Free Things To Do

Take A Hike

There are hundreds of miles of trails here where you can stroll beneath giant ancient trees in Cook Forest, hike through the restored Climax Tunnel on the Redbank Valley Trail, see waterfalls in the Quehanna Wild Area, explore the vast Allegheny National Forest and cross a swinging bridge on the Clarion-Little Toby Trail.

Kayaking

Enjoy endless opportunities for cooling off from the hot summer heat. The Clarion River, Allegheny River, Sinnemahoning, and Little Toby Water Trails are perfect for spending the day floating along by canoe, kayak, tube, or raft.

See Eagles Soaring

The bald eagle is the proud symbol of American Freedom and can be seen along many waterways in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region.  The Sinnemahoning watershed is blessed with a thriving eagle poplulation and a great place for spotting these majestic birds of prey hunting for fish.  Cameron County has a new guide with 9 eagle watching hotspots throughout the county.

Bat Factory Tour

Swing into the BWP Bat Factory in Brookville for a FREE tour. Get your name laser engraved on your very own baseball bat, just like the pros use!

Fish Hatchery

Enjoy a free tour of the Tionesta Fish Hatchery and see where muskellunge, walleye, and steelhead fingerlings are raised for stocking Pennsylvania’s waters.

Take A Ride

Designed by bikers, for bikers featuring four distinct rides cruising through some of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region.  Cars are welcome too!

Learn About Wildlife

Explore the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park and crawl through a bear’s den and other exhibits including wildlife watching, camping, and a park ranger’s office.

Elk Viewing

Everyone will love the hands-on exhibits and activities.  Feel the weight of an antler, hear the sounds of a bugling bull, step on a scale to see how you weigh up to an elk, and more!

Panoramic Views

Located along Route 68, the Brady’s Bend Overlook provides a spectacular 8-mile panoramic view of the entrenched meander, standing over 500 feet above the Wild & Scenic Allegheny River.

Weather Capital of the World

Punxsutawney is the home of the world’s foremost weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil. Make sure to visit the new Groundhog Visitor Center at Gobbler’s Knob and Phil’s Burrow at the library. No trip to the weather capital of the world would be complete without posting some great selfies with one of the dozens of Phantastic Phils sculptures throughout town.

A Perfect View

Appreciate a commanding view up to 20 miles of the Clarion River Valley in Cook Forest.  The 87′ fire tower in Cook Forest provides an unforgettable observation more than 1600 feet above.

Tall Trees

Did you know Cook Forest is home to some of the tallest trees in the northeastern United States?  Hike the Longfellow Trail and experience the Forest Cathedral.

Umbrella Rocks

Trek the short hike to an impressive arrangement of rocks.  This area within the state gamelands near Ridgway also features geocaches, caves and other large rock formations.

Beartown Rocks

Best kept secret in Clear Creek! House-sized boulders are scattered throughout the area with breathtaking scenic views, hiking trails, and they’re great for climbing!

Scripture Rocks

Short hiking trail to view over 70 engraved boulders carved in the early 1900s scattered throughout the 4-acre park.  Information guides available, picnic area, pet friendly, and 1-mile walking trail.

Top of the World

Take in the views from Mason Hill Overlook, known as “top of the world.” Unique rock formations and scenic vistas along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County.

Beer Tour

Enjoy a free tour of the Straub Brewery in St. Marys and a drink from the Eternal Tap. Family-owned, Honestly Fresh and Fiercely Independent brewing since 1872.

Feed the Fish

The Heath Twp Sportsman Club raises trout for a kids fishing derby held each May and stock five local streams for the annual fishing seasons.  Stop in and feed the fish at the nursery!

Golf Hall of Fame

Priceless collections of over 400 years of golf history including golf clubs and other exhibits at the American Golf Hall of Fame on the oldest golf course in continuous use in America!

Helen Furnace

Cold-blast charcoal stone furnace and iron works built in 1845 with eight-foot bosh 32 feet high. Originally called “Hieland” or “Highland” in Scottish.

Swift Safariland

Come see 100 different exotic animal mounts from around the world including a life-size grizzly bear, elephant, hippo, lion, cape buffalo, crocodile, and many more.

Lighthouse Island

23-acre island in Tionesta featuring the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse and a Peace Park with a Cross of Freedom, Statue of Liberty, Veterans Memorial, Chapel, and replica scale model of 1893 Timber Crib dam.

Lily of the Valley

Includes 730 homes, businesses and churches featuring Millionaires’ Row. Structures built from 1855 on, in an incredible variety of styles. Maps at Ridgway-Elk County Chamber Main Street.

Public Art

Cameron County Canvas murals throughout Emporium depict county residents and military personnel. Painted by Michael Pilato and Yuri Karabash and funded by the Sylvan Heritage Council.

Events

2024wed24apr(apr 24)10:00 amsat27(apr 27)7:00 pm FeaturedChainsaw Carvers Rendezvous10:00 am - 7:00 pm (27)(GMT-04:00) Ridgway Mills Campground, 260 W. Main St. Ridgway, PACountiesElkCategoryFairs & Festivals

2024mon15aprAll Daysat11may Nature's Palette: An exhibition by Lisa Conklin Conn(All Day)(GMT-04:00) Ridgway, Main St, Ridgway, PACountiesElkCategoryTheater & Arts

2024thu25apr(apr 25)7:30 pmsat27(apr 27)10:00 pm Footlighters of Elk Country Present Lie, Cheat and Genuflect7:30 pm - 10:00 pm (27)(GMT-04:00) St Marys Moose, 30 Erie Ave, Saint Marys, PA 15857CountiesElkCategoryTheater & Arts

2024fri26apr8:30 pmfri11:30 pm Entertainment at Casali's8:30 pm - 11:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Casali's Grille, 32 S St Marys St, St Marys, PA 15857CountiesElkCategoryFood & Wine,Music

2024sat27apr(apr 27)8:00 amsun28(apr 28)5:00 pmSt. Leo School 20th Annual Trout Derby8:00 am - 5:00 pm (28)(GMT-04:00) Ridgway Fireman's Grounds, 135 N. Broadway StreetCountiesElkCategoryNature & Wildlife,Outdoor Adventure

2024sat27apr9:00 amsat12:00 pmFirst Annual Fishing Derby9:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Benzinger Park, Fleming Rd, St. Marys, PACountiesElkCategoryChildren’s Events

2024sat27apr11:00 amsat12:15 pmArt Bar Raising Creative Thinkers11:00 am - 12:15 pm(GMT-04:00) CountiesElkCategoryArts and DIY Crafts,Children’s Events

2024sat27apr12:00 pmsat2:00 pmEagle WatchSinnemahoning State Park Programs12:00 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Sinnemahoning State Park, 4843 Park Road Austin PACountiesCameronCategoryState Parks: Events & Programs

2024sat27apr12:00 pmsat6:00 pmWolf's Corners Youth& Ag Tractor Show12:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Wolf's Corners Fair, 2611 Lake Lucy RoadCountiesForestCategoryOther Events

2024sat27apr2:00 pmsat3:00 pmArbor Day Celebration2:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Elk Country Visitor Center, 950 Winslow Hill Rd, Benezette, PACountiesElkCategoryNature & Wildlife

2024sat27apr2:00 pmsat10:00 pm3rd Annual Leek Fest2:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-04:00) WIldwoods Bar and Grill, 875 Washington St, St Marys, PA 15857-3661CountiesElkCategoryFood & Wine,Music

2024sat27apr4:00 pmsat7:00 pmMusic Entertainment--Western Range Music@ the Sinnemahoning Sportsmens Club4:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Sinnemahoning Sportsman Club, 15 Club Rd, SinnemahoningCountiesCameronCategoryMusic

2024sat27apr5:00 pmsat8:00 pmDust in the Wind at Sinnemahoning Tavern5:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Sinnemahoning Tavern, 10426 Main Street Sinnemahoning, PA 15861CountiesCameronCategoryFood & Wine,Music

2024sat27apr6:30 pmsat8:30 pmOwls of PennsylvaniaSinnemahoning State Park Programs6:30 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Sinnemahoning State Park Wild Life Center, 4843 Park Road Austin, PA 16720CountiesCameronCategoryState Parks: Events & Programs

2024sun28apr1:00 amsun8:00 pmPennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education1:00 am - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Woodland Elemetary School, 603 Woodland Ave Emporium PA 15834CountiesCameronCategoryNature & Wildlife,Other Events

2024sun28apr2:00 pmsun3:00 pmElk Explanations2:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Elk Country Visitor Center, 950 Winslow Hill Rd, Benezette, PACountiesElkCategoryNature & Wildlife

2024sun28apr11:00 pmsun12:00 pmPorcupine Party CraftSinnemahoning State Park Programs11:00 pm - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Sinnemahoning State Park Wild Life Center, 4843 Park Road Austin, PA 16720CountiesCameronCategoryChildren’s Events,State Parks: Events & Programs

2024tue30apr11:00 amtue4:00 pmManufacturing Advanced Expo11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Red Fern, 421 Old Kersey RoadCountiesElkCategoryOther Events

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