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    Quite appropriately, The Hunting and Fishing Museum of Pennsylvania is located within prime hunting, fishing and trapping country; on an island in the Allegheny River (a National Wild & Scenic/Recreational River), surrounded by the wooded hills of Forest County in Northwestern Pennsylvania.  Tionesta, the County Seat, lies adjacent to the island.

    Major views onto the island, which will be important for museum visitor orientation and appreciation, are particularly strong from the Route 36 Bridge across Tionesta Creek east of the site. To a lesser degree, from the Route 62 bridge upstream from the island. Winter views of the island from Route 62 west of the site are quite dramatic.  The island space itself is defined by a dense, vegetated perimeter edge that creates a grassed flat space on the interior. The narrower northern end of the island has a somewhat enclosed inwardly oriented feeling; while the wider southern end is expansive with outside orientation. The interior of the entire island is only sparsely vegetated with trees.

    The riverbank surrounding the island averages 10-15 feet high, is rocky and steep, with dense vegetation and a narrow (0- 10' wide), rocky flat area adjacent to the water. The historic Timber Crib Dam, circa 1872 and nominated as a National Historic Structure, lies at the mouth of Tionesta Creek on the eastern shore of the island.

 "The mission or purpose of this organization is to interpret the human activities of hunting, trapping and fishing as they relate to Pennsylvania's history and conservation of natural resources. This is accomplished by the collection, preservation and interpretation of prehistoric and historic materials. The interpretation includes exhibits, educational programming for all ages, hands-on and interactive opportunities and research and publications. Activities take place both indoors and outdoors on the Organization's discovery area or in any of Pennsylvania's rich environs, thus increasing participation by the broadest possible audience including special needs populations."

    Throughout the design of the museum site, every opportunity will be taken to preserve or develop a natural character in keeping with the theme of the museum. The impact of all "hard construction" (roads, parking lots, building, and walks) will be minimized as much as possible with curvilinear alignments, natural grading and layout, and native plant material massing and buffering. Views to the surrounding river and wooded hills will be emphasized. The museum building and site designs will be integrated to provide the visitor with a seamless, natural character throughout their visit. The Hunting & Fishing Museum of Pennsylvania experience will imitate the environment enjoyed by many in their pursuit of outdoor recreation.

    The amphitheater, demonstration area and interpretive area are independent facilities that can be consecutively related.  The amphitheater is a natural extension of the museum building's interpretive program; a sloped bowl with stone or wooden seats built into the bank with a central "stage" easily seen at the bottom of the bowl. Product and skill demonstrations, and interpretive programs can take place in the amphitheater. A large fire pit can be built under the 'stage" for barbeques and game dinners.  Beyond the amphitheater, the relatively flat demonstration area will allow extension of programs into a large open area for casting instruction, dog trials, product shows, etc.  The interpretive area surrounding the demonstration area and throughout the open space around the island, will be highlighted by self guided trails, interpretive displays, sitting area, vistas and fishing access to the river.

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