Juniata County was created on March 2, 1831, from part of Mifflin County and named for the Juniata River. The Indian name "Juniata" is said to mean "people of the standing stone." Mifflintown, the county seat, was named for Governor Thomas Mifflin.

As the ribbons of highways weave their ways through Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region, as one mountain after another unfolds, one realizes that in Central Pennsylvania all roads seem to lead through the heartland-through Juniata County. Not far from the Commonwealth's geographic center valleys branch out from US 322-providing easy access, easy reference and easy return.

Begin by driving through valleys of fertile farmland displaying diverse lifestyles-from Amish farms to modern dairies. Check into one of the many fine hotels, plan your tour at any one of the restaurants, then relax and enjoy the country. Try the farmers markets, browse the antique shops, explore the quilt and sewing stores, or get whatever you want at dozens of gift shops dotting the countryside.

For outdoor enthusiasts there's no better place than Juniata County. The Class 1 rated Juniata River boasts access points at Mifflintown, Walker, Muskrat Springs and Thompsontown. This makes for great one to four day float trips, some of the best muskie and smallmouth bass fishing and canoeing through occasional small rapids. Hunters and birdwatchers have access to almost 12,000 acres of State Gamelands and 120,000 acres of private farmland. In 1997 hunters harvested over 8,000 whitetail deer.