Roadside America, Inc. - Shartlesville, PA.

An innocent looking building labeled Roadside America can be seen to the south from interstate 78 (just west of exit 23 to be exact). From the outside it doesn't look like much. The building seems small by tourism standards and there's no extravagant decorations aside from the Amish couple statue. In fact, the statue seems more creepy than extravagant. But the plainness of this building is a reminder of the proverb, "Never judge a book by it's cover," because on the inside is exactly what defines America.

In 1939, Laurence Gieringer began to construct what would eventually become Roadside America. Gieringer loved miniature models and was able to make a living doing something he loved. Piece by piece the miniature village was assembled into the 8000 sq ft attraction it is now. This isn't your ordinary dollhouse village; it is full of fine detail, down to the face of every miniature person. There are real rivers with real water, working train sets, lights, and even some interactive displays.

You may be thinking that this sounds like every kids dream. And it is, even for the kid inside every adult. There's a section to the village to please city and country folk alike. Skyscrapers, farms, coal mines, caves, forests, trains, it's all there. If you don't like Roadside America, you are un-American and quite the grumpy-pants.

Check out the official website below for admission rates (not very expensive & worth every penny), hours of operation, and directions to the greatest tourist attraction in Pennsylvania. And make sure to plan at least 1 hour for your trip, we stayed 1 and a half because we looked at everything twice.


For more information on the places mentioned in this blog:
* Roadside America, Inc.



The Amish couple waving to interstate passersby.


Sneak preview! I don't want to spoil all the fun, but you have to understand the size of it all! This isn't even half of what awaits you...


My favorite display.