In Centre, the range extends from themed gardens and historic buildings to lakes, bogs and woodland trails. That makes planning a trip a matter of choosing your priorities: Would you like to explore the county’s history, spend time in protected natural areas, or combine different activities? The landscapes and facilities offer different ways to do so—from a cave system explored entirely by boat to gravel cycling on forest roads.

Gardens and History in Centre County

The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens at the Arboretum at Penn State encompass 10 acres of themed garden areas. Another 14 acres consist of rolling meadows and walking paths. The arboretum also preserves a rare remnant of an old oak-pine forest. The gardens and a portion of older forest landscape therefore offer two distinct perspectives on the surroundings.

The history of Centre Furnace can also be explored at several locations. The Centre Furnace Mansion is the restored and furnished residence of the ironmaster; it reflects the period when Moses Thompson and his family lived there from 1842 to 1891. A publicly accessible remnant of a blast furnace is also located at the intersection of E. College Ave. and Porter Rd. The grounds and gardens of Centre Furnace are open to the public from sunrise to sunset; check access before you travel.

In Bellefonte, the Historical Museum is located in the Miles-Potter-Humes House, an early-19th-century Georgian house in the center of town. Its collections cover Centre County’s industrial heritage, influential county residents, textile history, and everyday life in Bellefonte and the surrounding area. The Pennsylvania Military Museum offers another historical focus: the site includes a gallery, grounds with a pavilion, outdoor exhibits, the 28th Division shrine and monuments, and a paved path about 800 meters long. A capital project affects operations, so check the latest notices before your visit.

The Centre County Grange Fair has a 152-year history and is the only remaining tent fair in the United States. As a recurring August tradition, it marks a seasonal highlight on the events calendar. Check the specific dates before you travel if the fair is a reason for your stay.

Lakes, Bogs and Trails in the State Parks

Bald Eagle State Park combines water and landscape experiences: its 1,730-acre lake lies at the foot of Bald Eagle Mountain and is surrounded by forests, fields and wetlands. Boating is possible, and the diverse habitats also offer good opportunities for wildlife watching. If you are weighing activities on the water against nature watching as you plan, you can enjoy both in the same park—without one activity replacing the other.

Poe Valley State Park has a different character. In its rugged mountain valley, forests surround the 25-acre Poe Lake. Public programs are offered from May through September; check the event dates if you would like to plan your trip around them. At Black Moshannon State Park, forests and wetlands take center stage: 3,394 acres of them preserve distinctive natural habitats. The lake has tea-colored water and is fed by clear springs and small streams that flow through bogs. Bog walks and water studies also make this landscape a focus for activities related to water and habitats.

Choose Activities Based on Your Interests

For riding on forest roads, Penn-Roosevelt State Park offers more than 100 miles suitable for gravel cycling. The Mid State Trail also offers hiking there. At Black Moshannon, by contrast, bog walks and water studies take priority. These differences can help you choose a focus that suits you, without turning the activities mentioned into a fixed route.

Penn’s Cave offers a different way to experience the landscape. The tour of the water-filled limestone cave takes place entirely by boat. There is also a fully guided, 1.5-hour off-road adventure in a Jeep across 1,400 acres of rugged terrain—from the cave’s rocks to the mountain summit. Since operations are seasonal, check the dates for the Jeep adventure before you travel. The boat tour and Jeep excursion differ considerably in duration and type of exploration, so you can choose based on your interests.

When planning a stay in Centre, it is worth deciding early what you would like to focus on: historic buildings and collections, events in August, or activities in forest, bog and lake landscapes all lead to different trip plans. A single park may offer several options, such as boating and wildlife watching at Bald Eagle State Park. If you would like to plan around a particular tour or seasonal program, check the relevant dates before you travel.

Discover more destinations: State College, Port Matilda, Pine Grove Mills, Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Spring Mills, Pine Glen, Lawrence County.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.