Bellefonte Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Located almost directly in the middle of Pennsylvania is the town of Bellefonte. It is about twelve miles northeast of its neighbor, State College. The city itself is named after a natural spring which though now covered, still serves as the town's water supply. Bellefonte got its start in the 1790s with just one house and a crossroad. When iron was discovered, however, and the city grew quickly. Another little bit of trivia about Bellefonte is that it is home to five of Pennsylvania's governors as well as governors from two other states. All seven of these public servants are commemorated in a monument located in Talleyrand Park.

Things to Do in Bellefonte Pennsylvania

Amongst the many Victorian buildings lining the historic downtown and mansions throughout the borough, you'll find year-round entertainment and endless opportunities for visitors of every kind from history buffs to the stamp collectors, artists, shoppesr, or park enthusiasts.

Downtown is the center for exploring all that Bellefonte has to offer including the Bellefonte Art Museum. This museum is located in the historically registered Linn House. There are a wide variety of exhibits, classes, camps, and events, for both adults and children. Another museum worth exploring is The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society which to spreads the word on the historical and current significance of railroad transportation. Throughout the year there are seasonally-inspired train rides from Presenting Fall Foliage in October, the Santa Express in December, to the Speeder rides in the summer; there are plenty of opportunities to experience the historical trains and tracks first hand.

With numerous listings on the National Register of Historic Places such as the Centre County Courthouse, the Bellefonte Armory, and the old Pennsylvania Match Factory, Bellefonte offers a glimpse into Pennsylvania history around the turn of the century. The best way to take in all of these sites has to be the Bellefonte Historic District/Walking Tours. There are self-guided walking tours as well as tours conducted by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association. A historical map of the area from 1874 shows all of the designated stops along the tour.

Best Places to Stay in Bellefonte Pennsylvania

To find your ideal accommodation for a great stay in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, check out AllTheRooms for a fantastic selection of vacation rentals including hotels, motels, private vacation homes, as well Bed & Breakfasts from people living in Bellefonte. You'll be sure to find all of the features you and your family are looking for with our search engine.

Best Time to Visit Bellefonte Pennsylvania

The summers are warm, the winters are freezing, and it is partly cloudy year round. The temperature typically runs a freezing 21°F in the Winter months to a warm and sometimes muggy 82°F. Rarely does the temperature fall below 7°F or rise above 90°F. Bellefonte enjoys its best weather for most activities is from mid-June to mid-September.