A building constructed as a church in 1816 now houses the Tuscarora Academy Museum. In 1836, it became the first secondary school in Juniata County. This eventful history is a good starting point for discovering Juniata: From classrooms and historical collections, the trail leads to a covered bridge, the Juniata River, and traditions carried on for generations.
Museum, Courthouse, and Historic Traces
At the Tuscarora Academy Museum, artifacts from local businesses, institutions, trades, agriculture, and family life tell different sides of the story. Two rooms recreate the boarding rooms of the academy students. Alongside objects from everyday life, this also brings the living and learning conditions at the former academy into view. Individual exhibits may change.
Visitors also encounter the county’s history at the Juniata County Courthouse: A rotating exhibit of artifacts from Juniata County is displayed in its hallways. The courthouse’s construction history can also be traced through specific figures. It was completed according to contract, with a completion date of January 1, 1875. The total cost was $63,000.
Another testament to the past is the Book Indian Mound. It was identified as a burial mound of the earliest communities of the Clemson Island Culture in central Pennsylvania. This classification relates to the Late Woodland period, from about 700 to 1300 AD; the site has been historically disturbed. A different kind of historical trace leads to the Tuscarora Valley Primitive Baptist Church, founded on May 17, 1794.
Covered Bridge and Juniata River
The Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge is the longest surviving covered bridge in Pennsylvania. Its distinction lies not only in the structure itself but also in its standing among the state’s surviving bridges. Together with the history of the museum and courthouse, it offers another way to explore Juniata’s built heritage.
The Juniata River Water Trail is more than 150 miles long and designated a National Recreation Trail. The trail’s two river branches are Class I waterways; under normal conditions, their rapids and riffles are considered suitable for beginners. Check conditions and potential hazards before setting out. Lewistown Narrows Access provides access to the Juniata River in Fermanagh Township, Juniata County, for fishing and boating.
The landscape also shapes the character of Juniata County: Farmland, forested mountains, and the gentle course of the Juniata River contribute to its scenic appeal. Historic buildings and collections thus sit alongside a river landscape explored by a long water trail.
Fair, Racing, and Regional Traditions
The annual Juniata County Fair combines agricultural exhibits, food, livestock shows, races, derbies, and family-friendly entertainment. The program includes, among other things, carousel rides, live music, truck and tractor races, rodeos, and petting zoos. Exhibits featuring home arts, crafts, horticulture, and 4-H projects round out the offerings. Individual events and exhibit categories may vary from year to year.
Port Royal Speedway is located on the Juniata County Fairgrounds. Races take place there every weekend from March through October. The categories listed include Sprint Car, Late Model, and Pro Stock races, as well as rounds of the High Limit Racing Series and Lucas Oil Late Models. The race lineups vary by season.
Another regional tradition is Goose Day, celebrated in the Juniata River Valley for more than two centuries. Local restaurants offer goose dishes and other special recipes featuring goose. Celebration dates and participating businesses vary. Here, the view extends beyond Juniata County to a tradition of the Juniata River Valley.
A Taste of the Region
In Mifflin, Juniata Valley Winery operates its main tasting room at 19175 Route 35 South. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest business information beforehand. This brings together practical guidance on specific places with a glimpse of the history, landscape, and regional traditions that make Juniata distinctive.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: E Waterford, Mifflintown, Indiana County, Jefferson County, Lancaster, Clarion County, Bucks, Cambria County.
Go to the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
