This Unexpected Place in Pennsylvania Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

If you ask me, Pennsylvania is one of the best states to road-trip through. It takes about six and a half hours to drive from the southeastern point of Philadelphia to the northwesternmost city of Erie, and along the way, you'll see some of the best scenery in the United States. Plus, Pennsylvania has it all—quirky small towns, bustling amusement parks, odd roadside attractions, and some stunning natural landscapes.

But there's one thing you won't see: water. Pennsylvania is landlocked, and the only major beach it has is Lake Erie at the end of your journey. Sure, you're only a short drive from Philly to the Jersey Shore, but if you're looking for coastal sights like lighthouses, you'll have to...wait, what's that rising over rural Pennsylvania? Yes, it's one of the best road trip stops in Pennsylvania, the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse, hiding in the tiny town of Tionesta. More than sixty miles away from the nearest body of water, it's a site both baffling and beautiful. It's definitely one of the most unexpected places in Pennsylvania, and it's well worth a stop to learn more.

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour

Tionesta is one of those small towns that's easy to drive right by. The population of this rural northwestern borough is only 475 at the last census, and the scenery is dominated by mountains. But there are some worthwhile sights, including the historic Nebraska Iron Bridge nearby. This flood-prone bridge is often closed due to its low level, but it's an amazing photo opportunity.

It's nowhere near as amazing, though, as the most unique roadside stop in Pennsylvania. Welcome to the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse, a towering structure in Tionesta overlooking the Allegheny River. It's very rare to see a lighthouse by an inland river, especially one where you're only going to see some relaxing canoe rides. But there it is, towering 75 feet in the air, the tallest lighthouse in Pennsylvania.

What Makes It So Unexpected

Lighthouses are usually placed near perilous waterways, where fishermen might lose their way. But the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse is 61.5 miles away from the banks of Lake Erie, and isn't a functioning lighthouse. Instead, it stands today as the brainchild of Jack Sherman, a local lighthouse enthusiast, who built it as a local landmark to help put Tionesta on the map. And if you ask us, it worked.

It's the kind of truly unique roadside stop that makes you pause, wonder how exactly this wound up here, and make sure to snap enough pictures to baffle your friends and family! And while you're there, no reason not to stick around for a bit. This also happens to be one of the most beautiful views the old Allegheny has to offer.

Have you ever visited this mysterious lighthouse? If not, tell a friend about this article and discover why it's one of the best road trip stops in Pennsylvania. If you want some more unique things to do in this corner of Pennsylvania before heading to Pittsburgh or Erie, why not take a waterfall hike in the Allegheny National Forest, or spend a day in the charming town of Titusville? Both are only a short drive from Tionesta. And if you need some more information about this area of the Keystone State, head over to Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner and let it create a custom itinerary for you!