Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

On a summer Sunday afternoon, adventurers should plan to visit the Blue Ball Tavern Museum at Little Buffalo State Park in southcentral Pennsylvania. Operated by the Perry County Historical Society, members volunteer to open the museum every Sunday during the summer months.

Located directly across from the state park’s visitor center, the farmhouse museum contains a plethora of local history. One display features Civil War artifacts, including an 1864 Pennsylvania 13th Calvary photograph. Another display showcasing local Native American artifacts, includes strands of shell beads. Among the various collections, there are blacksmith tools, early lighting and Boy Scout troop memorabilia.

Be sure to venture into the basement. The original tavern was located here. The bar still has bottles and mugs setting on it as if the bartender was ready to serve weary travelers. A table and chairs are set with mugs and a set of checkers ready for guests to play as they catch up on the news of the day. During the War of 1812, the tavern was a stopover point where news was shared. A horn from the tavern signaled the nearby White Ball Tavern to get a fresh horse and meal ready for an incoming soldier.

Why was the tavern named, “Blue Ball?” Like a “No Vacancy” sign, a large blue ball was placed outside when the tavern was full. Visit the museum to learn more fascinating Pennsylvania history.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open from

June 05 to September 04

Pros

Original tavern area. Interesting local history.

Cons

Limited hours.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Historically significant
Native artifacts
Family friendly

Location

Nearby Adventures

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