Pennsylvania might be known for its history, rolling hills, and charming small towns—but if you’re road-tripping across the Keystone State, you’ll find some seriously strange stops along the way.
From giant coffee pots to haunted shoe houses, here are 11 of the weirdest (and most wonderful) Pennsylvania roadside attractions that are totally worth pulling over for.
1. The Shoe House (York, PA)
Yes, it’s a house shaped like a giant shoe. Built in 1948 by a shoe salesman as a promotional stunt, this five-story boot once hosted lucky couples for weekend getaways. Now it’s a museum with ice cream, because of course it is.
2. The Coffee Pot (Bedford, PA)
Right off Route 30 sits a massive coffee pot-shaped building that once served as a lunch stand in the 1920s. It’s been restored as a roadside photo op—and yes, it’s as random as it sounds.
3. Haines Shoe House (York, PA)
Different from “The Shoe House”? Nope—it’s the same one, but it’s so odd it deserves two mentions. With stained glass windows and a doghouse to match, this boot-shaped home is peak roadside weirdness.
4. The World’s Largest General Store (Intercourse, PA)
In the heart of Amish Country sits this oversized wooden wonder. It’s part shopping mall, part museum, part tourist trap—with everything from homemade jams to oddball souvenirs. Come for the kitsch, stay for the fudge.
5. Betsy the Cow (Reading, PA)
A 25-foot-tall fiberglass cow, Betsy stands proudly outside the former Clover Farms Dairy. Once used for advertising, she’s now just chilling on the side of the road, giving major “Moo with a view” vibes.
6. Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum (Orrtanna, PA)
Home to over 12,000 elephant-related items (yes, seriously), Mister Ed’s is part gift shop, part candy store, and part full-blown elephant shrine. It’s weird, it’s oddly specific, and it’s delightful.
7. Roadside America (Shartlesville, PA)
This massive miniature village, started in the 1930s, includes tiny trains, towns, and landscapes—all lit up in dramatic day-and-night cycles. Though now closed, it remains a nostalgic gem for those who remember it.
8. The Pagoda (Reading, PA)
Sitting atop Mount Penn, this 7-story Japanese-style pagoda was built in 1908. It’s completely out of place—and that’s what makes it amazing. The view over Reading isn’t bad either.
9. The Lincoln Motor Court (Bedford, PA)
Frozen in time, this roadside motel has been running since the 1940s. With its tiny pink cabins and neon signs, it’s like stepping into a vintage postcard.
10. Ringing Rocks Park (Upper Black Eddy, PA)
Bring a hammer—literally. At this natural rock field, the stones “ring” when struck. Scientists still don’t fully understand why, but it’s one of Pennsylvania’s most oddly satisfying outdoor stops.
11. Centralia’s Graffiti Highway (Centralia, PA)
Though now closed and covered, the site of Pennsylvania’s infamous underground mine fire used to be a hotbed (literally) for graffiti and urban exploring. The town is nearly abandoned, and what remains is both eerie and fascinating.
From giant shoes to musical rocks, Pennsylvania proves that weird isn’t just welcome—it’s celebrated. So next time you’re on a road trip through the state, skip the usual rest stops and check out some of these oddball gems. You’ll come away with some of the best photos—and stories—of your entire journey.
SOURCES
- (https://uncoveringpa.com/pennsylvania-roadside-oddities)
- (https://pabucketlist.com/quirkiest-man-made-roadside-attractions-in-pa/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NxWCHAifNk)
