There are few better places to enjoy autumn than in Happy Valley. There’s the energy and magic of home game Saturdays, for starters. There’s the breathtaking sight of the trees on Mount Nittany (and beyond) turning orange, yellow and red. On top of the energy and beauty that makes Happy Valley fall so special, there’s a full calendar of fall festivals and spooky fun for the whole family to enjoy. This October, you don’t want to miss the Spooky Speakeasy or Candlelight Ghost Tours.

The historic Centre Furnace Mansion is a beautifully restored and furnished 19th century iron master’s mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mansion and adjoiningFurnace Stackstand as a testament to two of the most important economic and developmental facets of Centre County history: the 18th century origins of the iron making industry and the 19th century founding of the Pennsylvania State University. The site features several acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, historic trees, and heirloom gardens and is a perfect venue for weddings, gatherings and meetings.

The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County has created a vibrant community for the arts serving families, artists, and patrons while making a positive social and economic impact on Happy Valley.

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.

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.

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.”