Living among natural beauty in the Laurel Highlands
Stonycreek Township is one of the largest areas in Somerset County, with two boroughs, sprawling acres of working farmland and the Flight 93 National Memorial. Most people live in either Shanksville or Indian Lake and pay borough taxes, but some live out in the country, surrounded by forests and family farms. “I’ve been here since 1988,” says Jay McClatchey, Mayor of Indian Lake. “I came up for work to be part of a family business and just stayed here. It’s a beautiful area. Shanksville and Indian Lake are like little islands in Stonycreek Township because we’re completely separate from the township. I highly recommend the area to anyone. We have major ski resorts like Seven Springs in our backyard. It’s just wonderful.” The rural and natural beauty of the area draws people in, and many stay for the quiet landscape and the know-your-neighbor way of living.
Indian Lake is a central attraction of Stonycreek Township.
Davidsville's residents launch their kayaks from Quemahoning Reservoir.
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Flight 93 National Memorial and borough attractions
Visitors from across the world travel to the township to pay their respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial. During the 9/11 attacks, 40 passengers and crew members lost their lives after successfully overpowering four hijackers and crashing the plane set for the U.S. Capitol. The park honors these heroes through interactive exhibits, the Wall of Names, and the 93-foot-tall Tower of Voices, which has 40 chimes that ring for each passenger. Indian Lake residents have access to a private lake and two 18-hole golf courses — Peninsula Golf Club and Northwinds Golf Club. Arnold Palmer, the famous PGA champion, designed his first nine-hole course here and called it Indian Lake Golf Club. The course was later expanded, and it’s now called Peninsula Golf Club. When it snows, residents drive 25 miles to Seven Springs Mountain Resort or 22 miles to Hidden Valley Resort to ski or snowboard.
Residents of Stonycreek Township have easy access to the Flight 93 National Memorial Park.
Residents of Stonycreek Township have access to rare landscape views.
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Homes with lake views or farms in the backyard
Throughout the township, bungalows, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes sell for $115,000 to over $300,000, but homes near Lake Stonycreek can cost $300,000 to $500,000, depending on the size of the lots. Indian Lake has lakefront homes that sell between $600,000 and $2 million, while properties farther from the water can land in the $300,000 to $600,000 range. McClatchey says some people move into Indian Lake to be full-time residents, and others buy vacation homes. “There was a big uptick in people moving in during COVID because people could work from anywhere,” McClatchey says. “We draw in people from all over, like Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., because it’s so beautiful here. We have about 400 voting residents right now, but that swells to over 1,000 during the summertime.” Shanksville homes often have Craftsman, stick and colonial-inspired designs, and although just a few are sold a year, they can list for $80,000 to $200,000. Both boroughs have access to public water and sewer lines, but some homes run on septic tanks. Homes in the township only run on septic tanks and well water. The CAP Index gives the township a crime score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score.
Beautiful lakeside homes are enjoyed by residents of Stonycreek Township.
Stonycreek Township sits in the rolling hills east of the city of Pittsburgh.
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Fundraising for the VFD or taking a maple camp tour
McClatchey says a few small-town events happen throughout the year, like Indian Lake’s Fourth of July fireworks display and Indian Lake Marina’s regatta in August. Shanksville Community Grove holds the Shanksville Community Picnic, also in August. The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department hosts the event and raises money for the VFD by selling barbecue chicken and running raffles. Visitors see live concerts, spray firehoses and play carnival games. Somerset County celebrates its many maple farms with the Somerset Maple Tour. People drive throughout the county to see how different farms operate, and Stonycreek Township has the Brantview Farms Maple Camp. The farm opened in 1832 and has been operated by the same family for eight generations. While on a tour, guests see antique farm equipment, the maple tree forest and a live demonstration of how maple syrup is made.
Multiple golf courses are enjoyed by locals in Stonycreek Township.
Residents are proud of the history in their community in Stonycreek Township.
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Visiting Somerset and Windber for retail
Somerset has the nearest Walmart and Giant Eagle Supermarket, but the township features little family-owned stores. The Cornerstore Pantry (Bulk and Discount Foods) stays stocked with standard grocery options and homemade Amish products, like donuts and bread. Snida’s Corner Store has a small menu with sandwiches and hand-dipped cones, but locals can also stop in for small gifts and snacks. Duppstadt's Country Store offers hunting license registration and American-made products. The store also has shelves stocked with locally made items, like honey and maple syrup. The Lodge at Indian Lake serves burgers, wings and steaks for dinner, and some patrons order drinks at the bar.
Residents of Stonycreek Township shop at the local Duppstadt's Country Store.
Stonycreek Township residents grab bulk items at Moo Echo Dairy in Somerset Township.
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Quick access to I-76 and the rest of Somerset County
Nearby Somerset and Windber have more stores and restaurants than Stonycreek, so some residents drive 12 miles to Somerset or 20 miles to Windber for a day out. Interstate 76 runs along the township’s southern border and flows 80 miles to Pittsburgh. The nearest hospital is UPMC Somerset, but the Shanksville Fire Department responds to emergency calls throughout the township.
Stonycreek Township residents love eating lunch at The Chubby Chipmunk in Somerset Township.
I-76 is the fastest rout to get to Pittsburgh from Stonycreek Township.
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Combined athletic programs with nearby Shade-Central
The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District serves the township and boroughs, and it gets a C from Niche. The Shanksville-Stonycreek Elementary, Middle and High Schools share one building, each receiving C-plus ratings. Due to low athlete participation, the district connected with the neighboring Shade-Central City School District to create an all-sports partnership. This means students can try out for co-op teams like baseball, golf and girls' tennis.
Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Nick Conti
Video By
Rawley Rudel
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Escape to your own private 10.02-acre wilderness retreat in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. This corner lot, comprised of two level lots (86 and 87), offers the ultimate in seclusion and privacy, situated at the end of a quiet dead-end road within the sought-after Folmont community. Enjoy exclusive access to two community parks featuring beautiful ponds, pavilions and play areas. Hunting is
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Karyn BelardiBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Seize the opportunity to own this exceptional 1-acre vacant land, perfectly situated near the picturesque and private Lake Stonycreek. Ideal for various projects, this lot offers both tranquility and practicality, with public septic access conveniently located across the street.This property is perfect for building a garage to house boats, jet skis, ATVs, and all your adventure gear, making lake
Nestled in the serene, private community of Lake Stonycreek in Stonycreek Township, this 4-bedroom cabin offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and lakeside comfort. Featuring two bedrooms on the main level and two more upstairs, there's ample space for family and guests. An additional large second-floor bonus room can easily serve as a bunk room, game room, play area, or family room—tailored
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Sandra MillerBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
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Beautiful 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath Log Home on 39+ Acres in Stonycreek Township! Experience rustic charm & modern comfort in this stunning log home featuring plank hardwood flooring milled from the farm itself. The chef’s kitchen is a dream come true with double ovens, a gas cooktop, two dishwashers, & an open floor plan that flows seamlessly into the living room with a cozy wood burner and access to a
Amy ReepingBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Chieck out this 5 acres of wooded bliss located in the Folmont Property Owners Association in the Laurel Highlands. Privacy and seclusion at its best yet centrally located to Somerset, Johnstown and Bedford. Take advantage of all that Folmont has to offer including 2 private parks with fishing ponds, pavilions, outdoor grills and play area! State game lands nearby for the hunter. Fish a native
Sandra MillerBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Chieck out this 5 acres of wooded bliss located in the Folmont Property Owners Association in the Laurel Highlands. Privacy and seclusion at its best yet centrally located to Somerset, Johnstown and Bedford. Take advantage of all that Folmont has to offer including 2 private parks with fishing ponds, pavilions, outdoor grills and play area! State game lands nearby for the hunter. Fish a native
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