Indiana, Pennsylvania

Going to college is more than classes, textbooks, and exams. It's also about what you do when you're not preparing for your career. That's why the town of Indiana is such a critical part of the IUP community.

About Our Town

Sure, Indiana is the birthplace of famous actor Jimmy Stewart, and it's in the heart of the coal region of Pennsylvania, but it is so much more than that, as you'll find out when you get here.

Indiana is a "big" small town with a lot to offer. We have parks to relax or exercise in, theaters to see movies and plays, your favorite restaurants and shops where you can find anything you need.

And with the IUP campus located right in the heart of Indiana, you'll find there are a lot of things to doand they're not far away.

People walking in Downtown Indiana

Things to do in Indiana

  • Like to shop? The Indiana Mall is less than two miles from campus. There you'll find more than 35 stores, including American Eagle,Kohl's, and JCPenney. There are also several shopping plazas in Indiana with such stores as Walmart, Game Stop, Staples, Lowes, and TJ Maxx. Need a ride to any of these places? Check out the IndiGo bus service schedule.

  • Take in a play at the Indiana Playhouse or a movie at the Indiana Mall Cinema.

  • If you're headed out to eat, Indiana has many options to choose from, including chain restaurants and locally-owned eateries.

  • Want to unwind with a good cup of java? We have some great coffee shops, including locally-owned Commonplace Coffeehouse, the Artists Hand, and Caf Amadeus, and chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, and all are close to campus.

  • Go for a skate at the S&T Arena, which has two full-size ice rinks.

  • Visit one of the nearby parks (Blue Spruce or Yellow Creek) that offer a lot of outdoors activities, including hiking, boating, fishing and biking, or take a run down the Hoodlebug Trail, which begins near the southwest corner of the IUP campus.

  • Enjoy 280 beautiful acres of woods and fields at the IUP Co-op Park, a recreational area located only a few miles from campus. You'll also find 10 miles of hiking, running, and walking trails there that connect to the White's Woods Nature Center. You can also throw discs at the 18-hole disc golf course or go sledding, tubing, or tobogganing on the range.

  • Find a calendar of community events, a list of things to do in Indiana County, and more on the Indiana County Tourist Bureau website.

  • Enjoy the many offerings at one of the festivals held in town, including the Westsylvania Jazz and Blues Festival (May),Northern Appalachian Folk Festival (September) and Indiana County Fair (late August/early September).