Pennsylvania is home to a variety of quirky and fascinating roadside attractions that make any road trip unforgettable. Here are 11 of the weirdest and most unique stops worth checking out:
1. Haines Shoe House (York)
This five-story house shaped like a shoe was built in 1949 by Mahlon Haines, a shoe salesman, as an advertisement for his business. It features a living room in the toe, a kitchen in the heel, and bedrooms in the ankle. Visitors can marvel at its whimsical design or even book a stay through Airbnb.
2. Gravity Hill (McCandless Township)
Defy the laws of physics at Gravity Hill, where cars appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral. This optical illusion has mystified visitors for years and is located just outside Pittsburgh.
3. Koontz Coffee Pot (Bedford)
This 18-foot-tall coffee pot was built in 1927 as a roadside attraction along the Lincoln Highway. Originally a lunch spot, it now serves as a museum and photo op for travelers.
4. Kecksburg Space Acorn (Kecksburg)
This UFO-shaped structure commemorates a mysterious object that reportedly crash-landed in Kecksburg in the 1960s. The “Space Acorn” has become a centerpiece for the town’s annual UFO Festival.
5. Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium (Orrtanna)
A paradise for elephant lovers, this museum features thousands of elephant figurines alongside a candy shop offering every sweet treat imaginable3.
6. The Haunted Basement at The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos (Swiftwater)
Beneath this candle shop lies a spooky basement where monkeys were once kept for medical research. Visitors can take haunted tours and experience eerie phenomena like phantom fur brushing against their ankles.
7. Serenity Glass Park (Port Allegany)
This sparkling park showcases colorful glass artwork, including a glass castle, paying homage to Port Allegany’s glass manufacturing history. The vibrant displays are particularly stunning when sunlight hits them.
8. Doolittle Station (DuBois)
This unique village features historic train cars repurposed into restaurants, museums, and even a bed-and-breakfast. Visitors can enjoy ice cream in a vintage diner car or explore railroad memorabilia.
9. The Giant Cowboy (Kittanning)
Standing outside the Cadet Restaurant, this 30-foot-tall fiberglass cowboy holds a giant hamburger and greets visitors along Route 422. Known as “Sam,” he’s one of many “Muffler Man” statues created in the 1960s.
10. PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden (Meadville)
This artistic installation is made entirely from old road signs and stretches over 1,200 feet. It features colorful depictions of flowers, hot air balloons, and regional landmarks, making it an Instagram-worthy stop.
11. Phantastic Phils (Punxsutawney)
In honor of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, this town displays over 30 larger-than-life fiberglass groundhog statues decorated by local artists. Each statue celebrates different aspects of the community and its traditions.
These attractions showcase Pennsylvania’s quirky charm and creativity, making them must-visit stops on your next road trip!
Sources:
- https://www.visitpa.com/article/roadside-attractions-pennsylvania
- https://uncoveringpa.com/pennsylvania-roadside-oddities
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcPrwADCYCc
- https://lhhc.org/lincoln-highway-heritage-corridor/200-mile-roadside-museum/other-sights-in-pa.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/yktcok/unusual_attractions_and_sights_in_pa_need_ideas/
