PA Roadside Attractions

Exploring Schaefer’s Auto Art in Erie

A collage of four sculptures from Schaefer's Auto Art is displayed. The top left image shows a black Volkswagen Beetle transformed into a giant spider, with long colorful legs made from metal pipes, positioned in a grassy field with a pumpkin nearby. The top right image features a two-headed dinosaur sculpture made from rusted metal parts, with a blue humanoid figure and the spider sculpture visible in the background. The bottom left image highlights a large yellow and black striped bee sculpture made from scrap metal, with vehicle headlights and a grill forming its face. The bottom right image shows a yellow helicopter sculpture, constructed from industrial parts, sitting in front of autumn foliage with a black helmet resting on one of its wings. These eclectic and creative sculptures are set against the backdrop of trees and grassy lawns, showcasing the unique charm of this roadside attraction.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Schaefer’s Auto Art in Erie, you’re in the right place!

A tall, vertical rocket sculpture stands prominently on a grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. The rocket is painted silver with red fins and appears to be crafted from industrial scrap metal, evoking a retro-futuristic design. To the right of the rocket is a large yellow and black bee sculpture made from metal, adding a whimsical touch to the scene. A small pumpkin is placed at the base of the rocket, contributing to the seasonal atmosphere. Behind the sculptures, a dense line of trees, with leaves showing hints of autumn, creates a natural backdrop. The sky above is cloudy, complementing the quirky, eclectic nature of this roadside attraction.

Schaefer’s Auto Art is a roadside attraction featuring quirky sculptures made from repurposed car parts and industrial scrap metal.

A large bee sculpture made from scrap metal stands on a grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. The body of the bee is painted in bold yellow and black stripes, with metal legs and wings crafted from industrial parts, giving the sculpture a lifelike yet mechanical appearance. The bee's long antennae and segmented body add to its realistic design. The surrounding area features trees with autumn foliage and a road in the background, blending the whimsical, oversized sculpture with the natural roadside setting of this eclectic attraction.

Tucked away along a residential road in the Erie suburbs, this unique spot offers visitors a chance to explore art in an unexpected setting.

A sculpture resembling an old-fashioned cannon, made from colorful scrap metal, sits on a grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. The cannon features large spoked wheels painted in red and white, with a blue and silver cylindrical barrel extending between them. The vibrant colors and repurposed materials give the piece a playful, rustic appearance. In the background, lush green bushes and trees displaying hints of autumn colors provide a natural contrast to the industrial aesthetic of the sculpture. The setting adds to the eclectic charm of this roadside attraction.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, making it an accessible and fun stop for anyone passing through the area.

A creative sculpture resembling a giant spider, crafted from a black Volkswagen Beetle, sits in a grassy field surrounded by trees. The Beetle forms the body of the spider, while long, brightly painted metal pipes serve as the spider’s legs, positioned to give a dynamic, crawling appearance. The legs are painted in a mix of red, yellow, green, and black, adding a vibrant contrast to the weathered car body. A small orange pumpkin is placed at the base of the sculpture, lending a seasonal autumn touch. The wooded background enhances the quirky and whimsical nature of the installation.

Directions to Schaefer’s Auto Art

Schaefer’s auto Art is located at 3705 Hershey Road, Erie, PA 16506.

Visitors should park in the gravel parking area along Hershey Road; please DO NOT park in or block the property owner’s driveway.

A bright red truck is parked along a narrow gravel road next to the grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. In the foreground, a quirky mailbox labeled "Buzz Box" sits atop a small pedestal made from scrap metal parts, next to a sign that reads "Parking for Schaefer's." In the background, a large yellow and black bee sculpture, crafted from metal, stands on the lawn near the tree line. The road curves ahead, bordered by trees showing early signs of fall foliage, creating a scenic roadside setting for this eclectic attraction. The bee sculpture and unique roadside parking setup add to the charm and creativity of the location.

What You’ll See at Schaefer’s Auto Art

As you wander through the grounds, you’ll encounter larger-than-life sculptures like a giant spider made from a black Volkswagen Beetle, complete with colorful metal legs.

A large spider sculpture crafted from a black Volkswagen Beetle stands on a grassy lawn, with long, brightly painted metal legs extending outward from the car body. The spider's legs are painted in alternating red, yellow, green, and black sections, creating a colorful and striking visual. The sculpture appears to be crawling across the ground, with the Beetle forming the main body of the spider. A small pumpkin rests in front of the sculpture, adding a playful, seasonal touch. The background is filled with trees showing early signs of fall foliage, contributing to the unique and artistic atmosphere of this roadside attraction.

A two-headed dinosaur crafted from rusted metal adds a prehistoric vibe to the collection, while a bright yellow helicopter sculpture, constructed from industrial parts, is another standout piece.

A green metal sculpture featuring two dinosaur heads with gaping mouths stands in the foreground at Schaefer's Auto Art. The heads are constructed from industrial scrap metal, with jagged teeth and rusted details that add to the sculpture's rugged, prehistoric look. Behind the dinosaur sculpture, a light blue humanoid figure made from car parts waves, and in the distance, a large spider sculpture crafted from a black Volkswagen Beetle is visible. The sculptures are set against a grassy lawn surrounded by trees, creating an eclectic and imaginative display at this roadside attraction. A pumpkin at the base of the humanoid figure adds a seasonal touch to the scene.

The massive bee sculpture, with its car grill face and bold black-and-yellow stripes, is an eye-catching display.

A large bee sculpture made from scrap metal stands on a grassy area at Schaefer's Auto Art. The bee is painted in bold yellow and black stripes, with its head crafted from a vehicle grill and headlights, giving it a mechanical appearance. Its legs, wings, and antennae are constructed from various industrial metal parts, contributing to its quirky, lifelike design. The sculpture is surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, adding a natural contrast to the industrial materials. A small metal flower sculpture is placed in front of the bee, enhancing the playful and artistic atmosphere of this roadside attraction.

The creativity doesn’t stop there—each sculpture is designed with intricate details, like the “tin man” figure that waves to visitors as they pass by.

A whimsical sculpture resembling a humanoid figure stands in a grassy area surrounded by trees. The figure, made from repurposed car parts and industrial scrap metal, is painted light blue. It has a large, round head with a pipe for a nose, bolts for eyes, and a metal mustache. The figure is wearing a hat and appears to be waving with its right arm. A pumpkin is placed at its feet, adding a touch of seasonal charm. The background features a gravel path and a picnic bench, with fall foliage beginning to show on the trees. The sky above is cloudy, creating a rustic autumn atmosphere.

The sculptures, all made from discarded materials, showcase the innovative use of everyday objects.

A yellow helicopter sculpture made from industrial scrap metal sits on a grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. The front of the helicopter features large headlights and a small American flag in the grille. The sculpture includes rotor blades, tail fins, and landing gear, all made from various recycled parts. In the background, several old vehicles, including a rusted red truck and a classic car, are parked, contributing to the vintage, industrial aesthetic of the attraction. Additionally, a motorcycle is mounted high on a wooden platform, adding to the quirky display. Surrounding the sculptures are trees beginning to show fall colors, enhancing the creative, rustic setting of this roadside attraction.

Before you leave, don’t forget to drop a note in the “Buzz Box,” a mailbox where visitors can leave comments about their visit.

A quirky metal mailbox labeled "Schaefer's Auto Art" sits atop a pedestal made from scrap car parts at Schaefer's Auto Art. A sign next to the mailbox reads "Parking for Schaefer's," with a bee graphic adding to the playful design. In the background, a tall silver rocket sculpture with red fins dominates the scene, standing on a grassy lawn surrounded by trees displaying hints of fall foliage. A white pickup truck with a snowplow attachment is parked nearby, and other sculptures, including a yellow helicopter, can be seen in the distance. The overcast sky enhances the creative, eclectic atmosphere of this roadside attraction.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Schaefer’s Auto Art is a delightful experience that combines art, humor, and creativity in a charming, roadside setting.

A collection of vintage vehicles and sculptures is displayed on a grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. In the foreground, a rusted red pickup truck and an old police car with a star on the door sit side by side. Next to them, an old boat, repurposed as a planter, is filled with overgrown plants. A red motorcycle is mounted high on a wooden platform in the background, adding a whimsical touch to the scene. Behind the vehicles, a pile of logs and scrap materials can be seen, enhancing the eclectic, rustic charm of the attraction. Surrounding trees show early signs of autumn, complementing the creative and nostalgic atmosphere of this unique roadside display.

Whether you’re passing through or making it a destination, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves the unusual and the artistic.

A yellow helicopter sculpture made from repurposed car parts and industrial scrap metal sits on a grassy lawn at Schaefer's Auto Art. The body of the helicopter is composed of a large, cylindrical tank, with various metal pieces forming the rotor blades, tail, and landing skids. A black helmet rests on one of the wings, adding a playful detail to the sculpture. Behind the helicopter, colorful wagon wheels and other scrap metal art are visible, blending into the backdrop of trees and autumn foliage. The overall scene has a whimsical, inventive feel, showcasing the creative use of recycled materials.

Nearby Attractions

Asbury Woods in Erie is a 234-acre park offering 5 miles of hiking trails, a Nature Center, and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.

A collage of four photos taken at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a dirt trail winding through a forest with early autumn foliage. The top right image captures a person walking a dog along a wooden boardwalk, surrounded by vibrant trees in shades of green and orange. The bottom left image depicts a serene section of Walnut Creek, with rocky banks and tall trees showcasing the beauty of fall colors. The bottom right image highlights the Asbury Woods Nature Center sign, framed by colorful autumn leaves and a bright blue sky, welcoming visitors to explore the park and its trails.

Erie Bluffs State Park is an “unpolished gem” along the shores of Lake Erie, featuring 90-foot bluffs, one mile of shoreline, and five miles of trails, making it a top spot for fishing and hiking in northwestern PA.

A collage of four photos showcasing the natural beauty of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County, PA. The top left image shows a hiker in an orange vest overlooking Lake Erie from a high bluff, with trees and a cloudy sky framing the view. The top right image captures two hikers on a rocky beach, standing among driftwood as they observe the waves of Lake Erie. The bottom left image offers a close-up of smooth stones and driftwood on the shoreline, with waves gently washing over the rocks under a dramatic sky. The bottom right image features the Erie Bluffs State Park entrance sign, mounted on a stone base with trees and a red vehicle in the background, welcoming visitors to the park. The collage highlights the park's scenic bluffs, rugged shoreline, and tranquil wooded areas.

Presque Isle State Park in Erie is Pennsylvania’s most-visited State Park, with over 4 million people a year venturing onto this sandy peninsula that arcs out into Lake Erie.

Scenes from Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is the gateway to Presque Isle State Park, the gateway to learning about Pennsylvania’s only seashore, and the gateway to fun!

Exterior of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle State Park.

The Hagen History Center in Erie is a museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 200 years of local history through engaging exhibits and incredible architecture.

A collage highlighting exhibits and buildings at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a vibrant red 1950 Crosley Hotshot, representing Frank Lloyd Wright’s love of automobiles. The top-right image displays a detailed model of the USS Michigan, a historic iron-hulled warship significant to Erie’s maritime heritage. The bottom-left image captures Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's sword and telescope from the early 1800s, artifacts connected to the War of 1812. The bottom-right image features the museum's main campus, with the Thomas B. Hagen History Center sign in the foreground and the historic red-roofed buildings, including the Wood-Morrison House, visible in the background.

Exploring the Historic Lighthouses of Erie, PA takes you on a detailed tour of all three nautical landmarks, with maps, photos, historical accounts, and driving directions.

The Erie Land Lighthouse sits in what is now a residential neighborhood on the banks of Presque Isle Bay in Erie.

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to more than 400 animals and 600 species of plants from around the world.

Exploring the Erie Zoo in Erie Pennsylvania.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.