Huntingdon, PA: A Charming Small City in the Raystown Lake Region

Huntingdon is a charming small city, set in deep in the Juniata Valley, and in the middle of the many attractions in the Raystown Lake Region. Some of these awesome attractions include Lincoln Caverns, the awesome vintage cars at the Swigart Museum, the world-class Allegrippis Mountain Biking Trails, awesome hiking at the Standing Stone Trail and the Thousand Steps, countless natural and geological wonders at Trough Creek State Park, and the lake itself, the largest fully within the confines of the state. The charming small city of Huntingdon is right in the middle of it all. Additionally, the city is also home to Juniata College and so much more. This city's a little bit of everything and tons of character.

The city sits right on the historic Route 22 William Penn Highway, and it gets daily Amtrak service from points east including New York City, Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Harrisburg from the East, and Altoona, Johntown, and Pittsburgh from the west. The Amtrak rolls on the illustrious old Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line.

We spent our time in the area at the lovely Gage Mansion Bed and Breakfast, a place that we highly recommend.

At first glance, this almost looks like a typical memorial that you see in Anytown, USA. This rock was erected in 1896 as an ode to something that was believed to have been placed in the area by the Oneida tribe. There are differing accounts on what the rock was utilized for, with some saying that it was used as a settlement "beacon stone," and others saying that it was a trail marker. Either way, this is one of the coolest town square monuments that I have ever seen. 

A view looking into town.

Boxer's Bar is an eclectic little watering hole in Downtown Huntingdon. The bar has a great mix of beers and foods, though, the winning aspect of this bar is the environment. This place is relaxed, with people relaying stories of being out on the trails and on the waters of Raystown Lake. They even have a collection of metal puzzles to play as you sip your drink. One guy was even there relaxing and reading a book.

Metal Puzzles!

Brit was just pounding these out. I think she figured out about five or six of them.

Huntingdon is an awesome and laid back place that is in the center of so many different attractions throughout the Raystown Lake Region. It felt like we were at home in this city, with the welcoming atmosphere of every place in town. There are a number of fine eateries and small shops that make this a great place to enjoy. The Gage Mansion Bed and Breakfast offers some of the finest accommodations you will find anywhere. We highly recommend staying in Huntingdon as a launching point for your explorations around the Raystown Lake Region.