8 Eclectic Small Towns In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has long been a trailblazer, shaping the country with its milestones and innovations. Not only was the Declaration of Independence signed here, but the state also gave birth to many of the nation's firsts, including the first American piano built in 1775, the first daily newspaper in 1783, and the country’s first public zoo in 1874. Though these historic "firsts" date back centuries, Pennsylvania remains a creative powerhouse. From mushroom festivals to flying saucers and outhouse races, the state's small towns are full of surprises that reflect its ongoing spirit of creativity and unconventionality.

Dushore

Every August, the small town of Dushore hosts one of Pennsylvania's most peculiar traditions: the annual Outhouse Races. Drawing a crowd of 3,000 to 5,000 spectators, this quirky event features teams of five racing down the streets in homemade, outhouse-like contraptions. Each team constructs a structure with three walls, a roof, a window, and a seat. One member serves as the driver, while the other four push from behind, racing to the finish line. Participants put great thought into their designs, aiming for lightweight materials to enhance speed, and rely on the strength and agility of their runners to clinch victory.

After attending the Outhouse Races, visitors can stick around to check out the nearby natural attractions. Less than a 20-minute drive away, visitors can reach World’s End State Park, a 780-acre park that is surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest, offering ample opportunities to hike, fish, picnic, and swim. Ricketts Glen State Park is near as well, home to a series of free-flowing waterfalls that cascade down the park’s ancient hillside.

Butler

Visitors may not be familiar with the small town of Butler, but they are likely to recognize Jeep, the iconic brand that originated here. To celebrate its beginnings, Jeep holds its annual Bantam Jeep Festival, which features a variety of activities in and around Butler, such as Jeep History exhibits, a Jeep drive-in movie night, and a Jeep block party. After the Jeep Festival, visitors can take to the skies with Butler Ballooning, where an experienced pilot guides passengers on a serene hot air balloon ride. Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics offers another memorable activity, giving visitors the chance to make their own pottery, canvas art, or wood design.

Mars

The residents of Mars love to have fun with their town's name. As the town playfully mentions on their visitor website, "Yes, there is life on Mars." In the town square, a flying saucer parked prominently serves as a nod to the name, offering a perfect photo op for visitors. After grabbing a picture with the strange monument, visitors can unwind and grab a draft from Stick City Brewing Company, an innovative brewery with cozy indoor and outdoor seating. For some eclectic shopping, stroll through some of the shops in town, such as Vintage Finds, an antique store, The Grand Candy Shop, and Nosh & Curd, a cheese shop. A short 25-minute drive leads to Deer Lakes Park, a serene escape featuring three spring-fed lakes, a disc golf course, and scenic hiking trails.

Benezette

Nicknamed, “The Elk Capital of Pennsylvania”, Benezette is located right in the heart of the state’s native elk heard. Roughly 1,400 elk roam near the town, with the Elk Country Visitor Center on Winslow Hill providing an excellent vantage point to observe these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat. For a prime location near the elk, visitors can stay in one of Benezette’s many cabins, like Antler Shed Cabins, which is available year-round and offers stunning views of the elk herd. Benezette Wines, a family-operated winery since 1995, also offers an elk-viewing experience. Visitors can choose a glass of wine or hard cider to enjoy while relaxing on the outdoor elk-viewing deck.

Kennett Square

Roughly half of the country’s mushrooms come from the farms surrounding Kennett Square, resulting in its nickname as the Mushroom Capital of the World. Each year, to celebrate the significance of mushrooms, the town hosts the Mushroom Festival, which welcomes over 200 vendors and features mushroom dish cookoffs, live music, and more. Even if you aren’t a fan of mushrooms, the town has a fresh and innovative culinary scene, filled with many farm-to-table restaurants. Hearth Kitchen is one example, an Italian neighborhood restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farms in Brandywine Valley. The town is also extremely historic, predating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As a result, 507 buildings in the downtown district are protected, many dating back to between 1875 and 1924, showcasing Colonial Revival, Victorian, and Federal architectural styles.

Ligonier

For three days each fall, Ligonier steps back in time to 1758, immersing itself in the reenactment of a pivotal battle from the French and Indian War. The event fills the town with energy and spirit, featuring historic reenactments, award-winning crafts for sale, live music, a parade, and a 5k run. Even if you cannot attend the three-day festival, Fort Ligonier is open year-round. This reconstructed fort now stands on the site of the original 18th-century fort and battle. About a 15-minute drive away from downtown, travelers can reach Laurel Mountain State Park, a family-friendly downhill ski area that stands at about 3,000 feet of elevation and offers views of the rolling countryside.

Saxonburg

Founded by German immigrants in 1832, Saxonburg's downtown still reflects the charm of a traditional German village. As visitors stroll along Main Street, they’ll find 32 buildings over 100 years old, each marked with plaques that highlight their historical significance and connection to the National Register of Historic Places. Landmarks like the Helmbold House, the Hotel Saxonburg, and St. Luke's Lutheran Church offer a glimpse into the town’s history, while the Saxonburg Museum, housed in a 6,000-square-foot space in Roebling Park, exhibits artifacts that explore the area’s heritage. The town also embraces a lively arts scene, hosting the annual Saxonburg Festival of the Arts, which features an arts show, handcrafted goods, live music, and a variety of food vendors.

Harmony

Founded even earlier than Saxonburg, Harmony was established by German settlers in 1804. As travelers walk through the village, they will encounter historic brick and log buildings, which have earned the entire district recognition as a National Historic Landmark District. The Harmony Museum is a great place to view historic landmarks as well, home to nine historic properties, including the 1809 main museum building, three log cabins, the 1812 Wagner Haus, and the Harmony Society cemetery. Hungry travelers can grab a bite at the Harmony Inn, a German-inspired restaurant that has over 50 craft beers on tap. Strawberry Ridge Golf Course offers an entertaining day outdoors, an 18 hole course with fairways that can accommodate every level of golfer.

Final Thoughts

As one of the oldest states in the Union, Pennsylvania has had centuries to evolve into the creative hub it is today. From celebrating the influence of mushrooms and the birth of Jeep to reenacting pivotal moments from the French and Indian War, the state’s small towns prove that creativity flourishes in the most unexpected places. So, the next time you’re in the Keystone State, take a detour and discover what makes these towns truly unique.