The Rediscover State College
Get Outside Guide: July
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:
• Warming Up Consistently hot days offer the perfect invitation to get into some cool water.
• Night Light Fireflies are back and putting on a dazzling show!
• Fest Season Town is buzzing with locals and visitors enjoying everything from Arts Fest to WingFest.
• Take it Outside We’re soaking up summer with scenic and savory outdoor dining options every night of the week.
•Local Produce Look for cucumbers, cherries, summer squash, tomatoes, corn, peaches, and blueberries at the farmer’s market. (You might find blueberries along hiking trails as well!)
Outdoor Highlights: July
Fun in the sun at Whipple Dam State Park
Staying Cool – Freshwater Swimming – Public Pools
Splash Around at a Nearby State Park or Pool
Central Pennsylvania can get warm and muggy in July, but have no fear because water is near! Despite Happy Valley being technically landlocked, there are plenty of places to take a dip as the temperatures rise. From playful public pools to freshwater in the forest, it will be no sweat finding the perfect place to splash around this month.
OPTION 1: Stay Close and Chlorinated
State College is home to two public swimming pools with all the bells and whistles for all ages. The Welch and Park Forest Community Pools are both managed by Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) and open to the public by purchasing a pass for the day or season. Both pools have great slides, splash pads, and diving boards, as well as large restroom and changing room facilities with showers. Welch Pool also offers a lazy river and a separate lap swimming pool to meet your motivation level on any given day. A Wibit portable obstacle course rotates between both pools and you can check its schedule on CRPR’s website.
How to make a day of it: The “perfect pack” for a pool day may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it! Making sure you have plenty of sunscreen, towels, snacks, and pool toys can make it possible to stay that extra hour or two in comfort and style. There’s no need to hurry home from the pool for lunch or dinner thanks to concession stands and the option to bring your own snacks and drinks in with you. “Funbrella” rentals make a great home base if you’re planning a group outing or pool party and provide both shade and a picnic table for easy rest and refueling.
Enjoyability recommendations: Daily Adult Lap Swim/Toddler Time hours (typically the first one or two open hours each day) provide opportunities for uncrowded morning exercise, a quiet hour to introduce a little one to the water, or some peaceful sunbathing before the crowds descend and the atmosphere becomes more spirited and chaotic. There is ample free parking for Welch Pool in the high school lots behind the main building and across the street. At Park Forest Pool, there is a large free parking lot for visitors.
Other things to note: Pro tip! Go to the pools after 5 p.m. for a discounted rate and have pizza delivered to the gate for a stress-free weeknight!
William L. Welch Community Pool – 670 Westerly Parkway
Park Forest Community Pool – 2100 School Drive
Pool hours, pricing, and rental information
William L. Welch Community Pool
OPTION 2: Keep it Fresh(water)
Sandy beaches (yes, we have those!) and designated swimming areas at PA State Parks are at the top of the list of hidden nearby gems in this region. There are four of these parks within about 20 miles of State College (and one a little further, but worth the drive!) inviting you to cool down in their freshwater lakes surrounded by gorgeous lush green forests and fresh air. The parks are always free to visit which adds to the peaceful, easy feeling you’ll have when you get away for the day!
• Whipple Dam State Park: With Rothrock Forest as your backdrop, this is scenic swimming at its best. Look up during your backstroke and you might see a Bald Eagle or hawk soaring over your head. (13 miles, 25-minute drive from State College)
rustic restrooms – nearby picnic area – sand beach – boat rental – no concession stand
• Greenwood Furnace State Park: Enjoy the beauty of this park from the water then see it again via the lovely Lake View Trail across from the beach area. (20 miles, 30-minute drive from State College)
modern restrooms and showerhouse – nearby picnic area – sand beach – ADA accessible – boat rental – concession stand
• Bald Eagle State Park: Featuring a huge sandy beach in full sun, you might forget you’re in Centre County for a moment! (25 miles, 35-minute drive from State College)
modern restrooms with showerhouse – nearby picnic area – sand beach – ADA accessible – boat rental – concession stand
• Black Moshannon State Park: Don’t let the darker, plant tannin-colored water fool you, Black Moshannon Lake is perfect for swimming and boating! (19 miles, 35-minute drive from State College)
modern restrooms and showerhouse – nearby picnic area – sand beach – ADA accessible – boat rental – no concession stand
• Poe Valley State Park: When you really need to unwind, take a longer scenic drive and treat yourself to a full day on the beach at this picture-perfect freshwater oasis. (27 miles, 46-minute drive from State College)
modern restrooms and showerhouse – nearby picnic area – sand beach – boat rental – concession stand
How to make a day of it: Preparing for a day of swimming at a nearby state park is a light lift. All beach areas have changing rooms, restrooms, and picnic areas nearby. Some have concession stands open during the summer months. Keep it simple by just bringing your beach towel and sunscreen or go pro and pack your own picnic and gear. Optional items might include beach chairs, buckets and shovels for sand castle construction, and frisbees or other toys to toss around in the water or on the beach. Alcohol is not permitted at state parks, so leave the adult beverages at home. Dogs are not permitted in the beach and swimming areas at the parks, but are welcome in all other areas. Check the specific park’s website or call ahead if you have any questions about features, rental specifics, accessibility, etc.
Enjoyability recommendations: Check the weather before heading out to ensure it’s a good day for a dip. State park swimming areas are open from 8 a.m. until sunset and are “swim at your own risk” which means there is no lifeguard on duty.
Other things to note: You don’t have to swim to have a great day at the parks. Those with a fishing license or kids under the age of 16 can go fishing without losing sight of the beach. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at very reasonable rates at all the State Parks listed above. Or you can simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful view from the shore!
Preparation for a Bonfire on the Beach event at Poe Valley State Park, one of many free events that are open to the public throughout the summer. View event calendars for Whipple Dam, Poe Valley, and other State Parks here.
FUN FACT: There are 125 state parks in Pennsylvania and each one is free to visit year-round! The state’s very first underground state park, Laurel Caverns, was just added to the park system in April 2026 and is home to the largest and deepest limestone cave in the state (and largest bat shelter in the northeast United States!)
Public Art – Self-Guided Tours – Downtown Activities
Find Inspiration Outside During a Downtown Art Walk
The Downtown State College Art Walk offers a wonderful way to get your daily dose of both art and fresh air without venturing too far. From colorful murals to lifelike sculptures, the self-guided walking tour showcases an impressive forty pieces of public art. As you stroll the streets, be sure to notice the natural spaces sprinkled throughout Downtown’s urban landscape, especially beautiful Sidney Friedman Park which features a mural created by local artist Ann Tarantino and painted by community members.
To get started on the tour, simply download the map or follow along from your phone!
How to get there: The tour stretches from College Avenue to Nittany Avenue and South Atherton Street to Hetzel Street. With the vast majority of art stops centrally located between Fraser and Pugh Street, the Fraser or Pugh Street Garages are great parking options with reasonable rates of $1/hour. Many on-street parking spaces have a 2-hour limit downtown, which may not be enough time for the entire art walk.
Nearby and not-to-be-missed: Of course, shopping and grabbing a bite between stops is also part of the fun! Don’t miss our Bucket List below for recommendations on Downtown’s best outdoor dining spots.
Enjoyability recommendations: Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and look for free publications like Town & Gown, Centered, and State College Magazine inside stores and eateries that you can scan for special events and promotions. You might be surprised by how much is happening right around you on any given day!
Other things to note: Thanks to the State College residents, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, and Downtown State College Improvement District for collaborating to make the Art Walk an inspiring addition to our town!
From left to right: Beauty’s Run (sculpture) by Rob Fisher, Pugh Parking Garage (mural) by William Snyder III and Wes Glebe.
A view from Peggy and Ken Butler’s Pennsylvania farm, site of the PA Firefly Festival. Photo: Peggy Butler/Courtesy of Pennsylvania Firefly Festival
Evening Activities – Pennsylvania Insects – Rare Species
Get a Front Row Seat to a Show of Pennsylvania’s State Insect, the Firefly!
If June is a great time to celebrate Pennsylvania’s state flower, then July is perfect for celebrating its state insect, the firefly! Here in Happy Valley you will begin seeing fireflies, or lightning bugs, in late June and catch them lighting up the night through mid-July. They are often at “peak blinkiness” around the 4th of July so don’t forget to look down from the sky to spot a natural fireworks show! You’ll get the best show when watching them in open natural areas with as little light pollution as possible. Enjoy being mesmerized by these magical insects from your car or a camping chair as they delight your eyes in backyards, baseball fields, farm meadows, parks and forests.
How to get there: Fireflies are hard to miss no matter where you are in Centre County and its surrounding areas. You’ll see them if you go for an evening drive in any direction, pull into the parking area of a nearby state park or forest after sunset, or visit a friend who lives in an area with limited light pollution. While parks in State College, such as Tom Tudek Memorial Park or Circleville Park are also prime sites for spotting them, keep in mind they all close at dusk just as the light show is getting started.
Nearby and not-to-be-missed: As you look out into a field at night and get lost in the beauty of these blinking bugs, also take time to look up at the twinkling stars and compare what you see.
Enjoyability recommendations: While fireflies are safe and easy to catch in your hand for a close encounter experience, it’s best to let them go shortly after so they can find their mate within the two short weeks they have to do so!
Other things to note: Insider tip! Keeping the lights off or as low as possible in and around your home decreases light pollution and supports healthy firefly populations. It also makes it much easier for you to see their fancy flashes and the summer stars.
FUN FACT: Many different species of fireflies call Pennsylvania home, including a rare species of the P. Carolinas firefly, a type of Synchronous Firefly found in north central PA. As the name implies, this species flashes its light in sync with all those around it, creating a scene that looks like there are Christmas lights hung in the forest! The P. Carolinas firefly is only found in a small number of places globally, making a sighting of this phenomenon a special, rare experience.
Other Happenings to Look Out For in July
Camping
If you’re new to camping or just want to try some new ways to camp, Pennsylvania’s State Parks are a wonderful resource for choosing the adventure that’s just right for you and your crew. From rustic tent sites to modern cabins, PA State Parks have a wide variety of reasonably-priced lodging options to choose from without going far from modern restroom facilities and friendly park staff to help you plan your visit. Not sure what to start? Try shopping around at pennsylvaniastateparks.
Central PA 4th Fest
Celebrate Independence day with friends, family and neighbors with an eye-popping fireworks display at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park during Central PA 4th Fest. Catching the show from within the stadium is a lively and exciting experience for all ages. There is no fee to watch from inside the stadium, but guests do need to purchase tickets for seats (price varies depending on section). Parking passes near the show can be purchased online ahead of time or in person upon arriving. And if you want to get your blood pumping earlier in the day, consider the Firecracker 4K which takes place on PSU’s main campus, starting at Beaver Stadium.
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
Since 1967, Central PA residents and visitors have flocked to downtown State College in the middle of summer to celebrate and support visual and performing arts during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, often referred to as the Arts Festival and Arts Fest. Today the festival is packed with activities, artists’ work from around the country and even globe, and performances across five days in July, supported by approximately 600 volunteers, and attended by over 125,000 people from all over the country. Whether you make art, love art or simply love the idea of being surrounded by creativity and culture, immerse yourself in Arts Fest!
People’s Choice Festival
The only thing that could be better than a festival in Happy Valley dedicated entirely to the arts is having TWO to explore during the same week! Established in 1993, People’s Choice Festival takes place on the spacious grounds of the Military Museum in Boalsburg, just a short drive or shuttle ride from downtown State College. The event is unique in that it features Pennsylvanian artists, entertainers and food vendors specifically, with a focus on offering options that, according to their website, “suit the budgets of growing families.”
Plus!
• WingFest: An 8-week fusion of delicious competition and live music hosted by Tussey Mountain. Ongoing July-August. 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:
Outdoor Dining Top 10
Whether you’re in the mood to dress up for a leisurely al fresco dinner date or craving a snack and a quick beer with a friend after a bike ride, this list has an outdoor dining (or sipping!) recommendation to fit the moment.
Downtown Vibes + People Watching
• Bill Pickle’s Tap Room | Downtown State College
106 S. Allen Street, State College
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You’ve been wandering Downtown on a hot summer afternoon and barbecue and a cold, refreshing beverage sounds right up your alley.
Casual pub atmosphere with popular barbecue menu – Pugh Street Garage or on-street parking – Indoor open-air dining and outdoor patio seating – Gluten free and vegetarian options – All ages welcome before 9 p.m. – Pups welcome during patio season – No reservations
• The Tavern | Downtown State College
220 E. College Avenue, State College
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You’re looking for an elevated date night out at a restaurant that’s been a downtown fixture for nearly 80 years!
Charming, historic atmosphere – McAllister Deck or on-street parking – Rooftop porch overlooking College Avenue or side porch on quieter McAllister Alley – Gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options – All ages welcome – Reservations recommended for dining room, walk-in only for upstairs and rooftop
• Local Whiskey | Downtown State College
107 E. Beaver Avenue, State College
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You want the perfect atmosphere for a friends’ night out or a lively lunch spot with a mouth-watering menu and great specials!
Casual whiskey and cocktail bar with daily food specials – Pugh Street Garage or on-street parking – Indoor open-air dining and outdoor counter seats looking out onto Beaver Ave. – No Friday or Saturday reservations
Brewery Beverages and Bites
• Otto’s Pub and Brewery | State College
2235 North Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: Your family or group is good and hungry and will appreciate a plentitude of delicious menu options without worrying about parking downtown or making a reservation!
Casual family-friendly restaurant with locally made beer – Ample on-site parking – Patio seating – Allergy friendly – Large party friendly – No reservations
• American Ale House | State College
821 Cricklewood Drive, State College, PA 16803
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You’re in the mood to dine on a lively outdoor deck under the trees, or in a classy yet casual atmosphere inside while being serenaded by Tommy, “The Original Piano Man” Wareham (on Friday and Saturday nights).
Classy spot for cocktails and elevated entrees – Ample parking on-site and along the road – Patio seating – gluten-free and vegetarian options – live music – reservation requests by phone only
• Boal City Brewing | Boalsburg
281 Old Boalsburg Road, Boalsburg, PA 16827
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: The desire for sunshine and feel-good vibes hits and you’re ready to mingle with awesome community members with a refreshing craft beer, cider, cocktail, or kombucha in hand.
Casual family- and pet-friendly craft brewery and taproom – Ample on-site parking – Abundant outdoor picnic table or lawnchair seating – Nonalcoholic offerings – Food truck rotation and outside food welcome – Live music weekly – No reservations
• Voodoo Brewing Company | State College
201 Elmwood Street, State College, PA 16801
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You want to sit back, relax, and sip streamside at one of the most scenic spots in Happy Valley.
Chill craft brewery with a savory menu – Carpooling and bikes encouraged as parking can be limited – Streamside seating – Pet-friendly – Trivia and game nights weekly – No reservations – Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult 25 years or older
Worth the Drive to Sit Outside
• Hublersburg Inn | Hublersburg
449 Hublersburg Rd, Howard, PA 16841
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You’re ready to enjoy a memorable meal from a nearly 200 year old inn’s tree-shaded garden patio. Your first drive out to Hublersburg Inn won’t be your last!
Charming tavern atmosphere – Abundant on-site parking – Shaded garden patio seating – Allergy-friendly – Family-friendly – Live music on the patio on Thursdays – Reservations recommended
• The Governors’ Pub & Talleyrand Tavern | Bellefonte
211 West High St, Bellefonte, PA. 16823
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You want to experience Bellefonte’s charm and irresistible homemade dishes from a perfect perch in the middle of town.
Cozy, slightly elevated atmosphere – On-street parking – Family- and pet-friendly patio – Gluten-free and vegetarian options – Short walk to Talleyrand Park and nearby shops – Reservations optional
• Big Spring Spirits | Bellefonte
198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Menu, hours, and additional info
Best when: You want to feel like you’re in a major city when you walk through the door or love to indulge in cocktails made with local spirits and ingredients that are so beautiful you’ll have to snap a photo before your first sip.
Classy, stylish tasting room with small bites and robust seasonal cocktail and mocktail menu – Ample on-site parking – Spacious pet-friendly patio – Allergy-friendly – Borders Talleyrand Park – Trivia and live music – No reservations
Lots more to come!
We’ll release the August edition of the Get Outside Guide soon. In the meantime, let us know if there are other July 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.
