Unearth The Voyage
Craving a sweet slice of Americana? Latrobe, Pennsylvania claims a delicious spot in dessert history with a giant tribute to the banana split. This whimsical statue isn’t just eye candy—it marks the birthplace of a treat that defined soda-fountain culture and summertime nostalgia. Discover the story, see the monument, and plan your own pilgrimage to the sundae that started it all.
A Sweet Creation in 1904
In 1904, 23-year-old pharmacy apprentice David Strickler at Tassel Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, dreamed up the classic banana split. He sliced a banana lengthwise, nestled vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate scoops between the halves, then crowned the trio with pineapple, chocolate, and strawberry sauces, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a maraschino cherry. The indulgence sold for ten cents—roughly double other sundaes—signaling its premium flourish. Strickler’s playful design traveled fast along soda-fountain counters, shaping a national dessert identity. A century later, Latrobe’s claim was officially recognized by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association in 2004, affirming the town’s sugary legacy. Today, the origin story powers the Great American Banana Split Celebration, where tradition, taste, and hometown pride meet in one joyful spoonful of history.
The Monument & Marker
On Ligonier Street, Latrobe’s larger-than-life banana split statue delivers a cheerful homage to the dessert’s birthplace. Nearby, a blue-and-gold Pennsylvania historical marker spells it out: the first documented banana split was created here by apprentice pharmacist David Strickler at the former Tassell Pharmacy. The statue’s bright scoops, sauces, and cherry make it a magnet for photos, postcards, and road-trip memories. It doubles as a celebratory icon during the Great American Banana Split Celebration, when the town leans into its sweetest claim to fame. For passersby, it’s a quick stop; for dessert devotees, it’s a pilgrimage. Together, statue and marker transform a local invention into public memory, anchoring a story of creativity, community pride, and pure, old-fashioned fun in the middle of Main Street life.
Visiting Facts & Tips
Find the statue near ~805 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, Pennsylvania—an easy, free-to-view stop close to downtown. Expect a colorful, oversized sundae sculpture that’s hard to miss and perfect for snapshots. Complement your visit with nearby landmarks tied to hometown icons Fred Rogers and Arnold Palmer, both connected to Latrobe’s civic story. Visit anytime, but summer brings peak energy thanks to the Great American Banana Split Celebration, when events, treats, and local vendors energize the streets. Parking is straightforward; a short stroll puts you in photo range. Before you go, check seasonal conditions—Pennsylvania winters can add snow and chill to your plans. Cap your stop with a real banana split at a local shop to transform sightseeing into a tasty, full-circle experience.
Why It Matters
This eye-catching statue is more than roadside whimsy—it preserves a chapter of American culinary innovation. Strickler’s banana split reflects the soda-fountain era’s spirit: youthful experimentation, showmanship, and a knack for delight. As the treat spread, it shaped social rituals around ice cream parlors and Main Street leisure. Latrobe’s marker and monument reinforce community heritage while honoring an everyday invention that became a national icon. The recognition by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association in 2004 formalized a story locals always knew. For food travelers and history seekers, the statue delivers a tangible link to a moment when design met dessert. It’s a sweet reminder that big cultural traditions can rise from small gestures—and that joy, sometimes, is best served with a cherry on top.
Quick Visitor Checklist
Bring a camera or smartphone—the statue’s colors pop beautifully in photos. Pair your visit with a stroll through downtown Latrobe and treat yourself to an actual banana split afterward. Check the calendar for the Great American Banana Split Celebration if you want crowds, music, and festival flair. In winter, plan for snow and icy sidewalks; comfortable footwear helps year-round. Add nearby curiosities to build a themed itinerary—historic markers, Fred Rogers connections, and Arnold Palmer tributes. Parking is typically manageable, but weekends can be busier during events. A brief stop can become a sweet mini-adventure when you savor the story, snap a selfie, and sample the real thing.
