What's With the Giant Coffee Pot??

Your guide to one of Bedford County’s most iconic landmarks 

Bedford County is packed with hidden gems that will make you look twice. After you grab a selfie at the iconic 18-foot Coffee Pot, dive underground to explore the ancient, glowing limestone of Coral Caverns, or discover the incredible artistry at the National Museum of the American Coverlet.  

Location & The Basics 

You can find the Koontz Coffee Pot at 108 Telegraph Rd, Bedford, PA 15522, situated right at the Bedford County Fairgrounds. Visitor note: Google Maps will label this as “The Big Coffee Pot.” 

It originally sat along the historic Lincoln Highway (America's first coast-to-coast road) before being saved from demolition, moved across the street, and restored in 2004 by the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. 

Fun Facts to Brew On 

Here are a few stats and historical nuggets perfect for snappy social copy or blog highlights: 

Why Visit in Every Season? 

The Coffee Pot makes a great photo op year-round, but each season offers a different angle for visitors: 

• Spring: Perfect weather for a road trip along the Lincoln Highway. The surrounding greenery frames the metallic pot beautifully for photos, and it's a great time to beat the summer travel crowds. 
• Summer: The Bedford County Fair comes to town! Since the Pot sits right at the fairgrounds and now serves as a museum and gift shop for the fair, it's the peak season to see the area buzzing with activity. 
• Fall: Pair a visit with leaf-peeping through the Appalachian Mountains. The crisp air makes grabbing an actual hot coffee in downtown Bedford afterward feel well-earned. 
• Winter: The stark, snowy landscape of South Central PA makes the massive, quirky structure pop. It's a great, quick pull-off for a photo before heading somewhere warm. 

Where to Actually Get Coffee Nearby 

HeBrews Coffee Company 

Located right in downtown Bedford, this cozy spot is a staple for locals and visitors alike. It's the perfect place to grab a warm cup after checking out the nearby downtown museums. 

Highly rated by locals for its welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

UpTown Cafe & Bakery 

Situated along the historic Lincoln Highway, this cafe offers a great mix of baked goods and coffee to keep road-trippers fueled up for their next Atlas Obscura stop. 

A fantastic option for grabbing morning pastries alongside a fresh roast. 

Deja Brew 

Just a quick drive down the Lincoln Highway, this highly-rated spot offers a convenient caffeine fix for travelers making their way through the county. 

A classic, no-fuss coffee shop experience to keep the road trip moving. 

Make Your Own Atlas Obscura Itinerary 

Bedford County punches way above its weight for offbeat history. You can easily build a "Hidden Bedford" itinerary for the blog by connecting the Coffee Pot to these other Atlas Obscura favorites: 

1. Coral Caverns: Just a short drive away, this subterranean labyrinth is known for its fossilized coral reef. Guided tours reveal ancient stalactites and local lore about moonshiners using the tunnels to hide out during the Whiskey Rebellion. 
2. National Museum of the American Coverlet: An incredibly niche but fascinating museum in Bedford dedicated entirely to the artistry, weaving, and history of antique American bedcovers. 
3. Bedford Springs Resort: For visitors who want their history with a side of luxury. A dozen U.S. presidents have stayed at this historic resort, which served as James Buchanan's "Summer White House" in the mid-1800s. 
4. Giant Quarter: A part of the Roadside Giants project, this massive quarter is a perfect photo op stop located in Everett, PA. 
5. The Igloo ice cream: Cap off your visit to our more offbeat locations with an iconic cone from this Everett, PA, ice cream spot that’s shaped like a giant, delicious scoop of ice cream.