Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is famous for its rich Civil War history, drawing thousands of visitors each year to explore the battlefields, museums, and historical landmarks. But just a short drive west of town, along Route 30, you’ll find a very different kind of attraction—one filled with whimsy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of elephants! Welcome to Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, a quirky roadside stop that has been delighting visitors since 1975.
A Brief History of Mister Ed’s
Mister Ed’s started as a small general store in 1975, founded by Ed and Pat Gotwalt along Route 30. Back then, it sold a little bit of everything—snacks, antiques, coal gifts, and even a small selection of candy. Over time, Ed’s personal collection of elephant figurines took over, turning the shop into an unexpected elephant museum.
In 1983, Mister Ed’s moved into a charming Victorian home just a few miles from the original location. The elephant collection kept growing, reaching over 10,000 pieces, many of which were donated by visitors. The store itself became a staple for travelers, offering a variety of unique gifts and a candy selection that could make any sweet tooth happy.
But in 2010, disaster struck—a fire destroyed much of the store and the beloved elephant collection. In true community spirit, volunteers from seven states came together to help rebuild, donating thousands of new elephants and helping the store reopen just seven months later.
Now run by Ed and Pat’s granddaughter, Nicole, and her husband, Isaac, Mister Ed’s continues to grow, with an expanded candy kitchen, a Pez dispenser room, and a whimsical outdoor garden that makes every visit feel like an adventure.
Exploring the Elephant Museum
Walking into the museum, you are immediately surrounded by thousands of elephant figurines in every size, shape, and material imaginable. With over 12,000 elephants, the collection is both overwhelming and fascinating. You’ll find ceramic elephants, wooden elephants, stuffed elephants, and even teapot-shaped elephants!
One standout piece? A miniature Dumbo ride vehicle, perfect for little kids to climb into for a photo. Another fun discovery was a stuffed Lucy the Elephant, a tribute to the famous New Jersey roadside attraction.
A Candy Lover’s Dream
If the museum wasn’t enough to lure you in, the candy selection surely will! Mister Ed’s Candy Emporium is packed with sweet treats of every variety. Some highlights include:
Over 1,200 varieties of candy – from nostalgic childhood favorites to modern-day treats. Homemade fudge and chocolate-covered pretzels are made fresh in their candy kitchen. A massive selection of bulk candy, including gummies, Runts, and hard-to-find treats like Reggie Bars.
Making a choice was nearly impossible, but we managed to leave with a few bags of bulk candy and some branded T-shirts—because who doesn’t love a good roadside attraction souvenir?
The Surprise Pez Room
One of the biggest surprises was the Pez Room, a small space filled with walls of Pez dispensers—both for sale and on display. If you’re a Pez collector, this is a must-see! Even cooler? The Pez room is actually inside the painted box truck that greets you in the parking lot when you arrive.
The Whimsical Outdoor Spaces
Mister Ed’s isn’t just about what’s inside—the outdoor gardens are just as magical. Visitors can explore:
Whimsical statues, including a life-sized elephant fountain. Miss Pat’s Teapot Museum, a charming little exhibit dedicated to teapots (though it was closed during our visit). The Enchanted Forest, which is undergoing regrowth but still provides a magical stroll through quirky art and fun surprises.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your candy haul and soak in the playful atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind place.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Orrtanna, PA (about 14 miles west of Gettysburg)
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM (Check Mister Ed’s Website for the latest updates.)
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum isn’t just a roadside stop—it’s a celebration of everything quirky, delightful, and heartwarming. Whether you’re an elephant enthusiast, a candy lover, or just a fan of unique destinations, this spot is worth adding to your road trip itinerary.
If you’re ever in the Gettysburg area, be sure to stop by and experience the magic of Mister Ed’s for yourself.
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