Overview
Howard is a small borough of roughly 700 residents situated in Centre County, Pennsylvania, along Bald Eagle Creek in the broad valley between Bald Eagle Mountain and Nittany Mountain. It sits on US Route 220, about midway between Lock Haven to the north and Bellefonte to the south.
The community is modest in scale — a classic central Pennsylvania small town with a grid of residential streets, a few local businesses, and an agricultural character that has defined the valley for generations. It is not a tourist destination in the traditional sense, but it serves as a practical and quiet base for travelers drawn to the outdoor recreation opportunities of the surrounding region.
The principal draw for visitors is Bald Eagle State Park, located immediately nearby, which offers boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking along Foster Joseph Sayers Lake. The broader landscape of central Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley province — with its forested ridges, rural roads, and creek corridors — appeals to cyclists, birders, and anyone seeking a slower pace.
Before You Go
Howard is a rural borough with very limited commercial infrastructure. Visitors should plan ahead rather than expecting to find services on arrival.
Supplies and Essentials
- Stock up on groceries, fuel, and any gear in Bellefonte (roughly 12 miles south) or Lock Haven (roughly 18 miles north) before arriving.
- Cell coverage can be spotty in parts of the valley and on the surrounding ridges; download offline maps before your trip.
- If you plan to camp at Bald Eagle State Park, reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends. Check the Pennsylvania DCNR reservation system for availability and fees.
Visas
For entry requirements into the United States, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official US Customs and Border Protection or USCIS websites for current guidance relevant to your nationality.
Getting There
Howard is accessible primarily by personal vehicle. US Route 220 passes directly through the borough and connects north to Lock Haven and south toward Bellefonte, where it intersects with I-99.
By Car: From State College (Penn State University), the drive is approximately 25–30 minutes via US-322 East and US-220 North. From the Harrisburg area, plan on roughly 2 hours via I-81 and I-99 North.
By Air: The nearest commercial airports are University Park Airport (SCE) in State College, which offers regional connections, and University Park connects onward to major hubs. Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT) is another option to the northeast. Rental cars are available at both; verify current carriers and schedules directly with the airports.
By Bus: Intercity bus service does not serve Howard directly. Greyhound and other carriers serve State College and Lock Haven; from either point, a car or taxi would be needed to reach Howard.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essential for getting around Howard and the surrounding area. There is no local public transit, and distances between points of interest — including Bald Eagle State Park, trailheads, and nearby towns — make walking or cycling impractical for most purposes.
Bicyclists will find the rural roads of the Bald Eagle Valley reasonably quiet, and some use them for recreational touring, but the roads lack dedicated cycling infrastructure. The area around Bald Eagle State Park includes trails suitable for hiking on foot.
Where to Stay
Howard does not have hotels or bed-and-breakfasts within the borough itself. Accommodation options in the immediate area fall into two categories.
Camping: Bald Eagle State Park offers campsite facilities. Reservations should be made in advance through the Pennsylvania DCNR reservation system, particularly for summer and fall weekends. Verify current site availability, amenity levels, and fees on the official DCNR site.
Hotels and B&Bs: The nearest concentration of lodging is in Bellefonte and State College. State College, as a university town, has a wide range of chain hotels and independent options. Bellefonte has a small number of bed-and-breakfasts in historic properties; verify current availability directly.
Things to See & Do
Bald Eagle State Park
The park surrounds Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, a reservoir created by a US Army Corps of Engineers dam on Bald Eagle Creek. Activities include swimming at a designated beach area (seasonal), boating, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and hiking on several trails. A marina operates on the lake; verify current rental availability and seasonal hours locally or on the Pennsylvania DCNR website.
Fishing
Bald Eagle Creek and the lake itself are known fishing destinations in central Pennsylvania. Species include bass, walleye, muskellunge, and various panfish, depending on the season. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required; purchase one before your trip through the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's website.
Hiking and Nature
The ridges flanking the valley — Bald Eagle Mountain and Nittany Mountain — offer hiking opportunities through state forest lands. The Bald Eagle Ridge, part of a longer ridgeline system, is a recognized raptor migration corridor in autumn, making it worthwhile for birders during September and October.
Scenic Driving
The Bald Eagle Valley offers pleasant rural driving, with views of farmland, forested ridges, and the creek corridor. PA Route 150 along the western side of the valley is particularly scenic.
Food & Drink
Howard itself has minimal dining options. Visitors should not rely on finding a restaurant open in the borough itself and should plan meals accordingly.
Bellefonte, roughly 12 miles south, is the nearest town with a meaningful selection of restaurants, cafes, and a small downtown dining scene. Lock Haven, to the north, also has a modest range of dining establishments. Both towns are worth a visit in their own right — Bellefonte in particular has a well-preserved Victorian downtown.
If you are camping at Bald Eagle State Park, self-catering is the most practical approach. Bring what you need from larger towns before arriving.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in Pennsylvania, dial 911. Howard is served by Centre County emergency services. The nearest hospital with an emergency department is in the State College / Bellefonte area; verify the nearest facility before your trip.
Weather
Central Pennsylvania experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, winters can bring significant snowfall, and spring and autumn are generally mild. The valley can experience temperature inversions and morning fog, especially in shoulder seasons.
Connectivity
Do not rely on consistent mobile data coverage in the valley and on the ridges. Download maps and any needed information before leaving areas with reliable connectivity.
Visitor Information
There is no local visitor center in Howard. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website is the best source of information for Bald Eagle State Park. Centre County's tourism resources may also be helpful; verify locally.
Safety
Howard and the surrounding rural area are generally safe with very low levels of crime typical of small rural Pennsylvania communities. Standard sensible precautions apply.
Outdoor safety is the more relevant concern for most visitors. Hikers on the surrounding ridges should be aware of hunting seasons — wearing blaze orange during deer and turkey seasons is strongly advisable. Check the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for current season dates. Ticks are present throughout the region from spring through late autumn; use appropriate repellent and conduct tick checks after time outdoors. Copperhead snakes are present in rocky ridge habitats but encounters are uncommon; watch where you step and sit.
