Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium is a unique candy shop in Ortanna, Pennsylvania
Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum: A Roadside Delight in Pennsylvania
Miss Ellie Phunt greets has been greeting visitors for decades.
There are roadside attractions, and then there are roadside legends. Along Route 30 in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, just west of Gettysburg, you’ll find one of the most whimsical stops in the state: Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium. This family-friendly destination combines a love of elephants with old-fashioned candy, antiques, and a touch of roadside Americana.
Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium is, at its core, a gift and candy shop. But it’s so much more than that with well over 10,000 elephants of all sizes on display. The store makes their own candies and has some classics on hand as well. There are also candy coated nuts plus an entire room dedicated to Pez dispensers and Pez candies.
Elephants Everywhere
Right out in front Ms. Ellie Phunt wiggles her ears and eyes and greets you with her stories. Ellie has been there since this store opened greeting visitors and, while we were there, she was decked out in preparation for fall.
Miss Ellie’s days started at an amusement park in Ohio and was sold to an antique store which is where Ed found her and had to have her.
Step through the doors and you’ll discover elephants in every form imaginable:
Figurines made from glass, wood, ceramic, and metal.
Playful plush toys for children.
Unique artwork depicting elephants from cultures around the globe.
Huge elephants on candy displays
Elephant paintings and murals
It’s the kind of collection that makes you stop, smile, and marvel at the creativity behind each piece.
A Sweet Surprise: The Candy Counter
While the elephants are the stars, Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium is also famous for its candy selection. Shelves are lined with classic treats like licorice, chocolate-covered goodies, gummies, and nostalgic penny candies. Visitors often say it feels like stepping back in time into an old-fashioned candy store.
They also roast peanuts on site, make their own fudge and create a cavalcade of candy creations including a lot of things that have been bathed in chocolate.
Why It’s Worth the Stop
Mr. Ed’s isn’t just a shop—it’s an experience. It has that rare combination of whimsy and warmth that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret treasure. Travelers often say it’s the highlight of their trip through Pennsylvania.
Some reasons you’ll love it:
A fun family outing – Kids adore the candy and the quirky elephant displays.
A collector’s paradise – Elephant enthusiasts will be blown away by the variety.
A true roadside Americana experience – It’s a throwback to when travel was about the unexpected.
The Story Behind Mr. Ed’s Elephant Emporium
The Museum portion began with a wedding present - a small carved wooden elephant. Ed Gotwalt, affectionately known as “Mr. Ed,” started collecting elephant figurines in the late 1960s after receiving that first one. What began as a single collectible quickly turned into a lifelong hobby.
Over the decades, his collection grew to include more than 12,000 elephants—ranging from tiny miniatures to oversized statues.
Giving Mr. Ed’s the business
Ed and his wife, Pat, had a grocery store in the 1970s. This small store had the usual staples but also had a candy counter. Ed was not only a shopkeeper but, apparently, quite a showman. So he would use the property to host events and entertain the community. Ultimately the grocery store closed but the passion lived on.
The couple found an abandoned property and took the leap. At the time of its opening there were already about 2,000 elephants in Ed’s collection.
Ed and Pat also took their business on the road, traveling the country with their candy and peanuts doing arts and craft shows, fairs, and other special events. At their peak, the couple did 42 events in one year, while also managing the store – quite a feat. Most events were done together, but sometimes they had to split up to cover more ground and did events with daughter Tammy and other staff.
Visitors today can still explore the incredible collection that Mr. Ed curated, which continues to delight travelers of all ages. It’s a museum, a shop, and a labor of love all wrapped into one.
Planning Your Visit
Location: Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, along historic Route 30, just a short drive from Gettysburg.
Best time to visit: Year-round! Each season brings new displays and treats.
Tip: Bring your camera—there are plenty of photo-worthy spots both inside and outside the shop.
Final Thoughts
Today the store is in the capable hands of Ed and Pat’s granddaughter and her husband, Isaac. Apparently the couple has quite a knack for managing the business as it has flourished under their tutelage.
You might think there isn’t room for another pachyderm but they may just find the trunk space if they have to.
Whether you’re on your way to Gettysburg, exploring the back roads of Pennsylvania, or simply searching for a smile, Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium is a stop you won’t regret. It’s not just about elephants—it’s about joy, nostalgia, and the kind of roadside magic that makes travel memorable.
Next time you’re in Pennsylvania, follow the elephants. They’ll lead you straight to Mr. Ed’s.
