Shippensburg University
Located on 200 acres approximately 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg in the beautiful Cumberland Valley, Shippensburg University was founded in 1871 as the Cumberland Valley State Normal School. Today, the university is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. The majority of the more than 7,000 students are Pennsylvania residents. However, the university also attracts students from 15 nations and 20 other states.
Shippensburg University seeks to "help build a better, stronger South Central Pennsylvania and beyond, economically and culturally, through recruiting, retaining, and developing students, faculty, and staff who have the abilities, skills, and values to compete and contribute to their community in an evolving world."
To accomplish this vision, the university offers 100 undergraduate programs, 57 graduate programs, and one doctoral program. All classes are taught by faculty members and, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, students receive personalized instruction.
The campus features 7 residence halls and more than 150 student clubs and is home to the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, a premiere 1,500-seat regional theater that hosts a wide-range of cultural programming, including concerts, comedians, and internationally-known speakers.
While here, students can enjoy exploring the surrounding area which offers a number of outdoor recreational opportunities, shopping, and dining experiences in Shippensburg and nearby downtown Carlisle, which is a short 20-minute drive from campus.
See below for some suggestions or further explore the restaurants and attractions of Cumberland Valley.
When planning a visit to campus, be sure to request a Visitors Guide or stop by our Visitors Center located at 33 West High Street, Carlisle.
Colonel Denning State Park is located on 273 acres of woodland and offers a variety of hiking, biking, hunting and birding, as…
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Doubling Gap Lake, a 3.5-acre lake in Colonel Denning State Park, is surrounded by forested land and a beautiful mountain…
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Wildlife viewers of all ages and experiences can hike, bike, walk, or horseback ride on the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail…
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Cumberland Valley is home to 46 miles of the 2,189 famed Appalachian Trail. The Valley's section includes a 13-mile stretch that…
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The Shippensburg Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the town's history and heritage and seeks to generate interest in…
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Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education (SHAPE) offers classes, student exhibits and organizes an annual art festival. Since…
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Located on the Shippensburg University campus, the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center is a 1,500 seat regional theatre hosting…
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Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located on 696 acres in Michaux State Forest. Activities include hiking, access to the…
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Kings Gap Environmental Education Center includes 2,531 acres to explore including 20 miles of trails, 3 day use areas, birding…
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Carlisle Sports Emporium, The Place to Play, is Central PA’s year-round indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, with fun for all…
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Enjoy browsing homemade chocolates and candies in this downtown shop.
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A family-owned used bookstore in the heart of downtown Shippensburg. Established in 1999, we offer over 50,000 quality used books…
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Produce and greenhouse selling vegetables, melons, berries, tree fruit, pumpkins, deli items, preserves, cider, eggs, dairy…
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Bulk foods, deli, made-to-order subs and sandwiches, and fresh home-baked goods.
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Funky, eclectic shop selling vintage pieces and retro designs. Pick from a selection of new ladies clothing, jewelry, hair…
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Unique gifts crafted by innovative artisans in a warm atmosphere offering relational, purposeful customer service. With over 90…
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Located in the heart of downtown Carlisle, the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) offers a fabulous visual arts experience for…
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A mother-daughter duo runs this downtown boutique carrying a variety of styles and sizes, accessories and purses.
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Forget the housework and mortgage and immerse yourself in nostalgia that will make you giggle at Georgie Lou's Retro Candy!…
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Casual pub atmosphere offering appetizers, specialty salads, signature sandwiches, seafood, steak, in house smoked meats and a…
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Sports bar serving classic American pub and grille food including sliders, burgers, wings (with over 30 sauce options), wraps,…
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Award-winning restaurant and deli (Best of Shippensburg since 2004) serving breakfast, lunch and dinner plus deli products -- such…
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Spend a quiet evening enjoying your ice cream at our unique location. Our quaint cabin features ice cream from Windy Knoll…
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Owned and operated by two brothers, Goose Brothers offers premium hand-made ice cream in a variety of yummy ice cream flavors --…
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A small craft brew pub producing ales and lagers and serving shareable snacks. Rental space available for events. GearHouse…
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Sample a variety of regular and seasonal craft beers brewed on-site in a historic 1900's building. The brewpub offers a…
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Named after a monument located in the town square of Carlisle, England, this family-owned restaurant offers English/American meals…
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The taste of Belgium in historic downtown Carlisle. Enjoy traditional Belgian food, beers and ales in a casual setting. Be sure to…
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Featuring sweet & savory crepes, handmade chocolates & desserts, gelato (seasonally), European-style coffee & free wi-fi.
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Distinctively excellent coffees, lattes, sandwiches, smoothies, and wraps in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Meetings: Private…
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Denim Coffee is a wholesale specialty roast coffee supplier with headquarters in Shippensburg, PA and retail coffee shop in…
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Map
Explore the Valley using the map to the left or find activities and places to stay using the
Interactive Map
