You know you’re having a great summer when the hardest thing you have to do is pick out a beautiful place to picnic. Luckily, we have a list of the best spots State College has to offer to make your life that much easier. Scenic State College is full of picnic areas just waiting for you and to discover and enjoy.
8. HUB Lawn
Photo by Lauren Melda
The lawn has yet to fully recover from the bookstore construction, but the HUB is the perfect place for the lazy or last minute picnic. No need to worry about bringing food, just head inside and buy whatever you need.
7. Walnut Springs Park
Photo by Lauren Melda
Located less than a mile from campus, this park is a hidden gem. It’s quiet and has beautiful trails for you to work of all that delicious picnic food.
6. W. James Evans Memorial Oak Arboretum
Photo by Lauren Melda
Don’t forget the sunscreen for this one! It’s located right next to the Walnut Springs Park and is pretty much just a beautiful open field. It’s almost always empty (except for the occasional sun bather) so you and your boo can enjoy the outdoors with some privacy.
5. Old Main
Photo by Lauren Melda
Who hasn’t enjoyed the beautiful Old Main lawn? It’s a can’t-miss Penn State landmark that never disappoints. Make sure you watch out for stray frisbees though.
4. Millennium Sciences Complex Garden
Photo by Lauren Melda
Though it’s not a traditional picnic spot, this area has benches and flowers to spare. Bonus: it’s in the shade so you can look at your date instead of the sun.
3. Duck Pond
Photo by Lauren Melda
Even though the Duck Pond is part of the Alumni Gardens, it definitely deserves it’s own spot on the list. More than just a beautiful water feature, the pond has fish, turtles and ducks.
2. Alumni Gardens
Photo by Lauren Melda
There are almost too many places to sit in the gardens to decide. The gazebo, the open space, the benches by the building, by the sculpture or by the flowers and trees…how can one choose?
1. Penn State Arboretum
Photo by Lauren Melda
Nothing beats a picnic in the arboretum. Want romance? Sit by the roses. Want to chill with a friend? Bring a blanket and sit in the beautiful open area. Need a table for your food spread? Arboretum’s got you covered.
Now that you have the perfect location, it’s time to get out your picnic blanket and pack your food. Happy picnicking!