Discover Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania‘s largest lake—an hour from Altoona and State College. A hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers diverse activities: boat cruises, kayaking, hiking, and waterfront camping. Whether you seek water sports or tranquil moments, Raystown Lake is a go-to destination for outdoor adventures.
Raystown Lake Highlights
If you’re visiting the Raystown Lake region of Pennsylvania, you’ll probably want to spend a few days like I did, so you’ll have plenty of time for everything on my list. But, if you want the TL;DR version, here are my favorite things to do at Raystown Lake.
- Take a sightseeing or dinner cruise on the Proud Mary Showboat.
- Take a Pontoon Boat Tour or rent your own.
- Kayak to Sheep Rock Cliffs.
Take a Cruise on the Proud Mary Showboat
Cruises run from Memorial Day through early November.
Address: 3101 Chipmunk Crossing
Entriken PA 16638
Website
Relax and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views as you leisurely sail around the lake on the Proud Mary. The showboat runs regular sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and private event charters.
I took the 90-minute sightseeing/dinner cruise on the Proud Mary and had the best time, even though it was chilly and rainy! I can only imagine how much more fun it would be on a bright and sunny day.
We chose the unobstructed upper deck for our meal, enjoying narrated fun facts about the lake, its history, and legends as we sailed. Background music added a nice touch on the return trip.
Rent a Houseboat
5922 Seven Points Marina Drive
Hesston,PA 16647
Website
I haven’t done this yet, but it would be so much fun and a great way to explore the Raystown Lake area and its natural wonders! (Two of my friends did it, though.) I toured some of the houseboats at Seven Points Marina, and the hardest part about renting a houseboat might be deciding which one to rent. They range in size (from 4-10 guests) and amenities(some include a hot tub and water slide). There are also dog-friendly options!
All Seven Points Marina houseboats have a gas grill, patio furniture, large cooler, A/C, and heat. Kitchens are equipped with pots, pans, dishes, glassware, etc. Houseboats also have full baths with showers and holding tanks for fresh and wastewater.
If you’ve never driven a boat before… don’t worry; they’ll teach you everything you need to know before they let you loose.
Take a High-Speed Pontoon Boat Ride
5922 Seven Points Marina Drive
Hesston,PA 16647
Website
Tip: Don’t miss the fish feeding station at the marina.
Seven Points Marina also has pontoon boats! I took a sightseeing tour of Raystown Lake to relax and take photos, but you can rent your own boat by the hour or the day.
As we explored the miles of shoreline and pretty lake views, our guide told us about Raystown Dam and the underwater city of Aitch, Sheep Rock Shelter, and the Pennsylvania Lochness Monster legend.
Go Kayaking
Rothrock Outfitters
5922 Seven Points Marina Drive
Hesston, PA 16657
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Paddle around Raystown Lake’s bays and coves with a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and get up close to the Sheep Rock Cliffs and Sheep Rock Shelter. The shelter is now underwater, but it used to be a dry shelter for indigenous people.
Tip: For the most serene kayaking experience, take a late afternoon/sunset ride when the water is calm and the boat traffic is quiet.
Visit a Scenic Overlook
There are several amazing overlooks from which to view the lake’s beauty.
- Raystown Lake Visitor Center Overlook
- Ridenour Overlook – View the lake and the dam from this overlook on Henderson Hollow Road.
- Hawn’s Overlook – The parking area is just 300 feet from this sunset-perfect lookout point.
- Raystown Lake Dam – Check out the view from the top pagoda and the spillway at the bottom. You may spot bald eagles.
Stay at Lake Raystown Resort
3101 Chipmunk Crossing
Entriken PA 16638
Website
If you want to stay right on Raystown Lake, you can opt for a campground or the Lake Raystown Resort. I’m NOT a camper, so I was hosted at the resort in the lodge.
Its relaxing waterfront location, various accommodation options, and numerous resort activities, including the Wildriver Water Park ( extra fee), make it the perfect place to enjoy the lake.
- Lodge – I stayed in one of the hotel-like lodge rooms, each enjoying a view of the lake through a wooded hillside. Amenities include a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and Wifi service. The lodge is located near the conference center.
- Villas – With waterfront or lake views, these are the most luxurious of Raystown Lake Resort’s accommodation options.
- Bungalows – Condo-style beachfront bungalows are located steps from the resort’s beach.
- Hemlock Cabins – A unique cliffside location and wide porch overlooking the lake.
- Pine Cabins – These rustic log cabins are the closest to the lake.
- Cottages – Sleep up to seven in these cozy cottages with a main bedroom, loft, and two pull-out sofas.
- Yurts – Circular, framed tent-like structures located in more private areas. The yurts offer respite from rain, bugs, and extreme temperatures, but the skylight view of the starry skies keeps you connected to the outdoors as you fall asleep. The bathhouse is in a separate building.
- Campsites – Tent and RV sites include water, electricity (30 or 50-amp service), wireless internet and cable hook-ups, a fire ring, and picnic areas with picnic tables.
Explore Raystown Lake Legends and Lore
Delving into the enchanting allure of Raystown Lake involves unraveling its intriguing legends. The tale starts in the remnants of a town named Aitch, now submerged on the lake’s northwestern shore due to the construction of the current Raystown Dam. According to legend, the entire town and its residents met a watery fate beneath the lake’s surface. The question lingers – did anyone truly drown? The legend insists yes, though skepticism remains.
Adding to the mystique is Raystown Ray, Pennsylvania’s own Lochness Monster. Numerous accounts describe sightings of a serpent-like creature in Raystown Lake, affectionately dubbed “Raystown Ray.” Some believe this aquatic enigma is a shy vegetarian, lending a friendly twist to the lake’s lore. Explore the depths of Raystown Lake and decide for yourself – myth or reality?
You can pick up Raystown Ray merch at the Raystown Lake Visitor Center gift shop.
Off The Water – Other Things to Do in the Raystown Lake Area
The biggest draw in the area is the lake itself, but there are lots of great places to go for a change of scenery or on rainy days.
- Mountain bikers will love the Allegrippis Trails with its 36 miles of single-track stacked loop trails. The mountain biking trails are marked from easy to challenging, so riders of all skill levels can enjoy them.
- If mountain biking isn’t your jam, numerous scenic hiking trails exist at Rothrock State Forest, Trough Creek State Park, and Greenwood Furnace State Park.
- Take a one-hour steam-powered train excursion at East Broad Top Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, and take an old-fashioned trolley ride at the Rockhill Trolley Museum.
- Take a 30-minute jaunt to Lincoln Caverns and uncover fascinating underground marvels.
- Check out the Swigart Auto Museum, showcasing a fantastic collection of vintage cars, or dive into Central Pennsylvania’s history at the Isett Heritage Museum, where you’ll find thousands of antiques and rare items.
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