Cold Stream Dam is a popular recreation spot on State Route 322 in Philipsburg. Throughout its history, the dam has suffered mishaps, most notably in 1936, when it broke and water flooded the downtown. However, the dam has weathered the problems and survived to remain an important local resource.
A lake was created in the 1800s by damming Cold Stream. The dam was damaged by a historic flood on St. Patrick’s Day 1936. The dam was repaired, but in the years afterward regular maintenance often was ignored and it fell into disrepair.
A late winter storm in 1993 caused a section of the dam to break, and several inches of water spilled onto nearby downtown streets.
In 2009, the state Department of Environmental Protection determined that the dam was unsafe and threatened to remove it unless the borough made repairs. After repeated delays because of a lack of funding, a $2.3 million project to replace the breast of the dam and spillway was completed in 2017.
For decades, the lake and its beach was a popular area for swimming during the summer. For safety reasons, swimming is no longer permitted at the lake but fishing is allowed. The recreation area has a playground, picnic pavilions, and a bandstand.
The dam area is a featured location for Philipsburg’s Heritage Days summer celebration. Live music, Civil War reenactments, a fireworks display, and other activities are held at the park.
During the Christmas season, the dam is the site of the giant image of Santa Claus, a beloved tradition in Centre County. The 37-foot-tall Santa, with a 16-foot-tall bag of toys as well as toy soldiers, was built by Bill Adams of the Philipsburg and was a project of American Legion Post 437.
A variety of wildlife and birds can be seen at the lake, including bald eagles.
Sources:
Mitchell Ross, “Cold Stream Dam fully open for public use.” The Progress, September 19, 2017.
Philipsburg Historical Foundation, www.phf1797.com (Accessed December 5, 2025).
First Published: August 18, 2021
Last Modified: December 5, 2025