Attractions and Places To See around Boalsburg - Top 11

Boalsburg is rich in history. You can explore the Boal Mansion Museum and Columbus Chapel, which houses artifacts from nine generations of the Boal family and a chapel with pieces believed to be from the True Cross. The Pennsylvania Military Museum honors the state's military history with extensive displays and a 67-acre park. For a glimpse into 19th-century village life, visit the Boalsburg Heritage Museum, located in the 1825 Sarah Sweet House. Don't miss strolling through the Boalsburg Historic District to admire Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Yes, Boalsburg offers several family-friendly options. Colyer Lake is great for fishing, hiking, and cycling, with a trail surrounding the water. The Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, a 62-acre wetland and farmstead, is perfect for exploring nature. Tussey Mountain provides year-round fun with mini golf, a par 3 golf course, and go-karts in warmer months, and skiing and snow tubing in winter. The Arboretum at Penn State also offers beautifully maintained gardens that are free to visit and enjoyable for all ages.

The Boalsburg area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Rothrock State Forest offers nearly 300 miles of hiking trails and over 100 miles of mountain biking trails, catering to all skill levels. You can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and cycling around Colyer Lake. For more structured activities, Tussey Mountain features a driving range, skate park, and batting cages. You can find various routes for gravel biking, running, and road cycling in the area, with guides available for gravel biking, running, and road cycling around Boalsburg.

Yes, there are several options for easier hikes. The 2.5-mile Bear Meadows Loop within Rothrock State Forest is an intermediate, relatively flat hike. The Spring Creek Trail is described as a beginner-friendly ride, offering views along the creek. Additionally, the trail around Colyer Lake is suitable for walking and cycling, and the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center has trails for exploring nature that are generally easy to navigate.

Boalsburg is surrounded by natural beauty. Rothrock State Forest is a vast woodland offering diverse ecosystems and trails. Within it, the Bear Meadows Natural Area features a unique shallow peat bog and is a National Natural Landmark. Colyer Lake provides a scenic setting for water-based activities and lakeside trails. The Millbrook Marsh Nature Center protects a significant wetland area, while The Arboretum at Penn State showcases beautifully curated gardens that change with the seasons.

Boalsburg offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities due to pleasant weather and scenic foliage. Summer is great for lake activities at Colyer Lake and family fun at Tussey Mountain. Winter provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Tussey Mountain. The Arboretum at Penn State is also noted for its gardens changing throughout the seasons, offering new sights regardless of when you visit.

Yes, The Arboretum at Penn State is noted as being wheelchair-accessible, offering a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature with beautifully kept gardens. It provides facilities and viewpoints that are accessible to visitors with mobility needs.

Boalsburg's Main Street is home to unique boutiques and specialty shops like A Basket Full and Riley on Main. For sweet treats, visit Chocolates by Leopold. A short drive from town, Tait Farm Foods offers a Harvest Shop & Greenhouse with seasonal local foods, gifts, and products from over 50 regional artisans.

Boalsburg is proudly known as the 'Birthplace of Memorial Day.' The village's Boalsburg Cemetery commemorates this designation, marking its historical significance in the origins of the national holiday.

Yes, Boalsburg offers dining and drink options. Duffy's Tavern is a historic landmark providing dining in a unique setting. For local wine selections, you can visit Seven Mountains Wine Cellars' Boalsburg Wine Bar or University Wine Company. The Diamond, a central market square, also features shops and restaurants.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse outdoor opportunities. For instance, Rothrock State Forest is praised as a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers, with trails ranging from easy to extreme. Colyer Lake is popular for its scenic beauty and activities like fishing and paddling. The Arboretum at Penn State is loved for its beautifully kept gardens and the fact that admission is free, offering a serene escape into nature.