St. Marys
Around St. Marys
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Pennsylvania · 30k people
St. Marys
Locals say Pennsylvania Wilds
Where the elk roam and the forest whispers.
forest greenelk brownautumn gold
Welcome to the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, where the elk roam and the rivers run clear. Whether you're here for the hunting, the hiking, or just a good fire hall dinner, you'll find a friendly wave and a full plate. Take a deep breath of pine air and settle in.
Clubs for St. Marys
No clubs for St. Marys yet.
The room
One room for everyone around St. Marys. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around St. Marys. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Elk Country Visitor Center Premier elk-viewing hub with exhibits and trails.
- Allegheny National Forest Vast public forest with hiking, camping, and wildlife.
- Clarion River Scenic river popular for canoeing and trout fishing.
- Tionesta Lake Reservoir with boating, swimming, and picnic areas.
- Elk County Courthouse Historic 19th-century courthouse in Ridgway.
- Outdoors Watch elk at dawn in Benezette
- Outdoors Hike the North Country Trail
- With kids Visit the Elk Country Visitor Center
- With kids Picnic at St. Marys City Park
- Evenings Local taverns
- Evenings Fire hall bingo
- Locals love Hunting camps
- Locals love Snowmobile trails
Through the year
- Elk County Fair August Classic county fair with livestock, rides, and local food.
- Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous June International chainsaw sculptors gather for demos and sales.
- Pennsylvania Elk Expo September Educational elk-viewing festival with exhibits and guided tours.
- St. Marys Summer Concert Series July Free outdoor concerts in the park on summer evenings.
The climate is continental—cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The best time to be out is fall for elk viewing and foliage, while winter offers snowmobiling and spring brings fishing. Best: Fall is the standout season—crisp air, colorful foliage, and active elk.
Talk like a local
- “pop”
- Soda or soft drink.
- “crick”
- Creek or small stream.
- “the Wilds”
- The Pennsylvania Wilds region.
- “hunting camp”
- A cabin used during hunting season.
Getaways
Local flavour
Rooting for Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Penn State Nittany Lions
Eat and drink
- pierogies
- halushki Cabbage and noodles, a hearty Appalachian comfort food.
- whoopie pies A classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert, found at local bakeries and fire hall sales.
Where people go
- elk viewing areas Designated spots like the Elk Country Visitor Center where visitors can observe elk.
- Allegheny National Forest A vast public forest offering hiking, camping, and fishing.
- hiking trails Numerous trails through ridges and valleys, including the North Country Trail.
- small-town diners Classic local eateries serving home-style meals and pie.
- fire hall dinners Community gatherings with food and fellowship at volunteer fire halls.
Heritage and traditions
St. Marys and the surrounding Elk County towns are proud of their deep German and Italian Catholic heritage, the rugged beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds, and being the heart of Pennsylvania's elk country.
This time of year in St. Marys
- Hunting season Fall Deer and elk hunting in the fall.
Say it like a local: “pop” — soda
Festivals
- St. Marys Bavarian Festival August German food, music, and dancing.
- Ridgway Victorian Christmas December Victorian-themed celebration with carolers and decorations.
- Brockway Italian Festival August Italian food, music, and cultural displays.
Landmarks with a story
- St. Marys Catholic Church Founded by German settlers.
- Benedictine Monastery Home to Benedictine sisters.
- Ridgway Victorian Historic District Well-preserved Victorian architecture.
- Elk County Historical Museum Local history exhibits.
Food traditions
- Elk burgers Game meat served at the Elk Expo and local eateries.
- Venison jerky Made from local hunters' harvests.
- Italian sausage A Brockway specialty from its Italian community.
Music and arts
- Chainsaw carving Ridgway's signature craft.
- Woodworking Local tradition.
A little history
- 1842 St. Marys founded by German Catholic immigrants.
- 1880s Lumber boom in Ridgway and Brockway.
- 1913 Elk reintroduced to Pennsylvania.
- 1923 Allegheny National Forest established.
- 1990s Elk herd grows significantly.
Rivalries
- St. Marys vs. Ridgway high school football Annual fall clash draws big crowds.
- Steelers vs. Eagles fans Statewide banter over which NFL team is best.
- Penn State vs. Pitt fans College football loyalty splits households.
- Game day High school football
- Game day Hunting and fishing
- Outdoors Cross-country skiing on forest trails
- Outdoors Hiking to fire towers
- With kids Playing in the snow during winter
Locals speak with a Western Pennsylvania accent, using 'yinz' for 'you all' and 'pop' for soda. German and Italian heritage words occasionally pop up.
Only here
- The largest elk herd in Pennsylvania.
- A unique blend of German and Italian Catholic heritage.
- The annual Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous.
New here? A few tips
- Prepare for cold, snowy winters.
- Learn to love elk — they're everywhere.
- Know that 'pop' means soda.
- Try the Italian sausage at Brockway's festival.
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Nearby
Every areaDuBoisPennsylvaniaWhere the mountains meet the small townBradfordPennsylvaniaSmall town, big outdoors.PunxsutawneyPennsylvaniaSmall towns, deep woods, and a groundhog's promise of spring.WarrenPennsylvaniaWhere the wild forest meets the river's calm.ClarionPennsylvaniaWhere the rivers run clear and the forests stand deep.OleanNew YorkWhere the hills meet the river and every season feels like home.State CollegePennsylvaniaWhere the mountains meet the gridiron.JamestownNew YorkWhere the grapes grow and laughter lives
St. Marys, PA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.