Attractions and Places To See around Misericordia University - Top 3

The area around Misericordia University offers several natural attractions. You can visit Frances Slocum State Park, which features a lake for fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails. Another popular spot is Harveys Lake, the largest natural lake by volume in Pennsylvania, ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying its beaches.

Yes, the region provides excellent options for hiking. The Maconaquah Trail is a multi-use, single-track path that takes you through open fields, pine forests, and past historic stone walls, offering opportunities to spot wildlife. Additionally, Frances Slocum State Park also has various hiking trails.

Misericordia University's campus features several cultural and historical points of interest. You can see the historic Mercy Hall, which houses the University Chapel, and the distinctive Geraldine Ruth Daley Anderson Bell Tower. The university also boasts the only Shakespeare Garden in northeast Pennsylvania and the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery in Insalaco Hall, which hosts rotating art exhibits free to the public.

Absolutely. Both Frances Slocum State Park and Harveys Lake are considered family-friendly. The state park offers a large day-use and picnic area, while Harveys Lake is perfect for swimming and enjoying the beaches. On campus, families can walk the pathways or enjoy the outdoor courts.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports. Frances Slocum State Park is popular for fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking. At Harveys Lake, you can go swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing. For cycling enthusiasts, there are several road cycling routes around the university, including loops around Harveys Lake, which you can explore further on the Road Cycling Routes guide.

The Misericordia University campus is home to the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, located in Insalaco Hall, which regularly features art exhibits open to the public. For performances, the Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall hosts university guest speakers, various productions, and shows by the Misericordia Players theater group. The Wells Fargo Amphitheater also hosts outdoor university events and concerts.

Yes, the campus features a tranquil Maffei Water Feature & Peace Pole, and the unique Shakespeare Garden, which is the only one of its kind in northeast Pennsylvania. The Henry Science Center also includes a greenhouse for research and study.

On campus, you can find dining options like Chick-fil-A and MU Bros in the Banks Student Life Center, and the InterMetzo Cafe in Insalaco Hall. Archie's Lounge also provides a place to relax. If you visit Harveys Lake, you'll find numerous restaurants along its shoreline.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse outdoor activities available, from the scenic hiking and mountain biking trails at Frances Slocum State Park to the water sports and beautiful views at Harveys Lake. The multi-use Maconaquah Trail is also highly regarded for its natural beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Yes, the campus offers various recreational facilities. The Anderson Sports and Health Center provides a gymnasium, racquetball courts, a dance/aerobic studio, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. There are also numerous athletic fields, including McGeehan Field and Tambur Baseball Field, and a Multi-Purpose Dome (Brassington Dome) for practices and intramural activities. The university also has a "Fun & Fitness" program open to the public.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of places like Frances Slocum State Park and the Maconaquah Trail, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is ideal for water activities at Harveys Lake, including swimming and boating.