Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Indiana, PA

  • Published 2022/07/29

Known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” Indiana is a borough in the U.S. commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the seat of Indiana County.

This quiet borough hosts businesses proudly touting its place in history as the Christmas capital.

There are also many “grown in town” Christmas tree farms and nurseries throughout the area.

Located just an hour east of the city of Pittsburgh and covered in forests, Indiana sits on the side of a mountain, with an extensive network of rails.

Indiana County also celebrates fairs and festivals like the Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire, the Historic Saltsburg Canal Days, and the Hoodlebug Festival.

While these festivals only happen once a year, hikers can enjoy nature and the gorgeous scenery in Indiana any time they want.

There are endless hiking and walking trails to choose from in this area.

For example, you can walk down the 64-mile Rails to Trails, the Ghost Town Trail, the Blairsville Riverfront Trail, the West Penn Trail, and the Hoodlebug Trail.

Check out the list below to learn about some of the best things to do in Indiana, PA.

Spend a Day with Family at Blue Spruce Park

Daytime view of Blue Spruce Park

Michael Deemer / Shutterstock.com

The beautiful Blue Spruce Park combines nature with history and is a great place to spend a weekend with your family.

Indiana County established the park six miles north of the quaint community of Indiana.

Within Blue Spruce Park, you’ll find the Cummings Dam and a historical marker paying tribute to the first female umpire of a professional baseball league.

Blue Spruce Park features more than five miles of trails, some of which are level, wide, and scenic, perfect for practicing your skiing skills.

The calm waters of Blue Spruce Park

Michael Deemer / Shutterstock.com

The park is open to those who enjoy hunting and fishing as well.

Blue Spruce Park features four pavilions and two lodges for the public to rent.

You’ll also find the Indiana County Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens in Blue Spruce Park.

In 1996, these gardens first appeared after a local Girl Scout was awarded a prestigious award.

A generous donation from Local philanthropist Dorothy Musser helped fund the development of the gardens.

The gardens honor the award winner and educate young people about nature.

View of Blue Spruce Park's picnic pavilion

Michael Deemer / Shutterstock.com

Learn Local Culture at IUP University Museum

The University Museum at IUP has showcased Pennsylvania’s outstanding material arts and historical culture for many years.

The museum houses a variety of exhibits throughout the year.

Check out a series of artwork throughout Clark Hall, Cogswell Hall, IUP Performing Arts Center, Sutton Hall, Sprowls Hall, and elsewhere.

Some of these exhibits are large-scale celebrations of cultures from all over the world.

In contrast, others focus on art by local artists or regional artists who have exhibited at IUP throughout the years.

Community donations to help support IUP Fashion Studies majors have also helped maintain the IUP University Museum for several decades.

Soak up the Sun at the Mack Park Swimming Pool

If you’re looking to beat the heat with your family during summer, look no further than the Mack Park Swimming Pool.

There’s a zero-depth entry pool here, spray and splash features, and a water slide for the whole family to enjoy.

You can also swim here even beyond summer, thanks to the pool’s heating system.

The food at their snack bar is not too expensive and tastes great.

Their well-trained lifeguards are extremely alert to their surroundings in and outside the pool area.

The J.S. Mack Foundation privately owns and operates this community park residing in the heart of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Meet a WWII Hero at the Jimmy Stewart Museum

The Jimmy Stewart Museum celebrates the life and career of Hollywood icon and war hero Jimmy Stewart.

Jimmy Stewart was a family man and civic leader who has made a successful career in Hollywood, movies, radio, theater, and TV.

The museum contains two smaller galleries, three extensive galleries, a vintage theater with 50 seats, and two rotating exhibit hallways.

Inside, you’ll see vintage movie costumes, props, military uniforms, pictures, movie posters, memorabilia, awards, and so much more.

The gift shop also sells various merchandise that you can’t find anywhere else.

You can also take pictures of pretty much any exhibit that catches your eye.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum allows non-flash photography.

See an Event at Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex

Located on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus, the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex is a unique indoor athletic facility.

This fantastic indoor facility offers many different recreational opportunities and also hosts various sporting and educational activities.

There are also auditoriums here that host many of the University’s events like live theatre.

It has a serious side that features spaces for conventions but also has the power to excite people with a basketball stadium.

In addition, regional bands sometimes use the complex as a small concert venue.

There are also many food and drink options, including alcohol.

The prices at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex aren’t too outrageous.

Have Fun Ice Skating at S&T Bank Arena

The S&T Bank Arena is a multi-purpose arena that can seat over 1,000 spectators.

It features an indoor skating rink with skates for rent and baseball and soccer fields.

There are paved walking paths here with beautiful views of the area.

The concession stand here isn’t bad at all, and it’s reasonably priced.

This venue hosts sporting events such as ice hockey and local competitions.

Most of the ice time goes towards hockey games.

However, there are some teams of capable figure skaters and synchronized skaters in town.

Some notable players who have competed in this field include the Indiana Youth Hockey Association and the IUP Crimson Hawks’ men’s and women’s ACHA ice hockey teams.

Likewise, the Indiana Area High School and recreation leagues also compete at the S&T Bank Arena.

Enjoy the Cosmic Bowling at Mohawk Lanes

You’ll find a nice bowling alley called Mohawk Lanes in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Initially a 16-lane bowling alley, Mohawk Lanes had an upgrade in 2008.

By the end of that year, it had 24 synthetic surfaces replacing all the old lanes.

The bowling space features an automatic scoring system and flat-screen monitors.

Not only do they house a bowling facility, but they also offer patrons access to amenities.

Check out the Strike Zone Sports Bar, pro shop, full arcade, lounge, snack facilities, and party rooms.

The family-owned bowling alley also hosts a super fun 40-frame tournament four times a year.

Challenge Your Putting Prowess at Indiana Country Club

The Indiana Country Club is a state-of-the-art golf course, restaurant, and lounge.

You can play 18 holes of golf and then relax afterward by heading to the swimming pool there.

Members and guests of the Indiana Country Club can enjoy hassle-free tee times as part of a spacious golf course.

The club has hosted many past tournaments, including national and local competitions.

Indiana Country Club recently added the kid’s splash zone and heated saltwater pool.

There’s also a fully staffed bar with complete food and beverage service here.

You can also swim while listening to aquatic aerobics music and watching outdoor movies every night.

Likewise, you can celebrate birthday parties, dining events, golf events, and other special gatherings at the Indiana Country Club.

See Art Come to Life at the Philadelphia Street Playhouse

The Philadelphia Street Playhouse, or the Indiana Players, have entertained Western Pennsylvania for the past 35 years.

In 1977, they had their first show and continued to operate as a tremendous local amateur theater.

The theater stages only the best of comedies, mysteries, dramas, and musicals each year.

This tremendous local art institute features children’s and company’s annual musical productions.

These shows allow local children to have fun while performing on stage.

Every Sunday Evening, the Amplify Church holds its worship service with lots of music and great singing.

Check out the Philadelphia Street Playhouse for a jolly good time.

Hang out at Optimist Park

Optimist Park has an amicable and warm atmosphere for the Indiana area.

There are three lit Little League fields and a T Ball field for youth baseball enthusiasts.

The park also offers some excellent facilities, such as a concession stand serving tasty desserts or snacks.

One great feature about the park is that it has plenty of space for people to play multiple games at once.

There’s plenty of grass to throw a Frisbee around or have a picnic during the warmer months.

People can even bring their dogs with them and play fetch at Optimist Park.

Try Yoga at the Sunflower Yoga Studio

Sunflower Yoga aims to create a positive and uplifting community where practitioners can come together to form meaningful bonds.

This beautiful studio is also a community hub where locals meet for yoga, meditation, and other opportunities for self-expression.

Since 2008, Sunflower Yoga Studio has offered inspiring yoga classes and peaceful massage treatments on site.

This yoga studio’s 1,200-square-foot bamboo floor provides a warm and welcoming place for yoga classes.

The beautiful reception area invites visitors into the rest of the studio, where they can take advantage of more sessions.

Sunflower Yoga Studio is just a stone’s throw from the IUP campus.

Unleash Your Creativity at Artists Hand Gallery and Espresso Bar

Artists Hand Gallery is a great place to hang out if you like art and coffee.

The place has an upmarket, sophisticated vibe.

The gallery hosts an array of exhibitions celebrating art, artists, and the community annually.

They are always on the lookout for new ways to celebrate a culture of creativity by providing various classes, workshops, and demonstrations to foster curiosity in others.

The art on display is also for sale.

Likewise, they have so many yummy drink options from the cafe section.

In addition, the gallery also offers poetry readings, book signings, music, storytelling nights, and more.

The Artists Hand Gallery and Espresso Bar also sometimes hosts live music or open mic nights for those who want to join.

Enter Another World at Rose Moon Rising Metaphysical Shop

During your Indiana trip, you’ll come across the fantastic Moon Rising Metaphysical Shop.

The store setup, the vast selection of crystals, and the kind owner give this store a fantastic vibe.

As you enter the store, you will notice the many shelves containing beautifully arranged items, including candles and other healing tools.

The shop owner can guide you through your choices by explaining each item’s different metaphysical properties.

It’s a great place to shop if you’re looking for a variety of metaphysical or healing goods.

There’s something for everyone on their shelves here.

You can also order their products online, and they’ll ship the items with excellent packaging.

Scream Your Hearts Out at Go Bonkerz Entertainment

Go Bonkerz Entertainment is a state-of-the-art amenity for families, providing entertainment at its finest.

Putt your way across a baffling glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course and play laser tag with friends and family.

Otherwise, take it easy, enjoy great food, and have fun with the little ones in the indoor playground.

You can also host birthday parties for kids year-round.

Likewise, the place welcomes walk-ins on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Go Bonkerz Entertainment also provides a lot of colorful options regarding inflatables and bounce houses.

Their new line of arcade games is a hit at any event, whether a birthday party, graduation, or even corporate gathering.

Blow off Steam at the AXperience

Ax throwing is famous in some parts of the world.

The recreational activity involves hurling an ax into a target as if one were throwing a frisbee.

However, axes are more dangerous and potentially lethal.

The AXperience is Indiana, Pennsylvania’s full-fledged ax-throwing complex.

It offers ten lanes of killer fun and entertainment for individuals or teams eager to catch the ax fever.

This might sound like something people might do on their own during a camping trip.

However, there’s nothing quite as remarkable as combining an indoor throw with organized gameplay through membership with the World Axe Throwing League (WATL).

Membership comes with many benefits, too, including cash prizes and the opportunity to join tournaments worldwide.

Kids ten years old and older can also try the AXperience.

Just make sure to bring your parents or guardians there.

If you’re willing to learn to throw axes safely, you’re always welcome to the AXperience, regardless of prior experience.

Their veteran staff members will help you around the clock, eager to guide newbies.

Final Thoughts

Tour the streets of Indiana, Pennsylvania and marvel at all the city has to offer.

There’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this borough.

You need to know where to look.

These are a few suggestions of places you can go while visiting so you can make sure you enjoy a fun adventure.

Book your trip today!

You might find more things to do in Indiana, PA after you arrive.

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