2021 has been declared the International Year of Caves and Karst by the United Nations, and local cave enthusiasts say it’s none too soon. After all, about 20% of the earth’s land surface is affected by karst—slowly dissolving rocks that create landforms such as sinkholes, ridges, fissures, and most famously, caves. This year, theInternational Union of Speleology, along with caves all over the world, will be celebrating these unique landforms and spreading knowledge about how we can all enjoy and help preserve them for the next generation.

This summer, head out to Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, America’s ONLY all-water cavern & farm-nature-wildlife park, and find out why it’s been a favorite since 1885. It’s the perfect outdoor adventure for your whole family, and this year there are some additions that not only make your day safe, but will make it very, very fun.

Heading into Happy Valley for a football weekend? Make the most of your time in the area by not only cheering on your Nittany Lions, but also checking out some of the historic spots around the region.

In the fall of 1975, a few Centre County farmers were in a casual conversation while attending an antique engine show. They began meeting on a regular basis at various locations. In January of 1975, the Nittany Antique Machinery Association was born. With their dedication and determination, the first Fall Show was held in September of the same year. Theirs was only a dream with the hopes that this would become an annual tradition.

Want a HappyValley adventure that takes you back in time, immersing you in the rich history of long ago, then meandering through a Shakespearean garden before ending up on a new footbridge where you can spot over 50 birds indigenous to the region? Head over the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum for an experience to remember.

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) will begin welcoming visitors to state-owned historic sites and museums, including the Pennsylvania Military Museum, on Friday, April 30 with reduced hours of operation and limited capacity.

In Pennsylvania, Happy Valley’s noteworthy connections to Black history beckon study and further exploration, and serve as inspiration for future generations.

Expanding Arts, Gardens and Exhibits for 2021


This time last year, Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel was a flurry of holiday activities. There were candlelight tours, Gregorian chants, a Christkindl market and a British tea. But things are very different this year. “The short answer is that we’re closed,” says Bob Cameron, director of the museum. But, he says, they’ve made lemonade from this year’s lemons. “In many ways, it’s been a highly successful year.”

The planned events for the 200th anniversary of Philipsburg’s Old Mud Church will not be taking place over the summer of 2020 due to restrictions of the COVID-19 epidemic. But this doesn’t mean the old church has been forgotten. A number of on-line celebrations will be hosted on the new website of the Philipsburg Historical Foundation, soon to be announced.