Looking for a peaceful, historic getaway in suburban Philly? Visit Collegeville, PA! This small town along the Perkiomen Creek offers natural beauty, quaint shops, and the charm of a classic college town. Whether you're exploring local trails or dining downtown, Collegeville offers a quiet escape with easy access to big-city culture.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Collegeville is during spring and fall (April–June and September–October). These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking, biking, and enjoying colorful foliage along the trails and creeks.
How to Get There
- By Car: Collegeville is located along U.S. Route 422, about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
- By Train: The nearest SEPTA regional rail station is in Norristown; from there, a short drive or rideshare is needed.
- By Air: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about an hour’s drive away.
Where to Stay
- Courtyard by Marriott Collegeville – Modern hotel near Providence Town Center with indoor pool and fitness center.
- Chateau Suites – Simple and affordable accommodations just off Route 422.
- Local B&Bs and Airbnbs – Cozy options ranging from creekside cottages to stylish suburban homes.
Top Attractions
⮕ View Inspiring Works at the Berman Museum of Art
Located in Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, Berman Museum of Art contains a diverse collection of art that provides important resource for teaching, but also for outreach and art education in general. The permanent collection represents different historical periods and styles, focusing on American 19th and 20th century paintings, prints, and sculpture. Works on paper collection has more than 1,500 pieces, and includes works by Dürer, Rembrandt, and Cézanne.
The museum also owns a collection of Japanese woodcut, scrolls, and artifact , which supports the extensive Japanese language, teaching and culture courses taught at the Ursinus college. There is also a significant collection of Pennsylvania German art and artifacts used extensively for research by campus and external scholars. The museum also offers rotating exhibitions that feature historical and contemporary art, lectures, workshops, and diverse interactive programming.
Berman Museum of Art, 601 E Main St, Collegeville, PA 19426, Phone: 610-409-3500, Map
⮕ Hike, Picnic, or Paddle Through Evansburg State Park
Evansburg State Park is a 3,349-acre park near Collegeville in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, established in 1979 to protect the rural nature of the area and to provide recreational opportunities for the residents of southeastern Pennsylvania. The park includes a range of habitats - forests, meadows, fields and farmland and is a popular destination for picnicking, golf, biking, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and fishing.
Skippack Creek, which runs through the park, is stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout and many other species of fish. Skippack Golf Club located within the park is an 18-hole golf course. The park has 26 miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking trails.
Evansburg State Park, 851 Mayhall Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426, Phone: 610-409-1150, Map
⮕ If You’re Craving Comfort in a Bowl, Grab a Bite at Zoup
Really good soup is hard to find. That simple truth is behind the huge success of Zoup, a large chain of counter-serve stores that keep cropping up all over the States and Canada. At Zoup!, they offer hundreds of soups, with 12 daily-changing varieties including Lobster Bisque and Chicken Potpie soup.
They have soups that are low-fat, dairy-free, vegetarian, spicy or gluten-free. Each bowl is served with a hunk of freshly baked bread. They even allow you a small sample before you decide which soup you want. They also offer freshly made salads, sandwiches and bowls. Their Collegeville restaurant, located in Providence Town Center, is bright, modern, colorful and very popular spot that is always full, so come early for lunch to find your favorite soup.
Zoup, 500 Broad Street, Collegeville, PA 19426, Phone: 610-409-6100
⮕ Browse Books and Sip Something Warm at the Town Book Center and Cafe
What started in 1990 as the Little Professor bookstore, grew into a 8,000-square foot book center, wine shop, café and a community center in the Providence Town Center in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Huge space is packed with books of all kinds, from bestsellers and paperbacks, school books and romances.
They have rare books and new releases and just about anything their customers ask for. They also offer 14 kinds of wines from Crossings Vineyard in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It is the only bookstore in Pennsylvania to offer wine. The store also works with school libraries, organizes fundraisers for local charities, organizes and manages book clubs, book readings and special community events.
Town Book Center and Cafe, 220 Plaza Drive #B-3, Collegeville, PA 19426, Phone: 610-454-0640, Map
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Perkiomen Trail – Popular 20-mile trail for walking, biking, and enjoying the scenic Perkiomen Creek.
- Ursinus College Campus – Walk the picturesque campus, visit the Berman Museum of Art, and catch a performance or event.
- Providence Town Center – Outdoor shopping and dining complex with retail stores, a movie theater, and restaurants.
- Hoy Park – Local riverfront park perfect for quiet walks and kayaking access to the Perkiomen Creek.
Where to Eat
- Ristorante Toscano – Local Italian favorite known for pasta dishes, seafood, and a cozy atmosphere.
- The Trappe Tavern – Laid-back bar and grill serving pub fare, wings, and local brews with outdoor seating.
- Palermo’s Pizza – Neighborhood staple for pizza, stromboli, and casual Italian-American eats.
Local Events
- Collegeville Farmers Market (Spring–Fall) – Weekly market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and live music.
- Collegeville Colossal Yard Sale (May) – Community-wide event with vendors, food trucks, and family activities.
- Ursinus Homecoming Weekend (Fall) – Campus-wide celebration with games, alumni events, and local festivities.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Collegeville, Pennsylvania
- Valley Forge National Historical Park (20–25 min) – Walk or bike scenic trails and explore Revolutionary War history where George Washington’s army camped.
- Evansburg State Park (5–10 min) – Enjoy hiking, fishing, or horseback riding along the Skippack Creek in this wooded natural area.
- Skippack Village (10–15 min) – Browse boutique shops, dine al fresco, or catch a play at the local theater in this charming historic village.
- Perkiomen Trail (Access in Collegeville) – Bike or walk this scenic 20-mile trail that follows the Perkiomen Creek through wooded and rural landscapes.
- Elmwood Park Zoo (20–25 min) – Visit animals from around the world and enjoy interactive exhibits in nearby Norristown.
- Phoenixville (15–20 min) – Explore this lively town’s artsy downtown with craft breweries, local shops, and the historic Colonial Theatre.
- Audubon Loop Trail (20–25 min) – Hike peaceful trails and spot birds at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove.
- King of Prussia Mall (25–30 min) – Shop one of the largest malls in the U.S., featuring luxury brands and diverse dining options.
- Upper Schuylkill Valley Park (15–20 min) – Visit this small wildlife center and enjoy nature trails along the Schuylkill River.
- Green Lane Park (25–30 min) – Kayak, hike, or picnic at this large county park with forests, wetlands, and lakefront views.
FAQ
- Q: Where is Collegeville located and what is it known for?
- A: Collegeville is a borough on Perkiomen Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and is a suburb of Philadelphia. It is known as the home of Ursinus College, established in 1869.
- Q: What is the significance of Ursinus College in Collegeville?
- A: Much of the life in Collegeville revolves around Ursinus College, which is home to the renowned Berman Museum of Art, showcasing thousands of artworks from all parts of the world.
- Q: What are some of the natural attractions in Collegeville?
- A: Evansburg State Park was established to protect the rural aspect of the area around Collegeville and to provide recreational space for local residents.
- Q: Is there any shopping near Collegeville?
- A: Yes, the Providence Town Center is an open-air shopping mall located just outside Collegeville.
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