Central Pennsylvania
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Borough and Centre County seat
A Victorian county seat in the Nittany Valley
Bellefonte is a borough in Centre County about 12 miles northeast of State College and has been the county seat since 1800. Its Spring Creek and Victorian downtown, including the 1885 courthouse, give it one of the most intact historic districts in central Pennsylvania.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1795 by James Dunlop and named for a spring that powered early industry, Bellefonte became a iron and later titanium manufacturing center.
Housing & Real Estate
Bellefonte offers Victorian singles, twins and rowhouses at moderate prices, with newer development outside the borough.
Restaurants & Shopping
Allegheny Street and the downtown blocks host cafes, breweries and restaurants, with several in restored historic buildings.
Schools & Education
Bellefonte Area School District serves the borough.
Parks & Recreation
Talleyrand Park along Spring Creek is the borough's centerpiece, with nearby Bald Eagle State Park a short drive away.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 550, Route 144 and I-80 serve the area, with Centre Area Transportation buses connecting to State College.
Local Businesses
Manufacturing, tourism and downtown retail make up the local economy, with a growing brewery scene.
No businesses are listed in Bellefonte yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Talleyrand Park
- Centre County Courthouse
- Bald Eagle State Park
- Curtin Village
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Exceptional Victorian architecture
- Spring Creek and park access
- Moderate housing costs
- Close to State College
Considerations
- Limited retail and services
- Flooding risk along Spring Creek
- Few transit options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellefonte the Centre County seat?
Yes. Bellefonte has been the seat of Centre County since 1800.
What is Talleyrand Park known for?
Talleyrand Park runs along Spring Creek in downtown Bellefonte and is known for its gardens, footbridges and trout fishing.