You can see a display of Kevin Reilly's amazing photograph illustrations at The Happy Valley Store, 204 West Beaver Avenue, State College, Pennsylvania. Now on display through December 31, 2024.

What are the best birding areas in Happy Valley? This would have been a tough question to definitively answer a decade ago, but with the advent of Cornell University’s eBird, the process is simple. EBird keeps track of all submitted checklists and compiles the results by state, county, and local hotspots.

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.

Embark on underground adventures with three local cave tours at Woodward Cave, Lincoln Caverns and Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. Each provides its own unique experience, amenities, and onsite activities the entire family can enjoy.

The wealth of outdoor activities in Happy Valley is one of the greatest attractions of the area. As a mother of three kids 8 years old and under, outdoor activity is essential. We look for places and spaces where we can get into nature, expend some energy… and never stray too far from facilities. Thankfully, several local outings fit the bill

Happy Valley is rich in history, culture, and creative residents who love celebrating both. The region’s museum scene is top-notch and varied, offering a mix of traditional galleries and more interactive experiences.

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.