You may find yourself slipping into the wintertime blues after saying goodbye to the Christmas season. As the winter season continues in western PA (and assuming you’re no longer snowed in by the great snowstorm of 2026), allow me to remind you of the many opportunities around the college area. Whether craving a cozy day indoors or a frosty thrill out, there is always an adventure waiting to happen!

Up for a snowy adventure? Explore Beaver County and the hidden treasures of nature.

  1. The Falls: Buttermilk Falls & Big Run Falls are a couple of the best waterfalls in the area. Not only are they easy hikes but they lead to a view straight out of a painting.

  2. Ruins Exploration: In the small town of Ellwood City lies abandoned Rock Point Park Ruins, an old amusement park which closed in the early 1900s. With its old trails and broken-down machinery, it feels eerie yet nostalgic.
  3. Trash bag Sledding & Outdoor Skating: Looking for more excitement? Try out trash-bag sledding at New Galilee Community Park or hop on the ice at Brady’s Run Park in Chippewa Twp.
  4. Sahli Nature Park in Chippewa and Raccoon Creek State Park: In the chill of winter, these places transform into winter wonderlands. The natural beauty of these parks invite you to reflect on the beauty of nature in even the coldest months of western PA.

Beaver County holds a number of local gems that reflect the charm, history, and spirit of the area. And even in the midst of winter, there’s still plenty to explore — if you’re up for the adventure that is. Enjoy the community you’re living in and experience the places that make Beaver County not just a city but a home.

A cozy day indoors more your speed? Here are a few ideas to keep you and your friends occupied over the weekends.

  1. The Classics: Sometimes you just need a good movie night, board game night, or craft night. Make some hot cocoa and popcorn, invite your friends to your dorm room, and just hang out! Karaoke always goes over well especially with the right snacks.
  2. Power Point Fun: Invite your pals over to present on topics important to them through power point presentations. Add themes to make it interesting!
  3. Dollar Tree Finds: Ask everyone to bring a gift ($5-10 limit) and hold a white elephant style gift exchange. We don’t have to reserve this for the holidays only! In the end, each person receives something silly and takes home a new treasure.

By Grace Forton ‘29

The Geneva Story publishes content from a variety of contributors across the Geneva College community. The perspectives, experiences, and conclusions expressed in this content are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Geneva College, its leadership, or its editorial staff.