Pennsylvania is home to an array of quirky and fascinating roadside attractions that make any road trip memorable. Here are 11 of the weirdest and most unique stops worth checking out:
1. Haines Shoe House (York)
This five-story building shaped like a shoe was built in 1948 by Mahlon Haines, a shoe salesman, as a promotional gimmick. The house features a living room in the toe, a kitchen in the heel, and bedrooms in the ankle. It now serves as a vacation rental and a must-see roadside oddity.
2. Gravity Hill (McCandless Township)
Defy the laws of physics at Gravity Hill, where cars appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral. Whether it’s an optical illusion or something more mysterious, this spot near Pittsburgh is both puzzling and fun.
3. Kecksburg Space Acorn (Kecksburg)
This UFO-shaped monument commemorates an alleged extraterrestrial crash in 1965. Located outside the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department, it’s a favorite among UFO enthusiasts and visitors curious about Pennsylvania’s paranormal history.
4. Koontz Coffee Pot (Bedford)
Built in 1927 along the historic Lincoln Highway, this 18-foot-tall coffee pot originally served as a lunch stand. Now restored, it stands as a museum celebrating Pennsylvania’s novelty architecture.
5. Mars Flying Saucer (Mars)
This UFO replica pays homage to the town of Mars, Pennsylvania. Positioned near the town square, it’s a playful nod to the town’s name and a great photo opportunity for space enthusiasts.
6. Boomer the Dino-Dog (New Hope)
A whimsical sculpture combining features of a dinosaur and a dog, Boomer has become a beloved landmark at the entrance to Delaware Canal State Park. Originally created for an art show, it remains a permanent fixture.
7. PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden (Meadville)
This unique art installation is made entirely from recycled road signs. Stretching over 1,200 feet, it features colorful sculptures of flowers, animals, and landmarks, showcasing creativity through repurposed materials.
8. The Haunted Basement at The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos (Swiftwater)
While the shop above sells candles, its basement offers a haunted experience tied to its past as a research facility for smallpox and yellow fever vaccines. Visitors have reported eerie sensations and ghostly encounters here.
9. Phantastic Phils (Punxsutawney)
Punxsutawney is famous for its groundhog weather predictions, but these larger-than-life fiberglass statues of Punxsutawney Phil scattered throughout town add an artistic twist to its charm.
10. Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium (Orrtanna)
This quirky stop features thousands of elephant figurines alongside an old-fashioned candy store. It’s both whimsical and nostalgic, making it perfect for families or collectors.
11. Chip the Ice Cream Man (Coopersburg)
Standing outside The Inside Scoop ice cream shop, this towering fiberglass statue holds an oversized ice cream scoop in one hand while dressed in retro soda jerk attire. It’s both an eye-catching landmark and a sweet treat destination.
These attractions highlight Pennsylvania’s knack for blending creativity with history and whimsy, ensuring there’s something intriguing around every corner!
Sources:
- https://www.visitpa.com/article/roadside-attractions-pennsylvania
- https://tripjaunt.com/5-quirky-roadside-attractions-in-pennsylvania/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcPrwADCYCc
- https://pabucketlist.com/quirkiest-man-made-roadside-attractions-in-pa/
- https://pabucketlist.com/category/pa-roadside-attractions/
