Spend a day in and around Millheim, PA
Millheim's small town charm and sense of community is reflected in the brightly painted mural at the center of town.
Settled in 1797 and incorporated in 1879, this historic Penns Valley community might only have some 900 residents and one major road leading in and out, but it’s big on charm. Just getting there is road-trip worthy, whether you decide to travel via scenic Route 45, or take picturesque Route 192 through Brush Valley’s Amish farmland, cutting across the winding Route 445 to the center of town. Once there, you’ll find plenty to see and do in and around this quaint, 1.3-square mile borough, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Eat and drink local
The culinary scene in Millheim is defined by organic and locally sourced food, hand-crafted beer and local, small batch wines.
At the rustic-hip Inglebean Coffee House, delicious home-made breakfasts, lunches and baked goods (not to mention a great cup of Joe), along with a warm, inviting interior, await those who stop in at the popular Main Street establishment. Behind the coffee house is an intimate patio for relaxing outdoors. The indoor fireplace warms things up in cooler weather.
Looking up is recommended at Inglebean, where the decor is as special as what's on the menu.
Open at 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and at 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday, Pisano Winery is a small batch winery that sits peacefully on nearby Penn Street. The quaint tasting room is a great place to sip a glass of wine or try an inventive cocktail made with Pennsylvania craft spirits. The outdoor seating area sits along the millrace that still flows through town, a remnant of the mill for which the community was named.
Elk Creek Café + Aleworks is a popular brewery bistro known for its delicious farm-to-fork cuisine and hand-crafted ales. Located on Main Street, Elk Creek Café + Aleworks has temporarily moved to Elk Creekside! on the grounds of the Millheim Fire Company in response to COVID-19. Elk Creek Café is serving craft beer and a chalk board menu Thursdays through Sunday, under tents where Oktoberfest style tables are set up. There is plenty of green space and guests are welcome to bring their own shade, chairs and bistro tables. Food is available for Curbside take away at 100 West Main Street, or to take to Elk Creekside!, where in addition to enjoying a cold beer, patrons can listen to live music on Saturday and Sunday.
Pizza and other Italian specialties are served up Original Italian Pizza, the Main Street restaurant is open daily except for Sunday.
Newly opened Inglebean Ice Cream, next door to the cafe, offers farm fresh ice cream from Spring Bank Acres farm and made-from-scratch toppings. The patio behind the ice cream shop offers a lovely shaded area to enjoy your sweet treat.
Support the arts
The Green Drake Gallery & Arts Center is at the forefront of Millheim’s artsy vibe and features paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures and more handcrafted by mostly central Pennsylvania artists. The Main Street gallery is a great place to find unique local art for yourself or to give as a gift. The Green Drake is open Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and by chance during the week. Look for the “open” sign on the door.
The Green Drake Gallery showcases the talent of regional artisans.
Explore the historic district
Millheim is located in the heart of Happy Valley's Amish country.
Millheim is also a great place to just stroll and take in the sights – historic buildings and homes; the occasional Amish buggy; the brightly painted mural that graces the side of Elk Creek Café + Aleworks; and ducks floating along the millrace.
Nearby attractions
There are many interesting things to see and do in and around Millheim as well. Nearby attractions to add to your itinerary include stops at Po Paddy and Poe Valley State Parks, or a visit to Woodward Cave or Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park (Going underground is a great way to escape the summer heat too!). Make sure you also continue through Millheim about a mile to take in the historic charm of Aaronsburg.
Stay the night
Family togetherness is on the agenda at the Summer Getaway at Grange Park.
After spending the day exploring Millheim and the surrounding area, consider spending a night or two camping at Grange Park. This summer’s Getaway at Grange Park allows individuals and families to enjoy the park like never before. What better way to end your Millheim adventure than relaxing around a campfire under the stars?!
