Skip to Main Content

York Barbell Man.

USA Weightlifting Hall Of Fame

Field review by the editors.

York, Pennsylvania

A 7.5-foot-tall bronze statue of Bob Hoffman, "The Father of World Weightlifting" stands in front of the Y-shaped Hall Of Fame, which stands next to York Barbell's factory. The weightlifter statue on the factory roof no longer rotates, but at least they've left it immobilized in a southerly, photo-friendly direction.

Hoffman was the publisher of Strength And Health and Muscular Development magazines, and founded the York Barbell Company in 1935. He lived into his 90s, and a significant portion of the museum is devoted to him, as is a state historical marker out on Board Rd.

There's not much that's fun here -- mostly old barbells and trophy cups and pictures of grunting weightlifters. Displays of note include a barbell mobile in the lobby; a license plate ripped in half in 1996; the story of Joseph Greenstein, "The Mighty Atom," who finished his act by biting through nails; and the only death mask of Maurice Tillet, "The French Angel," a professional wrestler whose giant head (he suffered from acromegaly, a pathological enlargement of the bones of the face) earned him roles as killers and monsters in Hollywood serials and B-films.

USA Weightlifting Hall Of Fame

Address:
3300 Board Rd, York, PA
Directions:
I-83 exit 24 (Emigsville). Head east, and take the first left onto Board Rd north to York Barbell on the left.
Hours:
M-Sa 10 am - 6 pm. Closed Su. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
717-767-6481
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Grave of Mack, Noble Fire HorseGrave of Mack, Noble Fire Horse, York, PA - 5 mi.
Lafayette's Historic ToastLafayette's Historic Toast, York, PA - 4 mi.
The Tinker: Tin Man ThinkerThe Tinker: Tin Man Thinker, York, PA - 4 mi.
In the region:
Choo Choo Barn, Strasburg, PA - 31 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Pennsylvania

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Pennsylvania.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Pennsylvania Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings