Roadside America Miniature Village
Roadside America Miniature Village
Pennsylvania Dutch Gift Haus
Interstate 78
Shartlesville, Pennsylvania
It is increasingly hard to find vintage attractions that have remained largely untouched by the passage of time. Roadside America is one of those rare gems – a 75 year-old indoor miniature village and railway that covers over 8,000 square feet!
Laurence Gieringer created it in 1935. The initial (much smaller) version was displayed in a fire company building – a larger version was on display at the (now defunct) Carsonia Park in 1938. (see links at the end of this post for more info). In 1941, both of Mr. Gieringer’s masterpieces were moved to the current location in Shartlesville. The massive display includes over 400 miniature buildings and 4000 miniature people. Roadside America has remained unchanged since Gieringer died in 1963!
I have been to RA several times over the years and what awaits you inside has to be experienced … pictures and video do it no justice! It is simply a “must-do” for vintage enthusiasts. Roadside America is open every day of the year (with the exception of Christmas Day). Don’t delay. Make plans to visit today; because you never know when these treasures will be gone forever.
The adjacent building houses the Pennsylvania Dutch Gift Haus. You will adore its throwback souvenir store vibe. The classic Ford that you see in the picture is owned by one of the clerks who works at the store – she had just pulled-in when I arrived. It was so cool to see a young girl tooling around in a Model T pick-up!
The giant Amish Couple between the gift shop and the attraction has been re-painted since my last visit – looks like they were going for Ozzy Osbourne-chic with the eyes this time 🙂
> Roadside America Miniature Village
Someone needs to write a definitive book about this place. It’s an absolute national treasure, frozen in time. … I’d do it, but I don’t think anyone is going to give me a government grant to cover my time and pay my bills. … You also nailed it by highlighting the amazing Amish Couple Statue outside the place. … ALSO, about 2-3 doors down from Roadside America is a stellar antiques/junk store that’s also full of cats. Seriously.
I have tried to visit that antique store twice and it was closed both times. I’ll have to try again 🙂
Speaking of being closed … this gem = http://roadsidewonders.net/riverboatsaloon/
I have been thinking about this place ever since my now 6 year old grandson became interested in model trains. I visited it with my Cub Scout pack in about 1954 or so. Now you have reminded me with the link from your Cyclorama post and I may have to plan a visit this Spring. Thanks.
Oh, you really should, Jason! How cool would it be to be able to share something with your grandson that you experienced as a child too!
Definitely make those plans … and I’d love to see a pic of you and your grandson’s visit!