Places to visit in State College, PA.
Whether you’re a college student, or just someone looking to take a trip out to State College Pennsylvania, you’ll find plenty of things to do in the area. The city is home to Penn State University‘s main campus, as well as a variety of museums.
These include the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, The Nittany Lion Shrine, and The Arboretum at Penn State. For art lovers, the Palmer Museum of Art offers collections of 20th-century American art and ancient ceramics. For kids, you’ll find Discovery Space, a children’s science museum with interactive exhibits.
The Arboretum at Penn State
The Arboretum at Penn State is a peaceful, awe-inspiring oasis located on the northeastern portion of the University Park campus. It has inspired generations of students, faculty, and community members. It is open from dawn until dusk every day.
The arboretum is home to a variety of visitor programs. It has 11 different gardens. In addition, there are other attractions for children.
The Arboretum at Penn State is free to visit. It features several different gardens, including a bird garden, a pollinator garden, and a sub-tropical-themed terrace. It also includes a stone amphitheater.
The Arboretum at Penn State recently opened a new pollinator garden area. It is part of a larger plan to expand and add new features to the facility. It also features a large pond/wetland area.
The Nittany Lion Shrine
Located in the heart of Penn State’s campus, the Nittany Lion Shrine has stood the test of time. It was created in 1942 during Homecoming festivities and is carved from a 13-ton block of Indiana limestone. Sculptor Heinz Warneke initially made it.
The Nittany Lion Shrine has seen hundreds of thousands of students and family members pose for photos on the statue during graduation. However, this year, the figure suffered a new setback: the right ear was broken off.
According to police, Julia Cipparulo, a Penn State student, allegedly vandalized the statue. She was wearing a white hoodie and a blue PSU ball cap. She was also carrying a backpack that contained two pieces of the lion shrine’s ear.
Palmer Museum of Art
The Palmer Museum of Art is the largest art museum between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in State College, Pennsylvania. It features a diverse collection of African art, Asian jades, contemporary studio glass, European and American art, and works on paper. Founded in 1972, the museum has grown its collection to over 10,340 pieces.
The museum presents nine exhibitions annually. It includes works by contemporary artists, European Old Master paintings, and American art from the late 18th century. Its collection also includes ceramics, works on paper, sculptures, and prints. The museum offers free admission.
Palmer Museum of Art also hosts more than 100 educational programs. These programs engage visitors and students, promoting discovery and belonging.
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Penn State All-Sports Museum
Located in Beaver Stadium, the Penn State All-Sports Museum is a museum that honors the heritage and achievements of Penn State student-athletes. There are displays and memorabilia from over thirty varsity sports.
The museum also features areas devoted to discontinued varsity sports. In addition, visitors can learn about the accomplishments of the Penn State athletes who made them famous. There are even areas dedicated to Olympic medals.
One of the most popular displays in the All-Sports Museum is the iconic Nittany Lion statue. Sculpted initially by Heinz Warneke, the figure stands at 13 tons of Indiana limestone.
The museum also features photographs of former players. Visitors can even see a game-used jersey from 1909. Several Olympic medals are also displayed.
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Located in State College, Pennsylvania, the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center is a unique spot to explore the natural world. It is operated by Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority and is a joint venture with local educational institutions. It includes a 12-acre farmstead and a 50-acre wetland area.
The boardwalk is one of the best parts of the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. It is the ideal way to learn about the wetland area while enjoying a pleasant stroll. The boardwalk boasts a mileage of only half a mile, but it is not difficult to walk a full lap around it.
The Millbrook Marsh Nature Center also includes a bog walk that crosses a long bridge. It is the perfect place to see some of the most exciting plants and animals that call the area home.
Best Things to Do in State College, Pennsylvania
Places to visit in State College, PA:
- The Arboretum at Penn State
- The Nittany Lion Shrine
- Palmer Museum of Art
- Penn State All-Sports Museum
- Millbrook Marsh Nature Center