Preserved locks, old canal routes, and a stone arch bridge give Mifflin a distinctive historical character. In Mifflin County, these landmarks are part of the picture alongside large forest areas, river routes, and regional traditions—with many different ways to get to know the area.
Discover Canal History and Historic Structures
The Old Stone Arch Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history is connected to the infrastructure of the early 19th century along the Harrisburg–Pittsburgh Turnpike. The Stone Arch Bridge Historic Site covers one acre; nearby benches and walking paths are also part of the site. Here, historical significance meets a small, clearly defined setting.
At Strodes Mills near Lewistown, Three Locks at Strodes Mills preserves a section of the Pennsylvania Canal. Three adjacent locks and preserved masonry give the site its distinctive character. Another landmark of canal history is in Granville Township: the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, Juniata Division, Canal Section preserves a stretch of the PA Mainline Canal dating to around 1825. The Towpath Trail is also part of this story; it is a restored section of the historic Pennsylvania Canal towpath.
In Lewistown, more stops offer a glimpse into the past. The Embassy Theatre dates to around 1927 and is known for its significance in entertainment and recreation. The Lewistown Station Marker identifies the oldest surviving structure of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Fort Granville Markers commemorate a fort from the French and Indian War: they include a commemorative plaque and a roadside marker. Together, these sites offer different ways to explore history—from transportation and canals to theater and military heritage.
Forests, Trails, and Water
The landscape also offers distinct contrasts. Reeds Gap State Park is a 220-acre wilderness area in Mifflin County’s New Lancaster Valley. It is open every day, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Bald Eagle State Forest covers more than 33,000 acres in the county and offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, and scenic drives. Tuscarora State Forest extends across Mifflin and Juniata Counties; it includes more than 36,000 acres of mountain terrain and native trout streams.
For mountain biking, Rothrock State Forest offers 290 miles of trails and forest roads open to riders. Trail lengths are easy to compare: Two Chief Trail consists of four sections totaling just under three miles, while Link Trail is 72 miles long. Mainline Canal Greenway runs along the Juniata River and covers 41 miles in Mifflin County. For a long-distance hiking trail, the Mid-State Trail has access points near Milroy and Reeds Gap.
On the water, the river route and access points offer two different ways to orient yourself. Juniata River Water Trail is designated a National Recreation Trail and is more than 150 miles long. Two of its sections are Class I waterways and are suitable for beginners under normal conditions. To provide access to the water, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission maintains four public access points in Mifflin County: primarily along the Juniata River, with one on Tea Creek.
Bald Eagle State Forest brings together several interests in one area; State Game Lands No. 113 has a different focus. This 534-acre game land lies entirely within Mifflin County and offers hunting areas as well as wildlife habitat. If you’d rather experience nature from a car, Bald Eagle State Forest offers scenic drives; for a ride on two wheels, the open trails and forest roads in Rothrock State Forest are the main attraction.
Traditions and Events
The Festival of Ice brings together ice artistry and a regular schedule: it takes place on Thursday and Friday evenings during the week after Thanksgiving. Visitors can watch ice artists create large sculptures from blocks of ice. The festival also includes the official lighting of the Christmas tree at Monument Square. If you’re planning a visit, check the specific event dates.
Another tradition goes back a long way: Goose Day has been celebrated in the Juniata River Valley for more than two centuries. An early settler from England brought it to the region in the late 18th century. For the occasion, local restaurants in the Juniata River Valley add goose dishes to their menus. The Mifflin County Youth Fair Open Show also celebrates individual talent: people of all ages can exhibit items and crafts they have made themselves.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Lewistown, Burnham, Berks, Bucks, Elk County, Carbon, Fayette County, Union County.
See the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
