You’ve probably seen the signs for DuBois while cruising down I-80, tucked away in that rugged stretch of North Central Pennsylvania. Most people treat it as a gas-and-go stop. They grab a sandwich, fill the tank, and keep moving toward Philly or Cleveland. Honestly? That is a massive mistake.
DuBois isn't just a dot on the map in Clearfield County; it's the gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds. It is weird, beautiful, and surprisingly busy. If you think there are no things to do in DuBois PA besides staring at the trees, you’re missing out on a town that has its own dinosaur museum, a brewery inside a train car, and the world’s most controversial "Budweiser" history.
The Weird Side of the Tracks at Doolittle Station
I have to start here because it’s just so bizarrely cool. Doolittle Station is basically the beating heart of DuBois kitsch. Imagine a cluster of historic railcars that someone decided to turn into a mini-city. You have the Boxcar Brew Works, where you can sip a craft pint inside a literal boxcar.
Then there’s the food. You can grab a slice at Railcar Pizza or sit down for a "finer" meal in a 1913 Parlor Car—one of only four left in existence. They even have an 1880s B&O railroad station replica that houses a museum.
But the real curveball? Dinosaurs.
Yep. Doolittle’s Dinosaurs features animatronic prehistoric beasts right next to the tracks. It’s one of those places where you stop for a quick look and end up spending three hours because your kids (or your inner child) won't leave. If you want to stay the night, they even have a Bed and Breakfast inside the Presidential Railcar used by Theodore Roosevelt. It's not every day you get to sleep where a Rough Rider once campaigned.
Why the Outdoors Here Hit Different
If you’re looking for things to do in DuBois PA that involve actual fresh air, you have to talk about the Elk. People drive from all over the East Coast to Benezette, which is about 30-40 minutes away, but DuBois is the perfect home base for it.
The Pennsylvania Elk herd is the largest in the Northeast. Standing on a ridge at the Elk Country Visitor Center at dusk, hearing the bulls bugle—it’s haunting. It sounds like a prehistoric scream.
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- Parker Dam State Park: This is for the hikers and the "I just want to sit by a lake" crowd. It has a great beach and some of the best cabins in the state.
- Bilger’s Rocks: Located just 25 minutes south in Grampian, this place is a geological labyrinth. We’re talking 300-million-year-old sandstone boulders stacked five stories high. You can squeeze through "ice caves" and fissures that stay cold even in the middle of July. It’s basically nature’s version of a jungle gym, and it's free.
- Beaver Meadow Walkway: Right in the city. If you aren't feeling a mountain hike, this 1.5-mile trail follows the creek and is perfect for a morning run or a quiet stroll.
The "Real" Budweiser and Local History
Okay, let’s clear up a misconception. If you head to the DuBois Area Historical Society, you’ll find out that DuBois actually produced the original Budweiser. The DuBois Brewing Company fought Anheuser-Busch in court for decades over the name. Eventually, the big guys won out, but the local pride remains.
The museum isn't just dusty shelves, either. You’ll learn about Tom Mix, the first Western megastar of Hollywood. He was born right here. There’s something kinda poetic about a silent film cowboy coming from the same woods where people still hunt and ride today.
Shopping and Arts (Yes, Really)
Downtown DuBois has a vibe that’s shifting. It’s not just old storefronts anymore. You’ve got the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art, which is surprisingly sophisticated for a town this size. They have a 1896 carousel inside and—I’m not making this up—paintings created by elephants.
If you’re a gearhead, the DuBois Harley-Davidson is legendary. It’s one of the oldest dealerships in the country and feels more like a showroom-meets-shrine than a store.
For the shoppers:
- Hockman’s Candy: You need the sea salt caramels. Don't ask, just buy them.
- DuBois Mall: It’s your standard hub, but if the weather turns nasty (which it does in PA), it’s the place to be.
- The Reitz Theater: They put on live plays that actually have some soul. It’s a local volunteer-run spot, but the talent is often top-tier.
Catching a Game or a Fair
DuBois is a huge baseball town. Showers Field is a gorgeous stadium that hosts the USCAA Small College World Series. Catching a game there under the lights with a cheap hot dog is peak Pennsylvania summer.
Speaking of summer, DuBois Community Days in June (usually around the 12th-13th) is when the town really wakes up. Parades, carnival food, and that specific small-town energy you can't fake. If you’re here in January, look for the Groundhog Wine & Distillery Festival at the nearby Clearfield County Fairgrounds. It’s a great way to forget that it’s 10 degrees outside.
Where to Eat When You’re Starving
Honestly, you can't talk about things to do in DuBois PA without mentioning Luigi’s Ristorante. It’s the kind of Italian place where the portions are huge and the red sauce tastes like it’s been simmering since the 1950s. It is a local institution for a reason.
For something more modern, Angry Goat Gastropub is the spot. They have axe throwing, an indoor golf simulator, and fire pits. It’s the perfect place to blow off steam after a day of hiking or driving.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Book Doolittle Station early: If you want to sleep in the Teddy Roosevelt car, you need to plan months in advance. It’s a bucket-list item for many.
- Check the Elk Cam: Before driving out to Benezette, check the live cams online to see if the herd is active near the Visitor Center.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service in the PA Wilds is... optimistic at best. Once you leave the main drag of DuBois to head toward the state parks, your GPS will likely quit.
- Pack for "Four Seasons": I've seen it snow in DuBois in May and hit 80 degrees in October. Layers aren't a suggestion; they're a survival strategy.
- Stop at the Historical Society first: It gives you context. Knowing the history of the lumber barons and the beer wars makes walking the downtown streets feel much more significant.
DuBois is more than a pit stop. It’s a place where you can find a dinosaur, a haunted-looking rock forest, and a really good glass of local wine all within twenty minutes of each other. Stop driving past and pull over.