Best Museums in State College, PA

Updated September 2026 · 6 businesses · State College guide

Looking for museums in State College? Below you'll find 6 local options with their address, phone number, website and opening hours, plus practical advice on choosing the right one.

What they do: Art, history, science and children's museums. Many offer free days and discounts for students and families.

This guide lists 6 museums in and around State College, spread across 4 ZIP codes. 4 have a phone number you can call directly from this page, 5 link to their own website, 3 are open on weekends. Listings are organized so you can compare them at a glance and contact them directly.

Top 6 Museums in State College

Listings are shown in no paid order: no business can pay to appear or to rank higher on this page.

1 Discovery Space

Open weekendsZIP 16803
Opening hours
Wed10 AM-5 PM
Thu10 AM-5 PM
Fri10 AM-5 PM
Sat10 AM-5 PM
Sun10 AM-5 PM

CallDirections

2 Boal Mansion Museum

Open weekendsZIP 16827
Opening hours
Mon1 PM-5 PM
Tue1 PM-5 PM
Wed1 PM-5 PM
Thu1 PM-5 PM
Fri1 PM-5 PM
Sat1 PM-5 PM
Sun1 PM-5 PM

CallDirections

5 Pennsylvania Military Museum

ZIP 16827

Directions

6 Turfgrass Museum

ZIP 16802
  • Address 31 University Drive, University Park, PA 16802

Directions

How to choose museums in State College

  • Check seasonal hours, since many attractions change their schedule in winter.
  • Look for discount days, family passes and membership options.
  • Check parking and accessibility before you go.
  • Pack for the weather. Pennsylvania weather changes quickly, especially in spring and fall.
  • For state parks, check the DCNR website for alerts, closures and reservations.

Local tips for State College

Demand for many services, from movers to cleaners to restaurants, rises and falls with the Penn State academic calendar, especially at move-in and move-out.

Book movers, hotels and restaurants well in advance around home football games, graduation and Arts Fest in July.

State College is in Centre County, and local phone numbers use the 814 area code. Popular areas include Downtown, College Heights, Highlands, Holmes-Foster, Penn State campus, Nittany Crossing, Park Forest.

Frequently asked questions

Which museums in State College are open on weekends?

According to their listed hours, these are open on Saturday or Sunday: Discovery Space, Boal Mansion Museum, Boalsburg Heritage Museum. Hours can change on holidays, so call before you go.

Which areas of State College do these museums cover?

The museums on this list are located in ZIP codes 16801, 16802, 16803, 16827. Many businesses also serve nearby neighborhoods and suburbs, so ask when you call.

Are Pennsylvania state parks free?

Yes. Pennsylvania state parks don't charge an entrance fee, although camping, cabins, some pools and special activities have fees.

What are the best times to visit attractions in State College?

Weekday mornings are usually the quietest. Summer weekends and school holidays are the busiest.

Where can I find trails near State College?

Use the DCNR's ExplorePAtrails.com and local park websites to find trails by length, difficulty and activity.

Business data for this page comes from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), reviewed and formatted by Pennsylvania Connection.

Information is collected from public sources and may change. Please confirm hours, prices and availability directly with each business. Business owner? Ask us to update your listing.