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 well as, boating and swimming at the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake. Find more details on all the things to do at Colonel Denning State Park here.
Doubling Gap Lake, a 3.5-acre lake in Colonel Denning State Park, is surrounded by forested land and a beautiful mountain backdrop. The sandy beach and cool water is perfect for swimming and fishing. Swimming: The lakeside beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to…
Wildlife viewers of all ages and experiences can hike, bike, walk, or horseback ride on the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail that follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad corridor from Shippensburg to Newville. Enjoy interpretative way-point signs on the agricultural…
Cumberland Valley is home to 46 miles of the 2,189 famed Appalachian Trail. The Valley's section includes a 13-mile stretch that is the longest-flattest section of the entire trail. This portion of the trail allows for easy day hiking that the whole family can enjoy. Find area…
Individuals, families, and groups are always welcome to visit the Shippensburg History Center. Our hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Our exhibits are filled with artifacts and interpretation that help to bring Shippensburg and the surrounding…
Located on the Shippensburg University campus, the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center is a 1,500 seat regional theatre hosting year-round performances including rock, country, pop, Broadway, comedians, family shows, symphonies, speakers and more. Offering affordable tiered…
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located on 696 acres in Michaux State Forest. Activities include hiking, access to the Appalachian Trail Museum and midway point of the A.T., lakeside beaches at Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, the Ironmaster's Mansion and more. Find details on all…
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center includes 2,531 acres to explore including 25 miles of trails, 3 day use areas, birding opportunities, biking trails and educational programming at the on-site mansion. Find more details on all the things to see and do at Kings Gap here…
Carlisle Sports Emporium, The Place to Play, is Central PA’s year-round indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, with fun for all ages! Entertainment options include: 100+ Virtual and Interactive Arcade Games, HOLOGATE VR, Indoor & Outdoor Go-Karts, NEW LED LASERTRON Laser…
Enjoy browsing in this downtown shop which features a full-line of fine chocolates, nuts (including their own Bavarian Cinnamon nuts), fudge, hand-painted chocolate lollipops and pretzel pops, frosted popcorn, Wiser's Clear Toy Candy, and more.
A family-owned used bookstore in the heart of downtown Shippensburg. Established in 1999, we offer over 50,000 quality used books in a wide variety of genres. Spend some time browsing our shelves to find an out-of-print classic, summer reading for the beach, or a book by one of…
Funky, eclectic shop selling vintage pieces and retro designs. Pick from a selection of new ladies clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, scarves and socks. Also browse through vintage men's and women's clothing including formal gowns, shoes, cocktail hats and more. There is a…
Unique gifts crafted by innovative artisans in a warm atmosphere offering relational, purposeful customer service. With over 90 artists showcasing their handcrafted work, our product lines include Bill Campbell Pottery, Helder Designs and Red House Waxed Canvas bags.
Located in the heart of downtown Carlisle, the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) offers a fabulous visual arts experience for everyone, whether you live in the area of whether you are just visiting. The center houses a unique sale gallery with hand crafted items and fine art…
Forget the housework and mortgage and immerse yourself in nostalgia that will make you giggle at Georgie Lou's Retro Candy! Georgie Lou's specializes in childhood favorites from the past alongside candy kids love today. From Bit-O-Honey to Turkish Taffy and from Airheads to…
Sports bar serving classic American pub and grille food including sliders, burgers, wings (with over 30 sauce options), wraps, subs and pizza. Join us for Happy Hour specials with growlers to go. Gather with friends to enjoy your favorite sporting events shown on one of 100 TV…
Owned and operated by two brothers, Goose Brothers offers premium hand-made ice cream in a variety of yummy ice cream flavors -- some seasonal. Cones, waffle cones, sundaes, shakes, or banana splits -- everyone is sure to find something they like. Goose Brothers ice cream is made…
Named after a monument located in the town square of Carlisle, England, this family-owned restaurant offers English/American meals for lunch and dinner paired with over 250 varieties beer and ales. Live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Monthly Sunday brunch…
The taste of Belgium in historic downtown Carlisle. Enjoy traditional Belgian food, beers and ales in a casual setting. Be sure to stop by for weekly beer tastings. Sunday brunch served from 10 am to 1 pm. Belgian beers offer a variety of flavors including sour, musty, sweet and…
Denim Coffee's specialty coffee shop in downtown Carlisle, just down from the square, features a full espresso & specialty coffee menu, breakfast sandwiches, panini sandwiches, smoothies, baked goods, kombucha, and more. All coffee drinks feature Denim Coffee's beans, roasted…
