In addition to the information session, campus tour, and any academic college visits you may schedule, you may also want to visit some points of interest noted below. Use our printable campus map as a guide.
McCoy Natatorium
Follow the signs inside to the spectator area on the second level. This facility serves physical education classes, the swimming and diving teams, and recreational swimmers.
The Creamery
A trip to the University Park campus is not complete without a stop at the Creamery for a Penn State tradition-a Creamery ice cream cone. Sample a campus favorite, Peachy Paterno, or one of a dozen different flavors.
Palmer Museum of Art/Visual Arts Building
You'll recognize this Penn State landmark by the lion paws at its entrance. Take some time to enjoy the art in the museum's galleries or shop for unique objects in the Museum Store. You can also visit Zoller Gallery in the Visual Arts Building to see student, faculty, and special exhibitions. (Both museum and gallery are closed Mondays.) Don't forget to rub the lion paws for luck on your way out!
Helen Eaken Eisenhower Chapel and Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
This all-faith facility houses the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs, which sponsors a number of services for students and the University community. The Chapel was originally erected in 1956 and added to in 1976, entirely with private funds. Over the years, thousands of couples have said "I do" here. The Spiritual Center was dedicated in May 2003, and provides Penn State's 46 religious student organizations a common place to worship.
Pattee Libray and Paterno Library
Stop at the information desk for tips on exploring the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, which are part of the University Libraries system. The Penn State Room features a wide variety of historical materials about the University. Be sure to try out the Library Information Access System (LIAS), the library's computerized information system.
The Nittany Lion Shrine
The legendary Nittany Lion has been Penn State's mascot since 1907. Heinz Warneke sculpted this statue of the lion in 1940. You'll want to pose for a picture here.
Recreation Building (Rec Hall)
Step inside and watch the activity in the main gym.
Waring Commons/West Residence Halls
Walk through Waring Commons and the adjacent quadrangle to get a glimpse of residence hall life. Inside, you'll find a computer lab, post office, convenience store, study lounges, and classrooms. This area houses 1,750 students.
Willard Building
This is the largest classroom building on campus and the home of the Microcomputer Order Center (Room 12).
Old Main
The Office of the President and other executive offices are housed here. Enter the foyer to see the famous frescoes painted by mural artist Henry Varnum Poor. If you or someone with you is a Penn State graduate, we encourage you to visit the Alumni Lounge in the east wing.
Hetzel Union Building (HUB)
In addition to the variety of restaurants at our student union, you'll find lounges, galleries, and student organizations. Also, you can find a wealth of information about Penn State at the HUB information desk.
Paul Robeson Cultural Center (adjoining the HUB)
Inquire at the reception area about exhibits and programs promoting intercultural exchange.
The Penn State Bookstore
Many of our visitors enjoy stopping by the Penn State Bookstore, located just beside the HUB, to pick up a Penn State sweatshirt or souvenir or just to browse. The Bookstore is also your destination if you are interested in purchasing the Penn State Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin. (The Undergraduate Bulletin is not distributed in the admissions office.) The phone number for the Penn State Bookstore is (814) 963-0205.
Ritenour Building
University Health Services offers a wide range of health services from acute care to preventive health needs to all registered students. University Health Services is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have a medical concern while visiting campus, go to the Ritenour Building. In case of an emergency, dial 911.
Eisenhower Auditorium
The home of Penn State's Center for the Performing Arts, Eisenhower Auditorium houses performances from touring orchestras, dance troupes, and Broadway show touring companies. For information and tickets, call (814) 863-0255 or 1-800-ARTS-TIX.
Undergraduate Admissions Office The
Pennsylvania State University 201 Shields Building, Box 3000
University Park, PA 16804-3000
Tel: (814) 865-5471 Fax: 814-863-7590 TTY/TTD:
814-863-9419 (For persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing)