Messiah College Campus Map
Introduction
Messiah College is a Christian liberal arts college located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The campus is spread across 471 acres of land and is home to more than 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students. If you’re planning to visit the college or are a student looking for things to do on campus, this travel guide will help you explore the best attractions and hidden gems that Messiah College has to offer.
Top Attractions
Murray Library
The Murray Library is a must-visit attraction on the Messiah College campus. It is the largest library in Cumberland County and features a collection of over 600,000 books, journals, and multimedia resources. The library also has comfortable study spaces, computer labs, and a coffee shop.
Starbucks
If you’re a coffee lover, you can’t miss the Starbucks on campus. It’s a popular spot for students to grab a coffee and study. The coffee shop also serves pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks.
Hidden Gems
The Falcon
The Falcon is a student-run restaurant on campus that serves delicious food at affordable prices. The menu changes every semester and features dishes like burgers, salads, and pasta. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor seating area, perfect for a sunny day.
The Prayer Chapel
The Prayer Chapel is a peaceful and serene space on campus. It’s a great place to meditate, pray, or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of campus life.
Food Scene
Lottie Nelson Dining Hall
The Lottie Nelson Dining Hall is the main dining hall on campus. It serves a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian, and Asian. The dining hall also has a salad bar, a sandwich station, and a dessert section.
Union Cafe
The Union Cafe is a cozy cafe on campus that serves sandwiches, soups, and salads. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Events
Messiah College hosts a variety of free events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions. Check the college’s website or bulletin boards around campus for upcoming events.
Discounted Tickets
The college also offers discounted tickets to local attractions like Hersheypark and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Check with the college’s student activities office for more information.
Outdoor Adventures
Grantham Rail Trail
The Grantham Rail Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that runs through the Messiah College campus. It’s a great spot for jogging, biking, or walking your dog.
Boathouse
The college’s boathouse is located on Opossum Lake and offers kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. You can rent equipment from the boathouse or bring your own.
Historical Landmarks
The Eisenhower Campus Center
The Eisenhower Campus Center is a historic building on campus that was once a hotel. It now serves as the college’s student center and features a ballroom, a game room, and several meeting rooms.
The Sollenberger Sports Center
The Sollenberger Sports Center is a state-of-the-art sports facility on campus that was named in honor of former Messiah College president Dr. Calvin L. Sollenberger. It features an indoor track, a swimming pool, and several basketball and volleyball courts.
Family-Friendly Activities
Messiah College Farm
The Messiah College Farm is a sustainable farm that produces organic fruits and vegetables. It also offers educational tours and workshops for families and groups.
Movie Nights
The college hosts movie nights throughout the year, featuring popular films for all ages. Check the college’s website or bulletin boards around campus for upcoming movie nights.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Falcon Cam
The Falcon Cam is a live webcam that streams footage of a pair of peregrine falcons that nest on top of the Eisenhower Campus Center. It’s a unique and fascinating experience to watch these birds in their natural habitat.
The Honey Bee Observation Hive
The Honey Bee Observation Hive is a glass-walled hive located in the Science Center that allows visitors to observe the behavior of honey bees.
Natural Wonders
Opossum Lake
Opossum Lake is a 59-acre lake located on the Messiah College campus. It’s a great spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the scenery.
The Nature Trail
The Nature Trail is a 0.8-mile trail that runs through the woods on campus. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot for a walk or a hike.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Falcon
The Falcon, mentioned earlier, serves as a popular spot for students to gather and enjoy live music and other events. Check the college’s website or bulletin boards around campus for upcoming events.
The Union
The Union is another popular spot on campus for nightlife. It features a pool table, a jukebox, and a variety of board games.
Local Markets
The Farmers’ Market
The Farmers’ Market is a weekly event that takes place on campus during the summer. It features local farmers and vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other products.
The Craft Fair
The Craft Fair is an annual event that takes place on campus in November. It features local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts.
Beaches and Mountains
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs through Pennsylvania and is a popular spot for hiking and camping. The trail is easily accessible from Messiah College.
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is a popular destination for beachgoers and is located about two hours from Messiah College.
Cultural Immersion
The Office of Multicultural Programs
The Office of Multicultural Programs hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year that celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding.
The International Friendship Program
The International Friendship Program matches international students with local families for cultural exchange and friendship.
Art and Music Scene
The Climenhaga Fine Arts Center
The Climenhaga Fine Arts Center is home to the college’s art and music departments. It features a gallery, a recital hall, and several practice rooms.
The Messiah College Concert Series
The Messiah College Concert Series features a variety of performances by world-renowned artists and musicians. Check the college’s website or bulletin boards around campus for upcoming concerts.
Walking Tours
The Campus Tour
The college offers guided tours of the campus, led by current students. These tours are a great way to learn about the college’s history, architecture, and culture.
The Historic Walking Tour
The Historic Walking Tour is a self-guided tour of the town of Mechanicsburg, which features several historic buildings and landmarks.
Architectural Marvels
The High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
The High Center for Worship and Performing Arts is a stunning building on campus that features a 700-seat concert hall, a black box theater, and several rehearsal spaces.
The Old Main Building
The Old Main Building is a historic building on campus that was built in 1894. It now serves as the college’s administrative center.
Historical Sites
The Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives
The Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives is a collection of historical documents and artifacts related to the Brethren in Christ Church, a denomination that has strong ties to the college.
The Star Barn Village
The Star Barn Village is a historic site located near the college that features a restored 19th-century barn and several other buildings.
Biking Routes
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is a 13-mile trail that runs through the scenic Cumberland Valley. It’s a popular spot for biking and jogging.
The Conodoguinet Greenway
The Conodoguinet Greenway is a 2.4-mile trail that runs along the Conodoguinet Creek. It’s a great spot for biking, jogging, or taking a leisurely walk.
Wellness Retreats
The Oakes Museum of Natural History
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