Pennsylvania is home to some of the quirkiest and most unusual roadside attractions that can make any road trip unforgettable. From giant shoes to UFO-like monuments, these eccentric stops are a must-see for anyone seeking something out of the ordinary. Here are 10 of the weirdest roadside attractions worth a visit in Pennsylvania:
1. Haines Shoe House (Hallam)
Built in 1948 by shoe salesman Mahlon Haines as a marketing stunt, the Haines Shoe House is a giant sneaker-shaped home that stands about 25 feet tall and 58 feet long. Each part of the shoe serves as a different room, including a living room in the toe and bedrooms in the ankle. Visitors can tour this whimsical house or even book a stay through vacation rentals, making it a fun and unusual overnight stop.
2. Giant Coffee Pot (Bedford)
An iconic roadside attraction since 1927, the Giant Coffee Pot in Bedford is an 18-foot-tall coffee pot-shaped building that was originally built as a restaurant along the Lincoln Highway. Its unique and nostalgic charm continues to draw visitors, making it a perfect photo op for travelers passing through the area.
3. Giant Cowboy “Sam” (Kittanning)
Standing 30 feet tall outside the Cadet Restaurant in Kittanning, Giant Cowboy “Sam” is a “Muffler Man” statue holding a giant hamburger. Since 1962, Sam has been a local landmark, part of a series of giant fiberglass figures that were originally used for advertising across the U.S. This quirky roadside figure is a must-see for fans of the bizarre.
4. Kecksburg Space Acorn (Kecksburg)
Resembling both a UFO and a giant acorn, the Kecksburg Space Acorn monument commemorates a mysterious UFO crash that occurred in the 1960s. Installed in 2005, this strange structure serves as the focal point of the annual Kecksburg UFO Festival, drawing UFO enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
5. The Fountain of Youth (North Park, Allegheny County)
Built in the 1930s, the Fountain of Youth is a stone grotto-style springhouse shrouded in mystery. Though the water no longer flows, the beautiful and curious design continues to captivate visitors. The fountain’s name and history make it an intriguing stop for those interested in old legends and forgotten relics.
6. Toynbee Tiles (Philadelphia)
Embedded in the streets of Philadelphia, Toynbee Tiles are mysterious tiles with cryptic messages referencing “Toynbee” and “Kubrick’s 2001.” Though most of the tiles have disappeared, a few remain on Chestnut Street, continuing to puzzle and intrigue visitors. Their strange messages and obscure origins make this an odd and thought-provoking stop.
7. Red Caboose Motel (Ronks)
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a train car, the Red Caboose Motel in Ronks is the place to go. Made up of nineteen converted Pennsylvania Railroad cabooses, this quirky motel lets guests spend the night in vintage train cars. The motel also features a restaurant in old dining cars, blending unusual accommodations with comfort.
8. Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium (Orrtanna)
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium in Orrtanna is a giant candy store and museum filled with thousands of elephant-themed items. Starting as a general store in 1975, this attraction has grown into a beloved stop for candy lovers and collectors. It’s a sweet spot to pick up some treats while marveling at the elephant-themed collections.
9. Gravity Hill (McCandless Township)
Gravity Hill in McCandless Township is a fascinating stretch of road where cars appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral. This optical illusion is a must-see for anyone interested in mysterious and perplexing phenomena. Just a short distance away is Blue Mist Road, famous for its paranormal stories, making the area even more eerie and intriguing.
10. Serenity Glass Park (Port Allegany)
Serenity Glass Park is a dazzling roadside attraction that showcases colorful glass artwork and a stunning glass castle, celebrating Port Allegany’s glass manufacturing heritage. When sunlight hits the glass, the entire park sparkles, creating a surreal and mesmerizing spectacle that is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Pennsylvania’s collection of quirky roadside attractions is a testament to the state’s creativity and sense of fun. From giant shoes to mysterious UFO monuments, these unique sites are perfect for travelers looking to add some oddity and adventure to their road trips. Whether you’re fascinated by unusual buildings or weird phenomena, these 10 roadside attractions will make your journey through Pennsylvania truly memorable.
Sources
[1] https://pabucketlist.com/quirkiest-man-made-roadside-attractions-in-pa/
[2] https://uncoveringpa.com/pennsylvania-roadside-oddities
[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/pennsylvania/roadside-attractions
[4] https://www.visitpa.com/article/roadside-attractions-pennsylvania
[5] https://realoldies1470.iheart.com/content/2025-04-04-odd-pennsylvania-spot-crowned-weirdest-roadside-attraction-in-the-state/
