Pennsylvania is full of quirky and unusual roadside attractions that make for memorable and often bizarre stops on any road trip. Here are eight of the weirdest you should consider visiting:
1. Haines Shoe House (York)
- Built in 1949 as a promotional gimmick for a shoe company, this giant shoe-shaped house has five stories with rooms inside the toe, heel, and ankle.
- Though no longer open for tours regularly, it remains an iconic and strange sight along Route 30 east of York.
2. Sherman Memorial Lighthouse (Tionesta)
- A 75-foot tall lighthouse built in 2004 far inland along the Allegheny River, about 60 miles from any navigable water.
- It was constructed as a family memorial and to house a collection of miniature lighthouses, with occasional public access.
3. Giant Cowboy “Sam” (Kittanning)
- Standing 30 feet tall outside the Cadet Restaurant, this fiberglass cowboy holds a giant hamburger and has been a local landmark since 1962.
- Part of the “Muffler Man” statue family, it’s a classic example of mid-20th-century roadside Americana.
4. Gravity Hills (Multiple Locations)
- Pennsylvania has several “gravity hills” where cars appear to roll uphill due to an optical illusion.
- Notable spots include Pittsburgh’s North Park, Bedford County, and south of Harrisburg, offering a spooky and strange driving experience.
5. Bedford Coffee Pot (Bedford)
- An 18-foot tall coffee pot-shaped building built in 1927 originally as a lunch stand.
- It has been restored and now serves as a quirky museum and reminder of novelty architecture along the Lincoln Highway.
6. Mars Flying Saucer (Mars)
- A large UFO-shaped monument celebrating the town’s space-themed name.
- Located in the town square, it’s a playful and unusual photo opportunity for travelers.
7. The Statue of Liberty Replica (Near Harrisburg)
- A small replica of the Statue of Liberty placed mysteriously in the middle of the Susquehanna River.
- Originally erected as a patriotic prank in 1986, it has become a beloved and odd landmark accessible only by boat or kayak.
8. Giant Car Mechanic Statue (Tunkhannock)
- Originally an A&W Papa Burger statue, it was repurposed into a giant car mechanic holding an oil can.
- Located outside Mile Hill Collision Service along Route 6, it’s a fun example of roadside creativity and recycling.
These attractions combine whimsy, oddity, and local history, making Pennsylvania’s roadsides a treasure trove of the unexpected and delightfully strange. Whether it’s a giant shoe, a lighthouse far from the sea, or a UFO in a small town, these stops add character and curiosity to any trip through the Keystone State.
Sources
[1] https://uncoveringpa.com/pennsylvania-roadside-oddities
[2] https://pabucketlist.com/quirkiest-man-made-roadside-attractions-in-pa/
[3] https://tripjaunt.com/5-quirky-roadside-attractions-in-pennsylvania/
[4] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/pennsylvania/roadside-attractions
[5] https://www.visitpa.com/article/roadside-attractions-pennsylvania
