A college town speckled with sports arenas and art museums, State College is the renowned home of Penn State University. The area is known for its energetic school spirit, love of football and colourful festivals.

Things to do

Visit Penn State University to get a taste of State College culture. Tour the Arboretum, find the iconic Old Main, grab some ice cream from the Berkey Creamery and visit the HUB, before picking up college memorabilia from the THON store or the Penn State Bookstore.

Art buffs can spend an afternoon browsing the Palmer Museum of Art. Explore the bottom floor’s collection of medieval and ancient artwork, then head upstairs to view modern pieces. Eight of the eleven galleries display more than 8,200 objects, with American and European paintings, contemporary European and Japanese studio ceramics and Asian ceramics.

Looking to unwind? Head to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Centre. Stroll the picturesque boardwalk through a unique marsh ecosystem, stop at various wildlife lookouts and check out the pollinator garden.

Explore the historic Centre Furnace Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a tour of the restored and furnished ironmaster Moses Thompson’s home, where you can see the furnace stack and view a collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions, including “Tools for Working Wood”.

Getting around

The nearest airport is University Park Airport, located less than 11 kilometres outside State College. The easiest way to get around is by car, but the compact city is also easy to explore on bike.