Your Guide to the Best Museums in Central PA

A trip to inviting Central Pennsylvania is an appealing option for travelers with all types of interests. Here, impeccable fly-fishing opportunities abound for outdoor enthusiasts while those who are looking to restaurant hop and shop their way through a stay will be satisfied with amazing options to enjoy that too! It’s also a destination packed with incredible museums to check out when you’re looking to boost your itinerary with stops that are equal parts engaging and educational. The following are a few that you’re simply not going to want to miss out on the next time you’re here!

Columbus Chapel & Boal Estate

Just 15 minutes away from Reynolds Mansion, the Columbus Chapel and Boal Estate are easy to access and amazing options to enjoy when you’re looking to dig into the area’s past. Found at 163 Boal Estate Drive, this destination sprawls across 38 acres of land and showcases impeccable Georgian-style architecture paired with Beaux-Arts influence. The historic Central PA home has been in the Boal family for over 200 years and is a testament to life in America through the course of eight generations. A tour of this home-turned museum is a chance to encounter original furnishings, artwork, and artifacts. Drop-in tours are available each Wednesday through Sunday at 2:00 pm and reservations aren’t required.

The American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte

Head over to 100 Match Factory Place in Bellefonte to enjoy time at The American Philatelic Center Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.  Here, visitors can enjoy touring the largest, non-profit organization for stamp collectors on the planet! It’s the home of both the American Philatelic Research Library as well as the American Philatelic Society.

Time here puts you in the center of stamp collecting in the United States with options to view a variety of captivating stamp collections on the museum side of the building as well as intriguing archives on the library side.

Pennsylvania Military Museum

For those who have a passion for military history, time at the Pennsylvania Military Museum is always well spent during a Central PA journey. Located at 51 Boal Avenue in Boalsburg, the Pennsylvania Military Museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm as well as Sundays from noon until 3:00 pm.

The museum sits off Route 322 and is within easy reach of the Pennsylvania State University Campus. A visit to the museum is a chance to browse galleries and displays dedicated to military history and artifacts. There are also exterior trails to explore and a pavilion to enjoy during a visit. The 28^th Division Shrine & Monuments is not to be missed!

Centre County Library & Historical Museum

When you’re interested in pairing a museum visit with some genealogy research, time at the Centre County Library & Historical Museum is a must. Found at 200 N. Allegheny Street in Bellefonte, this dual museum and library is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from noon until 7:00 pm, Fridays from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

The Centre County Library first opened in 1939 and continues to function as the main branch of the Centre County Library & Historical Museum system. The Pennsylvania Room at 203 N. Allegheny Street sits in the historic Miles-Potter-Humes house and is a destination that specializes in genealogy research alongside state and local history. It’s open to researchers Monday through Friday from noon until 5:00 pm.

Book Your Stay Today

Infuse style, comfort, and luxury into your Central PA stay when you book your accommodations at Reynolds Mansion.

Privacy, well-appointed guest rooms, and elegant amenities come together here to create an unforgettable stay from start to finish. Wake up and enjoy our three-course gourmet breakfast before heading out to explore these historic sites and museums.

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