Your Juniata River Valley Summer Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Adventures

Your Juniata River Valley Summer Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Adventures

Summer is in full swing in the Juniata River Valley, and there’s no better time to unplug, slow down, and soak in everything our beautiful region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, small-town charm, or simply a relaxing afternoon in the sun, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 things you’ve got to do before summer fades away.

From floating down the river to catching movies under the stars, here’s how to make the most of summer in Mifflin and Juniata Counties:

  1. Float Down the Juniata River

One of the best ways to cool off and take in the natural beauty of the region is by floating the Juniata River. Whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, or inner tube, the peaceful flow and scenic surroundings make for an unforgettable summer day. Need to rent a kayak? Contact Appalachian Kayak for rentals and livery service. Bonus points if you pack a cooler and make a day of it!

  1. Catch a Movie at the Midway Drive-In Theater

Nothing says summer nostalgia like the drive-in. The Midway Drive-In Theater brings families, couples, and movie lovers together for double features, classic popcorn, and that magical twilight atmosphere. It’s a summer staple you can’t skip. Follow their Facebook page for the weekly movie announcements.

  1. Enjoy Outdoor Music at Local Wineries & Breweries & Distilleries

Live music, locally crafted wine or beer, and views of the countryside? Yes, please! Many of our wineries and breweries host regular outdoor concerts throughout the summer—so bring a lawn chair, grab a drink, and dance the night away under the stars.

  1. Experience “Sale Day” in Big Valley

Every Wednesday, the Big Valley comes alive with vendors, farmers, and bargain hunters. Known as “Sale Day,” this weekly tradition includes sprawling flea markets, the Belleville Livestock Auction, and Amish-made goodies you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a slice of rural Pennsylvania you have to experience. Check out our “Wednesdays in Big Valley” tour for ideas.

  1. Pack a Picnic and Head to the Park

There’s nothing like a picnic in the park on a sunny day. Visit local favorites like Malta Park in Granville, Kish Park in Lewistown, or Reeds Gap State Park in New Lancaster Valley, for shade, playgrounds, and wide-open spaces to spread out and relax.

  1. Swim at Our Community Pools

When the heat hits, take the plunge at one of our three community pools—located in Burnham, Lewistown, and Mifflin. They’re perfect for cooling off, enjoying family time, or squeezing in a little poolside relaxation.

  1. Explore the Farmer’s Markets and Greenhouses

From fresh-picked produce to homemade baked goods and vibrant flowers, our area’s farmers’ markets and greenhouses offer a taste of summer’s best. Stock up for your next picnic or just enjoy the colorful atmosphere and friendly faces. Check out our Farmer’s Market list and our Bountiful Blooms list.

  1. Go Fishing in the River or Mountain Streams

Whether you’re after a peaceful morning with a fly rod or casting a line for bass in the Juniata River, fishing in our region is second to none. You’ll find plenty of great spots to set up and let nature do the rest. Learn more about our area fisheries in our Waterways guide.

  1. Participate in Flight School

Have you heard about Flight School? It’s a fun (and delicious) way to explore the area—sip your way through flights of chicken wings, wine, beer, coffee, spirits, or even ice cream at participating businesses. Collect points towards earning your wings. It’s a tasty adventure you won’t want to miss. Sign up here for Flight School.

  1. Hit Up the Carnivals and County Fairs

Nothing brings out the magic of summer like a small-town fair. Enjoy funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, live entertainment, and old-fashioned fun at our many local carnivals and fairs. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day. Look for our monthly calendar of events for a list of upcoming events.

Ready to Make the Most of Summer?

The Juniata River Valley is full of hidden gems and summer traditions waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifelong local, this bucket list is your guide to squeezing every drop out of summer.

So go ahead—exit the fast lane, slow down, and dive into the joys of summer in the Juniata River Valley.

 

Welcome Aboard—Again!

Juniata River Valley Flight School Takes Off for Second Semester with Chicken Wing Flights and New Prizes

The Juniata River Valley Flight School is back for another semester, and this time, it’s bringing the heat—literally—with the addition of chicken wing flights to its roster of delicious experiences. Beginning May 16, the popular passport program returns with 25 locations offering flavorful flights of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, ice cream, and now wings.

After a successful first semester, the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is excited to invite past participants—and new recruits—to join the journey once more. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or ready for your maiden voyage, the updated passport delivers new tastes and new reasons to get out and explore.

“This program isn’t just about food and drink—it’s about discovering the Juniata River Valley in a fun, rewarding way,” said Jenny Landis, Executive Director of the JRVVB. “And now, with chicken wing flights added to the mix, we’re kicking it up a notch.”

The Juniata River Valley Flight School is powered by Bandwango, a user-friendly digital passport platform. Sign-up is simple at www.jrvvisitors.com/flight-school, where users enter basic contact information and receive a link to add the passport to their mobile home screen.

Once signed up, participants visit any of the 26 participating locations to purchase a flight. With each purchase, users earn points by entering a location-specific PIN provided by staff. Points add up to fun, exclusive prizes—and this semester features all-new rewards including a Flight School luggage tag, beanie, t-shirt, and even a bottle of Wingman Brew N Que’s signature wing sauce. Longtime favorites like stickers, pennants, hats, and hoodies are still available, along with the top-tier prize: earning your golden wings pin.

Redeemed prizes can be picked up at the Visitors Bureau office at 1 W. Market Street in Lewistown or shipped directly. All prizes must be redeemed by May 31, 2026.

“The Juniata River Valley Flight School is a flavorful adventure,” Landis said. “Whether you’re sipping, scooping, or now snacking on wings, we promise a journey your taste buds won’t forget.”

Ready to get your boarding pass? Visit www.jrvvisitors.com/flight-school to sign up and start collecting points.

Rothrock Week 2025

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Celebrate Rothrock Week with Pride—and a Free Bumper Sticker!

LEWISTOWN — The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is proud to kick off Rothrock Week, a celebration honoring our hometown hero Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, the Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania. Born and raised in McVeytown, Dr. Rothrock’s influence on forest conservation is still felt today throughout the state—and especially in the scenic beauty of Rothrock State Forest, named in his honor.

To celebrate, the visitors bureau designed a special edition bumper sticker that proudly displays the correct Mifflin County pronunciation of “Rothrock”—“Row-throck,” not “Raw-throck” like some folks might say.

“It’s a fun and local way to show off both your environmental pride and your Mifflin County roots,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.

These free bumper stickers will be available for pickup at the visitors bureau office, just in time for Earth Day (Tuesday) and Arbor Day (Friday), the perfect time to honor Dr. Rothrock’s conservation legacy and recognize the natural assets we treasure here in the Juniata River Valley.

Rothrock Week is a great opportunity to explore the outdoors, plant a tree, or simply reflect on the importance of preserving our forests.

“Swing by, grab a sticker, and help us spread the word the Mifflin County way—it’s “Row-throck,” and we’re sticking to it!,” said Landis.

For more information or to pick up your bumper sticker, visit the office at 1 W. Market St., Lewistown or call (717) 248-6713.

America250PA Mifflin County

Next year marks America’s 250th birthday. Pennsylvania has been gearing up for this over the last few years. The state agency that’s coordinating efforts, America250PA, has started programs that include Pennsylvania Day, Memorial Flag Initiative, and the #PAProud Servicemember Spotlight. Two of their programs have already reached Mifflin County. The Keystone Classroom Initiative was at Lewistown Elementary School in December and the Liberty Tree was planted with help from the McVeytown Mason Lodge in October.

Jenny Landis, director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, has been coordinating plans for Mifflin County. “My office has held a few meetings with area historical societies, governments, and business owners. And now that a plan has been devised, it’s time to bring the community in,” Landis explained.

While it seems obvious that the Revolutionary War would take center stage for the celebrations, that’s not necessarily what America250PA has in mind. Their campaign themes are “Educate. Preserve. Innovate. Celebrate.” A list of platforms has also been created to bring in things like the arts, science, agriculture, youth programs and more.

“America250PA’s hope is that every community in the Commonwealth can get behind one or more of these platforms and use them to show their pride and respect for this country we live in,” says Landis. “And don’t forget that it’s also a reason to celebrate.”

From the previous meetings, a general plan for 2026 has been developed. Focusing on the fourth weekend of each month, a different community could host some kind of celebration, event, contest, or activity that highlights the 250th. A few communities already have something going on at that time. Country Memories Day is on the fourth Saturday of May and Goose Day is on the fourth weekend of September. The annual fireworks are held on the Saturday before July 4 and that falls on the fourth Saturday in June. The fireworks will kick off a week-long celebration all over the county.

“This bridge week will bring out the patriotism in everyone. That’s when everyone gets involved and brings their own style of patriotic passion,” explains Landis. “From red, white and blue ice cream sundaes to showing off your best BBQ recipe. I’m really hoping we get a beard or mullet contest and elaborate decorations on homes and businesses.”

The Visitors Bureau will collect information from everyone planning to do something to celebrate and create a list to use for promotion. This is similar to how we promote Goose Day activities every September. The America250PA agency will help share the information, but it must be submitted before the end of this year.

“That means we need to get talking about ideas and making plans for next year,” suggests Landis.

For more information, follow the America250PA – Mifflin County Facebook page or contact Jenny Landis at jlandis@jrvvisitors.com or at 717-248-6713.

Juniata River Valley Named Top Spring Fishing Destination in the United States!

Nothing beats the feel of spring in the air. The trees are blooming, the days start getting longer, and the world seems to come alive with activity. For anglers, the start of spring signals some of the best action of the entire year, with annual migrations and breeding seasons bringing our favorite fish into our sights.

To celebrate the start of the season, we asked our readers to suggest their favorite spring fishing spots. The results just came in – these are the 10 best spots in the country, and Juniata River Valley made the list!

Why did Juniata River Valley make the list?

The Juniata River Valley is a gentle place with real rural charm. It’s a beautiful land of densely-wooded ridges and long sweeping farmland. The valley is hidden away from the major highways that take people to and from the East Coast – and it’s all the better for it! It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a little time in the slow lane.

During the spring, the Juniata River is a top-tier Bass water, rivaling the nearby Penns Creek, just without the crowds! Anglers can kayak their way along the river, and reel in big spring Smallmouth, or wade freestone and limestone streams and catch Trout on the fly.

A full list of top spring fishing destinations in the United States can be found below:

  • Fort Myers Beach, Florida
  • Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
  • Black Hills, South Dakota
  • Biloxi, Mississippi
  • Yakima Valley, Washington
  • Tybee Island, Georgia
  • Roanoke, Virginia
  • Niagara Falls, New York
  • Juniata River Valley, Pennsylvania
  • Panama City Beach, Florida

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