Ebensburg can be explored through three distinct highlights: Lake Rowena, the historic district, and local produce. Fishing and boats with electric motors are the focus at the lake; the Ebensburg Historic District draws attention to commerce and architecture. The Ghost Town Trail takes your plans beyond town, while PotatoFest and the Farmers Market offer their own recurring or seasonal events. First, consider whether you’d like to center your stay on the water, history, or local products. This will help you decide which of the following places and events to prioritize based on what you want to experience in Ebensburg.
Lake Rowena: Fishing and Boating
Lake Rowena is stocked with fish and offers an opportunity to go fishing. Boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake. You can therefore plan your time on the water around either fishing or the permitted use of electric boats. Pavilions at Lake Rowena can be rented for celebrations and family gatherings; check availability before making specific plans.
Ghost Town Trail and Regional Industrial History
The Ghost Town Trail extends for 54 miles and includes a continuous 32-mile loop; its main route reaches Ebensburg. The 54 miles and the loop refer to different distance measurements and give an idea of the trail’s scale as a trip option in its own right. In the wider region, the Ghost Town Trail passes two large iron furnaces, old coal-loading sites, coal waste piles, and other traces of industrial history.
Commerce, Architecture, and Historical Research
The Ebensburg Historic District is recognized for its significance in commerce and architecture. Its period of significance spans 1799 to 1961; the district includes 422 contributing buildings and sites. The period, themes, and scope offer different starting points for exploring the district’s history. The Cambria County Historical Society and Museum offers another historical perspective. It provides resources for historical and genealogical research and moved to the A.W. Buck House in 1990, which is its current location. These serve two different interests: the district draws attention to commerce and architecture, while the society supports historical and genealogical research.
PotatoFest and Farmers Market
The annual Ebensburg PotatoFest celebrates Cambria County’s potatoes and their growers. The festival program includes arts and crafts, entertainment, and food. The seasonal Ebensburg Farmers Market in Penn Eben Park offers produce from local growers as well as other homemade specialties. The two events differ: the festival focuses on potatoes and their growers, while the market offers seasonal produce and specialties. As the market schedule may change, check event dates and the market schedule before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Carrolltown, South Fork, Hastings, Northern Cambria, Loretto, Cresson, Spring Hill, Johnstown
For the broader travel overview: Cambria County.
