The state of Pennsylvania is renowned for many things – landmarks such as the liberty bell, the Appalachian Mountains, the iconic Philly cheese steak and much more. However, there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to Pennsylvania sights.
In fact, the state is home to a variety of wonderfully weird and wacky attractions that you won’t find in your typical tourist guide. Pennsylvania also recently legalized online gambling, which means you can now play online casino games such as live dealer blackjack and online slot machines on your way to, from or in between visiting the unusual sites we’re about to take a look at. So, let’s dally no longer! For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, here are the must-see attractions in Pennsylvania
Mütter Museum
Philadelphia
We’ve already covered the things that Pennsylvania is famous for, but you won’t find the Mütter Museum on this list! And if you’re interested in all things related to the world of medicine, you simply can’t miss this museum tour.
Founded in 1863, it showcases thousands of items from the history of medicine — from diseased and deformed body parts to a slideshow about Albert Einstein’s actual brain. It also has a beautifully preserved collection of 19th-century anatomical specimens and medical instruments in a gorgeous display cabinet. Just make sure you visit the museum on a (relatively) empty stomach!
Ringing Rocks Park
Upper Black Eddy
Those looking for something a little less grotesque and a bit more outdoorsy should not miss the opportunity to visit Ringing Rocks Park. The igneous rocks (formed by magma trapped inside the earth) produce differently-pitched ringing sounds when they’re hit with other rocks or something like a hammer. Scientists still don’t know why they do this, but there’s nothing quite like having your very own “rock concert” surrounded by 123 acres of pristine nature.
Trundle Manor
Pittsburgh
Trundle Manor describes itself as “The most unusual tourist trap in the world meets the most bizarre private collection on display,” and it’s a must-see for enthusiasts of all things wacky and weird.
Guests have to book an appointment to see the manor which is open only in the evenings and over weekends, in addition to which they should be ready and willing to donate “money, taxidermy, dead things, killing implements and even booze.”
You’ll tour the first floor of the house where you’ll come face to face with hundreds of unique and unusual items, including (but certainly not limited to) old, bizarre weaponry, jarred specimens, sadistic medical implements, taxidermy specimens, coffins and pretty much everything in between.
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium
Gettysburg
Don’t worry, you won’t find any live elephants at Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, nor will you find any skeletons, body parts or jarred specimens. What you will find in this delightful shop in Gettysburg is over 100 flavors of fudge, 900 varieties of candy and a display of more than 12,000 elephant figurines. If that’s not enough to tempt you, you can also grab some peanuts to munch on while you take a turn through the lovely gardens surrounding the shop.
Playthings Etc.
Butler
We’re not sure what makes Playthings Etc. more unique, the spaceship-sized and shaped building or the variety of toys you’ll find inside. This is a toy realm the likes of which you’ve never seen before.
There are over 7,000 toys at Playthings Etc. and you’re unlikely to have seen or experienced anything like them before. The people behind the business go out in search of the most unusual toys from all over the world with “high play value,” which means toys that offer hours and hours of entertainment. A couple of the things in the inventory that are waiting for you to try out include rockets, magic tricks and some of the best remote-controlled cars you’ve ever laid your hands on. Yes, this is technically a “family” store but don’t be put off if you’re the one wanting to play with the toys.
American Philatelic Center
Bellefonte
Adrenaline seekers, look away! The American Philatelic Society is unlikely to get anyone’s pulse racing unless they’re avid stamp collectors. It’s the largest nonprofit organization for stamp collectors in the world and the society’s building acts as many things — a research library, museum and stamp collecting headquarters all in one. Visitors can tour the 19th-century match factory in which the society is located to acquire a whole new vocabulary about stamps, view stamps from all over the world and from throughout history and see a whole lot of U.S. mail- and stamp-related memorabilia.
Schaefer’s Auto Art
Erie
We love nothing more than people who can take something another person has discarded and turn it into something beautiful. And that’s just what is constantly on display at Schaefer’s Auto Art. Owner and artist Richard Schaefer has taken bits and pieces of discarded automobiles from scrap yards and welded them together to create an incredible sculpture garden. You can look forward to seeing huge automobile-piece sculptures that include bumblebees, a two-headed dragon, a rocket ship, gigantic spiders and much more.
What’s more, it’s completely free to visit and all you’re asked to do is stay within the property boundaries and respect the art.
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