These 6 Strange Buildings in Pennsylvania Are Unlike Anything Else Around

I've been spending more and more time in the Keystone State in recent years, and one of my favorite things about it is that no two places ever feel the same. Pennsylvania is incredibly diverse, with each corner of the state featuring distinct cultural influences—and that extends to the state's architecture. The state is home to some of the most unique buildings, ranging from rich tourist attractions filled with learning opportunities to hidden gems located on the side of the road or deep within a state park. The one thing all the strangest buildings in Pennsylvania have in common, though, is that they're open for exploration and contain secrets of Pennsylvania's history that will make your next visit to the state that much richer. There's a lot of weird architecture in Pennsylvania, but it's usually hiding a diamond in the rough.

What Makes Architecture in Pennsylvania So Unique

Pennsylvania was one of the first states and one of the regions most heavily involved in the early development of the United States, so it's no surprise that those influences can be seen all over the place. To trace the architecture of Pennsylvania is to explore its history, and the town's rich early German roots are all over the place - whether you're exploring a Gothic-style tower or a humble Penn Dutch town. Additionally, the state's many winding highways and dense state parks are the perfect place to discover some architectural oddities.

Why These Buildings Stand Out From the Rest

These six buildings are truly one-of-a-kind, both inside and out. Each of them has an eye-catching exterior, with even bigger surprises to come inside. You can find them on college campuses, in the middle of bustling cities, or far from the nearest road or town. They also serve multiple purposes— education, dining, cultural outreach, or just plain curiosity as you drive by.

1. Cathedral of Learning (Pittsburgh)

You wouldn't expect to find a massive gothic skyscraper on a college campus, but the University of Pittsburgh is just that kind of place. Towering 42 stories high, the Cathedral of Learning is home to classrooms, libraries, offices, and even a theater, and it boasts a unique late Gothic style that makes it feel more like a castle than a campus. It's also rumored to be haunted, and every room of this towering structure has its own story behind it.

2. Bordner's Cabin (Pine Grove)

Located deep in the heart of Swatara State Park, one of PA's most remote and peaceful state parks, Bordner's Cabin is a unique historic artifact with a one-of-a-kind backstory. Built in 1939 by a local schoolteacher with materials sourced entirely within the park, it was built before the park was incorporated and was preserved as a historical site. While it's no longer a residence, it's now a museum of sorts and can be explored by visitors. It's also right next to Acrigg's Falls, one of the park's most beautiful sites.

3. Shofuso Japanese House (Philadelphia)

When you visit the Shofuso House in Philadelphia, you'd be forgiven for thinking you just set foot in Tokyo. Part of a garden and cultural center celebrating the culture of Japan, it was actually built in 1953, in the Japanese town of Nagoya! It was transported to the United States as part of a cultural exposition, and eventually found a permanent home in Philadelphia as a tribute to the city's long-standing Japanese population.

4. Wharton Esherick House (Malvern)

A uniquely designed house that was once home to the sculptor and furniture designer who gave it its name, the Wharton Esherick House is part of a museum site that features the artist's studio and workshop, as well as a recreation of an authentic 1920s outhouse. The house is a time capsule into early 20th-century German Expressionist and Modernist architecture, and it's open for tours by advance reservation from March through December each year.

5. Haines Shoe House (York)

If the Old Woman who lived in a shoe had a home base, it was probably Pennsylvania! Located in the heart of Amish Country, the Haines Shoe House is one of those classic roadside attractions that makes you stop and pull over. But this spot is much more than a photo shop - it used to be an ice cream parlor until a change in ownership, and today you can actually rent it out as an Airbnb. No word if it can accommodate so many children you don't know what to do.

6. Reading Terminal Market

This isn't just one of the most unique buildings in Pennsylvania; it's one of my favorites. There are plenty of food halls around Pennsylvania, but none like this - hidden inside a historic train station building, it's the most densely-packed food hall on the East Coast, with over fifty vendors ranging from international foods to butcher shops to fancy corn dogs. You could spend all day eating here, but if you want a place to start, make sure to visit Dutch Eating Place for an authentic Amish breakfast and an apple dumpling.

Have you explored any of the strangest buildings in Pennsylvania before? If not, tell a friend about this article and plan your own Keystone State road trip! If you'd like some more ideas for things to do on the road, head over to Only in Your State's AI-powered travel guide and let it create a custom itinerary for you based on your destinations and interests.

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