Bald Eagle State Park is a 5,900 acre recreational area in Centre County, approximately 25 miles northeast of State College.
At the heart of Bald Eagle State Park is 1,730-acre Sayers Lake, built by the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1969 as part of a flood control project.
Sayers Lake is nearly 8 miles long, with 23 miles of shoreline.
Private Foster Joseph Sayers
Sayers Lake and Sayers Dam at Bald Eagle State Park were named in honor of Foster Joseph Sayers, a Centre County native and private first class in World War II.
Nineteen-year-old Sayers lost his life while displaying gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in combat on November 12, 1944, for which he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Popular Activities at Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park is one of the most-visited state parks near State College, and you’ll begin to understand why as you browse through this list of some of the best things to see and do there.
Boating at Bald Eagle State Park
Unlimited horsepower motorboats are permitted on Sayers Lake.
The speed limit on the lake is 45 mph, and boaters must follow a counterclockwise traffic pattern on the lake.
There are six boat launches at Bald Eagle State Park, and all are open 24 hours with parking and restroom facilities.
Fishing at Bald Eagle State Park
Fishing is permitted from the shore, on boats, and from several fishing piers at Sayers Lake.
Sayers Lake is a warm water fishery, with the common game fish being largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and channel catfish.
About 630 acres of the lake are available for ice fishing during the winter.
Swimming at Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park has a 1,200-foot-long sand beach, open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
This is a “swim at your own risk” (no lifeguard on duty) beach, open between 8:00 A.M. until sunset daily during the summer season.
Hiking at Bald Eagle State Park
There are 14.5 miles of hiking trails available at Bald Eagle State Park.
All hiking trails at Bald Eagle State Park are open year-round, from 8:00 A.M. until sunset.
Fall Foliage at Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park is one of the best places to view fall foliage in Centre County.
The mountains surrounding Sayers Lake are awash with color every October.
From the beach to the boat launches, the fall foliage views at Bald Eagle State Park are outstanding.
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park is an 18,500-square-foot, full-service hotel overlooking Sayers Lake.
The Nature Inn features 16 guest rooms, meeting rooms, and a lodge-style dining room.
The views from the Nature Inn are outstanding, and it was recently voted the #1 eco-lodge in the United States.
Directions to Bald Eagle State Park
The park office at Bald Eagle State Park is located right off of Route 150 at 149 Main Park Road, Howard, PA 16841.
The Nature Inn within Bald Eagle State Park is located at 201 Warbler Way, Howard, PA 16841
Final Thoughts
Whether you enjoy fishing…
or boating…
or simply sightseeing in a beautiful natural setting.
You’ll find something to love about Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County!
Nearby Attractions
The 6 Best State Parks Near State College is your guide to the best state parks in the Happy Valley region.
The 8 Best Scenic Overlooks in the Bald Eagle State Forest is your guide to 8 fantastic ROADSIDE scenic overlooks in the adjacent Bald Eagle State Forest that require no hiking whatsoever!
The 5 Best Scenic Overlooks Near State College is your guide to discovering the finest vistas in the mountains surrounding State College and Penn State University.
Hiking the Colyer Lake Trail Near State College shows you what to expect from this beautiful 2.6 mile lakeside-loop trail just minutes from downtown State College and Penn State.
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is a Penn State owned and operated wildlife center and aviary, located just 12 miles outside of State College in rural Huntingdon County.
Exploring the Ghost Town of Scotia Near State College takes you inside the remains of a iron-mining boomtown gone bust.
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