Let's Go on an Adventure: Iron Works of Happy Valley, PA!

– by Ellie Aungst

Step into the past with the "Iron Works of Happy Valley, PA" Adventure Lab! Created by the Happy Valley PA GeoTour volunteers, this unique scavenger hunt takes you to 10 historical locations that shaped Happy Valley’s rich iron industry. Perfect for families, friends, and solo explorers, this journey unveils the legacy of Pennsylvania’s ironworks, blending history with adventure.

Adventure Lab_Iron Works of Central PA

Where You’ll Go:

Visit iconic iron sites, including renowned furnaces like Centre Furnace, Greenwood Furnace, Martha Furnace, and Monroe Furnace. Explore Harmony Forge, Plumbe Forge, Eagle Ironworks, and Curtin Village, along with significant locations like the Scotia Mines, Juniata Iron Marker, and the historic Forge House.

What You’ll Discover:

As you visit each location, learn how abundant resources like iron ore, limestone, and charcoal made Happy Valley a prime location for iron production. Follow GPS-guided stops, answer trivia, and unlock secrets about each site, from the charging of furnaces to the transformation of pig iron into valuable wrought iron.

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Ironworks provided essential materials, from brittle pig iron to malleable wrought iron, used in everyday tools and structures. The scenic locations, complete with geofenced areas for easy exploration, let you immerse yourself in both history and nature as you roam each site.

Ready to Dive Into History?

Experience Happy Valley’s industrial heritage up close on this educational and fun Adventure Lab. With each stop, log your adventures, explore at your own pace, and discover hidden stories of a bygone era. Gather your group or take a solo stroll through history—your adventure awaits!

There’s much more to discover in the Dispatch.

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Events

Restaurants, diners gear up for Happy Valley Restaurant Week

With just a few weeks left before Happy Valley Restaurant Week kicks off, June 16–25, both local gourmands and restaurants alike are looking forward to 10 packed days of culinary fun throughout the region, and for good reason. With new restaurants participating in the event for the very first time (like the newly opened, French-inspired diner in downtown State College, Oeuf Boeuf et Bacon), an extended event timeline (up from seven days in past years to 10 days for 2023), and near-endless ways chefs can show off their chops via limited-time, event-only menu offerings of their choice — well, let’s just say there’s a whole lot to look forward to.

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Media - Corporate News

Building a destination for film and filmmakers

A recent Centre Daily Times article referenced movies produced in Pennsylvania in 2023. Our state is of course no stranger to the film industry, with many recognizable motion pictures made in the Commonwealth over the years. During my time with the Pennsylvania Office of Tourism, Film and Economic Development marketing, more than 30 major motion pictures were filmed in Pennsylvania. Prior to that, blockbuster movies such as 1985’s “Witness” helped make already well-known Lancaster County the extremely popular tourist destination it is today.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events

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