One thing that I love about Pennsylvania is its wealth of public hunting grounds. Happy Valley and the surrounding area have more than their fair share of the public land pie. Public land open to hunting includes state game lands that are managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and state forest lands, which are operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). DCNR also handles state parks, many of which are also open to hunting.

The streams in Happy Valley are legendary for their pristine water, and it doesn’t happen by accident. Clearwater Conservancy is dedicated to conserving and restoring our natural resources through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach across central Pennsylvania.

Happy Valley has many beautiful vistas, with the Allegheny Front to the north and several ridges running through the area. Several can be found with an easy drive to a parking lot, whereas some require some rubbernecking while driving, and still others can only be viewed after a challenging hike. What follows is not a complete list, but rather a taste of what is available.

Welcome to a delectable journey of experiencing the culinary arts in Happy Valley! Prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure as we explore the vibrant and diverse restaurant scene that this enchanting region has to offer. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, Happy Valley’s culinary landscape is a canvas of creative, artistic masterpieces, each offering a unique blend of flavors to suit every palate.

Nestled within the lush expanse of The Arboretum at Penn State, the new Palmer Museum of Art blends art, architecture, and nature and is a must-see for visitors to Happy Valley. This state-of-the-art facility, designed by Allied Works and complemented by the landscape architecture of Reed Hilderbrand, invites visitors on a journey that seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor space into one unique experience.

Whether you’re looking to explore the local brew scene after a day of cycling, you need a hearty breakfast to power a morning hike or you’re on the hunt for some picnic-perfect bites, Happy Valley’s local eateries, breweries, wineries, and more have you covered.

Adding camping to your 2024 bucket list? Happy Valley has camping options that are perfect for any kind of camping style — whether you want to rough it or try glamping.

With 750,000 acres of public land in Happy Valley there is no shortage of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. From hiking to biking to relaxing in a park, there’s something that fits your adventure level here.

With such a rich agricultural history, it’s no wonder that there are some fantastic Farm-to-Table restaurants in Happy Valley. Make sure to add a few of these to your list for your next visit!