Summer Bucket List Ideas in State College

Summer Bucket List Ideas in State College

Summer is the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape, including the area of State College. While the town is known for being the home of Penn State University, there are many other things to do in State College that you do not want to miss out on. 

Visit a Farmers Market 

Looking for some fresh farm-to-table foods for a tasty meal? The area is filled with tons of fantastic farmers markets offering everything from handcrafted creations to all-natural produce ready to become the perfect snack during the summer heat. Some of these markets happen every week, while others pop up at certain times during the season. Keep an eye out for the following:

  • North Atherton Farmers Market 
  • Bellefonte Farmer's Market
  • Pine Grove Mills Farmers Market 
  • Downtown State College Farmers Market

Enjoy a Hike

Hit the trail for a scenic hike within one of the many parks Centre County offers. Whether you want a workout or a stroll, hiking is a great family camping activity, and there are countless routes to explore for all hiking levels. Mount Nittany is one of the most popular hiking spots near State College, offering over 8 miles of pristine hiking trails and more than 800 acres of beautiful scenery to explore. Once you reach the top, you will be met with sweeping vistas of the Central Pennsylvania landscape, as well as impressive views of Beaver Stadium and the Penn State Campus. 

Other hiking trails to try include Spring Creek Canyon Trail and Donut Hole Trail. 

Discover the University 

Even if you do not have college-age kids, Penn State University should be on your list. While the school's architecture itself is a unique sight, its location near downtown provides unrivaled access to tons of entertainment. Berkey Creamery is a must-visit establishment on the corner of Bigler and Curtin Roads on campus, stocked with tons of awesome ice cream flavors like Butter Pecan, Cookies-n-Cream and Vanilla Bean — but the fun doesn't stop there. Here are some other attractions you might consider checking out:

  • Beaver Stadium 
  • The Arboretum 
  • Palmer Museum of Art 
  • Centre County Historical Society

Sip on a Hoppy Brew 

There is no better way to enjoy the sunshine than with a cold drink in your hand. Craft beer is trendy in Centre County, with numerous local breweries open all summer long. If you are looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or night in the area, stop by one of the following breweries: 

Plan Your Camping Adventure Today

If you want to hit the road and spend a few nights beneath the stars, Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday is the place to be. Our campground is filled with awesome family camping activities and amenities, ready to serve as your home base for a few days. We're located right between Bellefonte and State College, just minutes from I-80 — making it the ideal spot to conveniently discover all the region offers. 

Ready to take advantage of all the fun things to do near State College? Check out our available sites and book your summer getaway today. 

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