Outdoor recreation and Penn State make Centre County a tourist hotspot
By: Sarah Taylor
Photo: Luke Combs preforms at Beaver Stadium for a crow of 80,000+ | @lukecombs via Instagram
In the Alleghenies region — which includes Centre, Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Bedford and Fulton Counties — one county has used its combination of college sports, outdoor recreation and near-endless community events to draw in tourists that have spent over a billion dollars just this year alone. We’re talking about Centre County.
But if you’ve yet to spend much time in the county, is it really all it’s hyped up to be? We think so. Here’s what you can expect.
Escape to Centre County’s outdoor recreation
For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, Centre County is filled with outdoor recreational opportunities. The region boasts breathtaking landscapes, perfect for a wide range of activities, whether you stay in town, at The Arboretum at Penn State, or you take to the hiking and biking trails near local icon, Mount Nittany.
For water lovers, Bald Eagle State Park features a beautiful lake ideal for kayaking and fishing. Nearby, Rothrock State Forest provides extensive trails for hiking, mountain biking and camping, catering to every skill level.
Centre County’s culinary delights
The vast landscapes of Centre County are also home to a fair amount of farmland, and that farmland makes way for culinary delights that visitors love.
For those looking for an authentic taste of Centre County, they can test out the Happy Valley Agventures Fresh from the Field Trail, which highlights some of the over 1,000 local farms and local farm stores. With the region’s agricultural history dating back to the earliest days of Pennsylvania, it’s no surprise that the region’s fresh food outbeats most.
Tait Farm Harvest Shop & Greenhouse is a local showcase for Tait Farm Specialty Foods and sells the artwork, fabric handwork, pottery, and jewelry of over 50 regional artisans | Image Credits: Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
The Penn State connection
At the core of Centre County lies Penn State University’s main campus, which not only enriches the local culture but also fuels the economy. In 2019, Penn State University contributed over $11.6 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, and that number continues to rise. On a more local level, the university not only provides jobs and entrepreneurial resources, but also attracts thousands of visitors each year to sports events, concerts, and alumni gatherings.
Penn State Athletics’ sports events have contributed an estimate of $268 million in economic impact to Centre County, with over 2,660 jobs being supported. Penn State home football games have generated over $87 million in visitor spending.
Penn State’s stadiums also host a variety of popular singers and celebrities. In April, Luke Combs sang to over 80,000 fans at Beaver stadium. The Bryce Jordan Center is expected to see large crowds for its upcoming concerts as well, including Kacey Musgraves, Lil Yachty, Jelly Roll, Zach Williams and Cody Johnson.
Surrounding Penn State, State College, Centre County’s largest town, blends the energy of a college town with the warmth of a close-knit community, pulsing with student life, cultural events and a thriving arts scene. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, better known as Arts Fest, attracted over 100,000 attendees to downtown State College over the course of a few days, while the annual WingFest festivities in Boalsburg attracted over 20,00 guests, with an average of 2,500 guests trekking to Tussey Mountain each week.
Downtown State College, PA | Image Credits: StateCollege.com
Something for everyone in Happy Valley
Whether you’re simply visiting for a business meeting or deciding to stay long-term, you won’t be disappointed by Centre County. With its array of recreational activities and industry-leading companies, there’s something for everyone.
Plan your visit to see what Centre County’s all about and sign up for The Alleghenies weekly newsletter to learn more about the region.
