The Rediscover State College
Get Outside Guide: August
By: Andrea Murrell and Laura Mustio
From simply stepping out for a breath of fresh air to tackling the Thousand Steps, if you’d like to find yourself outside in State College more often, this guide is for you.
This month, you’ll notice:
• Local Produce Tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers, eggplant, watermelon, cantaloupe, stone fruits, and even some winter squash are bountiful at farmers markets!
• Uptick in Downtown Activity State College begins to buzz with activity as students return to campus and locals wrap up their summer travels.
• Golden Tones Sunflowers, tiger lilies, and jewelweed are brightening up the landscape.
• Tiny Signs of Life You might spot monarch caterpillars on milkweed plants if you look carefully!
Outdoor Highlights: August
A group tour of Woodward Cave, which stays consistently cool all summer long
Staying Cool – Beginner-Friendly Caves – Underground Fun
Check Out a Few Cool Caves
Touring a local cave is a great way to stay cool in the summer and learn about the fascinating geology beneath our feet. Centre County has many caves, sinkholes, massive aquifers, and streams that disappear from the landscape and flow underground and Penn’s Cave, Lincoln Caverns, and Woodward Cave are all options for learning more about these features and how they formed.
How to Make a Day of It: Each cave has its own website and recommends that you reserve and purchase your tickets online ahead of time. Give yourself extra time before or after your tour, though, to visit the gift shop and enjoy extra activities such as panning for gemstones. Want additional things to see, do, or eat along the way? You’ll find tips for worthwhile nearby stops in each attraction’s section below.
Enjoyability Recommendations: Tours fill quickly in the summer, so it’s highly recommended you purchase your tickets ahead of time online to ensure a spot for the time that works best for you. Temperatures inside these caves are quite cool all year long, so you’ll want to have a light jacket or sweatshirt handy, even in the summer. While these aren’t the types of caves where you’ll need to hunch over or squeeze through openings, sturdy footwear is important as there are some uneven areas where you’ll want to be mindful of your footing.
Penn’s Cave
Centre Hall – 30 minutes from State College
Closest to State College, Penn’s Cave includes unique features like cave tours by boat and an optional wildlife tour for visitors. For a bite to eat before or after your tour, consider The Stillhouse Eatery & Craft Beverages, a recently opened restaurant in Spring Mills, about 10 minutes from the cave.
Lincoln Caverns
Huntingdon – 43 minutes from State College
Lincoln Caverns is toured on foot with options to do so by blacklight on select days of the month. Extend your day by popping into downtown Huntingdon, PA, home to Juniata College, a less than 10-minute drive from the cave. Catch a caffeine buzz at Standing Stone Coffee Company, savor a handheld sandwich or burger at Boxer’s Cafe, and taste a local brew at Juniata Brewing Company which also offers a food menu. No time to head into town? Consider the four-minute drive to pick up a sweet treat from The Meadows, home to the original frozen custard!
Woodward Cave
Woodward – 45 minutes from State College
Woodward Cave is home to the largest stalagmite and the largest winter hibernating spots for bats in Pennsylvania! Kick off your day in a ducky way with coffee and breakfast or lunch sandwiches from the Meandering Mallard in Millheim, about 15 minutes from the cave. Or, top off your tour with fresh local food and brews from Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks on the main corner of downtown Millheim. Check their website for hours and live music calendar, and consider booking a reservation before you go.
Raptor Aviary – Native Wildlife – Hiking Trails
Wing It at Klingsberg Aviary During a Visit to Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
At Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, part of Penn State University, you can learn firsthand about the animals and insects that help support our region’s ecosystems and food systems. You can even come face-to-beak with more than a dozen rescued raptors, including hawks, owls, and eagles, at the onsite aviary! Between the outdoor aviary, live reptiles and amphibians on display indoors, and nearby hiking trails for all ages and abilities, it’s easy to spend an entire summer day exploring this local gem.
How to get there: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, home to The Klingsberg Aviary, is located at 3400 Discovery Road in Petersburg, PA and opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of an extended winter closure. (Check their website for exact December/January closure dates.) The aviary is located just behind the visitor’s center.
Nearby and not-to-be-missed: Inside the visitor’s center, the Litzinger Discovery Room awaits with living turtles, snakes, and amphibians, all of which are native to Pennsylvania. (This is your chance to see an Eastern Hellbender, the third-largest salamander in the world!) Browse the gift shop’s sustainable, local, and eco-friendly gifts before heading out on the nearby hiking trails, ranging between a quarter of a mile and three miles in length. The aptly named Lake Trail is the longest at 2.9 miles but perhaps the most scenic, as it follows the perimeter of beautiful Lake Perez as you meander the gentle trail. The stroller- and wheelchair-friendly Boardwalk Trail is also a delight as the smooth path takes you from the visitor center, over Shaver’s Creek, and down to a picture perfect overlook of the lake.
Enjoyability Recommendations: As with all outdoor adventures, don’t leave home without your sunscreen, a filled water bottle, and sturdy footwear. You’ll also want to bring your own snacks and lunch, as food is not available for purchase at the center. (Please note: Shaver’s Creek strives to be a zero-waste facility, meaning they recycle or compost all waste. You can help the center achieve its goals by packing wrapper-free snacks and picnics in reusable containers and taking home any waste that cannot be recycled or composted.)
Other things to note: For the safety of the resident birds, dogs are not permitted at the Klingsberg Aviary area, but are permitted on trails if kept on a six-foot leash. The visitor center, herpetarium, discovery room, gift shop, aviary, and select hiking trails are all wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Ample parking is available within a short walk of the main building and accessible parking is located alongside the building. Modern restrooms are available both inside the visitor center and behind the aviary.
NOT Dotterer Farm’s sunflowers… you’ve got to see the real thing in person to believe it!
Sunflower Fields – Meteor Showers – Simple Pleasures
Get Lost in the Sun(flowers) and Stars!
From the soil beneath your feet to the sky above, there may not be a better way to wrap up summer than to get lost in a maze of sunflowers by day and the wonders of the universe by night. August is the perfect time to do both in Central PA with sunflowers blooming beginning early in the month and the Perseid meteor shower peaking between August 12-14.
How to see the flowers: To see a massive field of stunning sunflowers, take a drive out to Dotterer Farm in Mill Hall, PA to take in the sight of over 20 acres of sunflowers in bloom all at once! You can even walk among these beauties in the farm’s sunflower maze for a small fee (see ticket options here). Sunflowers bloom when they’re ready, so you’ll want to follow the farm’s Facebook page in early August to know for sure when they’re in peak bloom! Consider coming hungry as the farm includes a sub shop with hot and cold subs including cheesesteaks, soup, and soft ice cream.
How to see the meteor shower: You’re likely to see the most “shooting stars” during the Perseid meteor shower’s peak between August 12-14. If it’s a mostly cloudless night, head out of town to witness the wonder of watching up to 50-100 meteors shoot through the sky per hour! While Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, PA is renowned for its dark skies, Purple Lizard Maps just recently released its Dark Skies / Susquehannock State Forest Map that shines the light on plenty of other areas to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
FUN FACT: Jewelweed is found flowering in August throughout the region. The plant is a natural soothing remedy for poison ivy, and interestingly, both plants are often found growing next to each other. Jewelweed’s flowers are usually bright orange but sometimes yellow. If you come across it, hold one of its seed pods between your fingers for a satisfying and surprising little pop!
Other Happenings to Look Out For in August
Community Fishing Days
During Community Fishing Days, fishing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are invited to themed, hour-long fishing sessions at Lake Perez, hosted by Shaver’s Creek naturalists. Registration is free but required, and attendees with their own fishing gear are encouraged to bring it so others can use the available equipment.
Ag Progress Days
You don’t need to be a farmer to have a lively day at Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania’s “largest outdoor agricultural exposition” that has been hosted annually by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences for more than fifty years! With free parking and admission, you can take your time and spend the day strolling the grounds. You’ll see lots of livestock, check out a variety of agriculture-related demonstrations from cooking to forestry, learn about current industry research and innovations, and visit over 400 exhibitors from across the country. And yes, there are plenty of food options from local non-profits and agricultural associations as well!
Grange Fair
Held annually at the end of August for more than 150 years, The Grange Fair in Centre Hall, PA unofficially marks the end of summer in Happy Valley. “The Grange” is an encampment fair, meaning over 2,500 families stay in tents and RVs during the entire weeklong event and some families have made it a time-honored tradition for generations. While you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy the fair to its fullest, you will want to plan on making at least one full day of the experience as the daily schedule is packed with fun and entertainment. From carnival rides and games to concerts and exhibits showcasing the rich agricultural history of the region, the hours will slip by before you can say deep-fried Oreo! (And yes, you can find those and hundreds of other fair foods all throughout the grounds.) Admission is $8 per day plus $7 for parking, not including bingo, lemonade, or snack money!
Plus!
• First Friday, Downtown State College: A monthly celebration of local art, music, shopping, and community. Learn more
• Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair: A beloved annual festival featuring handcrafted art, local artisans, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Learn more
• WingFest Season Finale: An 8-week fusion of delicious competition and live music wraps for the year, hosted by Tussey Mountain. Learn more
• Lemont Summer Concert Series: Treat your ears to the sweet sounds of local musicians performing free concerts on Friday evenings all summer. Learn more
• Live after 5, MLK Jr. Plaza: Find your groove at this concert series every Wednesday in the MLK Plaza in Downtown State College. Learn more
• Summer Sounds at Talleyrand Park: Grab your lawn chair and snacks and spend Sunday evenings at this free concert series in the heart of Bellefonte. Learn more
• State College Spikes Games: Cheer on the Spikes with a stadium full of fans. Learn more
Bucket List:
Refreshing Cold Treats for Hot Days
From custard, hard cider slushies, and milkshakes to flavored ice, cones, and smoothies, there’s no shortage of ice cold treats to enjoy locally during August’s hottest days.
Penn State Berkey Creamery
119 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802
Pick up magical milkshakes, cones, PSU merch, and more inside the iconic campus creamery. Customer parking is available in the East Parking Deck on Bigler Road on campus for a small fee ($2 for the first hour, $1 for each additional hour). Allergy-friendly options available.
Meyer Dairy
2390 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801
Get nostalgic with a classic creamery taste and feel. While the chocolate malt milkshake can’t be beat, the teaberry ice cream is also worth trying for a unique regional flavor experience. Parking is ample and free, but check the dairy’s hours prior to visiting, especially in the evening.
Wasson Farm
2545 Shingletown Road, State College, PA 16801
Taste farm fresh ice cream and enjoy a scenic setting along Route 45 between Boalsburg and Pine Grove Mills. Treats are served out of a food truck beside the gravel parking lot. There is ample seating at picnic tables and around the lush landscaped and hardscaped area near the entrance, complete with multiple serene water features.
Irving’s Bagels
110 E. College Ave, State College, PA 16801
Experience smoothie perfection at this Downtown State College staple located right on College Ave. Irving’s is also a great breakfast or lunch option with a wide variety of bagel sandwiches and wraps! If street parking is hectic downtown, the Pugh Street Garage is right around the corner. Allergy-friendly options available.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
1609 N. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803
Savor the amazing flavors of Italian ice, custard, or a combo of both at this Philly original, located on N. Atherton St. next to the OG Champ’s Sports Grill. Allergy-friendly options available.
The Field Burger and Tap
1 Country Club Lane, State College, PA 16803
Indulge in hard (or classic for the zero-proof among us) milkshakes like Salted Caramel Pretzel, S’Mores, or Strawberry Shortcake. The Field is located at Toftrees Golf Resort which has a large parking lot for hotel and restaurant guests at the hotel entrance.
K2 Roots
114 S Garner St. State College, PA 16801
Looking to stay cool while eating clean? Locally-owned K2 Roots has you covered with smoothies and smoothie bowls with deliciously healthy add-on options such as chocolate collagen and hemp hearts, plus cold-pressed juices made with raw, organic and locally-sourced produce. Allergy-friendly options available.
The Meadows Original Frozen Custard
2934 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Go crazy for custard in Bellefonte! While Happy Valley’s local Meadows shop is located along Benner Pike, the road leading into Historic Downtown Bellefonte from State College, there are nearly 30 other locations in the U.S. and even Australia! Allergy-friendly options available.
Pelican’s SnoBalls
219 S. Water Street Bellefonte, PA 16823
Cool down with flavored ice, ice baby. Pelican’s is located in Bellefonte, just beside the section of Talleyrand Park bordering the Match Factory, home to Big Spring Spirits. Park for free at Pelican’s or the Match Factory, and consider a stroll through the park while you’re there! Allergy-friendly options available.
Doan’s Bones
3507 McAlevys Fort Road, Petersburg, PA 16669
After a day of splashing around at Whipple Dam State Park, treat yourself to a cone, iced lemonade, and mouth-watering BBQ if you’ve really swam up an appetite! Doan’s Bones is on the corner of McAlevys Fort Road and Whipple Dam Road, right before you turn into the park entrance.
814 Cider Works
3392 Shingletown Road, State College, PA 16801
Cool down with a refreshing hard cider slushie. The cidery is open on weekends with food trucks and live music daily. Check their event schedule online and prepare to lose track of time as you overlook the countryside from atop the hill!
Flour & Stone
125 E Pine Grove Rd., Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868
For a quiet, picturesque moment that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie, stop by the walk-up window at Flour & Stone in Pine Grove Mills. They serve farm-fresh, hand-dipped ice cream from Vale Wood Farms and specialty coffee drinks made with beans from Alabaster Coffee Roaster & Tea Co. in Williamsport. Pets are welcome on the patio and hours are limited — open Wednesday through Sunday — so be sure to check before you go!
Lots more to come!
We’ll release the September edition of the Get Outside Guide soon. In the meantime, let us know if there are other August highlights we should include and…
we’ll see you outside!
Andrea Murrell’s writing is inspired by nature and all the people she’s lucky to know and love. She especially enjoys exploring how connections between the natural world and local creatives shape the character of the region she’s so fortunate to call home.
Laura Mustio made her way to State College via Pittsburgh in 2015. Her writing celebrates our area’s hidden gems, treasured locals, and not-to-be-missed experiences.
