7 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is known for many things, from its rolling Appalachian landscapes and rich Civil War heritage to its significant role in drafting the United States Constitution. While these might be the major incentives for millions of tourists visiting annually, the state has a quirky side that doesn't get hyped enough, reserved for those with a penchant for the strange, odd, and bizarre.

Away from the vibrant city scene in Philadelphia, the Keystone State harbors eccentric communities that embrace their offbeat personalities. From larger-than-life roadside installations and haunted places to unusual town names and quirky museums, they promise tourists an out-of-the-ordinary experience that will make them question their rationality. Whether chasing after ghosts in Malvern or embracing the spirit of Halloween in Altoona, here are some of the most playfully peculiar towns in Pennsylvania.

Kane

This tiny village in McKean County invites all Bigfoot believers and hunters for the annual Squatchfest. Thousands show up to mark this wacky extravaganza with the hope of spotting the mythical creature and participating in the whimsical squatch-calling contest. While there is no guarantee of witnessing Bigfoot, participants look forward to wholesome musical performances accompanied by great food, colorful costumes, fireworks displays, merchandise vending, and other kid-friendly activities.

A tour of the Kane Historic Preservation Society and Museum could help you understand the origin of its quirky tradition, as well as other major happenings in its lengthy past. Meanwhile, don't pass on a great opportunity to sample Kane's famous wines at Bear Creek Wines when you find time.

Malvern

85 miles from Harrisburg, this tiny borough in Chester County hosts one of the most undisturbed Revolutionary War battlefields, maintaining its original state for over two centuries. Malvern was the site of the infamous Paoli Massacre in 1777, where tens of Patriot soldiers were ambushed and slain by British forces. Today, the Paoli Battlefield Historical Park is notoriously haunted, with paranormal investigators reporting ghost sightings, phantom torches, and other unexplained phenomena.

The community's hauntings continue at Duffy's Cut, a 30-mile stretch of railroad tracks where over 50 Irish immigrant workers were buried in a communal grave. But beyond the mystical happenings, tourists can explore Malvern's past at Historic Sugartown, home to a 19th-century village with multiple period structures.

Ligonier

A little over an hour from Pittsburgh, Ligonier is a historic village in Westmoreland County, initially settled in the mid-18th century. It earns its stripes as one of the most peculiar towns in Pennsylvania due to its annual Ligonier Highland Games. This quirky festival is held every September and pays tribute to ancient Scottish heritage and traditions. It features eccentric costumes like the Scottish men's skirts, the piercing sound of bagpipes, and unusual competitions like keg tossing, highland dancing, haggis hurling, and more. The event plays out on the grounds of Idlewild Park, one of the country's oldest amusement parks, with a legacy dating back to 1878.

Ligonier reminds tourists of its war history at Fort Ligonier. Built by the British for the French and Indian War, the 18th-century fortress displays a rare collection of period paintings and archeological treasures.

York

York might be known for its rich historical heritage, dating back to the birth of the Articles of Confederation, but it hosts a weird roadside attraction that allows guests to lodge inside a shoe. The unusual Haines Shoe House is shaped like a work boot and sits on the side of US Route 30, proving to be a distraction for drivers along the road. Built in the 1940s, the building features a stucco exterior and a wooden interior frame, with quaint little rooms full of exhibited information.

The town's unmatched heritage is chronologically documented at the York County History Center using a library of interactive exhibits and artifacts. Meanwhile, art lovers gather in the bustling downtown area to catch a theatrical presentation at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.

Monroeville

Monroeville has a strange obsession with death and the living dead, which it expresses through a series of unorthodox attractions. It is famously home to the Living Dead Museum and Gift Shop, whose interactive exhibits document the history of zombies and their inclusion in film and pop culture. It also boasts colorful memorabilia and props from various horror flicks, including "Night of the Living Dead." The museum is housed inside the Monroeville Mall, which was featured in the 1978 film "Dawn of the Dead."

Every year, the town celebrates the Living Dead Weekend at the Monroeville Mall, which pays tribute to zombies with art exhibitions, horror movie screenings, movie location tours, celebrity actor appearances, cosplay, zombie fun, and more. If you visit with kids, let them in on the zombie fun with a visit to Zombieburgh Lazer Tag, featuring a mix of modern and classic arcade games.

Altoona

This Blair County borough boasts an enduring historical heritage intertwined with the passing of the railway in the region. But to the fans of the dark and mysterious, Altoona's charm lies in the Castle Halloween Museum. This bizarre venue stockpiles over 30,000 Halloween items spread across generations. Guests can spend hours sorting through macabre sculptures, hideous masks, ruggedy costumes, games, decorations, and other memorabilia that pay homage to the popular celebration.

While in Altoona, plan to visit the historic Reighard's Gold Star Service Station. One of America's oldest gas stations, the establishment has been running since 1909 and amazingly remains in full service. Finally, the town's long-tenured railway heritage is documented at the Railroaders Memorial Museum. A vast collection of relics, artifacts, dioramas, and other related memorabilia is displayed inside.

Marienville

Marienville is an isolated village in Forest County and a gateway to the Allegheny National Forest. It is an outdoor adventure lover's paradise, offering unlimited opportunities across its sprawling wilderness. Marienville attracts droves of Bigfoot conspirators with its annual Forest County Bigfoot Festival. Participants venture into the dense woodlands of the Allegheny National Forest to hunt for the elusive mythical creature. Besides hopes of spotting Sasquatch, the event also incorporates Bigfoot memorabilia, costumes, guest speakers, a 5K race, and more.

A tour with Summers Allegheny Trail Ride allows guests to explore the lush, forested countryside on a horse's back, while taking on secluded routes. If you plan to spend the night, you can find cozy accommodation at the Kelly Hotel. Nestled in the middle of the forest, the establishment has a warm atmosphere that makes guests feel like they are at home away from home.

Whether you want to hunt for Bigfoot in Marienville or embrace the spirit of Halloween in Altoona, these peculiar towns in Pennsylvania provide the perfect offbeat experiences, guaranteed to breathe life into your itinerary. Each offers more than just a quirky name or an unusual tradition; they reveal the character and creativity of the communities that call them home. So pack your sense of humor, a bit of curiosity, and keep an open mind as you embark on a delightfully strange and unforgettable ride in the United States.