Explore the Area
Jennings Environmental Education Center is near the communities of West Liberty and West Sunbury, which offer places for eating and shopping. Slippery Rock, located to the northwest of the center, is home to Slippery Rock University and its amenities.
Learn about some of the area businesses and things to do from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.
Nearby State Parks and Forests
Jennings Environmental Education Center is close to three state parks, where visitors can enjoy recreation, education, and other activities.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park
The 2,856-acre Maurice K. Goddard State Park features the 1,680-acre Lake Wilhelm, which is very popular with anglers and boaters. Many recreational activities attract visitors in all seasons, including hiking, biking, picnicking, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, and wildlife watching.
McConnells Mill State Park
The 2,546-acre McConnells Mill State Park is located in Lawrence County and encompasses part of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which is a National Natural Landmark.
Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides while the valley floor is littered with huge boulders. Scenic overlooks and waterfalls are popular natural attractions.
Popular recreational activities include hiking, picnicking, whitewater boating, fishing, hunting, climbing, and wildlife watching.
Moraine State Park
The 16,725-acre Moraine State Park features gently rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waters that disguise a land that has endured the effects of continental glaciers and massive mineral extraction.
Each year, more than one million boaters, hikers, bikers, and swimmers visit the park, yet never realize that many people helped restore the park from prior coal mining and oil and gas drilling practices.
Today, the park is an outstanding example of environmental engineering achievement.
Other Nearby Outdoor Spaces and Natural Places
There are several other nearby outdoor spaces and natural places near Jennings Environmental Education Center:
- The six-mile long Miller Esker is a sinuous ridge of sand and gravel that was deposited when water flowed through a confined tunnel at the base of the last continental glacier 23,000 years ago. Also called the West Liberty Esker and West Liberty Hogback, the Miller Esker can be found along West Liberty Road, about 5 miles from Jennings. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy owns and preserves a section of the esker and maintains a small parking lot.
- Two miles outside of the town of Slippery Rock where West Water Street crosses Wolf Creek, you will find Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area. The 115-acre property is managed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and is known for its spectacular spring wild flowers. A 1.5 mile trail follows a high quality stream as it meanders through 50-foot cliffs formed by the runoff of a melting glacier.
- The historic Old Stone House inn and museum of rural life borders Jennings on the east side of PA 8. The Old Stone House is operated by Slippery Rock University and is open Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and Sunday 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., May through October, and at other times for special events.
- The Frank Preston Conservation Area is several miles to the south of Jennings and offers additional recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities.