Best Things to Do in Lewistown PA and the Surrounding Juniata River Valley For An Adventurous Getaway

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Looking for a peaceful, affordable escape into nature that’s not overcrowded or overpriced? If you’re an outdoor-loving traveler on a budget, it’s time to discover Pennsylvania’s underrated gem: the Juniata River Valley.

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Tucked between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, this region, home to Mifflin and Juniata Counties, offers a stunning mix of mountain trails, serene state parks, and small-town charm. Most folks from Philly rush to the Poconos, but trust me, they’re overlooking something special here too.

On a recent early fall weekend, we explored Big Valley, Reedsville, Lewistown, and the scenic stretches of the Juniata River. Floating down that river in a kayak, with the water so still it mirrored the sky, was pure magic (and far less crowded and expensive than many popular Pennsylvania outdoor destinations)

Beyond the outdoor adventures, you’ll find charming culture in the Amish-run farm stands, quirky celebrations like Goose Day, and cozy local eateries that won’t blow your travel budget.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the best hikes, water activities, cultural stops, and food spots across the Juniata River Valley so you can plan your own serene and affordable Central PA getaway.

Disclaimer: this blog post is sponsored by the Juniata River Valley Visitor’s Bureau, however, all opinions are my own honest experience!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

💡 Cell Phone service in this region tends to be spotty, so make sure you download a map to use offline to avoid getting stuck or lost.
💡 Many places are cash-only, so bring some with you.
💡 Things are commonly closed on Sundays, so plan ahead.
💡 Hotels book up far in advance during Penn State home games, so you may want to plan-ahead for fall adventures.

Best Things to Do in Lewistown PA

Picture of downtown Lewistown, PA, showing several buildings, including the historic Embassy Theater.

Explore Downtown Lewistown

Lewistown itself is a charming small town with a bustling local business scene and many historical buildings. Stop by the Juniata River Valley Visitor’s Bureau in downtown Lewistown to orient yourself and speak to staff. They are not only friendly but extremely knowledgeable of the area. From here, you can explore the rest of downtown Lewistown and the Juniata River Valley.

Not far from the historic courthouse where the visitor’s bureau is located is the McCoy House Museum. Just steps from Monument Square, the McCoy House hosts the Mifflin County Historical Society Museum. There you will find memorabilia of the McCoy family along with rooms from the Victorian Period, and other items in the permanent collection of the Mifflin County Historical Society

Next door is The Crooked Shelf Bookshop, named after the owner’s favorite book series The Shiver Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater. Scattered throughout town are the painted Wild Goose Statues, an ode to the famous Goose Day celebrations annually. You will also see many murals such as the Logan Guard Mural honoring the first men to answer Lincoln’s call to arms in the Civil War.

Don’t miss Victory Park along the Juniata River which runs right through downtown Lewistown. Across the river is the Historic Lewistown Train Station, the oldest station still in use that was built during the Pennsylvania Railroad project in 1849 (Monopoly, anyone?)

A plate with goose meat and gravy on a waffle, served with mashed potatoes, and.a corn bake. In the back is a glass of wine, a trio of dips, and chips at Hungry Run Winery and Bistro in Lewistown PA.

A red sign explaining the history of Goose Day in Lewistown PA, emphasizing the good luck that comes with eating goose on September 29th. Next to it, a decorated sculpture of a goose.

Celebrate Goose Day

While it only comes once a year, Goose Day in the Juniata River Valley is a fun and unique holiday that sets this region apart.

Once a year on September 29, residents and visitors alike come together to eat goose for prosperity: Eat Goose, Get Luck.

Goose Day has been celebrated for over 200 years, and stems from the Christian holiday St. Michaelmas. Nowadays it is a common celebration for all to take part in. There are several events you can check out, including

Snapping Photos of Geese on the Wild Goose Trail
Eating a Goose Dinner for good luck
Attending Lucky Friday events all over town
Experiencing a Drone Show
Savoring several local Blackberry drinks
Finding the Goose in the At the Barnyard corn maze
Participating in the Goose Day 5k

Keep updated on the official Facebook page for a full list of the events each year.

A plate of lemon ricotta pancakes covered in blackberry sauce, whipped cream and blackberries sits on a table along with syrup and a white coffee mug at The Nook in Lewistown PA.

What to Expect on Goose Day in Lewistown

We were in Lewistown specifically for Goose Day and had a great time exploring all the small businesses in the area that celebrate.

St Michaelmas Day commemorates the Archangel Michael who defeated Satan during the war in heaven by throwing him from the skies, so the story goes. Satan landed in a prickly blackberry bush and cursed it.

We found that the many blackberry goodies in recognition of this lore were anything but cursed! The Nook served up delicious blackberry lemon ricotta pancakes, while Hungry Run Distillery pours Blackberry Spritz on draft all day!

The events on Lucky Friday were a lot of fun. We started the day with a Golden Goose Latte from East End Coffee and spent the day exploring. Hungry Run Winery and Bistro was serving up delicious Goose and Waffles with gravy and a Blackberry Merlot that paired perfectly together. Goose Dinner = Check!

The Crooked Shelf hosted Edelia’s Salvadoran on their porch who had amazing Pupusas. On almost every corner was a live musician that had us feeling like we were in an episode of Gilmore Girls! All around downtown Lewistown were vendors set up with their wares.

The night ended with a drone show that filled the sky with messages like “Eat Goose, Get Luck” and “#Believe!” Goose Day was a lot of fun, and we are already excited to return for next year.

Visit for other Fun Events in Lewistown PA

If you thought an entire day dedicated to eating Goose for luck was fun, wait until you see the many events in the Juniata River Valley throughout the year.

In May, County Memories Day celebrates with over 100 delicious food and craft vendors who even have some DIY stations, plus an antique car show in McVeytown. For over 50 years, the Richfield Dutch Days festival has been commemorated with a Dutch Food picnic, auctioning of a hand-made quilt, and a fireworks show.

October brings the Harvestfest, a family-friendly event full of artwork (even face-painting!) as well as local vendors with food and crafts

Later in the year, the annual Festival of Ice kicks off the holiday season with chainsaw-carved ice sculptures and days of live entertainment, street vendors, and other holiday fun.

A woman on an individual kayak going down the large, calm Juniata River, with two more people kayaking in the background. Green trees line either side of the water on this mostly sunny day, and the sky is reflected on the river like a glass mirror.

Kayak on the Juniata River

You can’t come to the Juniata River Valley and not kayak along the Juniata River. Take a leisurely float or actively paddle as you kayak down the river.

Rent a kayak from Appalachian Kayak and they will also pick you up and drop you off at your choice of launch points from Lewistown to Duncannon along the Juniata River. You can use their kayaks or bring your own for a smaller fee.

The Juniata River is so peaceful and we floated down in our kayaks, paddling at a sluggish peaceful pace. We went out later in the season, in late September, and had the entire river to ourselves.

In the fall, the Juniata River is surrounded by exploding fall colors and would be perfect for a kayak day!

See a sample paddle route on Alltrails.

Picture of the trees and water in the Juniata River Valley taken from a helicopter over the Tuscarora Valey. The sun can be seen shining through the clouds. — Overlooking Tuscarora Valley

See Unique Animals at LoveTwo Farm

Nestled in the Tuscarora Valley in Juniata County, LoveTwo Farm is one of those hidden gems that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Owned by Dan Love, this fourth-generation farm boasts a variety of animals, including miniature donkeys and horses, as well as a zonkey, a mini Scottish Highlander, some zebus, and even swamp water buffalo. Stop by the farm store for a “scavenger hunt” paper to locate them all.

But the true magic of LoveTwo Farm can be felt in the friendliness and warmth exuded by everyone on the farm. Owner Dan Love took us around to see the farm as he talked about his experience as a farmer and what it means to have visitors come by.

It’s important to remind ourselves where our food comes from and the people working hard to bring us those resources.

At the LoveTwo Eat Farm Store (a play on words from these food-loving farmers) you can find products from 20 different local farms to bring home with you.

Travel Tip: Cell Phone service in this region tends to be spotty, so make sure you download a map to use offline to avoid getting stuck or lost.

Try Fly Fishing

Book a fishing trip with River Valley Fly Fishing and try your hand at fly fishing in Kish Creek and other area waterways. While we originally planned to do this during our visit to Lewistown we were not able to make it.

However, fly-fishing is one of the top things to do in Juniata County and we highly recommend giving it a try!

Nick is an expert guide and can bring even novice fishers out to catch and release some local fish. Contact him directly to book: 717-994-1233 or Instagram: @rivervalley_flyfishing

See the complete Juniata River waterways guide here.

Just be sure to secure your Pennsylvania Fishing License beforehand, and bring your wader boots!

A rustic wooden covered bridge with a sign reading "11'-7'' Clearance" above the entrance, surrounded by lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky. The bridge has black and white striped support columns at the entrance and leads into shadowed interior framing.

Side view of a long wooden covered bridge with a red metal roof crossing over a shallow river, supported by a central stone pier. Dense green trees frame the bridge on both sides, giving it a peaceful, natural setting.

Visit a historic covered bridge

There are four of the famous Pennsylvanian covered bridges located within Juniata County that visitors often enjoy taking pictures of. The most famous being the Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge, which is the longest covered bridge still standing in PA.

While it is no longer open to vehicles, interested sight-seers can reach the bridge at 70 Mill Rd, Port Royal, PA 17082. Park on the side of the road and walk the short paved path to the bridge.

Other Things to do in Juniata County

While we try to experience as much as possible during a trip, we can’t possibly see it all! There are definitely more things to do near Lewistown that we would love to check out during a follow-up visit.

One thing Juniata County is known for is the Port Royal Speedway. This half-mile dirt track runs sprint and stock car races over an 8-month season and is known as “The Speed Palace”. Visitors can also camp out in RVs on-site or nearby to catch the races.

The Quilt Mural Trail consists of 8’ squares on barns throughout three counties in the Juniata River Valley and surrounding area. These huge painted quilts are part of an ongoing project by local students to honor the rich heritage of the area through this interpretation of folk art tradition. A digital map of the trail is available for those who want to explore.

Things to Do in Mifflin County PA

Picture of produce in a market at Belleville Sale Day, including, from front to back, tomatoes, okra, pumpkins, spaghetti squashes, sunflowers, etc.

Picture of a black goat with a yellow tag on one ear with the number 233 at the Belleville Livestock Auction.

Visit the Belleville Livestock Market

What started as a weekly auction to trade livestock between farmers has grown into a full-on flea market in the Big Valley. Known locally as Sale Day, on Wednesdays this lively marketplace boasts a range of offerings, from Amish goods to produce auctions.

Of course, the real draw for many is the livestock auction, where farmers from across the Big Valley and Juniata River Valley come to participate in one of the region’s oldest and most reputable sales.

And if you plan on attending, don’t forget to bring cash—the Belleville Market is a cash-only operation. The sale starts around 7 a.m. and runs until 11 in the summer to avoid the heat, and stays open a bit later in cooler months. The livestock auction itself is always at 1 pm year-round.

We arrived around 10 am having left early morning from Philadelphia, but since the auction was later in the day we happened to miss it during our visit.

Farm buildings, including a barn and a silo, in the middle of a field in Amish Country on a mostly sunny day.

Visit an Amish Farm

Discover the rural charm of the Juniata River Valley with a visit to an Amish farm. With the second-largest Amish community in Pennsylvania, Mifflin County is home to the rare yellow-topped buggies of the Byler Amish.

You’ll also spot the Renno Amish, distinguished by their black buggies, and the white-topped buggies of the Nebraska Amish.

These communities may differ in their daily customs, for example, some may be more lenient than others, but their dedication to their religious beliefs remains relatively similar.

Stop by the farms with signs at the end of their driveways to purchase homemade goods, or come during the Big Valley Sale Day for a true country experience.

For those seeking a hands-on experience, Daisy Lane Farm offers U-Pick flowers where you can choose from a variety of blooms, including sunflowers and dahlias, to take home as a lovely souvenir.

The farm is located at 214 Daisy Lane.

We had so much fun picking our own bouquet, and for 25 stems at $11, it was a steal! Daisy Lane Farm also boasts sweeping views of the mountains and Big Valley below, making it worth the drive for the scenery alone.

A monarch butterfly resting on a bright orange flower.

Just walking through the flowers, taking photos, and admiring the view is free of charge.

For a peaceful ride through the Juniata River Valley’s picturesque countryside, consider a carriage tour with Dayze Gone By Carriage Rides. While not Amish-owned, it offers a charming window into the region’s slower, more traditional way of life.

Stretch your legs in a state park

If you’re looking for a hike in the gorgeous Juniata River Valley, there are several state parks nearby waiting to be explored. Reeds Gap State Park is the perfect starting point, as the only state park located within Mifflin County. It has a range of easy, flat hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as some campsites.

Small mushrooms growing on a tree next to a river in Reeds Gap State Park in Central PA.

A short drive away, Greenwood Furnace State Park in neighboring Huntingdon County offers even more hiking and outdoor adventures. Take a leisurely stroll to explore the old furnaces and historic buildings in this defunct town-turned-state park.

And if you’re looking to explore a bit further afield, nearby Poe Valley State Park and Poe Paddy State Park are worth visiting, with scenic picnic areas, hiking trails, and campsites in the adjacent Centre County. For a stunning viewpoint, make sure to check out the Big Valley Overlook.

We have been to all of these state parks, and would recommend stopping by at least one. The natural beauty surrounding Juniata and Mifflin County is not to be missed!

Sunset from a hill, with trees in the foreground and the sun in the background at the trailhead to Stone Mountain Hawk Watch in Mifflin County, PA.

A wooden cross reading "Sausser's Pile" on a rock-covered hilltop, surrounded by trees, on a sunny day at this popular hike near Lewistown PA.

Head to a Lookout for views of Juniata River Valley

For a quick walk to get your blood pumping with absolutely stunning views, head to Stone Mountain Hawk Watch. While the Hawk Watch platform is only .4 miles from the parking lot, tromping up and down the rocky hills to get there will have you catching your breath.

While you are there you might be lucky to catch a volunteer in the autumn months – they count raptors migrating from this platform, thus the name.

Head just a quarter of a mile further to get to Sausser’s Pile which is a cliffside covered in cascading rocks. In our opinion, the view from here was even more spectacular.

Of course, the view of the layered mountains from the parking lot is not to be missed either. We happened upon a golden sunset as we returned to our car and couldn’t help but linger for a bit to soak it in.

For another perspective of the Juniata River Valley and to catch some passing raptors, you can also check out Jacks Mountain Hawk Watch.

Local tip: pick up a map from Purple Lizard to explore hidden gems in the area from waterfalls to scenic lookouts and other unique natural features.

Where to eat:

A pastrami sandwich, half-wrapped in aluminum foil, on top of a paper menu showing the message "Eat Goose, Get Luck".

Two small plates, one with an egg bake, the other with a cinnamon role, with a latte on a black coffee cup at Pine Ridge Cafe in Big Valley.

A cheesy flatbread with rosemary and black olives, a "Seven Mountains" half-full glass of wine, and a plate with a burger and fries at the Stonefly Cafe in Reedsville PA.

Restaurants in Big Valley and Mifflin County:

If you’re looking for some great spots to eat in Big Valley and Mifflin County there are a few options. For a quick and affordable breakfast, Pine Ridge Cafe is the place to go.

But, if you venture to Reedsville, you’ll have even more options to choose from. Check out Hostetler’s Country Market for a deli counter, Amish-baked goods, and an ice cream window. East End Coffee Co offers locally roasted coffee and pastries, while Honey Creek Inn is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, as well as delicious pie.

For something quick or sweet, head to Reedsville Creamery Ice Cream Stand for smash burgers, fries, and hand-dipped ice cream. You can spend time walking around Reedsville to check out the local shops while you are there.

For a more upscale experience, Seven Mountains Wine Bar & Stonefly Cafe serves great food made with local ingredients. Check their website for nightly specials that pair well with their incredible wine.

Two fish tacos on a plate with rosemary fries at Hungry Run Winery and Bistro in Lewistown PA.

A crispy chicken wrap on a plate with waffle fries at the Walnut Cheese Nook in Juniata County.

Places to Eat in Lewistown:

When exploring the Juniata River Valley, the options for where to eat in Lewistown are endless.

One standout spot is Shy Bear Brewing, which offers an extensive menu of innovative brews and pub fare. For a cozy dining experience, head to The Nook, a small restaurant in the heart of town known for its breakfast options, among them the blackberry lemon ricotta pancakes during Goose Day weekend.

And don’t miss out on the Hungry Run Bistro & Wine Bar for upscale dining expertly paired with local wine.

Craving something sweet? The Square Cafe & Bakery has you covered with their homemade pastries and cakes. They also specialize in smoked meats perfect for those craving classic bbq.

For a caffeine fix, check out East End Coffee Co, an adorable modern coffee shop.

Finally, stop by Walnut Cheese Nook in Port Royal for their incredible deli counter and beautiful gardens outside. It may seem unassuming, but they have AMAZING hot food like the crispy chicken wrap we ordered, with freshly sliced Muenster cheese. As a bonus, they are literally minutes down the road from Juniata Valley Winery!

A flight of five wine glasses sit nestled on a wooden plank from white, to rose, to red at Brookmere Winery in Central PA. The plank sits atop a wooder barrel, in a room with wooden walls and wine-themed decor in the background of a wine tasting room.

Wine Tasting:

The Juniata River Valley is a haven for wine enthusiasts, boasting several wineries and wine bars to visit. In fact, the Juniata Wine Trail offers a passport to be stamped at each winery in the area!

If you’re looking for a taste of history, head over to Brookmere Winery in Belleville, PA, one of the oldest wineries in the state. While it can be hard to choose between the wine flight or the wine slushies, they have a ton of options for traditional wine and fruit wine to choose from!

Come during September and you can try the fan-favorite “Tears of the Goose” wine, made specially for Goose Day for the past 40 years. This signature blend includes Seyval, Vidal, and Chelois grapes for a sweet blush wine that is extremely popular in the area.

We enjoyed the Valley Mist, a dry white wine made from Vignoles grapes that is full-bodied with a citrus taste that was very refreshing.

For a meal with your wine, Seven Mountains Wine Bar & Stonefly Cafe in Reedsville, PA, serves up delicious flatbreads and grass-fed local burgers on Wednesday nights. They had several dry reds to choose from, and we went with the Ten Point blend which paired well with our rosemary and gorgonzola flatbread with grapes, and a juicy burger.

A flight of beers sit on a wooden plank at Shy Bear Brewing. In the background a musician can be seen playing guitar under blue stage lights.

Wineries near Lewistown, PA

If you are looking for things to do in Lewistown, try Hungry Run Bistro & Wine Bar. They have a fantastic food menu, with the trio of dips and rosemary fries being popular choices. We were surprised to enjoy the semi-dry blackberry Merlot since we are more dry red wine fans.

And while Juniata Valley Winery near Port Royal, PA, doesn’t serve food, it’s one of the top wedding destinations in Juniata County. Try a few tastings before grabbing a glass to sip on as you explore the grounds of the estate.

Try the Traminette, their award-winning estate wine grown right on the grounds. It’s a semi-dry white wine with a floral-nectar taste and hints of citrus.

Just down the road is the Walnut Cheese Nook which is a local favorite and budget-friendly food spot.

For those looking for something other than wine, do not worry as there are other options for local spirits as well. Shy Bear Brewing near Lewistown has local beer, an excellent menu, and even live music.

Hungry Run Distillery offers cocktails on draft as well as their house-made spirits to taste. Their tasting room is super chic and spacious and would be perfect for gathering with friends for a cocktail.

The historic Greenwood House sits in front of a road with a brown picket fence holding in a lush garden to the left of the two-story brown building with a pale yellow door.

Where to stay:

We stayed at the Greenwood House of the Hill Store and Cottage in Big Valley. The Greenwood house was originally based in what is now Greenwood Furnace State Park. Now home in Mifflin County, the cozy wooden home has since been restored and relocated to the charming town of Belleville. The attention to detail in the renovations is visible with an emphasis on maintaining the home’s original features.

The homey feel from the pine flooring and authentic door latches make it a comfortable retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Hill Store and Cottage is only minutes from the original Greenwood Furnace State Park, so guests can explore the historical and natural gems of Pennsylvania’s countryside at their own pace.

If you’re planning a getaway to Pennsylvania’s countryside and want something affordable but full of charm, Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast in Reedsville is a great pick.

It’s tucked just outside the main stretch of town, giving you a quiet place to unwind while still being a short drive from coffee shops, markets, and everything else in downtown.

A cozy bedroom with a country cottage vibe, featuring a quilted bedspread in floral and patchwork patterns and a towel swan with a red flower on the bed. The room has floral curtains, soft lighting from a bedside lamp, and a large pixel-style rose mural on the gray wall.

There are only four rooms here, each inspired by the story of Sleeping Beauty. The Gazebo Room is the one to splurge on if you want your own jacuzzi and bathroom, but all the rooms have flat-screen TVs and cozy antique touches that make the place feel like a real escape.

What really sets Briar Rose apart is the decor. They go all in for the holidays like Halloween, Christmas, even Valentine’s Day, so no matter when you visit, it feels like a little celebration. Each morning starts with a homemade breakfast in their warm, cottage-style dining room. It’s one of those places that feels personal in the best way.

You’ll need to call to book your room, which feels a little old school, but once you’re there, you’ll get why. This place is all about slowing down and actually enjoying your time away.

Short-term Vacation Rentals are also available in Lewistown and the surrounding Juniata River Valley area.

🤩 Check current prices and availability at bed and breakfast

Map of Things to Do in Lewistown PA and the Greater Juniata River Valley Area

FAQ about Mifflin County and Juniata County

What region is Lewistown PA in? / Where is Lewistown PA located?

Lewistown is located in Central Pennsylvania, in Mifflin County. The counties of Mifflin and Juniata are known collectively as the Juniata River Valley. This area, combined with 8 surrounding counties is known as the Alleghenies. Counties in the Alleghenies include Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata.

What is Mifflin County known for?

Mifflin County is known for having the second-largest community of Amish in the state of Pennsylvania. There is consequently a huge agricultural economy here, with Kishacoquillas Valley, known locally as Big Valley, being the most prominent area for farmland.

What is Juniata County known for?

Juniata County is known for the Juniata River that runs through the county, as well as the historical structures like the courthouse, covered bridges, and the historic railroad station.

How do you pronounce Juniata?

We had this question too! The “J” is annunciated rather than silent, so it sounds like “joo-nee-ah-tuh”

Wrapping up this Guide to Lewistown PA

Now you know what an untouched gem the Juniata River Valley, where Lewistown lies, really is.

With its winery hopping, charming restaurants, and unique holidays such as Goose Day, there is something for everyone.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore Big Valley and the breathtaking countryside, or someone searching for a peaceful day and trying excellent cuisine in small towns like Lewistown and Reedsville- this city has something for you!

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