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Happy Valley, State College, PA
SightseeingOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Happy Valley

204 West Beaver Avenue · State College, PA

Why you should go…

Happy Valley is the visitor brand for Centre County, Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University and the town of State College. The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is the region's destination marketing organization, operating visitor centers in State College, Bellefonte and Philipsburg. The area includes more than 750,000 acres of public land across the Moshannon, Sproul, Bald Eagle and Rothrock state forests.

  • #hiking
  • #college town
  • #sports
  • #state forest
  • #shopping

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Happy Valley, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Beaver Stadium

    Free

    See Penn State's football stadium, which seats more than 106,000, and browse the All-Sports Museum tucked inside it.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Lincoln Caverns

    Under $25

    Guided tours through two crystal caverns with nature trails and gem panning near Huntingdon.

    23 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Carlisle Sports Emporium

    $25–$50

    A 75,000 square foot family entertainment complex with go-karts, mini golf, laser tag and a big arcade.

    54 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Gobbler's Knob

    Free

    Stand on the Groundhog Day stage where Punxsutawney Phil makes his February 2 forecast, then browse the visitor center.

    58 mi awayMore like this