69 votes

Haines Shoe House

197 Shoe House Rd, York, Pennsylvania 17406 USA

28
Photos

$$$$

Budget

Closed Now

Opens Fri 11a

Independent
Credit Cards
Accepted
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms
Outdoor
Seating

Heads up!

Due to the spread of COVID-19, many points of interest are closed and travel is not recommended. Please follow state and local guidelines, and stay safe.

“Outlandish advert, iconic attraction!”

The Shoe House, built in 1948, was by far "Colonel" Mahlon N. Haines' most outlandish advertising gimmick. It is a wood frame structure covered with wire lath and coated with a cement stucco. It measures 48 ft. in length, 17 ft. in width at the widest part and 25 ft. in height. The interior consists of five different levels and contains three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen and living room. This giant structural advertisement was originally used as a guest house. In the first year after its completion, elderly couples were invited to stay for a weekend and live like "kings and queens" at Haines' expense. The Haines Shoe House went under new ownership in 2015. They offer guided tours and Beck's Ice Cream. Bus groups welcome, please call ahead. No appointment needed for daily tours.