Thrilling Outdoor Adventures to Try in Slippery Rock, PA

Located about 50 miles north of Pittsburgh lies the small town of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Home to approximately 4,000 people, the main attraction in this PA borough is Slippery Rock University. The university itself houses almost double as many college students as people that live in the town!

Yet, as small as Slippery Rock may be, there are some pretty exciting things to do and see there. If you’re in the mood for museums and fine dining, the one-hour drive to Pittsburgh is your best bet. But if you’re looking to spend the weekend in a more rustic setting, there are some pretty fun ways to occupy your time.

Here are some unforgettable adventures to experience in Slippery Rock, PA, this weekend.

Slippery Rock Golf and Events Center

Book a tee time and practice your drives and putts at the Slippery Rock Golf and Events Center. Featuring beautifully maintained fairways and greens, this 19-hole golf course is set at a semi-private club, so you don’t have to be a member to play.

In addition to the course itself, this golf center also has a driving range. There’s a restaurant on-site so you can enjoy breakfast before you tee off and lunch and drinks after your round.

The Slippery Rock Golf and Events Center also has an ample reception space that hosts weddings, parties, and other special events. If you get an invite to an event here, be sure to RSVP yes!

The Old Stone House Museum

Technically, the Old Stone House Museum is an indoor experience, but this location’s grounds are equally as lovely. 

Set in a rural, natural setting in beautiful Butler County, the Old Stone House Museum is a living history museum. It once was an old tavern on the stagecoach trail, but now it’s a place to view artifacts from the 1800s and get a slice of authentic, rural life.

The Old Stone House Museum is under the direction of the history department at Slippery Rock University. Students and staff from the history department lead tours and events throughout the year, making it a great educational stop for locals and tourists alike.

DR Distillery

If the promise of whiskey and rum aren’t enough to woo you, visit the DR Distillery if only to see the giant chicken statue outside!

The DR Distillery is a local artisan distillery set on a working farm. They handcraft both whiskey and rum and have an open bar area where you can sample their spirits and homemade cocktails. The rural setting has the authentic feel of a backwoods moonshine operation, which is precisely what makes it so cool.

The brewery offers tours and tastings, and if you’re in the mood to shop after you drink, they also have unique metal artwork for sale.

DR Distillery also hosts special events throughout the year, such as gravel bike races. This June, the race is set to start at the big chicken and end with a moonshine toast back at the distillery!

After cocktails, be sure to check out the retro Dino gas station next door, complete with two vintage pumps and a green dinosaur statue. Both make for some pretty distinct photo ops.   

Slippery Rock Gorge Trail

Winding through McConnells Mill State Park, the six-mile Slippery Rock Gorge Trail is a beautiful place to enjoy an outdoor hike.

Best-suited for experienced hikers, this challenging trail runs over the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. About halfway through the hike, this trail turns downward into the gorge’s deepest part before it climbs back up.

The Slippery Rock Gorge Trail is not a loop — there are definitive start and endpoints. If you don’t wish to hike down and back again, be sure to have transportation waiting. During your hike, you can enjoy river views, bird watching, and all sorts of natural growth that make it a beautiful outdoor experience.

Before heading out on this trail, check the weather! It can be slippery and muddy in wet conditions, so you’ll definitely want to wear some good hiking bo

ots for this trek. 

Moraine State Park

With more than 40 miles of shoreline around Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park is the perfect place to spend a day boating, hiking, and picnicking. It’s full of activities and offers endless ways to enjoy the day, making it a spot that the entire family can enjoy.

At Moraine State Park, you can ride trails on horseback. You can take a leisurely stroll through lush natural landscapes and hills and run or ride your bike.

If you’re looking to turn your next outdoor experience into a weekend adventure, cabins are available for rent along the lake. Rent a kayak or canoe, charter a pontoon boat for an afternoon cruise, or get in some activity on an 18-hole disc golf course.

Moraine Park is a great place to spend a warm, sunny day, but it’s also beautiful in winter, particularly if you like cross country skiing. Just be sure to bundle up — Pennsylvania winters can get mighty cold!

There’s Even More to Do in Slippery Rock

Whether you’re a local or a tourist just passing through, it only takes a few minutes to realize that Slippery Rock University is the heartbeat of the community. If you’re looking for more unique activities, check their online calendar of events. They host lots of different experiences that are open to the general public.

Check the SRU website for a complete list of live concerts, performances, arts festivals, and more.

Conclusion

Hiking, boating, golfing, drinking, or learning how to make whiskey … 

There are practically endless ways to enjoy a day outdoors in Slippery Rock, PA. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to relax or be active. Slippery Rock may be a small town, but there are plenty of fun things to do!

And when you are in the mood to get dressed up, enjoy a fancy dinner, or take in an off-Broadway show, just jump in the car and head to Pittsburgh. It’s only about an hour’s drive down the highway. 

Author bio:

Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Grove Slippery Rock to help them with their online marketing.