Elk State Park is home to the East Branch Lake, which is, by far, the main draw here (and is…read moreliterally how it was described by the friendly staff person at Kinzua Bridge State Park who was telling us about the other state parks in the region). If you are looking to go boating or do some fishing, that this may be the park for you. The docks are private and labeled with no trespassing signs and there is no beach or swimming permitted. There is a nearby campground and a public trail that goes along part of the lake. A picnic table and grill are available at the trailhead. It is, however, adjacent to the USACE Dam Area, which offers additional recreational opportunities.

The arts festival is huge and it's extremely hard to get parking most of the time. The prices are…read morecompletely outrageous. It's usually so crowded, and so hot , you can barely breathe. However it's a great way to spend an afternoon, looking around at all of the artwork. From paintings to clothing to pottery to sculptures with lots of potters and jewelry makers. There's a lot of great music scheduled and it's all free. Quite a few food truck vendors. Peoples Choice is held at the Grange fair now and used to be the more affordable version of the arts festival. Now it's six dollars to park at the Grange Fairgrounds, and the prices at the Peoples Choice are just as high.

Part of our Central PA Arts Festival Weekend…read more They got it going, on a beautiful July weekend. They have the food, they have lots to do, the booklet they produced is detailed and very informative, the volunteer trash crew is everywhere and very dutiful at their jobs, good food choices, and clean bathroom facilities all over. One suggestion. Many festivals around the country have become dog free. You should think about this. Most large dogs are poorly attended to by their owners, take up precious sidewalk space, and in general the environment may be too noisy for animals. I see you ban bicycles. You must have thought that one through, because most festivals encourage bicycles. Think it though on animals. I would encourage a ban. This is the 47th iteration and it seems they are only getting better. They take over the entire city and everyone cooperates! Plan to come next year, central PA is lovely in July.

Bendigo State Park was an unexpectedly fun visit. It was suggested to us by the friendly staff…read moreperson at Kinzua Bridge State Park. It has a gorgeous setting right on the Clarion River surrounded by trees and hills. There are several overlooks along the river, and you can walk right alongside in several sections, as well as do some fishing. There are a number of picnic areas to enjoy, plus sports fields and courts. There is a very nice playground near a staffed swimming pool that offers free entry. The bathhouse is open air and pretty basic, but the pool is in good condition with chairs and umbrella tables around deck. There is a nice large parking lot available.

This building is an architectural standout. It is an historically relevant municipal building that…read morewas built in 1912. It is a 2 1/2-story, 3x5 bay brick building that is in the Dutch Colonial Revival-style. The front features a uniquely shaped, stepped and arched parapet and elongated arcaded windows. It is intersting in that it is reminiscent of 17th century Dutch Town Halls. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983.