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Mister Ed's Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium has been a unique Gettysburg area attraction since 1975. Inside, visitors find a sprawling collection of thousands upon thousands of elephant-themed items, coupled with an old-fashioned candy shop that offers a surprisingly captivating detour from the weight of history in nearby Gettysburg. The museum and store are located along historic Route 30 in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, just west of Gettysburg, and have delighted travelers for decades with their whimsical atmosphere and nostalgic charm.

At its core, Mister Ed’s is a private collection amassed by Ed and Pat Gotwalt, featuring elephant figurines and memorabilia from all over the world. The collection includes tiny porcelain elephants, intricate wooden carvings, plush toys, functional elephant-shaped objects like teapots, and virtually every other conceivable form of elephant-related keepsake. Over the years, the number of elephants on display has grown into the tens of thousands, filling display cases, shelves, and nooks throughout the museum space and shop.

The origin of this unusual attraction traces back to 1960, when Ed gave his wife, Pat, a small elephant figurine as a present. That single gift sparked a shared passion for collecting elephant items, and as friends, family, and later customers added to the collection, it eventually outgrew their home. By 1975, the Gotwalts opened Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium to the public, turning their personal hobby into a full-fledged roadside destination. The name “Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum” often amuses first-time visitors, since “Mister Ed” also refers to a talking horse from a 1960s television show, but here the name is firmly tied to elephants and candy.

The museum component is free to explore. Visitors can wander at their own pace through rooms and hallways packed with elephant displays, discovering both vintage pieces and modern curiosities. The atmosphere blends whimsy with nostalgia: elephants appear in every form imaginable, and there are playful touches, photo-worthy scenes, and details that reward slow, curious exploration. For many guests, the sheer scale of the collection—well into the five figures—is part of the charm, as is the evident affection with which it has been assembled and maintained.

Complementing the museum is the candy emporium, which operates as a full-scale sweets and gift shop. Inside, shelves are lined with nostalgic candies that recall childhood visits to corner stores, as well as contemporary treats and novelty items. There are extensive selections of candy bars from around the world, fine chocolates, homemade fudge, and other confections. Fresh roasted jumbo peanuts are a noted specialty, and many visitors plan their stop specifically to purchase fudge, chocolates, or bulk candies. Beyond sweets, the shop also sells toys, souvenirs, and elephant-themed gifts, making it easy to bring home a tangible reminder of the visit.

The property itself functions as a roadside attraction, with outdoor features and seasonal decorations that add to the experience. Located on Chambersburg Road along the Lincoln Highway, Mister Ed’s is an easy detour for travelers heading to or from Gettysburg. The grounds and museum are free to wander; guests pay only for purchases made in the candy shop or gift areas. The combination of free admission, a vast quirky collection, and a robust candy selection has helped cement Mister Ed’s as a beloved family stop and a recommended inclusion on regional travel itineraries.

Over the years, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium has been featured in travel guides, blogs, and video segments highlighting unusual and charming American roadside attractions. It is frequently described as whimsical, eccentric, and unexpectedly delightful. Whether approached as a quick break from driving or as a planned destination, the museum and shop together offer an immersive, light-hearted environment that contrasts sharply with the more solemn historical sites nearby, while still fitting neatly into a day’s drive through Adams County and the Gettysburg area.

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