Pennsylvania is full of quirky and unique roadside attractions, but for me, nothing beats the thrill of finding a towering giant standing by the roadside. Since I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh, I decided to set out on a local adventure to uncover some of these larger-than-life statues hiding in my own backyard. With the Roadside America app as my guide, I discovered several impressive figures within a short drive from home, each with its own history, character, and charm.

Along the way, I’ve come across many other fascinating roadside attractions, from quirky landmarks to massive sculptures that demand a second look. This blog is all about tracking down and sharing these oversized wonders, so if you love exploring giant statues and roadside oddities, be sure to check out my other discoveries below—and let me know if there’s one I need to see next!

World’s Largest Bodybuilder – Darlington, PA

In Darlington, Pennsylvania, an 18-foot fiberglass statue of a bodybuilder known as Zuverman stands proudly outside the Brickyard Gym. Originally created in the 1960s by Bob Zuver, a world-famous gym owner and fitness enthusiast, the statue once stood at Muscle Beach in Southern California, symbolizing the golden era of bodybuilding. Zuver, who owned Zuver’s Fitness Center in Costa Mesa, designed the statue in his own likeness, making it a true piece of fitness history. Over time, the statue found a new home when it was purchased by Rick Tsai, a chiropractor and bodybuilding memorabilia collector, who relocated it to Pennsylvania. On August 15, 2013, Zuverman was officially unveiled at the Brickyard Gym in Darlington Township, where it continues to inspire fitness enthusiasts and roadside attraction seekers alike. Considered a world-famous relic of gym culture, Zuverman remains a unique and eye-catching tribute to bodybuilding history.

Sam- The Hamburger Man- Kittanning, PA

Standing tall once again outside Cadet Restaurant in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, the beloved Sam has quite the story of resilience. Purchased at the Chicago Restaurant Show in 1962 for $3,900, Sam became a local landmark, greeting diners for decades. However, tragedy struck on September 29, 1990, when a foggy morning collision sent a Ford Bronco crashing into the giant statue, reducing him to rubble. For years, Sam remained in pieces, with his hat and burger occasionally turning up in unexpected places—once even perched atop a local school’s flagpole. Despite multiple attempts, no one was willing to take on the difficult task of restoring him. That was until Dave Bish, a dedicated customer, stepped forward to bring Sam back to life. After 12 long years, the community came together, and in 2002, with the help of a crane and many volunteers, Sam was finally restored to his former glory. Today, he stands proudly once more, a testament to the town’s perseverance and the enduring charm of roadside Americana.

Big Jim the Gun Slinger

Towering over Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, Big Jim, the Giant Gunslinger has been a local legend for decades. This 20-foot-tall metal sculpture was created in 1978 by James C. Krutz, a welder from western Pennsylvania, who built the gunslinger to stand guard over his welding shop. With a cocked six-shooter in his right hand and a Pennsylvania long rifle in his left, Big Jim certainly looks ready to defend the town. His imposing stance is completed with a horseshoe belt buckle, adding to his Wild West persona.

For years, Big Jim remained at Krutz’s welding shop, becoming a well-known figure to locals and travelers alike. In 2007, he was relocated to his current home near I-70 on Gosai Drive, where he now watches over a Best Western hotel and welcomes visitors to Bentleyville. Whether passing through or stopping for a photo, many travelers make it a point to wave to this steel cowboy, a unique roadside attraction that continues to stand tall as a tribute to craftsmanship and creativity.

Paul Bunyan – Greensburg, PA

Originally a Paul Bunyan, the Greensburg Muffler Man made its way to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in the 1960s after being relocated from a store in Pittsburgh. It was placed at an auto body shop on Route 119 North, where it became a familiar roadside landmark. A reader shared a 1969 photo of the statue, showing it still painted as Paul Bunyan, complete with a beard that was later painted over.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers started gaining success in the 1970s, the statue was repainted in honor of the team, eventually becoming a tribute to Jack Lambert. A football helmet was added to complete the transformation, while its classic Muffler Man pose (right palm up, left palm down) remained unchanged.

Unfortunately, the statue’s head went missing about nine years ago, reportedly removed for refurbishment. However, with the auto shop now closed, the head has never returned, leaving the once-mighty figure headless. Despite its current state, the Greensburg Muffler Man remains an intriguing piece of roadside history, and hopefully, one day, it will be fully restored. Until then, it’s still worth a visit for those who appreciate quirky Americana and the ever-evolving story of these giant fiberglass figures.

Former Bunyan – Uniontown, PA

In Uniontown, Pennsylvania, a towering Muffler Man stands outside a local tire shop, but he wasn’t always there. Originally a Paul Bunyan-style lumberjack, this fiberglass giant was relocated from Washington, D.C., by tire shop owner Ken Marcinko, who had a simple philosophy: “If you’re having a big sale, you need a big salesman.”

After years of wear and tear, the statue was restored in 2007, bringing it back to its former roadside glory. One of its most notable features? Bright red lips, which make this giant stand out among its fellow Muffler Men. Whether you’re in Uniontown for a road trip stop or just passing through, this former Bunyan-turned-salesman remains an eye-catching piece of roadside nostalgia.

Uncle Sam Muffler Man- Rockwood, PA

A unique Muffler Man stands tall in Rockwood, Pennsylvania, now transformed into Uncle Sam. This fiberglass giant has undergone quite the wardrobe change over the years—once sporting a kilt, he now dons a comically large Uncle Sam stovepipe hat, giving him a patriotic flair. Adding to his character, he holds a sign that reads, “Nothing Beats the Great Outdoors,” making him a fitting roadside attraction for travelers exploring the scenic surroundings of Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a fan of quirky Americana or simply passing through Rockwood, this oversized Uncle Sam is worth a stop and a photo!

Big Chip Ice Cream Man – Coopersburg, PA

Another unique Muffler Man is Big Chip, a customized statue designed to resemble a soda jerk, complete with a giant ice cream cone and scoop. Unlike many original Muffler Men, Big Chip is a more recent addition to the roadside attraction world, arriving in December 2018. He was built by Mark Cline, a well-known fiberglass artist, using molds made from a figure discovered in a Canadian junkyard. Now, Big Chip stands as a fun and nostalgic nod to old-fashioned ice cream parlors, delighting visitors who stop by for a photo with this sweet-themed giant.

Happy Halfwith Muffler Man- Oaks, PA

Along with his giraffe friend.

Another notable Muffler Man variation is Happy Halfwit, which now resides in Oaks, Pennsylvania. This goofy-looking giant originally stood on the boardwalk at Seaside Heights, New Jersey, where it greeted visitors with its exaggerated facial features and friendly expression. However, in October 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to the statue, leaving it in need of restoration. Fortunately, a dedicated collector stepped in, purchasing and repairing the Halfwit before giving it a new home in August 2014. Today, it stands proudly in Oaks, PA, continuing to delight roadside attraction hunters and nostalgic travelers alike.