Pennsylvania’s towns ooze personality. You might have heard that old phrase, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. That’s certainly not the case when it comes to Pennsylvania’s small towns. This small town in Pennsylvania, in particular, belongs on every bucket list. Why? It’s one of the quirkiest, most unusual, and most adorable small towns in the entire state…maybe even in the United States.
The first inkling that you’ve arrived in what promises to be the most unusual and most adorable small town in Pennsylvania is the sign welcoming you to Mars - complete with a flying saucer.
Flickr/NASA HQ Photo
The darling downtown looks like it’s stepped straight from an old-fashioned postcard. You might, in fact, think you’ve landed in Anytown USA. Until…
Flickr/Jon Dawson
You see the shiny silver flying saucer sitting smack dab in the middle of town. It’s one of the first places visitors go on their first visit. You can’t visit without posing for a photo (or a ton) in front of this UFO.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
If you stroll through town, you might see some little green Martians, and you’ll probably meet a whole lot of friendly human Martians too.
Flickr/NASA HQ Photo
No one knows for sure how Mars got its name. There are a few theories. One says the town’s original name was Marshall, and townspeople just cut it short, making it Mars.
Flickr/NASA HQ Photo
Another theory asserts that the town’s original namesake, with the last name Marshall, had such a love for the Red Planet that he changed the town’s name. That, quite naturally, makes townspeople Martians.
Flickr/NASA HQ Photo
One of the best ways to commemorate your visit to Mars is to grab a postcard, address it to yourself, and mail it from the post office. How many people, after all, can say they’ve gotten mail from Mars?
Trip Advisor/Keep Life Simple
Mars also hosts the Mars New Year, a massive celebration held every other year in the small Pennsylvania town. The next celebration is set for June 9-10, 2023.
Flickr/NASA HQ Photo Try to plan a visit to Mars during the family-friendly celebration that includes a full menu of events, including educational programs. Learn more about the Mars New Year Festival 2023.
If you’re a fan of the paranormal, be sure to stop by the Mars train station that’s said to be haunted by…a cat. Read all about Chessie and the haunted train station in Pennsylvania.
Trip Advisor/Keep Life Simple
Have you been to this unique town in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For an adventure of a different kind, set off on one of these low-key hikes in Pennsylvania that have amazing payoffs.
Flickr/NASA HQ Photo
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Trip Advisor/Keep Life Simple
Try to plan a visit to Mars during the family-friendly celebration that includes a full menu of events, including educational programs. Learn more about the Mars New Year Festival 2023.
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Address: Mars, PA 16046, USA
