Jefferson County’s four-season climate can be enjoyed at our two beautiful state parks, Cook Forest and Clear Creek. Here you can enjoy backpacking, canoeing, fishing, biking, horseback riding and much more. It is a great place to plan a getaway weekend, or enjoy a wonderful family vacation. Soak in the peaceful and mystical “Cathedral” of towering 300-year-old white pine trees located within Cook Forest State Park. Or enjoy the world class fishing found in the numerous frigid mountain streams, such as Clear Creek and North Fork Creek.

The busy traveler will enjoy the wide range of hotel accommodations ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to internationally known resort and spas.

Religious Affiliations

Jefferson County is host to a wide diversity of religious faiths that provide a strong backbone for community spirit and activities such as performing ensembles for string, voice and hand-bells, along with fairs, bazaars and church dinners.

Annual County-Wide Events

Jefferson County is home to the most famous weather prognosticating groundhog in the world-Punxsutawney Phil!  Phil has been predicting the weather for over 100 years and over 40,000 people journey annually to Jefferson County on February 2 to enjoy this mid-winter frivolity.  Punxsutawney, Phil's hometown, also offers a weeklong celebration in July to honor their most famous resident.  Activities include a parade, bake sales, carnival, talent shows and good old-fashioned fun.  Learn more about Phil at http://www.groundhog.org.

Jefferson County is also home to the Western Pennsylvania Laurel Festival, held every June in Brookville.  The beautiful snow white mountain laurel (Pennsylvania's state flower) is brilliantly displayed throughout the northern mountainous areas of the County.  The festival includes a grand parade featuring over 100 units along with ball games, sidewalk sales, and even a fiddle contest.

July brings the sights and sounds of the Jefferson County Fair, held at the fairgrounds adjacent to Exit 81 of Interstate 80.  Children of all ages enjoy the extensive exhibits celebrating and educating all of us on the agriculture heritage of our great land.  Over 50,000 visitors a year enjoy carnival rides, extensive food booths, demolition derbies, and live professional entertainment.

Airport Awareness Days:  come and enjoy the many thrills and chills that aviation has to offer in Jefferson County.  Come visit our two beautiful airports in the County, located near the Borough of Falls Creek and Punxsutawney, to see vintage WWII to modern aircraft and learn how important air travel is to our way of life.

December brings the wonderful sights and sounds of Victorian Christmas Celebration to Brookville.  Its like a scene out of a Dickens-style novel...the town takes on a look of yesteryear with its festive garlands, twinkling white lights and homemade decorations.  Sleigh bells ring as horse and buggy riders pass by.  You won't want to miss the living windows, strolling brass ensemble, children's tea party, craft show, caroling and much more.  Feature activities include House Tours, Ghosts, Myths & Legends-Candlelight Tour, Victorian Ball and Dinner, Holiday Concert and Living History Walking Tours.

Municipal Activities

Jefferson County is home to many small towns that feature a wealth of recreational and cultural activities.

Brookville is the smallest community (4,500 residents) in the nation that can boast a full service YMCA. It is equipped with a pool, state of the art weight-lifting equipment, gymnasium, multi-purpose area, exercise room and a game room. Coordinating mind, body and soul, the YMCA offers workshops and programs to adults as well as children.

Area children can participate in numerous youth programs ranging from: swimming, golf, softball, drama, dance, soccer, little league baseball and football.

All of the County’s boroughs support excellent public libraries and community centers.

We are also fortunate to have two strong historical society’s located in Brookville and Punxsutawney that help preserve and highlight the nearly 200 year story of Jefferson County and its wonderful people.