Introduction to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, in Centre county, is 98 miles NW of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 120 miles E of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Part of the surrounding State College metro area, the town is not isolated.
Bellefonte History
The area was originally settled in 1795. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord conducted a land-speculation visit in this region in the 1790s. Since there was a natural spring in the area, he named the community "Bellefonte," which in French means "beautiful fountain." William Lamb, who owned a local mill, sold it to James Dunlop. Dunlop, together with his son-in-law, James Harris, laid out the town. In 1806, Bellefonte was officially incorporated as a borough. Following the discovery of iron in the area, the community of Bellefonte experienced significant growth and development.
Bellefonte and Nearby Attractions
- Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum
- Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
- Hershey's Chocolate World
- Williams Grove Amusement Park
- Juniata College Museum of Art
- Black Moshannon State Park
Things To Do In Bellefonte
Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum preserves the home of Scottish-Irish Revolutionary War officer, David Boal. The streets of Bellefonte are lined with Victorian houses like the Hastings Mansion, the Bush House, and the town's first jail, all of which were constructed in the 1800s. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is a 1,500-acre park featuring exhibits that tell the story of the first railroad that was constructed over the Allegheny Mountains. Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, Railroaders Memorial Museum, and Baker Mansion are some of the other museums and historic sites in the region. In addition, Bellefonte, which is close to the 3,394-acre Black Moshannon State Park, features bike trails and a lake, as well as facilities for fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, and canoeing. Among the other popular attractions near Bellefonte are Williams Grove Amusement Park, Hershey's Chocolate World, Bald Eagle State Park, and Greenwood Furnace State Park.
Bellefonte Transportation
Harrisburg International Airport is the nearest major airport.
Bellefonte Higher Education
Colleges close to Bellefonte are Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University Park, and Juniata College.
