Parks and Recreation

Looking for a quiet retreat? Adventurous at heart? From the thrill of tailgating at a Penn State football game to relaxing waterside in local parks, it's no surprise that Centre County is known as “Happy Valley.”

Local Parks

Tudek Park is centrally located in State College, adjoining a neighborhood with yards that open onto the park. Enjoy jogging trails, picnicking pavilions, equestrian activities, the Tudek dog park and community garden plots. There are also tennis courts and sports fields.

Smaller local parks are convenient getaways, both within State College and in neighboring communities. Stroll by stately willows and quiet gardens in Bellefonte's Talleyrand Park or picnic and fish at Philipsburg's Cold Stream Dam Park.

Forests and State Parks

Hiking, fishing, canoeing and camping abound in Centre County's beautiful state parks. Penn State's Shaver's Creek and Stone Valley Recreation Area offer environmental activities for children in addition to boating, camping, ice fishing and cabins for rent.

Sports

Cheer for one of Penn State's NCAA Division I sports teams, or catch a summertime baseball game with the minor league State College Spikes. Skiing and snow sports are popular winter pastimes at Tussey Mountain, along with ice skating at the Penn State Ice Pavilion.

Sources

• Town & Gown's Guide to Centre County Neighborhoods 2009-2010 
• Centre County Convention and Visitor's Bureau
• Centre Region Parks & Recreation
• Penn State Sports Information Office
• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources 
• Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
• Stone Valley Recreation Area 
• Tussey Mountain Family Fun Center & Winter Resort
• www.HappyValley.com