The Big Coffee Pot

The Big Coffee Pot in Bedford, Pennsylvania, is a quirky roadside attraction and a relic of the Lincoln Highway era. Built in 1927, it was once a gas station and bar, but now stands as a preserved piece of Americana at the Bedford County Fairgrounds. More details.

The Big Coffee Pot, located at 703 West Pitt St., Bedford, Pennsylvania, is a 1927 roadside landmark that once served as a gas station and bar. Standing 18 feet tall, it was moved to the Bedford County Fairgrounds in 2004 after being saved from demolition. Though it no longer functions as a café and remains closed to visitors with a locked interior, it features an informational sign about its history and a mural on the back wall opposite the door. The structure stands as a popular stop for photos and learning about its role as a relic of the Lincoln Highway era, with well-kept grounds and limited parking for members, though visitors may park on the side for two to three cars.

The Big Coffee Pot stands as a whimsical yet historic tribute to early 20th-century Americana, offering a tangible connection to the Lincoln Highway’s legacy. Though its interior remains closed, the structure’s vibrant mural and informational signage invite reflection on its past as a gas station and bar. Visitors will appreciate its well-maintained grounds and the nostalgic charm of this roadside relic, which draws admirers of quirky architecture and local history.

Pros

• Serves as a preserved relic of the Lincoln Highway era with historical educational value.
• Features an engaging mural and informational signage about its origins.
• Offers a photogenic, accessible stop for travelers near major highways.
• Maintains well-kept grounds for casual visits and reflection.

Cons

• Interior access is restricted, limiting immersive exploration.
• Limited parking availability for non-members (only 2–3 visitor spots).
• Structure shows signs of age and requires repairs, per visitor observations.
• Relocated from its original site, altering its historical context.