8 Quirkiest Pennsylvania Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Pennsylvania is a state full of historical depth and scenic beauty, but beyond the big cities and popular tourist sites lies a treasure trove of quirky small towns waiting to surprise you. These are not your typical postcard destinations. Instead, they are places where abandoned concrete relics rest amidst quiet hillsides, where ghosts haunt picturesque homes, and where festivals celebrate things as unexpected as horse thieves and Martians. These towns may not boast sprawling skylines like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but they do offer eccentric charm, oddball history, and local color that travelers will not find on the main highways. Whether you are a curious road-tripper, a photography enthusiast, or someone who just likes to explore the offbeat, these towns deserve a spot on your Keystone State itinerary.

Lititz

Lititz’s reputation is growing in some circles, with some labeling it “America’s Coolest Small Town,” yet this community of a little over 9,000 residents is still unknown to many travelers. Home to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, Lititz offers a carbohydrate-rich experience for anyone with a love of sweets and snacks. The Lititz Springs Park hosts festivals throughout the year, while Aaron's Books appeals to indie literature lovers. Local makers shine at Purple Robin Reserve, a shop filled with handcrafted goods. Visitors in February will not want to miss the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival, which transforms the town into a glowing sculpture garden.

Centralia

With fewer than ten residents and an underground coal fire that has been burning since 1962, the near-ghost town of Centralia feels post-apocalyptic. The once-popular “Graffiti Highway” is now covered over, and the smoking ground vents and random sinkholes present risks to careless visitors, but there is still plenty to explore when done thoughtfully. While most of the old buildings and streets are just eerie remnants or fully overgrown, the unaffected and lovely Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church still holds services. The nearby Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Tour in Ashland offers context to Centralia’s fiery fate, and the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area lets you explore the mining region by ATV. For those into gaming lore, Centralia also inspired the setting of the horror game Silent Hill.

Mars

It is not clear how the greater Pittsburgh area town of Mars got its extraterrestrial name, but visitors are greeted by a flying saucer parked in the town square. With a population just under 1,700, Mars leans into its extraterrestrial name with quirky pride. The Mars New Year Celebration (June 6-7, 2025) is held biennially in sync with the Martian calendar and includes NASA scientists, costume parades, and alien-themed events. In addition to cosmic kitsch, Mars is a charming place to explore. Stop by the Mars Area History and Landmark Society Museum, visit the Stick City Brewing Company for a locally brewed pint, and take a relaxing walk through Adams Township Community Park.

Knox

Knox, a quaint Clarion County town of about 1,100 residents, is known in the area for its annual Horsethief Days in August, and the town takes a quirky pride in dubbing itself the “Horsethief Capital of the World” due to an old local legend. No horses are pilfered during the festival, thankfully, which instead features classics like parades, food booths, and fireworks. Once home to the bustling Knox Glass Bottle Company, the town has long shifted away from industry and now shines as a prime destination for lovers of the outdoors. The Clarion River is nearby for kayaking and fishing, and Cook Forest State Park provides stunning old-growth hiking. A stop at Wolf's Camping Resort offers a quirky mix of nature and nostalgia.

Intercourse

Yes, Intercourse is a real place, and yes, the name draws plenty of curious glances. Located in Lancaster County, the town has embraced the double-take-inducing name with humor and charm. Beyond the town’s welcome signs, which have been the target of more than a few thieves, Intercourse is a haven for lovers of Amish crafts and culture. Kitchen Kettle Village features over 40 specialty shops offering everything from canned jams to quilts. Horse-drawn buggy rides give insight into Amish traditions, and you should definitely sample a shoofly pie at Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop, located in the neighboring town of Bird-in-Hand that has its own distinctive—if less suggestive—name.

Concrete City

Though technically abandoned and unincorporated as a town, Concrete City near Nanticoke is one of Pennsylvania’s most photogenic yet largely anonymous destinations. Built in 1911 as company housing for coal miners, it was abandoned only 11 years later due to poor livability and maintenance issues. The sturdy concrete structures remain eerily intact, serving as a haven for urban explorers, photographers, and graffiti artists. Nearby, visitors can explore Frances Slocum State Park, paddle the Susquehanna River, or learn more about the region’s mining history at the Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton.

New Hope

New Hope has become more artsy and trendy in recent years, but it has long been known locally for being haunted. The town boasts more than a dozen allegedly haunted buildings and offers guided Ghost Tours filled with spectral tales. While the mule-drawn boats and barges are gone, the Delaware Canal that runs through New Hope is perfect for sightseeing while walking the towpath or boating on the canal. The New Hope Railroad also runs vintage locomotives through the picturesque countryside, and Farley’s Bookshop, located downtown, is a bibliophile’s dream. Additionally, check out the Bucks County Playhouse, a historic theatre that launched many Broadway careers.

Punxsutawney

While Punxsutawney gets global attention for a few hours on one day each year, it spends the other 364 days being delightfully unique in relative anonymity. February’s Groundhog Day Festival, featuring furry weather prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil, is the annual community highlight, but the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center and Gobbler’s Knob are open year-round. Dozens of groundhog statues line the streets, each uniquely painted. Barclay Square Park regularly hosts community events, and the Punxsutawney Historical and Genealogical Society offers insights into local lore. Whether you believe in the prognosticating power of Phil’s shadow or not, Punxsutawney’s quirky pageantry is undeniably fun.

Discover The Unexpected In Pennsylvania

There is something magical about stumbling upon a town you never expected to find—especially one with a UFO in its square, a never-ending fire underground, or a suspiciously cheerful embrace of ghosts and groundhogs. Pennsylvania’s lesser-known towns are where folklore, local flavor, and offbeat attractions come together in unforgettable ways. So next time you are driving across the Keystone State, hop off the interstate and explore the strange, wonderful, and unique communities that make Pennsylvania such a great travel destination.