Pennsylvania is full of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and quirky roadside attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re planning a road trip through the state, be sure to make a stop at some of its most unusual and fun landmarks. From giant sculptures to bizarre museums, here are ten of Pennsylvania’s strangest roadside attractions that are definitely worth taking a break for.
1. The Big Mac Museum – North Huntingdon
The Big Mac Museum in North Huntingdon is a unique tribute to McDonald’s iconic Big Mac sandwich. Inside, you’ll find a massive Big Mac statue, a history of the sandwich’s creation, and a McDonald’s-themed museum. It’s a fun stop for anyone who loves fast food or pop culture history.
2. The Mysterious Fallingwater – Mill Run
Designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is one of the most beautiful—and mysterious—homes in the world. Built over a waterfall, this architectural wonder blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest. It’s a stunning spot for nature lovers and architecture fans alike. While not exactly “strange,” it’s definitely an unexpected find in the middle of Pennsylvania’s countryside.
3. The Largest Ball of Twine – Coudersport
No road trip is complete without a stop at the largest ball of twine in Pennsylvania, located in Coudersport. While the twine ball may not rival some of the more famous ones across the country, it’s still a quirky and fun roadside attraction that draws visitors from all over the state.
4. The National Museum of American Coverlets – Bedford
This offbeat museum is dedicated to the history of American quilts and coverlets. It showcases stunning works of art, as well as the stories behind them. Whether you’re a quilting enthusiast or just looking for something different, the National Museum of American Coverlets in Bedford offers a charming and unique experience.
5. The World’s Largest Shoe – Irwin
Located at the Shoe House in Irwin, Pennsylvania, the World’s Largest Shoe is an actual house shaped like a giant shoe. Built in 1948 as a promotional stunt, it now serves as a fun tourist attraction. Visitors can take a tour of the shoe house and even spend a night in this cozy, quirky home.
6. The Snake Sculpture – Harrisburg
This strange yet striking art installation, located along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, features a massive snake sculpture that seems to stretch endlessly through the grass. It’s a bold and fascinating piece of public art, adding a surreal touch to your road trip through Pennsylvania.
7. The Roadside America – Shartlesville
If you love miniature worlds, then you’ll want to stop by Roadside America in Shartlesville. This tiny, but remarkable, attraction features a large model railroad that covers over 8,000 square feet. It’s a nostalgic stop that’s filled with tiny details and creative landscapes, providing a fun experience for kids and adults alike.
8. The Grave of Johnstown Flood Victim – Johnstown
For something a little eerie, visit Johnstown and pay your respects to a flood victim whose grave stands as a memorial to the 1889 Johnstown Flood. This strange landmark is a reminder of one of the deadliest disasters in American history, making it a thought-provoking stop.
9. The Giant Pretzel – Lititz
The town of Lititz is famous for its pretzels, and it celebrates with a giant pretzel sculpture right in the heart of the town. This oversized treat is a fun symbol of Pennsylvania’s rich history in pretzel-making and is the perfect photo op for anyone who loves a good snack!
10. The UFO Welcome Center – Columbia
For fans of the unexplained, the UFO Welcome Center in Columbia is an absolute must-see. It’s a quirky, homemade attraction where you can take pictures with an alien figure, browse some UFO-themed memorabilia, and soak in the mysterious vibes. Whether you believe in aliens or not, it’s a fun and strange roadside stop.
Pennsylvania is filled with strange and fascinating roadside attractions that will make your road trip even more memorable. From quirky museums to giant sculptures and mysterious landmarks, the state has a lot to offer travelers looking for something unusual and fun. So, next time you’re cruising through Pennsylvania, be sure to take a break and explore these weird and wonderful stops!
Sources
[1] https://uncoveringpa.com/pennsylvania-roadside-oddities
[2] https://tripjaunt.com/5-quirky-roadside-attractions-in-pennsylvania/
[3] https://pabucketlist.com/quirkiest-man-made-roadside-attractions-in-pa/
[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/