Travelers come to Bedford County for its timeless beauty, rich history, and peaceful mountain charm; however, it’s those who wander off the beaten path who quickly find out that it's also a place full of surprises. Bedford County is full of unexpected stops that make your visit unforgettable. Here are 11 must-see sights that showcase the personality of this unique destination.
The Bedford Coffee Pot
The Bedford Coffee Pot is the area’s most recognized icon. This 18-foot-tall building shaped like a coffee pot was built in 1927 as a lunch stand and originally served travelers on the Lincoln Highway. While you can’t grab a cup of coffee from here anymore, it's still one of the most famous examples of novelty architecture in the United States. It’s impossible to visit the area without stopping here for a photo.
Gravity Hill
Gravity Hill is one of the most mind-bending phenomena in Bedford County. This optical illusion has confused and amazed visitors for generations. Here, your car seems to roll up a hill, which doesn't make sense or follow the law of gravity. There aren't any flashy signs or souvenir stands; it's just a quiet stretch of country road where the laws of physics seem to take a break. Whether you believe in roadside magic or not, the moment your car starts to move on its own is something you'll never forget. Remember to put your car in neutral and get your camera ready. This is one roadside stop that is just as fun to film as it is to visit.
The Giant Quarter
You might not expect to find a ten-foot-tall coin off a beautiful Pennsylvania byway, but that's what makes Bedford County so special. Students at the Bedford County Technical Center built this large replica quarter as part of the "Roadside Giants" project for the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. Now, this photogenic coin is a popular place to stop along the road and is a must-see for anyone putting together a quirky road trip album.
Ron’s Antique Radios & 50’s Place Mini Museum
On Route 30, Ron's Radio Museum is a gem full of old radios, TVs, record players, and pop culture memorabilia. The museum is a work of love by Ron himself and a love letter to the golden age of broadcasting. When you walk in, you'll feel like you've gone back in time as you take in the rare gadgets and collectibles all around you that look like they came straight out of a living room in the 1950s. This little slice of nostalgia is one of the most unexpectedly charming places to stop in Bedford County
Healing Waters of Bedford Springs
When you step onto the grounds of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa, you'll see right away why generations of travelers, including U.S. presidents, have made the journey. The resort is built around eight natural mineral springs that were once believed to have healing powers. The historic resort still honors this legacy today. The mineral springs flow through the spa and indoor pool, allowing guests to relax in the same waters that made Bedford famous hundreds of years ago. It combines history and luxury with views that never go out of style. The big front porch with rocking chairs, the grand staircase, the springhouse, and the historic indoor pool all make the property look like a page out of an old travel postcard. Bedford Springs is a photographer's dream and a wellness destination all in one.
The Bison Corral
Along the Lincoln Highway, Bison Corral (Cedarrow Bison Farm) gives you a unique look at one of America's most powerful animals. What began as a small herd of bison in the late 1980s has grown into a full working ranch. Visitors can see the bison grazing in the fields from scenic pull-offs along Route 30. The Bison Corral gift shop, open seasonally across the street, offers Native American crafts, ornaments, puzzles, and handcrafted gourmet bison products. You don't see a herd of 2,000-pound animals just off the highway every day, so this is a great place to take pictures. Get your camera ready, but stay behind the fence. These fantastic animals are quick, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
The Pied Piper of Bedford County
The Pied Piper of Bedford County is one of the more fun stops along the Lincoln Highway, and it's also one of the best places to take pictures. This roadside sculpture honors a famous figure from folklore, but with a unique Bedford twist. The Pied Piper draws curious travelers off the road and into its story with its bright colors, fun details, and a background that shows off the beauty of rural Pennsylvania.
Lincoln Motor Court
Book a night at the Lincoln Motor Court to travel back in time. This old-fashioned motel is right on the Lincoln Highway and has cozy cottages that haven't changed much since the 1940s. The cabins are outfitted with retro furnishings and decor, making it a perfect stop for those that appreciate a vintage aesthetic. The Lincoln Motor Court is one of the last original motor courts in the country. It's a living history with a touch of nostalgia, a place where the sound of traffic and the glow of neon signs still feel just like the good old days.
The Igloo
The Igloo is a frozen treat stop that is hard to miss on the old Lincoln Highway. This ice cream stand, which looks like its namesake, has been serving travelers scoops, sundaes, and shakes for generations. The igloo-shaped building makes it a fun place to stop for pictures, and the menu has all the classic roadside foods.
Dunkle’s Gulf Station
Dunkle's Gulf Station is still one of Bedford's most famous photo spots, even though it is no longer in operation. This old service station, built in 1933 and restored to its classic Art Deco style, is a great way to see what American road travel was like in its heyday. The building's bold design is right off a vintage postcard. It's easy to picture travelers stopping along the Lincoln Highway to fill up. Today, people stop to admire the building's well-preserved details and take pictures that pay tribute to the time when the open road was still a new adventure.
The Silver Lining Drive-In
The Silver Lining Drive-In is a great way to spend an evening in Bedford County.. The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford County Fair came together to make this community drive-in series at the Bedford County Fairgrounds come to life! Families and friends gather together under the stars to watch family-friendly movies, eat food from local vendors, and enjoy themed nights. Anyone under 18 gets in free, and adults pay only $5, making it one of the cheapest and most nostalgic nights out around. Visit the Silver Lining Drive-In Facebook page to find out about upcoming shows and events.
Plan Your Quirky
Discover Bedford County is a playground for explorers, a haven for the unusual, and a place to be creative. These unplanned stops make you want to pull over, look again, and enjoy the surprises that pop up along the road. This county is full of surprises and places that make you say, "only in Bedford." Bring your camera and get ready to discover something about Bedford County you never expected.