While Penn State is isolated in Central Pennsylvania, there are several landmarks that help you know you’re getting close to the school.

Whether it’s a store or a statue, folks are reminded that they’re nearing Happy Valley on the way to campus.

So, some of our staffers decided to give their picks on what landmarks help them know they’re getting close to Penn State.

Jamie Lynch: Susquehanna River

Raging below Route 80 is a landmark that lets me know I am close to Happy Valley. The “Mighty Susquehanna,” as my family calls it, signifies that there are just under two hours left in my trek from the great state of New York.

As the seasons change, so does the state of the river. I can often tell, based on the water levels, how the Pennsylvania weather has been since I’ve been on break, making it an informative milestone in my trip.

The blue and white sign that appears before I cross the river’s overpass notifies me that I am in the home stretch and makes me question if I can hold my bathroom break until I arrive at school.

Michael Siroty: Sheetz

As someone from New Jersey, I can confidently tell you Wawa is better than Sheetz. When I go from Wawa territory to Sheetz territory, I know I’m getting close to Penn State — one of the major drawbacks of going to school here.

Michael Zeno: The Little Statue Of Liberty

For those who don’t live east of State College, the Little Statue of Liberty is a 25-foot replica of the real statue in the Susquehanna River, just north of Harrisburg. It sits on a pedestal and is pretty noticeable if you gaze into the water when driving along Route 22.

It might be over an hour from campus, but when you’re coming from New Jersey, it’s about two-thirds of the way to State College and is a nice reminder that you’re getting close to the end of a long car ride.

Mikey DeAngelis: Wave Rock

No matter what you call it, you all know what I’m talking about. This geologic time capsule is both a remarkable look into the history of our planet and a sign that you’re making the turn into the mountains, and Penn State is right around the corner. Lots of people will answer that their landmark is something like the Sheetz or the Statue of Liberty, but those are too far away. Wave Rock means Penn State is imminent.

Joe Lister: Lewistown, Pennsylvania

When I’m driving into State College from “outside of Philly,” I know I’m outside of State College when I’m weaving through Lewistown. I have never driven through the many curves that US-322 takes you through this town at a safe speed, but this is always how I know that I’m 30 to 40 minutes from my driveway.