Talleyrand Park is one of the crown jewels of historic Bellefonte in Centre County!
In a town perhaps best known for its Victorian architecture, its hard to believe that this beautiful greenspace on the banks of Spring Creek almost became the site of a K-Mart in the mid-1970s!
Thankfully a group of concerned citizens got involved and formed the all-volunteer Talleyrand Park Committee, which through fundraising and hard work turned this once-industrial area into the magnificent recreational area it is today.
So follow along as I share with you some of my favorite things to see and do at Talleyrand Park in historic Bellefonte!
Visiting Talleyrand Park
Talleyrand Park covers 3.5 acres along the banks of Spring Creek, close to the shops and restaurants in the downtown Bellefonte business district.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round.
Talleyrand Park is named in honor of French statesman Charles Maurice de Talleyrand (in exile in America during the French Revolution), who is credited with inspiring the name “Bellefonte” for the town in which the park is located.
Parking is along High Street at the northern side of the park, with a large metered lot located at the corner of High Street and Potter Street.
The park is home to a large population of waterfowl, including ducks, herons and Canadian geese.
Many of these waterfowl hatch their young at Talleyrand Park every spring, which is quite a sight to see.
Notable Structures at Talleyrand Park
The various buildings, bridges, and monuments at Talleyrand Park reflect the character of Bellefonte’s Victorian heritage and celebrate some of its notable former citizens.
Bellefonte Railroad Passenger Station
The Bellefonte Railroad Passenger Station, built in 1889, is located at the northwestern corner of the park.
Both the Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad are housed in the train station.
The Gazebo
The Gazebo at Talleyrand Park was the first structure specifically built for the park, completed in time for the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations in 1976.
The Gazebo hosts a variety of concerts and holiday displays throughout the seasons.
The Bellefonte Governors Memorial
The Bellefonte Governors Memorial honors the seven state governors who at one time lived in Bellefonte.
All seven governors served in the 1800s; five as Governor of Pennsylvania, one as Governor of Kansas, one as Governor of California.
The Suspension Bridge
The suspension bridge over Spring Creek was built in 1986.
The suspension bridge links the main part of Talleyrand Park to the peninsula between Spring Creek and Big Spring Run.
George Barnard Sculpture Garden
This garden honors Bellefonte native and accomplished sculptor George Barnard, whose works include statuary flanking the main entrance of the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
In 1983, the Talleyrand Park Committee installed this bust of Abraham Lincoln, cast from the original plaster head sculpted by Barnard in 1917.
The Promenade
The Promenade at Talleyrand Park was built in 1989.
The Promenade features a gorgeous fountain and many flower-filled urns, in addition to thousands of bricks laid out in geometric patterns.
The Pennsylvania Match Factory
The historic Pennsylvania Match Factory is located on the southwestern edge of Talleyrand Park.
For 47 years this factory was one of America’s leading wooden match producers.
Today is has been repurposed into several commercial spaces, including a distillery.
The Walking Trail
Talleyrand Park is a popular destination for those who walk for exercise, as well as those who just walk to see the sights.
Four laps of the park equals one mile, when following the path around the outside perimeter.
Along the trail you’ll be treated to lots of exceptional views.
The Falls on Spring Creek
Although really a man-made spillway, the Falls on Spring Creek are a visual focal point of Talleyrand Park.
Equally photogenic any time of year, the “falls” are located just downstream from where Big Spring Run feeds into Spring Creek.
The way the falls are oriented make them a perfect spot for catching a sunset glow.
The Changing Seasons at Talleyrand Park
Although busiest in the summer months, Talleyrand Park really is a four seasons destination.
The vibrant fall foliage surrounding the park makes it a popular destination for photographers.
Even into early November I’ve taken some photos I still enjoy looking at years later.
Winter is a great time to enjoy Talleyrand Park with a minimum of visitors.
The Match Factory in particular really stands out against a blanket of white snow.
With the trees devoid of foliage, you can get a nice winter view of the downtown Bellefonte skyline from the park.
Of course if you want to see everything in full-bloom, visit in the late spring to early summer.
The Talleyrand Park Committee and the Bellefonte Garden Club do a wonderful job of maintaining the beautiful plantings of annuals and perennials.
When it comes right down to it, there is never a bad time of year to visit Talleyrand Park in historic Bellefonte!
Related Attractions
The Plaza Centre Antique Gallery, a massive antique store/flea market housed in a historic former theatre in downtown Bellefonte, is one of my favorite places to shop in Centre County.
Plaza Centre includes not only the former Plaza Theatre building, but the adjacent building as well, for a total of 6 floors and more than 100 vendors!
The Bellefonte Cruise has been a popular Father’s Day weekend event in historic Bellefonte since 1988.
2022 marked the 33rd year for the event, which takes place on the streets of downtown Bellefonte, the Centre County seat.
Exploring Victorian Bellefonte in Centre County takes you on a tour of the town’s amazing architecture, considered by many one of the best preserved historic towns in the United States.
22 Must-See Attractions in Centre County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte!
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