The vast greenery of rural Rush Township, 20 miles from State College Borough, can be attributed to its state park and game lands. The area is hilly and veined with creeks, rivers and winding roadways. No streetlights or urban disturbances bother the residents of this rural oasis that serves as a nature-lovers getaway. A relatively flat area along State Street makes up Sandy Ridge, the most prominent hamlet in the township. For shopping, dining and other amenities, residents head into Philipsburg, which borders the area, or State College Borough. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, which is below the national average of 4.
Rush Township’s woodlands offer scenic views and outdoor recreation.
Downtown Philipsburg’s aerial view shows its proximity to Rush Township.
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Summer and winter activities in Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is in an elevated region of Rush, containing over 3,000 acres of rich flora and fauna. The park surrounds its namesake, the dark waters of Black Moshannon Lake. “We have 20 miles of trails; our lake is very shallow but also a unique resource,” says Mathias Weinzen, the manager of Black Moshannon State Park. “It is part of a bog. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a lot of bogs.” While flooding may occur in the township and near the state park, the bog's rugged terrain and spongey nature mitigate the issue. Black Moshannon offers camping at tent and RV sites as well as cabins. Some log cabins, with the signature brown and white stripes, are relics from New Deal programs. “The Civilian Conservation Corps was created during the Great Depression,” says Weinzen. “Young men went to rural areas and built their own places to stay and helped to build back the great outdoors. It was also a way for the country to provide more work, food and housing. You see a building that has brown and white strips -- that’s what we consider parkitecture, a good signifier of the CCC era.” Campers may kayak or paddleboard on the lake during their stay, visit the beach, or hike during the summer. In winter, the park allows ice skating, ice fishing and has a snowmobile trail. For more of a focus on hunting and fishing, residents may visit State Game Lands 33, bordering the park.
Cabins at Black Moshannon State Park offer rustic lodging in Rush’s elevated terrain.
State Game Lands 33 and 30 offer hunting and fishing near Rush’s wooded areas.
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Subdivisions near Philipsburg and Osceola Mills
Subdivisions are spread along winding roadways and clustered near Philipsburg and Osceola Mills, just outside the township. Other homes are clustered around central roadways with squares of green lawn. minimal traditional, Colonial Revival and ranch-style are common in the area and range from $125,000 to $575,000.
Contemporary homes in wooded Rush subdivisions range from $300K to $575K.
Ranch-style homes are common in Rush, especially near Philipsburg’s suburban edge.
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Celebrated drama club at Philipsburg Osceola Area High
The Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District receives a C from Niche and serves Rush Township. Depending on their proximity to local institutions, children may attend Philipsburg Elementary School or Osceola Mills Elementary School. Both schools receive a B-minus rating. Students advance to Philipsburg-Osceola Area Middle School, which receives a C-plus, and Philipsburg Osceola Area High School, which also receives a C-plus. The high school has a drama club, and eight participating students were nominated for the Isaac Awards, a ceremony to recognize talented high school performers.
Philipsburg Elementary serves Rush families and has a B-minus rating.
Osceola Mills Elementary, near Rush, offers B-minus rated education.
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Commuters use state Routes 350 and 504
The region has a few roadways, state Routes 350 and 504 lead into Philipsburg, the nearest borough. U.S. Route 322, a major highway in the area, also goes through Philipsburg and State College. Residents can also connect to Interstate 80 to explore outside the area or visit New York. There is no public transportation, but Philipsburg has a Greyhound bus station 5 miles away. State College Regional Airport is 22 miles away. Those with private pilot licenses within the township may fly out of the Mid-State Regional Airport. The Mount Nittany Medical Center is 22 miles away.
Route 322 provides Rush residents access to State College and Interstate 80.
Route 350 connects Rush Township to Philipsburg and other nearby communities.
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Haunted hike at Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park hosts many events throughout the year, including a Winterfest in January and Lumber Legacy Days in July. Its Haunted Lake Loop Trail in October is one of the park's most popular events, drawing 1,000 visitors for a milelong hike decorated for the ghoulish holiday. Religious services are held at Philipsburg Alliance Church, First Church of Christ and St Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
Shopping and dining in Philipsburg
Most shopping and dining are available in Philipsburg or State College. A popular eatery in the township is Hogs Galore, a barbecue restaurant known for supplying its own pork products. Across from the restaurant is Belding & Mull, which sells hunting gear. Groceries are available in Philipsburg at Weis Market.
Hogs Galore in Rush is a popular spot for barbecue and locally sourced pork.
Belding and Mull in Rush sells hunting gear and outdoor equipment.
Weis Market in Philipsburg is a go-to grocery store for Rush Township residents.
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Important to know
Radon is common in Pennsylvania due to the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Many homes have radon mitigation systems, but it’s vital to ensure that residences are equipped with one, especially if well water is used.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsey Byers,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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**Secluded Camp Retreat in Black Moshannon State Forrest** Escape to your own private haven in the heart of nature at this secluded camp located in the beautiful Black Moshannon State Park. Accessed via a gated road, this rustic retreat offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. The camp features essential outdoor amenities, including a well house, an outhouse, and a picturesque pond
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Investment opportunity featuring two rental units situated on a single parcel. The property includes 110 Belko Lane, a spacious four-bedroom, two-bath residence, and 1551 Black Moshannon Road, a one-bedroom, one-bath home offering approximately 438 finished square feet. Both units are currently tenant occupied, providing immediate income potential. Current monthly rents are $800 for 110 Belko
Old-world charm meets modern functionality in this beautifully updated home! From top to bottom, you'll appreciate the thoughtful improvements, including a new bathroom, updated flooring, modern electrical service, a new furnace, stylish countertops, updated appliances, and a stunning farmhouse sink that serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen. Soaring 9-foot ceilings and updated light fixtures
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