Things to do in University Park, Pennsylvania
- University Park is not a traditional incorporated city, but rather a campus-community designation established specifically for the Pennsylvania State University's main location.
- The area operates under its own dedicated United States Postal Service ZIP code, 16802, which is exclusively reserved for the university.
- Unlike most municipal areas, the local infrastructure, public safety, and administrative maintenance are managed through a partnership between university and municipal authorities.
- The Nittany Lion, the university's mascot, is named after the mountain lions that historically roamed the nearby Mount Nittany.
About University Park, Pennsylvania
University Park is a uniquely defined census-designated place entirely encompassing the main campus of The Pennsylvania State University in central Pennsylvania. The area serves as the primary hub for Nittany Lion athletics, centered around the massive West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Visitors can explore the expansive grounds of The Arboretum at Penn State or visit the iconic Nittany Lion Shrine, a symbolic limestone sculpture central to university tradition. Academically and culturally integrated with State College, the area features historic landmarks like the Old Main Lawn that define the collegiate landscape.
Highlights of University Park, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
Experience the atmosphere of one of the largest college football stadiums in the United States.
Parks
Explore extensive botanical collections and seasonal gardens maintained by the university.
Temples
Photograph the original limestone sculpture that serves as the most recognizable symbol of Penn State tradition.
Parks
Visit the historic administrative center of the university grounds for views of the main campus architecture.
Natural attractions
Hike to the summit of the local mountain for panoramic views of the entire university valley.
Museums
View expansive military history collections, including various armored vehicles and artifacts from Pennsylvania's service history.
Parks
Walk the boardwalks through 60 acres of restored wetlands and diverse natural habitat.
Museums
Tour a historic 19th-century mansion and chapel containing rare European religious artifacts.
Top things to do in University Park, Pennsylvania
The 53 highest-rated places in University Park, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
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Around University Park, Pennsylvania
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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University Park, Pennsylvania on the map
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Plan your visit to University Park, Pennsylvania
September through October, when the fall foliage creates a significant visual backdrop for campus tours and the peak of the college football season.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to tour the sprawling campus, visit specialized museums, and hike the local trails.
The campus is highly walkable, though visitors often utilize the local bus system or drive to reach adjacent natural areas like the Mount Nittany Trailhead.
Stay in downtown State College for immediate proximity to campus borders or look for hotels along Atherton Street for convenient access to all regional attractions.
Mid-range, with costs largely dictated by university event schedules and football weekends which drive up lodging demand.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 53 curated attractions in and around University Park, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park is the highest-rated place to visit in University Park, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is parks, with 22 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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