UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa . – Starting this month, the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State launches its 50th anniversary, to be celebrated throughout 2022 with special programs and exhibitions. To inaugurate its golden anniversary as a prominent university art museum is a major exhibition of outstanding American art, An American Place: Selections from the James and Barbara Palmer Collection, which opens Jan. 29 as the centerpiece of the museum’s jubilee.

Fort Roberdeau provides a revolutionary experience as a National Historic Site and conservation area with park grounds where educational and recreational opportunities abound.

Fort Roberdeau served as a lead mine fort during the American Revolutionary War to protect a lead mining and smelting operation on the Pennsylvania frontier.

Visit the fabulous Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum, opened in 1953 and now open year‑round by reservation.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum cares for over 10,000 artifacts with the mission of preserving and teaching the military history, innovation, and sacrifice of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Located in Centre County, PA, the Museum is easily visited from major routes of travel and is accessible by public transportation.

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.