The Nittany Lion Inn on the University Park campus is now part of the National Trust Historic
Hotels of America. The inn, built in 1931, is one of only four properties in Pennsylvania in the program.
Photo: Greg Grieco
Penn State's Nittany Lion Inn has joined National Trust Historic Hotels of America, a program that recognizes hotels across America for their preservation efforts.
The Nittany Lion Inn in State College is one of 145 hotels and resorts throughout the country to be recognized by National Trust Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambience. The inn is one of 20 new members, and one of only four properties in Pennsylvania, in the program.
The 237-room Georgian colonial-style Nittany Lion Inn, built in 1931, sits at the edge of Penn State, on the corner of North Atherton and Park Avenue. Its proximity to one of the nation's leading universities has drawn many distinguished visitors to the inn over the years, and past guests include presidents George Bush and Lyndon Johnson; Eleanor Roosevelt; Helen Hayes; Robert Frost; Jack Nicholson; and Louis Armstrong. The inn is owned and operated by the University. James Purdum is the general manager.
To be selected for membership, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance. Established in 1989 with 32 charter members, the National Trust Historic Hotels of America is a diverse collection of properties ranging from large luxury hotels in major cities to small-town inns, country retreats and polished resorts throughout the country.