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Valleys of the Susquehanna
Travel Itinerary

The Heart of Pennsylvania: This four-day itinerary explores the small towns and hill country that extends from State College to Williamsport - an area that offers a number of historical attractions, as well as recreational activities.


Itinerary  
Day 1: State College/Bellefonte
Day 2: Boalsburg
Day 3: Bald Eagle State Park

Day 4: Williamsport

Day 1: State College/Bellefonte
State College, home of Penn State University and the Nittany Lions, is a central point from which you can explore the Valleys of the Susquehanna. Your first day is packed with activities, so gear up with breakfast at Ye Olde College Diner. Their famous Grilled Stickies should give you the energy you need for a busy day of exploring.

Though many of the area's historical attractions are a short drive away from State College, start out your tour on Penn State's beautiful campus. Historical markers call attention to the University's rich tradition of achievement in higher education and in service to society.

Then it's time to set out for the town of Bellefonte - a mere 15-minute drive from State College. Named for "beautiful fountain," this charming town is full of history - from the grand homes of the Victorian wealthy to elegant commercial buildings. Begin with an historic home tour whose guide will weave Bellefonte's history and architecture with local legend. The tour, costing about $5, will last an hour, giving you plenty of time to visit the many unique shops that line this picturesque town.

When it's time to refuel, stop for lunch at the Gamble Mill. Built in 1786 along the West Bank of Spring Creek, the restored mill creates a causal atmosphere for fine dining.

No trip to the town is complete without a ride on the Bellefonte Historical Railroad. Now strictly a tourist operation, rail operations began in 1859 when the railroad was built to transport coal from rich deposits in the region. There are many routes your ride can take. Meander creek side through the mountains and between small towns. Stop at Curtin Village, a restored iron-making plantation with an ironmasters mansion. But if you time it right - on the last Friday of every month, from January through October - climb on board the Historical Railroad for the dinner train. Ride from the station in Bellefonte through the beautiful Bald Eagle Valley and feast at Burley's Fine Dining and Spirits in Tyrone.

At the end of this fun and educational day, head back to State College to stay at the Nittany Lion Inn, one of the Historic Homes of America, which opened in 1932. Or stay in one of Bellefonte's many charming B&Bs. A nice choice is The Queen. Located in town, this is a Queen Anne-style Victorian home ornately decorated with the many collectibles of its owners.

Kids Would Love:

DelGrosso's Amusement Park
The Penn State Creamery

Nearby Lodging:

Carnegie House
Claire's Inn on Linn
Comfort Suites - State College

Visitor Information:

Bellefonte Satellite
Centre County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Major Highways: From Pittsburgh and points West, take Rt. 220 or Interstate 80 to Rt. 322. From points East, take Interstate 80 to 322.

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Day 2: Boalsburg
Whether you're coming from State College or Bellefonte, Boalsburg is just a short jaunt. Known as the birthplace of Memorial Day, this quintessential American village welcomes you with a delightful array of shops, artists, professionals and special events scheduled throughout the year. Once you are on Main Street, be sure to search out the quaint gallery and cafe owned and operated by one of the region's most talented artists, Ken Hull. A cup of coffee and a browse around the gallery is a pleasant way to get your day started.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum is in the center of this picturesque town - and is a must-see on your historical tour. The museum's focus is the commemoration of the men and women of all branches of military service. Highlights include a full-scale replica of a World War I trench battlefield, uniforms and weapons along with their narrative histories, as well as renovated military equipment. Pick up a unique souvenir at the gift shop located within the museum facility.

Next on your list is the Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel. Nine generations of descendants of Revolutionary War soldier David Boal lived in the mansion. The Boal family was related to, among other notables, Robert E. Lee and Christopher Columbus. Tour the house, and see the contents of the Columbus family chapel, which were willed to a member of the Boal family.

The Boalsburg Heritage Museum - though it appears to be more of an "old house" than a museum - is another great stop on your tour. It displays unique artifacts from the 1700s in the way they might have been used hundreds of years ago. The Heritage Museum was built in 1825, and is a great way to round out your tour of historic Boalsburg.

At day's end, head back to State College for dinner at the Tavern, where patrons have relaxed since 1948 among rare and historic Pennsylvania lithographs and memorabilia.

Kids Would Love:

The Sky's the Limit Balloon Company
Knoebels Amusement Resort and Campground

Nearby Lodging:

Chatelaine Bed and Breakfast

Visitor Information:

Centre County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Major Highways from State College to Boalsburg: Head west on Route 322.

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Day 3: Bald Eagle State Park

After a couple of days spent strolling through the Valley's picturesque towns and extraordinary museums, the great outdoors might be a nice change. So pack a picnic and head to Bald Eagle State Park, midway between Milesburg and Lock Haven. The park, surrounded by the mountains, valley, and the Bald Eagle Creek - are an historic playground. The park was named after the well-known Chief Bald Eagle of the Lenni Lenape nation. It was 250 years later, on July 4, 1971, that the park was opened to the public.

Today, visitors may choose from a wide selection of recreational activities for all four seasons - swimming, boating, fishing, water-skiing, hiking, environmental education programs, ice fishing, ice skating, cross country skiing, sled and tobogganing. Needless to say, there is something to fit everyone's interests and abilities.

The rugged Bald Eagle Mountain and Allegheny Plateau enhance the beauty of the 1,730-acre lake - a great spot for that picnic lunch. The marina rents all types of boats, and sells all the supplies you might need. Or, for those who prefer hiking to boating, the butterfly trails make for a memorable experience if you like to observe wildlife.

In case you forgot your picnic, a food and refreshment concession is located at the beach area and offers "fast food" fair. These facilities are open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

However you decide to pass the time at Bald Eagle State Park, leave time to get on the road, because day three ends in the beautiful town of Historic Williamsport - about a 30 minute drive from Bald Eagle.

Kids Would Love:

Penn's Caves
Clyde Peeling's Reptileland
Woodward Sports Camp (Summer Only)

Nearby Lodging:

Partnership House Bed and Breakfast
Outback Lodge

Visitor Information:

Centre County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Major Highways: Just off PA Route 150, midway between Milesburg and Lock Haven, Bald Eagle State Park is accessible from Interstate 80.

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Day 4: Williamsport

The perfect way to wrap up your four-day tour through this historic region is a trip to Williamsport. It may be most famous for being the home of Little League Baseball, but Williamsport also has a rich history that runs from its days as an outpost of the American frontier. As the lumber industry thrived, so did the residents of Williamsport, and by the mid-1800s, it was known throughout the nation as the Lumber Capital of the world - and a city of millionaires.

In fact, the history of these millionaires is a good place to start your day in Williamsport. Take a stroll down Millionaires' Row, a string of breathtaking Victorian mansions, and be transported back to the days of the lumber barons who owned them.

Also worth a stop is Lycoming County Historical Society's Thomas T. Taber Museum, which features the outstanding Shempp collection of model trains.

Your historic tour doesn't have to come to a halt when you're ready for a bite to eat. Combine history and food at the Peter Herdic House, an elegant gourmet restaurant in a beautiful restored Victorian mansion, situated on Millionaires Row.

Speaking of Peter Herdic, it was under his directions that the construction of the town's railway began. In 1865, streetcar service started in time for the State Fair, held in Williamsport. Today, Williamsport City Bus recreates that era with the Peter Herdic Trolly and Anne Weightman Trolley touring the sites. Tickets may be purchased from the driver, or one day in advance at the City Bus office in town.

In keeping with the theme, why not end your tour at one of Williamsport's historic B&Bs? The Gamble Farm Inn, an impeccably restored 1880's plantation house along the banks of the Susquehanna River is the ideal way to wind down before heading home - offering complete B&B amenities, along with a pool, full-service bar and gourmet restaurant.

Kids Would Love:

Little League Museum
Children's Discovery Workshop
Hiawatha Riverboat Tour

Nearby Lodging:

Econo Lodge Williamsport
Genetti Hotel
Serene View Farm Bed and Breakfast

Visitor Information:

Lycoming County Visitors Bureau

Major Highways from Bald Eagle State Park to Williamsport: Head north on Route 220.

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