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All the United States Pennsylvania State College

The Atlas Obscura Guide To State College

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in State College, Pennsylvania

Updated February 3, 2017

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Unusual Attractions in State College

State College, Pennsylvania

Frost Entomological Museum

Penn State's giant bug collection.
View of mural facing east

State College, Pennsylvania

Willard Mural

No one knows who painted this mysterious mural in a Penn State basement.
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A researcher performing an experiment on animal nutrition using the Armsby Respiration Calorimeter in the early 1900s.

College Township, Pennsylvania

The Armsby Calorimeter

This 19th century machine put animals (including humans) in boxes to study how they metabolized calories.
1 mile from State College
M4A1(76)W Sherman tank.  Nearly 50,000 Sherman tanks saw service in World War II and Korea.  Accepted in 1944, this later version featured a larger gun and more secure ammunition storage.

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Military Museum

A history of the U.S. military, with a focus on Pennsylvania's contributions.
3 miles from State College
Penn’s Cave Exit

Spring Mills, Pennsylvania

Penn's Cave

Sail through this subterranean show cave that is home to a legend that would go on to name nearly everything around it.
14 miles from State College
Permanently Closed
Indian Caverns visitors center on the hillside.

Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania

Indian Caverns

A soon-to-be-forgotten roadside spectacle loaded with local lore.
15 miles from State College
Behind the stone is a glass jar with Civil War mementos and soldiers’ names

Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

A small granite block at this monument's base is the only part of Lincoln's Tomb outside of Illinois.
20 miles from State College
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Recent State College Activity

  • katehawes

    wants to go to Willard Mural

  • sarakreep

    wants to go to Frost Entomological Museum

  • txblubnt81

    has been to Willard Mural

  • negatibe

    wants to go to Frost Entomological Museum

  • juliegirl1977

    has been to Willard Mural

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