Adventure runs deep in Happy Valley, both literally and figuratively. Ancient caves are hidden beneath the rolling farmland and ridgelines of Centre County. Above it all, trails and overlooks give explorers stunning views of Pennsylvania's heartland.

Here are some ideas for a few unforgettable days exploring the many facets of Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.

Start Below the Surface: Discover Happy Valley’s Caves

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park – Centre Hall

Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park is one of the most unique natural attractions in Pennsylvania, as it is America's only all-water cave that can be explored only by boat, and it also features an above-ground wildlife park tour. Visitors drift through ancient limestone passageways where dramatic stalactites and stalagmites shine in soft light. The 45-minute guided tour combines geology, history, and storytelling to reveal how the cave was discovered and the stories that accompany it. One of these stories is about the Indian maiden Nita-nee, whose name inspired Penn State's Nittany Lion. Above ground, the fun continues with a tour of a wildlife area where bison, elk, and longhorn cattle graze in open fields. It's not often that you get to see both the amazing things that are hidden below the surface and the natural beauty that makes Happy Valley so special.

Woodward Cave & Campground – Woodward

Woodward Cave is one of the largest caves in Pennsylvania, featuring five large rooms on the tour that showcase stalactites, stalagmites, and the famous "Tower of Babel," the largest stalagmite in the northeastern United States. The cave is also one of Pennsylvania's most important bat sanctuaries. Each winter, it protects several species, including the endangered Indiana bat, during hibernation. Woodward Cave is closed from September to May to protect bats during their hibernation. It reopens each summer for guided tours that showcase its fascinating geology, local legends, and a rare opportunity to see nature's underground art up close.

Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks – Huntingdon

Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks invites guests to explore an underground world that has been forming for over 440 million years. In 1930, while building a highway, the caverns were accidentally discovered and have since become one of central Pennsylvania's most interesting natural attractions. Visitors can take guided tours through winding hallways and cathedral-like rooms decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Lincoln Caverns is recognized for its strong commitment to education and conservation, offering year-round programs for schools, scouts, and families that explore topics such as cave ecology, groundwater protection, and the delicate balance of subterranean ecosystems. In addition to daily tours, Lincoln Caverns is also known for its strong commitment to education and conservation.

These cave systems offer a glimpse into the region’s hidden depths, but the adventure continues above ground, where trails and vistas showcase the vast sweep of Happy Valley’s terrain. Moving from the cool quiet of the caves to the open sky, visitors find that Happy Valley’s outdoor experiences are as varied as they are inspiring. 

Then Climb High: Hike to Happy Valley’s Most Scenic Views

Mount Nittany – Lemont

Rising above the landscape of Centre County, Nittany Mountain is one of its most notable landmarks. The Mike Lynch Overlook is one of the best places to hike, offering fantastic views of Penn State's campus, downtown State College, and the surrounding farmland. Hikers are surrounded by hardwood forests that burst with color every fall, creating scenery that looks like a postcard. The Mount Nittany Overlook is a must-see for anyone who has ever been to Happy Valley, whether they are a Penn State alum retracing their steps, a photographer looking for the perfect light, or a first-time visitor looking for one of central Pennsylvania's scenic views.

Tussey Mountain – Boalsburg

Tussey Mountain is a place to visit all year round, where you can enjoy outdoor activities and the charm of a small town. In the fall, the mountain is one of the best places in central Pennsylvania to see the area's beautiful fall leaves. Hiking, biking, and scenic chairlift rides all offer breathtaking views of the valleys below. In the winter, you can ski, snowboard, and snow tube. In the summer, you can go to live concerts, festivals, and do outdoor activities. Tussey Mountain captures the spirit of adventure that makes Happy Valley so special all year long.

Bald Eagle State Park – Howard

Bald Eagle State Park offers a pleasant blend of water, woods, and wildlife. Visitors can kayak, hike the Skyline Trail for great views, or look for eagles flying over the lake, which is a fitting tribute to the park's name. The Nature Inn in the park is one of the most environmentally friendly lodges in the country. It offers eco-friendly comfort and stunning views, making it the perfect place to stay overnight for people who want to see the natural beauty of Happy Valley.

Between the Depths and the Heights

Between these underground wonders and mountaintop views, Happy Valley also offers places where art, nature, and local flavor meet in peaceful harmony. Between the depths below and the heights above, Happy Valley invites visitors to pause, reflect, recharge, and enjoy the spaces where the land’s character emerges in subtle, memorable ways.

Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden – Centre Hall Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden blends art, history, and landscape in a way that feels unique to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. First settled in 1794 by Michael Rhone, the 150-acre homestead has been continuously farmed for more than two centuries. At its heart stands the brick farmhouse completed in 1853 by Leonard Rhone, founder of the Centre County Grange Fair and Encampment, an agricultural legacy that continues to shape #HappyValleyPA today. 

What began as a Revolutionary War-era farm has grown into a peaceful outdoor gallery where sculptures rise from wildflower meadows, and ancient trees frame views of Mount Nittany. Visitors are encouraged to wander at their own pace, discovering artwork tucked between gardens, open fields, and quiet scenery that shifts with each season. The experience is unhurried, reflective, and welcoming, offering a gentle escape between Boalsburg and Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. 

Free to explore and open to all, Rhoneymeade invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the harmony of the land and the creative spirit that continues to thrive here.

Happy Valley Agventures & Local Flavor Stops

Nature and agriculture coexist in harmony in Happy Valley, making it easy to blend outdoor exploration with local flavor. Pick your own flowers at Rooted Farmstead, browse seasonal jams and shrubs at Tait Farm Foods, or pick up locally raised meats and dairy at Kinfork. These small stops connect your adventure to the very land beneath your feet, the same limestone base that shapes the caves below and nourishes the farms above.

Happy Valley demonstrates how everything naturally fits together. The land that hides underground wonders also supports forests, farms, and small towns eager to welcome visitors. Explore both sides of this region, and you will leave with a deeper appreciation for its scenery, flavor, and warm community spirit.