Beyond SRU Campus: A Guide for Visiting Slippery Rock Families

Whether you’re here for move-in, homecoming, a football game, or just a quick visit, make the most of your time in Slippery Rock, PA, and discover the local favorites that make Butler County worth exploring.

Stay

Applebutter Inn - Centreville Pike, Slippery Rock

Planning to spend the weekend with your SRU student? Make your visit convenient by staying close to campus.

The Applebutter Inn offers a cozy, home-away-from-home experience for visiting families. The historic 1844 farmhouse has been transformed into a charming two-story, 12-room Inn and is equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and memory foam mattresses in every room. Full of beautiful antiques and furniture that elevate the cozy atmosphere, each room comes with its own unique charm. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning featuring their signature apple butter!

Not only is the Inn located down the road from the university, but it’s also just two (2) miles from Slippery Rock Golf Club & Events Center and the Twisted Oak Tavern.

Applebutter Inn

Credit The Applebutter Inn

Café

Rooster’s Coffee Bar - Main Street, Slippery Rock

A great day of exploring starts with a great café! Grab a cup of coffee and pastry before your fun day of adventure.

Located right on Main Street, Rooster’s Coffee Bar is a popular hub for students and the community. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic coffee, cold brew, tea, a refreshing drink, or one of their signature floats, there’s something for everyone.

Rooster’s is more than just a coffee shop. With its relaxed atmosphere, Rooster’s is a great spot for students to catch up on schoolwork, for parents to answer a few emails, or for anyone to slow down and enjoy some quiet time.

Rooster’s also makes an effort to connect with students by hosting collaborative events with local organizations and offering special student experiences. During finals week, for example, the cafe offers extended hours, is stocked up on baked goods and even provides disposable cameras for students to share and capture their memories. Their seasonal menus also give customers something to look forward to throughout the year.

Rooster's Coffee Bar

Pictured Rooster's Coffee Bar

Explore

The Birdwatchers Store - New Castle Rd, Slippery Rock

Want to bring a bit of nature home with you? Stop by The Birdwatchers Store, a unique shop that is housed in a century-old schoolhouse on 3.5 acres of Audubon-certified wildlife sanctuary. The historic schoolhouse adds to the charm of this one-of-a-kind destination, where visitors can browse feeders, seed, books, and nature-inspired gifts or grab a pair of binoculars to watch the local birds and wildlife.

Personalize your experience with BWS’ guided tours, after-hours shopping, and on-site consultations to help transform your backyard into a bird’s paradise!

The Birdwatchers Store

Jennings Environmental Education Center - Prospect Rd, Slippery Rock

Tucked away, right down the road from Slippery Rock University, is a beautiful hidden gem that is easy to overlook.

With miles of hiking trails, Jennings is a peaceful place to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The center is home to Pennsylvania’s only protected prairie, which was established as Pennsylvania’s first reserve to protect the blazing star flower (Liatris spicata). The North Country National Scenic Trail also passes through Jennings, making it a great stop for both casual hikers and those looking to explore a longer trail.

If you’re looking to spend some peaceful time outdoors, Jennings is a beautiful way to experience the quieter side of Slippery Rock.

Jennings Environmental Education Center

Credit Celina Inan

Indoor Activities: Keep the Adventure Going

Mystery Mayhem Escapes & Axe Throwing - Centreville Pike, Slippery Rock

Not all the fun has to be done outside. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family on a rainy day, Slippery Rock has a few local spots where the whole family can have some fun.

Ready for some friendly competition? Head to Mystery Mayhem Escapes & Axe Throwing for some fun that puts your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test.

Choose from three different escape rooms, each offering its own mystery and challenges as you work together to beat the clock. Not into escape rooms? Give axe throwing a try with over 12 different interactive games!

Mystery Mayhem Escapes and Axe Throwing

Steele’s Brushes And Ceramics - N. Main St. Ext, Butler

If you’re looking for something more artsy and relaxing to do, Steele’s is another local favorite in Butler County.

Stop in and create something at your own pace by painting ceramics, wood, or canvas. If you’re looking for a more guided experience, try a pottery wheel workshop or a step-by-step canvas session.

Steele’s also hosts fun, unique events throughout the year, including opportunities to paint with farm animals like goats, alpacas and mini highland cows, along with other events such as bingo & paint nights, paint & sips, and more!

Steele's Brushes and Ceramics

Shop

Playthings Etc. - William Flynn Hwy, Butler

A unique shopping stop for the whole family. Take a trip to Playthings Etc., a fun toy and hobby store that has awesome toys for all ages and interests!

You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the spaceship-sized shiny metal building! Inside you’ll have the most extraordinary toy store experience with more than 7,000 toys and demonstrations. Most of the toys are out of the packages, so you can try before you buy and they encourage you to do just that!

Whether you’re shopping for a gift or looking for something fun to do, Playthings Etc. is a stop you need to make while you’re in the area.

Playthings Etc. Family Toys & Hobbies

Pictured Playthings Etc.

Food

North Country Brewing Company - S. Main St., Slippery Rock

Wind down from your adventurous day at North Country Brew Pub, located right on Main Street in Slippery Rock.

Founded in 2005, the unique Brew Pub is a known destination for craft beer enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The cozy space is filled with character, featuring hand-carved wood details and unique decor that gives the restaurant a rustic, one-of-a-kind feel. Pair the atmosphere with a comforting meal made with fresh, local ingredients and one of their handcrafted beers for the perfect way to end a good day of exploring.

North Country is more than just a place to grab dinner and a drink. The Brew Pub regularly brings the community together with live music, trivia nights and other special events. Their annual Brewfest brings together their craft beer, food, games and music for a fun day at their production facility.

Be sure to also check out the events at the North Country Taproom, where special events such as holiday markets and other seasonal activities give visitors another way to experience the local brewery beyond the pub.

Whether you’re stopping in for a casual meal, enjoying live music or checking out the events, North Country Brewing offers a cozy and memorable way to experience Slippery Rock.

North Country Brewing Company

Make the Most of Your Visit

Whether you’re visiting your Slippery Rock University student for the weekend, or just looking for something fun to do with the family, there is plenty to explore beyond campus.

Next time you’re in town, take a day or two off campus to make new memories and explore even more of what the area has to offer! And while Slippery Rock is a great place to start, there’s still so much more of Butler County to explore.