9 Quirkiest Pennsylvania Towns To Visit In 2025

Shaped by a strong Amish and German heritage, Pennsylvania is filled with cultural influences you will not find anywhere else in the country. Pretzel factories, German festivals, and Amish farms can be found throughout the state, offering a taste of its traditions. But its eccentricity does not stop there. After exploring its cultural side, you will also find plenty of outdoor adventure, like whitewater rafting, ATV riding, and waterfall hikes. If you are hoping to explore the most unexpected corners of the state this year, these nine towns will certainly leave you surprised.

Lititz

Craving a warm pretzel? Lititz is home to the famed Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the country’s first commercial pretzel bakery, established in 1861. Visitors can tour this bakery, learn how to twist their own pretzels, and grab a tasty treat from the bakery’s souvenir shop. Afterwards, stop by the Wolf Sanctuary of PA to tour an operational gray wolf sanctuary and learn about current conservation efforts. If you are craving a cold beer to unwind at the end of the day, Collusion Tap Works is a great option, offering a constantly evolving list of on-tap beers.

Bird in Hand

Surrounded by Amish communities and farms, Bird in Hand offers plenty of ways to experience Amish culture. The Amish Experience provides guided tours of the surrounding farmlands and homes, giving you the chance to meet and learn from local families. Another trusted option in town is the Amish Farm and House, where visitors can explore an 1805 historic home while learning more about Amish history during a house tour. For some fresh meats, pastries, or a soft pretzel-wrapped hot dog, make sure to visit the Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market, which is family-owned and operated and currently open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Mars

Featuring a giant flying saucer in the middle of town, Mars lives up to its extraterrestrial name. This 3,000-pound structure, made from two oil tanks, sits along Pittsburgh Street and has become a beloved local attraction. After snapping a photo with it, head over to Mars-Bethel Golf for a round of putt-putt, where you will find a variety of quirky sculptures and obstacles throughout the course. Finish off the day at Stick City Brewing Company, a local, family-owned brewery that serves IPAs, pale ales, brown ales, and lagers, among other types of beer.

Marienville

Marienville is the ultimate destination for ATV exploration, home to many miles of ATV trails within the Allegheny National Forest. The Marienville ATV/Motorcycle Trail is a great starting point for those looking to explore its trails, consisting of a 37-mile interconnecting network of scenic and forested trails. In the spring and fall each year, the town also hosts the Tour-de-Forest, an ATV festival that allows rides to explore trails throughout the region that are normally closed to the public. Speaking of festivals, consider visiting Marienville in the winter, during the annual Marienville Winterfest, which features a chili cook-off, Chinese auction, bingo, and a snowmobile torchlight parade.

Paradise

Paradise is another great town to visit if you are hoping to experience the authentic side of Amish culture. The Old Windmill Farm, located just a five-minute drive from downtown Paradise, offers guided tours of the premises, allowing visitors to learn about Amish life, meet the farm animals, and ride around on an Amish hayride. Just a couple of minutes down the road, travelers will find the Li'l Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm, where you can meet, groom, and feed a variety of adorable miniature horses or buy an artisan-made souvenir from the shop. In the evening, sign up for a meal and show at the Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater, which pairs an entertaining magic show with a delicious dinner buffet.

Kutztown

Kutztown is known for the massive underground attraction beneath its surface: Crystal Cave. Filled with stunning crystalline formations, the cave can be explored on an hour-long tour that descends 125 feet below ground. Rich in German heritage, Kutztown is a great place to visit in March during the annual Pennsylvania German Day. The event features a variety of activities, including musical performances, arts and crafts, and German language programs. Later on in the year, in August, the town comes to life during the Kutztown Fair, a weeklong event with livestock shows, line dancing, carnival rides, grandstand shows, and many more activities.

Ohiopyle

If you are craving an adrenaline-filled weekend, Ohiopyle is the place to be. Located along the Yough River, the town is home to several outfitters that offer whitewater rafting excursions. White Water Adventurers Inc. is a highly rated choice, with trips available for a variety of experience levels and rapid intensities. After a trip on the river, travelers can head over to Ohiopyle State Park to see Cucumber Falls, a 36-foot-high waterfall that travelers can reach via a short hiking trail. Falls City Pub is a popular place to relax at the end of the day, featuring an extensive beer list, pub food, and local live music.

Zelienople

With its historic theater and local art studios, it is easy to see why Zelienople has such a lively art scene. Right along Main Street, travelers will find the Strand Theater, which was built in 1914 by Italian immigrants and today is used to host a variety of shows and movies. If you are feeling inspired, consider signing up for a workshop at CURIO Art Studio, which offers classes in pottery, drawing, crochet, and more for children, teens, and adults. In the fall, the town comes together for the annual Zelienople Fall Festival, a two-day event with festive fall activities such as tractor-pulled wagon rides, a chili cook-off, and arts and craft vendors.

Dillsburg

Summertime in Pennsylvania marks the start of the local lavender harvest, and Castle Creek Farm in Dillsburg is the perfect place to celebrate. The farm offers a variety of seasonal activities, including lavender picking, essential oil workshops, and wreath making, which are scheduled during the summer based on lavender availability. Travelers can continue the agricultural experience at Mt Airy Orchards, which has u-pick blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, and apple picking depending on the season. In the evening, catch a movie under the stars at Haar’s Drive-In Theater, a beloved local theater company that has been part of the community for over seven decades.

After you explore the quirky ins and outs of the bigger cities in Pennsylvania, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, you might be wondering what is next. Fortunately, the state is filled with quirky cultural and outdoor attractions to explore, many of which lie hidden away in some of its smaller towns. So don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path this year and discover what awaits in these quirky destinations.