and the shopping in Happy Valley is no different. Spend some time in downtown State College to check out the small businesses.

Visit Webster’s Bookstore C afe, a used bookstore and cafe serving vegan brunch on Sundays and filled with rows of used books dotted with tables to sit and study, and even vinyls.

The Makery Market sells local artisan handmade goods. The business supports young women in foster care via employment opportunities and also has open studio hours.

There are also several hands-on stores such as the DIY pottery business 2000 Degrees, or The Nittany Quill with stationery.

While you’re there, head around the corner to The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, the visitors center for all things Happy Valley.

Dotted along College Ave and Calder Way are several clothing and boutique shops, an outfitters, and even a comic book shop and skate shop so spend some time just wandering and see what you discover.

A winding road leads into the distance bordered by evergreen and deciduous trees in beautiful fall colors, all under a blanket of golden sunlight.

Heading on a road trip?

Make sure you have everything ready to go. CLICK HERE for our free checklist!

A scenic landscape of rolling green fields with wooden Adirondack chairs and a gazebo in the foreground at ReFarm Cafe on Windswept Farm in Happy Valley. In the distance, small white farmhouses and a forested hill are visible under a clear blue sky, capturing a peaceful countryside view.

Agritourism in Happy Valley

Sometimes you just need to get back to your roots – and Happy Valley has just the thing. This region is in the heart of agricultural Pennsylvania and has so many agritourism opportunities whether farm-to-fork meals, pick-your-own flowers, farm markets, or even spending time with livestock.

Check out the Fresh from the Field Trail as a guide to your “ag-ventures”. Not only will it open your eyes to new things to do in Happy Valley, but you can also mark them off on the trail’s free passport to earn points towards swag.

Feed your soul with feel-good ice cream from a local creamery. Nittany Valley Creamery sources their cream from non-GMO-fed cows.

A row of cyanotype prints featuring botanical designs and abstract imagery hangs on a clothesline outdoors. The blue prints contrast with the dry, brown grass and colorful wildflowers in the background, evoking an artistic and nature-inspired setting.

Hands-on in the fields

Just outside of the charming Victorian town of Bellefonte is Rooted Farmstead, a first-generation, woman-owned pick-your-own flower farm with rows of colorful blooms. I enjoyed an art class collaboration here with Kaleidoscope PA, where we picked our own florals and then made cyanotypes with them.

Check out the upcoming art classes at Kaleidoscope PA, who often partners with local farms, to try a hands-on workshop with watercolors, cyanotypes, drawing, and more.

Working with your hands and creating art is such a good way to rest and restore in Happy Valley, and doing it on a farm adds to how grounding the experience can be.

A rustic wooden table holds bundles of colorful straw flowers, including deep purple, pink, and yellow blooms. The stems are arranged in neat rows, ready for floral arrangements at Rooted Farmstead flower farm.

A vibrant orange and black monarch butterfly hovers over a pink zinnia flower. The blurred background consists of dry grass and green foliage, enhancing the focus on the butterfly’s delicate wings in the fields of U-pick flower farm Rooted Farmstead in Bellefonte, PA.

As restoring as working with your hands can be, sometimes you also just need some movement, so you’ll love to know that Happy Valley does have goat yoga!

Nittany Meadow Farm offers yoga classes with adorable goats from their farm for only $15 a session. Yoga is known to have restorative benefits, and when you add in a cute farm animal it’s sure to be a great time that will have you feeling rested and joyful.

Shop farm fresh goods at one of the multitudes of farmers markets around Happy Valley during your visit and bring home a piece of the valley. Some of my favorite travel souvenirs are always from farmers markets like homemade preserves, goat milk soap, fresh-cut flowers, or even a live plant.

Happy Valley is home to so many ‘ag-ventures‘ for those who want to get outside. From scenic Christmas tree farms you can spend the night on, to fruit and berry farms, bed and breakfasts, and even arboretums and gardens – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Nourish yourself with good food

Ok so there are a lot of farms in Happy Valley. That means there is a lot of farm-fresh food too, right? Yes, definitely! Let’s hop from the farm to the table!

A Latin music band performs live on a dimly lit stage with a deep blue and purple glow. The band consists of musicians playing various instruments, including a keyboard, drums, saxophone, and trumpet. Two musicians wearing a fedora look toward the audience while others focus on the leader smiling and laughing towards them during a performance.

Pine Grove Hall

Pine Grove Hall offers casual dining with locally sourced dishes and lively music acts nightly. The space is fun and whimsically decorated, with unique cocktail options and a delightful menu with choices like pizza with spring peas and micro-greens as well as burgers, sandwiches, and hot entrees.

I particularly enjoyed my Cubano sandwich to the tune of a full Latin band. Music acts vary wildly from night to night, with genres ranging from jazz, funk, and R&B to classic rock, indie, folk, and even hymns.

Reservations are encouraged and tickets are required for seating upstairs where the music is performed.

A cozy dining scene featuring a menu from "Flour & Stone" on a wooden table, accompanied by a glass bottle of chilled water and a small vase with pink flowers. Soft lighting and a window in the background add to the ambiance of this fine dining farm-to-table restaurant.

A close-up of a bowl of freshly made gnocchi, topped with shredded cheese, mushrooms, and short-rib. The dish sits on a wooden table, with another plate of food slightly out of focus in the background.

Next door is their sister restaurant Flour & Stone, an upscale farm-to-table experience. Reader, I need a moment because this was very easily the best meal of my LIFE.

Truly, do not sleep on the pillowy short-rib gnocchi infused with truffle oil. LIFE-ALTERING. The pairing with red wine was heavenly.

Nearly everything at Flour & Stone is sourced from the local community–90% of ingredients! The meals are elevated and divine, with unique flavor combinations and beautiful plating.

I was surprised by the scratch-made butterscotch pudding with pretzels and pears, a salty-sweet end to an ambrosian meal.

A hand holds a glass of rosé wine against the backdrop of a picturesque countryside at sunset. The golden light reflects through the glass, creating a warm glow. Rolling hills, a wooden fence, and a few picnic tables are visible in the background. A walk around the grounds at ReFarm Cafe is part of the integrated farm-to-table dining experience.

ReFarm Café – Scenic Countryside Walk: A woman in a dark green sweater and jeans walks along a dirt path in a rural landscape, holding a glass of wine. The surrounding hills are covered in autumn foliage, with warm golden light casting long shadows. The sky is clear, with a soft gradient of blue fading toward the horizon.

ReFarm Cafe

Another unbelievable farm-to-table restaurant in Happy Valley is ReFarm Cafe. Located on-site at Windswept Farm, it doesn’t get any more locally sourced. Regenerative farming, a LEED-certified sustainable building, and net-zero energy and water are just a few of the incredible efforts this spot is making in conservation.

I ate here at golden hour in the fall, and the entire experience was magical. As soon as we arrived the waitstaff encouraged us to grab a drink and wander the grounds – a DREAM to experience.

There is something so grounding about walking along the rows of rhubarb you are about to consume, with nothing but beautiful farmland as far as the eye can see.

A beautifully plated farm-to-table meal sits on a wooden table, featuring a fresh salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, almonds, and a small cup of dressing. A plate of bread and butter is nearby, along with a glass of rosé wine and a vase of bright yellow marigold flowers. The cozy, warmly lit dining setting adds to the inviting atmosphere.

A hand pours fresh French press coffee into an elegant teacup with gold detailing. In the foreground, a plate of apple crumble topped with whipped cream sits on a vintage-style dish, with another serving of the dessert slightly out of focus in the background. The warm ambiance of the café is complemented by dim lighting and a rustic wooden table.

Back in the dining room, chefs prepare ingredients in an open kitchen, and we got to enjoy watching them pull saffron stamens from their blooms and golden berries I recognized as Uchuva (in Costa Rican Spanish.)

A prix-fixe menu is available to tables reserved in advance (recommended); walk-ins are also welcome and may dine from the à-la-carte menu.

I enjoyed the four-course dinner and the unique offerings from the farm, starting with a salad dressing made from Nasturtium, an orange flower that grows in their greenhouse with a mildly peppery flavor.

We reluctantly ended the meal with a cup of hot coffee and delicious sweet treat. I truly did not want this experience to end, and will definitely be back!

A hearty brunch plate featuring a smothered burrito topped with green sauce, sour cream, and fresh pico de gallo, served with crispy home fries. In the background, a skillet dish with a biscuit and gravy, a glass of orange juice, and a cup of black coffee are visible. The meal is set against a rustic brick wall, creating a cozy atmosphere at Creekside at Gamble Mill in Bellefonte, PA.

Brunch at GiGi’s Southern Table with a plate of chicken and waffles topped with creamy sausage gravy and garnished with chopped green onions. The golden, crispy fried chicken sits atop fluffy waffles, with a mimosa in the background. A softly lit candle and a blurred dining setting add a warm, inviting touch.

Other Restaurants

If you’re still hungry, check out some of the other incredible farm-to-table eateries along the Fresh from the Field trail.

The Field Burger + Tap offers juicy burgers with a mix of sirloin, brisket, chuck, and short rib, paired with home-spun milkshakes sure to satiate any appetite.

For brunch with a view, head to Creekside at the Gamble Mill in the idyllic town of Bellefonte and sit on the patio overlooking the creek the old mill was built over.

Gigis Southern Table, with its whimsical furnishings and southern flair, offers country classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits with orange marmalade, all whipped up with ingredients fresh from local farms.

A decorative sign reading "The Vintner's Loft - Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery" hangs from a metal bracket, with an additional sign below pointing towards "Tasting & Sales." In the background, a group of people relaxes on Adirondack chairs in a lush green outdoor setting, shaded by trees.

A wooden tray holds a flight of four beers, each in a small glass with varying shades from pale yellow to deep amber at Robinhood Brewing. The flight rests on a reflective black countertop, with a casual dining setting in the background, including booths, hanging pendant lights, and wall art.

Central PA Tasting Trail

Not only are there incredible restaurants around Happy Valley, there are also many wineries, breweries, pubs, and more on the Central PA Tasting Trail.

Sip wine grown and farm-mented locally at Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery and Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, or beer brewed right in-house at Axmann Brewery and Robinhood Brewing.

Grab a bite and a pint at Otto’s Pub, or stop by 814 Cider Works for a crisp cider from a family-owned farm nearby.

You can visit 17 participating locations on the trail and even purchase a passport to check in and receive a free gift at every business along the trail.

A woman walks along a leaf-covered trail through a dense forest of towering hemlock trees in Alan Seeger Nature Area. She gazes upward, admiring the canopy of green leaves filtering sunlight. The serene setting, with moss-covered tree trunks and lush undergrowth, creates a peaceful and immersive nature experience. — Volunteering with organizations like ClearWater Conservancy help to protect places like the Alan Seegar Nature Area

Local Community & Events in Happy Valley PA

One of the best things about Happy Valley is that there is a real sense of community so why not explore some of the community events and see for yourself?

Bellefonte Under the Lights is a popular summer event in Tallyrand Park where a ticket will get you a meal from one of many local food truck vendors and you can enjoy it beneath twinkling lights at twilight.

Every August the Centre County Grange Fair brings thousands of visitors who camp in tent sites handed down by families with a waitlist decades-long. Stop by to delight in the oldest running, and only remaining, tent fair in the country.

Happy Valley Women’s Cycling is a testament to the tight-knit community and its connection to the outdoors.

Spend a day volunteering with any number of organizations. Nittany Mountain Bike Association, The Rothrock Regulators, and even Rothrock Trails Alliance (also a sub-committee of ClearWater Conservancy) would love to have the extra hands, and your brain will feel good and thank you for the action too.

Two kayakers paddle across a calm lake, surrounded by a stunning display of fall foliage in Black Moshannon State Park. The trees along the shoreline showcase vibrant red, orange, and green hues, which are reflected beautifully in the water. A small pavilion is visible in the background, nestled among the trees.

Get outside into nature

Did you know that there are 17 state parks within an hour’s drive of State College? This area is truly a nature lover’s dream.

There are six state parks within Centre County alone, and each of them has its own charm. Stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy tranquility at Bald Eagle, hike up to a stunning viewpoint at Penn-Roosevelt, or cast a line (or an inner tube) in Penn’s Creek at Poe Paddy.

Black Moshannon offers kayak rentals to enjoy on the lake in warm weather, and even those with color blindness will find themselves enjoying the incredible peak fall foliage with new color-correcting viewfinders.

If you aren’t sure where to start, I love the local company Purple Lizard Maps. The small operation works hard going out into the field to map the outdoor recreation based on local knowledge and it’s fun to get out and explore with their maps.

Centred Outdoors also offers plenty of ways to experience the awe of nature in central PA. A subcommittee of ClearWater Conservancy, Centred Outdoors takes people on guided experiences in the hopes that they will care about nature and want to protect it.

The organization offers everything from mindfulness sessions in local parks to heart-pumping hikes up nearby Tussey Mountain.

Closer to State College is the Mount Nittany loop hike – a popular option for college students, alumni, locals, and visitors alike. The short trail up is steep, but once there a relatively flat loop circumvents the summit of the mountain connecting viewpoints overlooking the city and surrounding area.

Options like Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center mentioned above, and Alan Seeger and Bear Meadows Natural Areas in Rothrock State Forest.

Another popular activity is visiting Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park where you can take a boat ride through the cave and enjoy learning about the history.

Morning coffee at Bellefonte Bed and Breakfast. A hand holds a ceramic mug with steam rising from its surface, catching the morning sunlight. The background features a lush green outdoor space with trees, string lights, and a soft sun flare effect. The warm, golden light enhances the cozy and peaceful atmosphere of enjoying coffee outdoors. — Morning coffee in the beautiful garden at Bellefonte BnB – a perfect peaceful moment.

Cozy Accommodations in Happy Valley PA

Happy Valley boasts many beautiful bed & breakfasts such as Bellefonte BnB, The Queen – A Victorian BnB, or The Inn at Gamble Mill, all just a short walk from the heart of downtown Bellefonte and Tallyrand Park, or further out into the PA Wilds like Cramer Family Mountain Inn for those seeking solace and adventure.

There are also many camping opportunities in the area, from state park tent sites and cabins, to private campgrounds and RV hookups.

Check pricing for hotels | Check pricing for short-term rentals

A sustainable eco-lodge room with a simple, elegant wooden bed, crisp white linens, and large windows letting in natural light. The bedside tables have matching lamps, with ample space to move around, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A cozy balcony overlooking vibrant autumn foliage and rolling hills and a lake. A wooden table and chairs sit on the deck, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the view at The Nature Inn.

One of my favorite places you can stay in Happy Valley is The Nature Inn, located just outside of Bellefonte in Bald Eagle State Park.

From the recycled materials the building is built with, to the habitat restoration on the grounds, The Nature Inn is an eco-lodge that is as sustainable as the scenery is beautiful.

Among the list of green technologies on this Gold LEED-certified property are water cisterns collecting rainwater, low-flow fixtures reducing water use by 30%, solar and geothermal heating and cooling, and even the front desk made of recycled sunflower seed shells.

Of course, the grounds are equally as green, literally and figuratively. Guests can enjoy walking along the Butterfly Trail that winds down the hill the property is set on, or wander the rain garden steps away from the front doors. Whether your room is overlooking the lake or facing the forest, it is bound to be peaceful and lovely.

Stay at Pennsylvania’s Best Eco-lodge!

Check pricing and availability at The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle

For a more curated retreat, check out Sandstone Sanctuary which offers complete disconnection off the grid with space for hiking, meditation, and unwinding.

They even offer guided retreats and it is often a popular site for spiritual retreats. I bet you’ll come back feeling like a whole new person!

🤩 Checking pricing and availability for glamping sites

Trough Creek – Fall Hike at Raystown Lake: A woman walks across a rustic wooden suspension bridge surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. The black railings contrast with the golden-yellow leaves, and fallen leaves are scattered across the wooden planks, adding to the seasonal charm.

Hawn’s Overlook provides a stunning panoramic view of Raystown Lake, surrounded by rolling green mountains. The still water reflects the bright sky, and the overlook is framed by lush trees and a rocky ledge, creating a breathtaking natural scene.

A wooden flight board holds six small plastic cups filled with different types of wine, ranging in color from deep red to light rosé. The tasting setup is placed on a rustic wooden table in front of a cozy fireplace with glowing embers. A black leather chair and wooden accents add to the warm, inviting ambiance of the tasting room.

A vintage black steam locomotive rests inside a dimly lit rail yard at the historic East Broad Top Railroad. The large, round front plate, metal rivets, and aged details showcase its historical significance, with faint light streaming in through small windows in the background.

Take a day trip to nearby areas

Looking for more things to do around Happy Valley? Take a day trip or spend a weekend at a nearby town for even more getaway fun.

Raystown Lake and in general Huntingdon County is a popular destination for tourists, especially in summer. Spend some time on the lake or at nearby state parks, take a ride on a historic steam train, and stop into Huntingdon to explore a charming town.

Bordering the same mountains as Happy Valley, the Kishacoquillas Valley known locally as Big Valley is a popular settlement area for Amish communities in Pennsylvania. Spend a day picking flowers, on a carriage ride, or shopping for antiques.

Lewistown is the perfect jumping-off base for kayaking the Juniata River, tasting your way around local wineries, and celebrating local legend Goose Day.

Experience Pennsylvania’s railroad history at the Horseshoe Museum or hiking and biking on old rail trails in Blair County, or shop for local PA-inspired gifts at Lightening Bug Gift Co in Altoona.

Map of things to do in Happy Valley, PA

Wrapping up this guide to Happy Valley PA

I hope your time in Happy Valley is as restful and fulfilling as mine was last fall. With all of the ways you can connect to nature by either being outside in it hiking, biking, and on the water, nourishing your body with wholesome local foods, or connecting with charming communities and art, this is the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate for a weekend.

Make sure to join our community to stay up to date on more things to do and ways to get outside in Pennsylvania and beyond!

Like this post? Pin it for later!