You have your typical list of tourist destinations: art museums, amusement parks, hiking trails, etc… But then you have the weirder spots that will intrigue you a bit more. Here are some Pennsylvania places to visit that will leave you scratching your head for months afterward — and give you an interesting story to tell your friends.
1. Linesville Spillway, Pymatuning
This has got to be one of the weirdest tourist attractions in the state. Visitors to Pymatuning Lake (on the border of Pennsylvania and Ohio) throw bread into the water from a bridge, which causes thousands of carp to clamor for the food scraps. The density of fish gets so crazy that the Linesville Spillway’s slogan is “where ducks walk on fish.” Weird. What makes this even weirder is that carp are an invasive species.
About 50 years ago, a mysterious falling star spread debris over parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania and created a sonic boom that could be heard as far away as Canada. It landed in the woods in Kecksburg, and was immediately retrieved by military personnel. A monument was erected in the town to the strange UFO, and each year Kecksburg hosts a UFO festival. To this day, no conclusive explanation has been determined.
No one can really explain the mysterious handprint on the wall of the old jail in Carbon County without resorting to a supernatural explanation. The story will test your skepticism. In 1877, a coal miner was jailed here and wrongfully hanged for a crime he did not commit. Before being dragged from his cell, he declared his innocence and slapped his dirty hand against the wall. It remained even after being scrubbed away, and to this day visitors gawk at the strange miracle.
This now-abandoned building is the oldest lazaretto in the country, and the sixth oldest in the world. It was built as a disease center in 1799, after Yellow Fever had killed of thousands of Philadelphians and was subsequently used as a quarantine station for immigrants during the 1800s. Often called the Ellis Island of Philadelphia, the walls of the Lazaretto were the first sight of America for many people. Today, the building stands empty and neglected, just waiting for slow decay or a wrecking ball to tear it down.
Many cemeteries are regaled with legendary rumors and creepy tales, but the story here is a little bit weirder than most. The headstone at William Musser's grave has slowly oozed red - presumably blood - since his burial in the 19th century. His family, disturbed by the phenomenon, had the headstone replaced not once, but twice. The bleeding persisted. In a final effort to quell the bizarre blood, they placed an iron plate over his name, covering up the affected area.
The Magic Gardens are a bit less creepy and mysterious than some locations on our list, but just as intriguing from a human standpoint. Mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar spent over 14 years covering every inch of his property on South Street in Philadelphia with elaborate tile mosaics. Today, the space serves as a quirky gallery of the beautiful artwork.
7. Toynbee Tiles, various locations (though mostly Philadelphia)
The story of the Toynbee Tiles spans the entire Western Hemisphere, though Philadelphia plays a central role in the mystery. The cryptic tiles have appeared on major city streets throughout the Americas since the 1980s. The greatest number of them exist in Philadelphia, and a tile found in Santiago, Chile bears a Philly street address. It is rumored (by a team that spent years creating a documentary on the tiles) that the creator of the Toynbee Tiles lives in Philadelphia, and installs his artworks on city streets from his car, which does not have a floor.
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood on the North Shore, Randyland seems almost like Pittsburgh's answer to Philadelphia's Magic Garden. The outsider art museum will catch your eye with its bright colors and murals. Almost as famous as the building is Randy himself, who has been working on his creation since 1996. His enthusiastic welcome will not leave your memory.
9. Gravity Hill, Bedford
This is a stop that will make you question everything you thought you knew about gravity. Put your car in neutral on the hill, and feel yourself roll uphill. It’s quite bizarre; though it is an optical illusion, it draws many visitors who wish to have their perspective challenged. While you’re in Bedford, check out the giant coffee pot building as well (it’ll be hard to miss).
10. Ringing Rocks Park, Bucks County
One of the most popular natural phenomena in the state of Pennsylvania, Ringing Rocks State Park draws in thousands of visitors every year. If you visit, be sure to bring a hammer. A unique chemical composition within the boulders causes their strange bell-like tenor.
Have you ever been to any of these places? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
