Visiting the Penn State All-Sports Museum in Happy Valley

Visiting the Penn State All-Sports Museum in Happy Valley

Located within one of the largest and most iconic college football venues in the country, this museum is a hidden gem that celebrates more than a century of Nittany Lion athletic excellence.

Address: 1 Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA 16802

Category: Museum

Duration: 1 – 2 hours

Directions and Hours

The Penn State All-Sports Museum is located at 1 Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA 16802 and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission is by suggested donation of $8 for adults and $5 for children, seniors, and students. On nonevent days at Beaver Stadium, visitors can park in the Jordan East lot for a small fee.

Be sure to check the museums’ website for the latest ticket prices, hours of operation, and other guidelines.

Exterior of Beaver Stadium and museum entrance

The Original Nittany Lion

One of the most beloved artifacts in the museum is the Original Nittany Lion. This taxidermized lion was shot in Susquehanna County in 1856. Mountain lions were ultimately killed to extinction in PA by the early 1890’s. In the early 20th century, Penn State baseball player Joe Mason called for the lion to be the school mascot. The animal on display is the last known specimen of the original Pennsylvania mountain lion.

The Original Nittany Lion

Second Floor: Indoor Sports

The tour actually begins upstairs with the second floor highlighting Penn State’s indoor sports. Sports such as wrestling, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, swimming and diving, fencing, and others are represented. A timeline on the wall details when each sport was introduced and some discontinued.

A timeline of Penn State Sports

The museum really shines in highlighting programs that may be less familiar to casual fans but are deeply respected in collegiate athletics. The wrestling exhibit is a standout given Penn State’s dominance in NCAA wrestling over the past decade.

Rifle and Wrestling displays

The men’s and women’s basketball galleries are equally engaging, with historic photos, game balls, and jerseys from standout seasons. Volleyball fans will love the extensive displays of the university’s powerhouse women’s volleyball program, which has claimed multiple national titles.

Basketball uniforms and trophies on display

You’ll also find exhibits dedicated to gymnastics, swimming & diving, fencing, and ice hockey. Each case is filled with artifacts and personal stories that showcase the diversity and success of Penn State Athletics.

Penn State Ice Hockey Exhibit

First Floor: Outdoor Sports

The first floor of the museum is dedicated to outdoor sports, and stepping into this gallery feels like walking into a shrine to some of Penn State’s most iconic athletic moments.

The entrance to the first floor

The largest section is naturally devoted to Penn State Football, with an impressive array of exhibits showcasing the evolution of the program, which dates back to 1887. Original uniforms, game balls, and trophies from major bowl wins, national championships, and John Cappelletti’s 1973 Heisman Trophy are all on display.

1969 Orange Bowl trophy

Beyond football, the first floor also spotlights track & field, cross-country, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, softball, golf, and tennis. These exhibits tell the stories of not just team triumphs but also individual athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness on the national and international stage.

Track and Field exhibit

A Glimpse into Beaver Stadium

To make your visit even more memorable, I highly recommend pairing it with a guided tour of Beaver Stadium. The tour offers a look at one of college football’s largest and most storied stadiums. Docents will gather groups of people near the front desk and take guests up the elevator to view Beaver Stadium.

A view looking south east inside Beaver Stadium

The stadium gets its name from James A. Beaver, an area native who led the 148th PA Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the Civil War. After losing a leg in the war, he would go on to chair Penn State’s Board of Trustees for 24 years, and even serve as Governor of PA.

Inside Beaver Stadium looking North West

Special Exhibits & More

In addition to the permanent galleries, the museum frequently hosts rotating exhibits on topical themes. While visiting, the museum offered a special exhibit entitled: I Am a Penn Stater: Nittany Lions in World War II. The exhibit details the contributions student athletes made to serving our nation and put their academics and sports aside.

Military artifacts on display apart of the I Am a Penn Stater: Nittany Lions in World War II special exhibit

On the first floor, be sure to take a glimpse into the National Championship trophy case. The display features over 80 national championship trophies from all the sports within the museum. It is often being updated with the newest hardware, including the 2024 Women’s Volleyball and 2025 Men’s Wrestling trophies.

A variety of National Championship trophies proudly on display

Just outside the museum entrance, the Kim and Bob Nielsen Family Legacy Plaza highlights Penn State Football history. Every head coach and game played are immortalized on plaques from every season and include each team’s schedule, results and team captains. Pavers cover the ground with messages from students, alumni, lettermen, and fans.

Kim and Bob Nielsen Family Legacy Plaza

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a passionate Penn Stater or a traveler simply looking to explore a great college town, the Penn State All-Sports Museum offers a perfect blend of history, inspiration, and Nittany Lion pride.

Penn State Nittany Lion statue

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