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Austin Dam, Austin
Built in 1909 to supply water to a nearby paper mill, the dam was
the largest concrete dam in Pennsylvania holding 800 million gallons
of water. The dam catastrophically failed in 1911, killing at least
90 people and causing $14 million in damages. See the remains of
the structure dramatically shifted by the floodwaters. Failure of
this dam led to present-day federal and state regulations.
Biking and Hiking
Available at Clarion River Rails to Trails. miles of biking and
walking.
Canoeing
At Love’s Canoe Rental in Ridgway, put into the Clarion River
for a 3-4 hour easy canoe trip to a takeout point at Portland Mills
or continue on to Halton.
East Branch Dam
About ½ hour and just north of Johnsonburg off of Route 219,
visit East Branch Dam with its 1,370-acre lake formed as part of
a flood-control project for the Clarion River. The 6-mile lake is
stocked with trout, bass, walleye and perch for fishing. This dam
is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers as flood control for the
Pittsburgh area, and ultimately, the Mississippi River.
Elk Herd Watch
Over 700 elk roam over an area of about 225 square miles in the
Winslow Hill area. They are descendents of elk re-introduced into
the area from Yellowstone National Park around the turn of the century.
A mature bull weighs between 700-1,000 pounds and stands 55 inches
high at the shoulder. The best time to see them is early morning
or late afternoon close to dark.
Decker’s Chapel
One of the smallest in the U.S., this church is located on Route
255 just south of St. Marys and was built in 1856 by Michael Decker
in honor of his miraculous recovery from a back injury he suffered
when he fell from an apple tree while working in his orchard. It
was dedicated and welcomed into the National Register of Historic
Places on May 15, 1999. Visitors are welcome at any time.
Fisherman’s Paradise
Near Coudersport on Route 6 east of town are Fisherman’s Paradise,
a private lake and hatchery grounds stocked with trout. Fishing
is available for a fee and a catch is just about a sure thing.
Golf
St Marys - Bavarian Hills and St Marys Country Club. Ridgway - Laurel
Mill Golf Course, Brockway - Scottish Heights and Owens- Brockway
Glass Golf Course. Emporium – Emporium Country Club. DuBois
– DuBois Country Club and Treasure Lake. Kane - Kane Country
Club.
Kinzua Bridge
About an hour north on Route 6 near Mt. Jewitt, visit what is left
of the Kinzua Bridge. Until July 2003 when damaging storms came
through the area, the Kinzua Bridge was one of the highest operating
railroad trestles in the country at 301 feet high. Rides were given
on a steam excursion train from Kane to Marienville across the trestle.
Now the rides stop at the bridge.
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There's
always plenty to do in the St. Marys Area!
There are landmarks and
museums for the history buff, the famous Elk Watch for nature
lovers, a broad spectrum of exciting outdoor activities for
the whole family, and much, much more! |
Kinzua Dam
Continue your travel to the scenic drive between Kane and Warren
along Route 321 and through the Red Bridge area to view the huge
Allegheny Reservoir, which stretches into New York. Much of the
area is within the Allegheny National Forest, supplying black cherry
and other hardwoods to wood processors in the United States, Europe
and Japan.
Kinzua Beach offers lake swimming. Short hiking trails are available
at Jakes Rocks and spectacular views of the lake can be seen at
Big Bend Lookout.
Municipal Parks
St Marys – Benzinger, Memorial, Kaulmont, and Luhr Parks offer
playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, ramp park, ballfields
and a community pool with water slide.
National Forest and State Game Lands
Experience the natural beauty of more than a half-million acres
of the Allegheny National Forest ... canoe the wild, beautiful Clarion
River ... hike, mountain bike, or cross-country ski along the many
trails ... fish, boat, water-ski, or swim in our pristine waters
.... hunt for whitetail deer, bear, turkey, ruffled grouse ... all
this and more. And only minutes away.
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Just 10 minutes east of Coudersport on Route 6 is the Pennsylvania
Lumber Museum. The museum tells the story of the logging industry
in Pennsylvania with artifacts, display and a reconstructed logging
camp with a steam-powered sawmill. While in the area, stop by the
many interesting shops near the Denton Hill Ski Resort.
State Parks
Area State Parks include Twin Lakes, Sizerville, Parker Dam, Bendigo,
Stevenson Dam
Sinnemahoning Dam
Another Army Corp of Engineers flood control project, the George
B. Stevenson Dam is about 45 minutes east on Route 872, offering
regular tours in season along with fishing and other lake amenities.
This project provides flood control on the Sinnemahoning River,
which eventually flows into the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake
Bay.
Straub Brewery
Tour this family-owned micro-brewery Monday through Friday from
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Tours are free
of charge and are open to the public for ages 12 and older. The
Eternal Tap is open to the public ages 21 and older. Phone 814-834-2875.
Trout Hatchery
Just north of Austin on Route 872 is the Potter County Fishermen’s
Association Trout Hatchery operated in conjunction with the Pennsylvania
Fish and Game Commission.
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