WHY GO: Rimmed by mountains, the stunning Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania’s largest lake, is 30 miles long with 118 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline – nearly all of it maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. Raystown Lake is actually a Flood Control reservoir. It was created, in 1973, by damming up the Juanita River for the second time. (The first was in 1905).
Where is Raystown Lake?
In Midwestern PA, Raystown Lake is 90 miles west of PA’s State Capital, Harrisburg. And just 30 miles from your friends or kids at Penn State (State College). And another 30 miles from the Horseshoe Curve town of Altoona PA.
As the least developed, cleanest, and most dramatic of all the water bodies in the state, Raystown Lake is also the only Pennsylvania State Recreation area where you can rent a houseboat to explore all “8,300 acres of fun.”
But this region, which attracts a million visitors a year, mostly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, also includes the County Seat and Juniata College-town of Huntingdon PA. This humble burg is regaining its vibrancy by attracting artists with a low cost of living and access to gorgeous lakes and rivers. (It was also considered America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Magazine in 2009).
Read on for the best things to do, best places to eat, and our recommendations for a terrific and historic overnight stay.
Raystown Lake joins this roster of 18 Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania. You might just get some more romantic getaway ideas.
Things To Do: Raystown Lake PA Region
VISIT: Isett Heritage Museum, Huntingdon
Plan two hours or more to see 40,000 objects on display, organized by era, at the surprisingly engaging Isett Heritage Museum. Referred to as the “Smithsonian of Huntingdon PA,” the Isett Museum is a tourist favorite nostalgia trip where part of the joy is getting there.
On top of Stone Creek Ridge, 2 ½ miles from town, views while driving to this rather remote but incredible three-building collection of Americana are unsurpassed. This is not your typical dusty arrangement of stuff. Every display is spotless.
Founder Mel Isett
Although founder, Mel Isett, stayed very much involved into his late 90’s, he passed away in 2022 at the age of 100. A prescient businessman, who started out “in TV” (he owned the region’s first tower – 100 ft tall), Isett brought Cable, with 5 channels, to this part of PA in 1960. He sold out to Adelphia in 1999.
Over the years, Isett collected a progression of agricultural tools, electronics, machines, toys, kitchen and home appliances, utensils, complete rooms, and other memorabilia. These object are now arranged by historic era.
The modest Isett started his life of hard work making milkshakes in Fouse’s Dairy. He was so nostalgic about his first job that when Fouse’s closed, he purchased most of its interior – now on display in the first building you’ll enter on a self-guided tour.
Among an eclectic assortment of artifacts in the three warehouse-sized exhibit spaces, you’ll find a letterpress with cases of typeface; underground wooden water pipes that once served as the local sewer system; Abraham Megahan’s 1850’s Gunsmith Shop; complete Victorian Parlors (with fainting couches!); the Vincent R. Brown Photographic Collection of cameras and pictures (Brown worked for Kodak); a 1930’s Dentist office – which required the EPA to measure radiation in the equipment before it was installed in the museum; a mannequin used in the J.C. Blair School of Nursing; an interactive model train set with trolley and baseball game in process; old projector TV’s; and even a plastic doll with “Sticky Doll Disease” – the breakdown of Cellulose Acetate found in toys made in the 1930’s – 1950’s.
This well-tended and obviously well loved museum sparks memories in Baby Boomers and is a source of fascination for children as well. Check website for hours and dates open.
TOUR: Lincoln Caverns
Discovered while building Route 22 in the 1930’s, the limestone Lincoln Caverns system, was once teeming with bats. These creatures were a drawing card for visitors fascinated by nocturnal flying rodents.
But most of the bats have died off or left mysteriously. And that story, along with incredible formations and features, like massive flowstones, pure white calcite, sparkling crystals and of course stalagmites and stalactites, renders a visit here important as well as enjoyable.
There are two caves to see: the original Lincoln Cavern and Whisper Rocks. The latter got its name from the spooky sound the wind makes as it blows over the cave’s airways.
Cavern owner, Ann Dunlavy, is a fount of knowledge about caves and caverns. She is determined to educate the public about their history and importance. To that end, she runs a multitude of programs for kids and adults, and of course daily I hour tours through two cave systems on property. Check website for dates, times, and tour fees.
VISIT: Raystown Lake Visitor’s Center
Raystown Lake Visitor’s Center features worthwhile exhibits on hydro-power, the Dam’s history, geology, and archeology. Before flooding the lake by expanding the older dam, a Native American dwelling with the skeletal remains of a woman and child was found at a place called Sheep Rock. That site is now submerged under 85 feet of water. But the cliffs above are still imposing.Come in for information on attractions and events in the area, along with a beautiful view of the Lake.
VISIT: Swigart Antique Automobile Museum, Huntingdon
Antique car collector, William E. Swigart had his 15 minutes of fame after proffering the winning bid, against Jay Leno, on a 1936 Duesenberg Speedster. Leno complained on air that he had lost the sports car to a Pennsylvania “hick.”
The quip was not quite fair to Swigart, an insurance agent with a penchant for suits and antique autos. His collection of 150 notable cars (35 of which are on display at any given time) includes the original Herbie the Love Bug, and an 1899 Winton. Swigart also owns two Tuckers. It’s the only auto museum in the world with two. One was used in the movie starring Jeff Bridges: Tucker: The Man and His Dream. Check website for hours, dates, and admission fees.
GO: Hawn’s Overlook
Hawn’s Overlook is a favorite spot for selfies and photographers seeking the best Raystown Lake vistas. In summer, you’ll witness an abundance of watercraft, hidden coves, and forested property that rings the lake.
DO: Hike the 80-Mile Standing Stone Trail
The Standing Stone Hiking Trail is a moderate to strenuous 85 miles of ridge-top hiking. It encompasses the punishing 1,000 Steps –most stones marked by a number.
Should you just wish to tackle the Thousand Steps, get ready for a strenuous 3.5 miles up and back. The effort is “equivalent to an hour workout on Stairmaster,” according to AllTrails.com.
DO: Mountain Bike on Allegrippis Trail
Less technical than other trails, mountain bikers drive 8 hours just to cruise along the 36 mile single-track, Allegrippis Trail. A fast and flowy roller coaster-like path, Allegrippis is considered by Singletracks.com as one of the top 25 in the world.
BOAT/TOUR: 7 Points Marina
7 Points Marina has been owned by Pam Prosser and her family since 1975. (Her parents owned the lake’s first marina in 1946, which had to relocate after the new dam was built in 1973). It’s the largest marina in Pennsylvania, with 947 boats, most stored on easy to access racks.
Rent a Pontoon or Speed Boat for the day (or a Houseboat for a few nights – see below).
LOCAL OUTFITTERS
Rent canoes and kayaks at Arnold’s Marine, and on the southern end of the lake, find everything you need for the outdoorsman-woman at Saxton Outdoor Supply.
DO: Raystown Lake Cruise
Proud Mary Tour Boat out of Lake Raystown Resort.
WALKING TOUR: Huntingdon PA
Every Thursday from mid-June to mid-August – you can join a historic walking tour of the town that gave us the “Blair Tablet” – Mark Twain’s favorite writing paper.
J.C. Blair, founded in the 1870’s, made notebooks with pages adhered together by wallpaper glue. By 1882, the tablets were so popular, they could be found in every state in the Union. And, internationally. The Blairs donated the land and funding for the local hospital that still bears their name today. Lately, artists have been moving here – from as far away as Arizona.
VISIT: Huntingdon County Historical Society
See a copy of the letter that Mark Twain sent to the J.C. Blair Company, singing the writing tablet’s praises, at the Huntingdon County Historical Society Museum. The HCHS also holds an abundance of other important local artifacts and documents.
PHOTO OP: Standing Stone, Huntingdon
This tall thin rock in the center of town is a recreation of the Native American landmark for which this area was originally named. It was described by explorer John Harris as measuring 14’ tall and 8” square.
SHOP: Thompson’s Candle Company, Huntingdon
Over 25 years ago, Angie Thompson started making “super scented” candles in her garage. Now these fragrant flickering beauties, some in the shape of frosted cakes, are sold all over the world. Based right in Huntingdon, Thompson’s Candle Company can be found right behind the Gage Mansion B&B – also owned by the Thompson family.
SEE: The Playhouse @ McConnellstown
Nearly 40 years running, the regional Playhouse @ McConnellstown features revivals, comedy, and music in an intimate space.
Restaurants in Raystown Lake Region
EAT: Stone Town Café and Gallery, Huntingdon
How about a bit of stained glass and ceramic whimsy with your afternoon crepes? This fun and innovative eatery-slash-art gallery, owned by glass artist, Deb Tumlin, and her life partner, Caroline Gillich, provides lots to look at, inside and out.
There are art galleries and a funky back yard that provides hammocks for chillin’. Try fun sharables while taking in the works of over sixty local artists. Or revel in live music every week.
When Tumlin and Gillrich took over this vacant building, they turned it into a real community. It now encompasses a frame shop, beauty salon, massage therapist, and a violin teacher’s studio.
EAT: Marina Café at Lake Raystown Resort, Entriken
Even if you don’t stay here, it’s fun to chow down on casual fare like the hearty Signature Boca Sandwich while overlooking private boats at dock at this resort and marina.
EAT: Locals recommend
Top’s Diner for breakfast all day. Standing Stone Coffee for great java and “Friends” like vibe. And Boxer’s – a hit with the biking/kayaking crowd and a good place to carb up. Both are in Huntingdon.
Where to Stay in Raystown Lake Region
STAY: Gage Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Huntington PA
If you want to stay in Victorian-age grandeur, without the clutter and frou-frou that are hallmarks of the era, choose the Gage Mansion Bed & Breakfast. The B&B is a beautifully restored brick and multi-colored trimmed Queen Ann Victorian right in downtown Huntingdon PA.
Colonel George Gage was inventor and railroad man who was hired in the mid-1800’s to oversee the Huntingdon and Bread Top Short Line. As the railroad succeeded, so did Gage. He expanded the home in stages with ever-growing panache. Purchased a couple of years ago by candle moguls, Angie and John Thompson, Gage Mansion has been lovingly restored as a luxury B&B.
First Impressions of Gage Mansion B&B
Parking is in the back, right behind the Thompson Candle Factory Store, which is in the Gage Mansion B&B’s backyard. Park, and if the store is open, walk though for a wonderfully scented few minutes.
The interior of the mansion is magnificent. Full of grey-grained white Carrera marble, stained glass by Ann Dorris Chisholm, striking wood details, Italian Delft Tiled fireplaces, ornate lamps – all original to the home – and high ceilings throughout, Gage Mansion is a marvel of Victorian finery mixed with contemporary features.
Guestrooms at Gage Mansion B&B
Each of the 7 rooms and suites are individually decorated, with paneled wood walls and carved beds, flat screen TV’s, and brand new contemporary bedding. Some rooms feature small crystal chandeliers.
Bathrooms are small but newly renovated, with glistening tiles and pedestal sinks.
Breakfast at Gage Mansion B&B
Thanks to Angie’s laying hens, the hot gourmet breakfast includes one of the freshest egg dishes you’ll ever eat. The meal begins with fresh fruit and most likely will be something like Eggs Hollandaise over wilted greens and garlic from the local Farmer’s Market. Mouthwatering. Check website for room rates and availability.
STAY: Rent a Houseboat from 7 Points Marina on Raystown Lake
Rent your own private houseboat from 7 Points Marina. According to those in the know, there is nothing better than sitting on the top deck hot tub in the middle of Raystown Lake on a moonlit night. “It is heaven on earth,” says one fan, who calls these vessels “beach houses on the water.”
Take a kayak and/or bike on board and head out to paddle on the lake or pedal on the adjacent Alligrippis Bike Trail. The largest boat is 60 ft and can accommodate 10 people. Service is over the top. The marina sends a pilot to your houseboat to assist in docking. Check website for rates.
A houseboat on Raystown Lake is one of the most quirky-romantic places to propose in PA.
STAY: Inn @ Solvang
Another luxury inn – this one like a Southern plantation – a bit out of town in tranquil surroundings.
STAY: Lake Raystown Resort, Entriken
A gated community and RVC Outdoors Resort, Lake Raystown Resort offers beachfront bungalows, yurts, lodge rooms, and campground accommodations. Yurts, $75-$119, Lodge Rooms $85-$224.
CAMP OUT: Raystown Lake Campgrounds
There are 3,000 campsites for both tent and RVs throughout the wilderness that rims Raystown Lake. Obviously very in demand in the summer.
Nice review! In the Isett museum section you have “Smithsonian of Huntington, Pa.” Huntingdon spelled with a “t” not a “d”. Is this a typo or does the Isett Museum have it wrong? In the Lincoln Cavern section you have Ann Dunlavy as a “font” of knowledge…maybe “fount” is what you are going for…
I love that area! This is a good article, however I wish standing stone coffee shop had been included. Also, not every step at 1000 steps is “marked”