Honestly, most people driving across Pennsylvania see Ebensburg as just another blip on Route 22. They see the courthouse dome, maybe a gas station, and keep the pedal down toward Pittsburgh or State College. They’re missing out. Big time. Ebensburg isn't some sleepy, forgotten coal town—it’s actually the kind of place that makes you wonder why you live in a city with no parking and expensive coffee.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ebensburg PA, you’ve gotta look past the quiet streets. There’s a weirdly perfect mix of "Mayberry" vibes and high-energy festivals that’ll catch you off guard.
The Ghost Town Trail is Way Better Than it Sounds
Don’t let the name spook you. It’s not actually haunted (well, probably not). The Ghost Town Trail is a 53-mile stretch of "rails-to-trails" gold that ends right here in Ebensburg. It’s named for the mining towns that vanished when the coal dried up, but today, it’s arguably the best biking and hiking spot in Western PA.
You’ll see massive iron furnaces like the Eliza Furnace and old coal-loading tipples. It’s industrial history being reclaimed by the woods.
Pro Tip: If you’re starting in town, the trailhead is at 424 Prave Street. There’s a slight uphill grade coming into Ebensburg, so if you want an easy ride, start at the 219 underpass and coast down toward Nanty Glo.
Watch out for the sun-bathers. No, not people. Snakes. On hot days, they love the warm limestone path. Just ride around ‘em; they were there first.
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Potatofest: Yes, It’s a Real Thing
Look, I know a festival dedicated to a root vegetable sounds... niche. But Ebensburg’s Potatofest is basically the Super Bowl of Cambria County. It happens every year on the last Saturday of September—mark your calendar for September 26, 2026.
Cambria County is the second-largest potato supplier in the state, and they take that very seriously.
- The Food: You haven't lived until you've had a potato pancake at 9:00 AM.
- The Crowd: Over 200 vendors. 20,000+ people. It gets packed.
- The Vibe: Potato-themed floats, kids dressed as spuds, and actual farmers handing out seed potatoes.
Don't even try to park downtown after 10 AM. You’ll just get frustrated and end up circling the block like a vulture. Park at the high school and take the shuttle. Your sanity will thank you.
Where to Actually Eat Without it Being a Chain
If you want the "local" experience, skip the Applebee’s on the hill.
Pour on Center is where you go if you want a craft beer and a burger that actually tastes like it came from a kitchen, not a microwave. It’s got that exposed brick, cozy tavern feel. Right across the street is Clark Powell’s, which is a bit more "sit-down dinner" but still keeps it casual.
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For something quicker, Everyday Gourmet on West High Street is a gem. Their sandwiches are legit, and they have a fine food merchant section where you can grab stuff you’d usually only find in a big city.
Then there's Coal Country Brewing. It’s located just a bit outside the main drag on Ben Franklin Highway. They lean hard into the mining heritage, and the beer is excellent. It's the kind of place where everyone knows each other, but they’ll still give you a seat and a recommendation without making you feel like a tourist.
Historic Stops That Aren't Boring
Ebensburg was founded by Welsh immigrants (hence "Cambria," the Latin name for Wales), and the architecture reflects that old-school pride.
- The Cambria County Courthouse: You can’t miss it. It’s an 1880s masterpiece. Even if you don't have "legal business," just looking at the rotunda is worth three minutes of your life.
- Lake Rowena: This is right at the edge of town. It’s a great spot for trout fishing or just walking the dog. It’s peaceful, simple, and usually pretty quiet on weekdays.
- The Young Peoples Community Center (YPCC): This place is the heart of the town’s recreation. They’ve got indoor tennis, a fitness center, and it’s basically where everyone’s kids spend their weekends.
Beyond the Borough Limits
If you’ve got a car and a few hours, Ebensburg makes a perfect home base. The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is just down the road in Gallitzin/Cresson. This was a literal engineering miracle in the 1800s—they used to pull canal boats over the mountains on rail cars.
While you're there, check out the Admiral Peary Monument. Robert Peary, the guy who (arguably) reached the North Pole first, was born right here in Cresson. There’s a statue of him in a fur parka that’s pretty iconic for the area.
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The "Real Talk" About Visiting
Ebensburg is great, but it’s a small mountain town. Weather changes fast. One minute it's sunny, the next you're in a "lake effect" snow squall or a heavy Allegheny mist.
Also, the pace here is slower. People will chat with you in line at the Sheetz. They’ll stop to let you cross the street even if there’s no crosswalk. It’s a bit of a time capsule, but in a way that feels intentional rather than stuck.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, here's the play:
- Check the Borough Calendar: Events like "Wheels & Wings" (June 25, 2026) or the "Downtown Shutdown" (July 24, 2026) are huge.
- Gear Up: Bring a bike or good walking shoes. The Ghost Town Trail is the highlight for most visitors.
- Stay Local: Consider the Noon-Collins Inn for a bit of historical flavor instead of a generic roadside motel.
- Visit in the Fall: The foliage in Cambria County is spectacular, usually peaking in mid-October.
Ebensburg isn't trying to be the next big metropolitan hub. It’s just a solid, historic town with deep roots and a surprisingly good food scene. Stop driving through and actually park the car. You might end up liking the place more than you expected.