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Punk Rock Museum , Las Vegas, NV. Hanging out in the Punk Rock Museum instruments room with Canadian musicians K.J. and Grant.

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13 unusual roadside attractions across america.

You'll want to schedule a stop at these unconventional sites, found everywhere from Texas to Hawaii.

(Getty Images) |

Make room for these quirky attractions on your next road trip.

Salvation Mountain: Niland, California

Hole N" The Rock: Moab, Utah

(Getty Image) |

Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska

Prada Marfa: Valentine, Texas

(Courtesy of North Dakota Department of Commerce-Tourism Division) |

Enchanted Highway: North Dakota

Dinosaur Kingdom II: Natural Bridge, Virginia

Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas

Winchester Mystery House: San Jose, California

Pineapple Garden Maze: Wahiawa, Hawaii

Bubblegum Alley: San Luis Obispo, California

Wall Drug Store: Wall, South Dakota

(Courtesy of Dog Bark Park Inn) |

Dog Bark Park Inn: Cottonwood, Idaho

(Richard Maack Photography | Courtesy of Flintstone Bedrock City)

Flintstones Bedrock City: Coconino County, Arizona

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Weirdest Roadside Attractions in all 50 states across America

• Last Updated: March 10, 2024
• 32 minutes read

America’s weirdest roadside attractions you should to add to your road trip bucket list when you’re in the mood for some serious relaxation!

A road trip across the United States has been a popular American pastime since the founding of Route 66.

After this scenic road was finished in 1926, entrepreneurs invented a strange idea that would become synonymous with the American road trip—the roadside attraction—a feature along an interstate, highway, or street meant to attract travelers.

Since then, tourists have flooded to the best roadside attractions in each state. These wanderlust-inducing activities most often include wacky sculptures,odd pit stops, and peculiar museums.

The most common roadside attractions advertise their locations using billboards, but the really wonderful ones are often hidden.

These strange roadside attractions are are perfect if you’re dying of boredom, so we’ve put together the biggest and strangest roadside attractions in each of the 50 U.S. states.

Along with why You MUST stop at these roadside oddities, location info, entry cost, hours of operation, and the nearest RV Park.

Here are the weirdest roadside attractions in all 50 U.S. states (ordered alphabetically by state) that are well worth the trip.

1: The Drive-Thru Museum , Alabama

Sometimes you want to see a roadside attraction, but you don’t want to go through the hassle of stopping and exiting your RV.

Butch Anthony, the creator of The Drive-Thru Museum, solved that problem!

He built this museum using stacked shipping containers, and filled it with a plethora of items that he either created or collected.

The collection includes two-headed ducklings, junk art, taxidermy creations, and more!

Best part? You can drive your RV right through this museum without ever leaving it!

Furthermore, you’re encourage to take your time, and take as many pictures as you like. It’s worth the detour.

• Where? Seale, AL
• Hours of Operation? 24/7
• How much? FREE
• Nearest RV Park? Sawyer’s Mobile Home Estates & RV Park

You can find out more about The Drive-Thru Museum by visiting its website.

2: Largest Santa Claus Statue in the World , Alaska

Santa Claus is real! And he’s a 42-foot behemoth standing tall in the frozen tundra of North Pole, Alaska.

This little town draws Christmas lovers from all over the world, but it’s main attraction is the Santa Claus House.

This is the business that built the largest Santa Claus in the World. They write ‘authentic’ Santa letters to kids and offer a myriad of other Christmas themed gifts and souvenirs.

The store isn’t always open so check hours before you go; however, the Santa statue is outside and can be viewed anytime.

• Where? North Pole, AL (go figure)
• Hours of Operation? Santa Claus House, 10AM – 6PM; the statue itself can be viewed 24/7
• Nearest RV Park? Riverview RV Park

You can find out more about The World’s Largest Santa Claus by visiting its website.

3: Bowlin’s The Thing , Arizona

We’d be re-missed if we failed to include the ‘mother of all weird roadside attractions’—The Thing.

A seemingly endless supply of billboards advertises for this popular tourist pit stop, making it hard to miss.

Inside you’ll find a series of curious oddities including a woolly mammoth leg and an old Rolls Royce driven by an alien.

But the main attraction is The Thing. So, what is it? You’ll just have to pull-over and find out.

• Where? Benson, AZ
• Hours of Operation? 6AM – 8PM
• How much? $5 per person or $10 per family
• Nearest RV Park? Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory

You can find out more about Bowling’s The Thing? by visiting its website.

4: The Merman of Alligator Farms , Arkansas

You’ve heard of beautiful mermaids, but have you heard about horrific mermen?! You haven’t? Well, mosey on down to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and you can view the preserved body of a ‘real’ merman.

It’s one of the few specimens in the world so don’t miss your chance to check it out.

Furthermore, Arkansas’s Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a fun place in it’s own right.

They have a plethora of different animals, and a large petting zoo. Overall, it’s a great place to visit with the family.

• Where? Hot Springs, AK
• Hours of Operation? 10AM – 5PM
• How much? Adults: $7.50 Children; 12 & Under:  $4.50; Children 2 & Under: FREE

You can find out more about The Merman of Alligator Farms by visiting its website.

5: Winchester Mystery House , California

When William Winchester, firearm magnate, died in 1881 he left behind his wife, Sarah Winchester. She inherited his vast fortune.

Shortly afterwards, a Boston medium (ghost-whisperer) told her that she must go to California and continuously build a home for herself and the spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles. That’s right, he told her to build a home for ghosts.

The Winchester Mystery House was the result. It’s an enormous mansion containing haunted hallways, staircases and doors that lead nowhere, and tons of other strange and creepy features.

• Where? San Jose, CA
• Hours of Operation? 10:00AM – 5:00PM weekdays; 10:00AM to 6:00p weekends
• How much? Starting at $19.99 for self-guided tour
• Nearest RV Park? San Jose Mobile Home & RV Park

You can find out more about The Winchester Mystery House by visiting its website.

6: Bishop Castle , Colorado

Have you ever built a sand castle on your own, and experienced the self-pride that came with it? Well, Jim Bishop built a real castle.

Not so proud now, are you? Seriously though, this enormous castle took Bishop 60 years to construct.

It’s a full three stories tall, complete with a Grand Ballroom and a Fire-Breathing Dragon.

The entirely hand-built premises are open and free to the public, and offer incredible views of the surrounding wilderness. There’s no excuse not to go!

• Where? Rye, CO
• Hours of Operation? 9AM – 6PM
• Nearest RV Park? Ophir Creek Campground

You can find out more about Bishop Castle by visiting its website.

7: Zaffis Museum of the Paranormal , Connecticut

If you’ve ever seen The Conjuring movies, or Annabelle, you know about the Warrens.

This power couple investigated paranormal occurrences and demonic possessions, while also delivering lectures on their findings.

Both of them passed away, but their nephew Zaffis continued their legacy. He runs a museum containing the cursed objects they collected during their lifetime.

All of them were involved in either a violent crimes, paranormal occurrence, or demonic possession.

If you want to scare your children, or have nightmares for a week, visit this creepy museum.

• Where? Stratford, CT
• Hours of Operation? N/A
• Nearest RV Park? Totoket Valley RV Park

You can find out more about Zaffis Museum of the Paranormal by visiting its website.

8: Miles the Monster , Delaware

Godzilla and King Kong have nothing on this stony behemoth. Miles the Monster is a 46-foot tall stone golem erupting from the roof of Dover International Speedway.

In his hand he holds a race car, preparing to launch it across the parking lot.

He’s the largest monster sculpture in the world, and the world’s most expensive, with a construction cost of $6 million.

There’s actually a secret staircase inside the monster that leads up his arm, and to a sitting area inside the car he clutches. Unfortunately, due to liability issues, this is not open to the public.

• Where? Dover, DE
• Nearest RV Park? Dover International Speedway RV Park

You can find out more about Miles the Monster by visiting its website.

9: Weeki Wachee Live Mermaid Show , Florida

Your visit to Florida wouldn’t be complete if you missed seeing a mermaid.

Fortunately, Weeki Wachee makes that easy! They’ve been offering live Mermaid shows since 1947. It’s actually a really impressive sight.

The ‘mermaids’ hold their breath while performing underwater acrobatics. They do it with a smile, making it appear like they really can breathe underwater.

Besides mermaids, this roadside attraction, also offers an abundant wildlife preserve and the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States.

• Where? Spring Hill, FL
• Hours of Operation? 9AM – 5:30PM
• How much? $13 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 to 12; Ages five and under admitted free
• Nearest RV Park? Topics RV Resort

You can find out more about Weeki Wachee Live Mermaid Show by visiting its website.

10: Georgia Guidestones , Georgia

Where is the first place you would go when the world ended? We all probably have a different answer, but really, they should all be the same. Why? Because of the Georgia Guidestones.

This roadside attraction is something akin to a love-child between Stonehenge and the Rosetta Stone.

No one knows the identity of the man that built them, but their message is clear: “Let these be guidestones to an Age of Reason”.

It presents readers with the ‘10 Commandments of Reason’ in 8 different languages.

The stones also serve as an astronomical calendar, and a daily calendar. No better place to rebuild society than the Georgia Guidestones!

• Where? Elberton, GA
• Nearest RV Park? Sunset Ridge Campground

You can find out more about the Georgia Guidestones by calling 7062832551

11. Dole’s Pineapple Garden Maze , Hawaii

The Dole Plantation’s Pineapple Garden Maze was acknowledged as the world’s largest maze by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.

It encompasses three acres and includes 2 and a half miles of colorful Hawaiian plants.

Your mission will be to seek out 8 secret stations that each bring you closer to the mystery at the center of the labyrinth.

If you want the full maze experience you should download the FREE Dole Plantation app.

It’ll automatically track your time and show you the maze stations you’ve already found.It’s a great way to enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian Day.

• Where? Wahiawa, HI
• How much? $8.25 for Adults; $6.25 for Children (4-12); FREE for Children under 4
• Nearest RV Park? Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

You can find out more about Dole’s Pineapple Garden Maze by visiting its website.

12. Shoshone Ice Caves , Idaho

On a ninety-degree day in Idaho you expect sweltering potato fields and hot asphalt, but you don’t expect to find a frigid ice cave with a completely frozen floor.

That’s what makes Shoshone Ice Caves so unique! The roughly 45 minute walking tour takes you on 3/4 mile hike down a flight of eighty stairs.

Thus, unfortunately, the tour can be accessed by neither wheelchairs nor strollers.

No need to bring a flashlight but you should bring a jacket and a camera. This roadside oddity offers plenty of picture opportunities!

• Where? Shoshone, ID 
• Hours of Operation? 10AM – 6PM
• How much? $12 for Adults; $8 for Children (4-12); FREE for Children under 4
• Nearest RV Park? Shoshone RV Park

You can find out more about Shoshone Ice Caves by visiting its website.

13. The Rockmen Guardians , Illinois

If you could choose anything to guard your home city, what would it be? The people of Rockford, Illinois chose four massive, granite golems.

Built by a local artist named Terese Agnew in the late 1980s, these 12-foot sculptures have attracted road trippers for decades.

They’re constructed from stones weighing a few hundred pounds apiece, and cement holds them together.

You can find them by taking a short stroll from the road, into Sinnissippi Park.

It’s a nice place to take a picnic free from worry—After all, you have the Rockmen Guardians to protect you.

• Where? Rockford, IL
• Nearest RV Park? Rockford Trailer Park

You can find out more about The Rockmen Guardians by visiting its website.

14. Old Ben – The Largest Cow Ever , Indiana

It’s no secret that cow’s are big animals, but which one is the biggest? Head on over to Kokomo, Indiana and find out! Old Ben may not be alive anymore, but his owners decided to preserve him so that future generations could marvel at his size.

He’s a thicc boy, weighing in it at over 4,000 pounds before his untimely death.

His story is actually pretty fascinating, and can be found on the placard in front of his taxidermy body.

If you really enjoy big things you can also check out the remains of the largest sycamore tree while you’re here. It’s a visit that will remind you of your smallness.

• Where? Kokomo, IN
• Hours of Operation? 8AM – 5PM
• Nearest RV Park? Springhill Campground

You can find out more about Old Ben by visiting his website.

15. Elwood – The World’s Largest Concrete Gnome , Iowa

Elwood got beat for largest gnome in the world by one being created in Poland.

So, his builder simply decided to change his designation to the largest concrete gnome in the world, since the Polish one was made of Plexiglass.

He cost $8000 to make, stands 15ft tall, and weighs 3500 pounds.

He’s a great opportunity to snap a picture one your RV road trip! Plus, the gardens in which he lies are beautiful and worth seeing.

• Where? Ames, IA
• Hours of Operation? Winter – 10AM-4:30PM; Summer 10AM-6PM
• How much? $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5(ages 2-12); Under 2 FREE
• Nearest RV Park? Twin Anchors Campground

You can find out more about Elwood the Gnome by visiting its website.

16. Giant Van Gogh Painting , Kansas

In 2001 Cameron Cross started the ‘Big Easel Project’. It involved the recreation of Vincent Van Gogh’s Three Sunflower’s in a Vase with only major one difference—it’s on a 24ft by 32ft canvas.

Yes, it’s enormous, and held high above the town of Goodland by a 70ft tall steel canvas. Free parking lot is located behind the easel.

And a spot light in front of the easel makes night time viewing possible. Don’t feel like pulling over? That’s fine! You can see the enormous painting from the Interstate.

• Where? Goodland, Kansas
• Hours of Operation? 24/7 (It’s lit by a spotlight at night)
• Nearest RV Park? Goodland KOA Journey

You can find out more about the Giant Van Gogh Painting by visiting its website.

17. Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland , Kentucky

Keith Holt built this artistic wonderland after his grandfather passed away.

It now comprises of three different areas: The Hillbilly Garden, Toyland, and Apple Valley Country Store Museum.

The Garden features all kinds of punny creations and folk art, including such favorites as: Potty Mouth Tree, Lawn Mower Ranch, Gulfman, and Thronehenge. Toyland is a diorama that features over 3500 toys. 

Finally, the Museum houses all sorts of old artifacts. It’s really got something for everyone, and the best part is that it’s free.

If you want to be a stand-up person you’ll leave the art exhibit a small donation. 

• Where? Calvert City, KT
• Hours of Operation? 8AM to Dusk
• Nearest RV Park? Cypress Lake RV Park

You can find out more about Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland by visiting its website.

18. Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum , Louisiana

The celebrity couples of today have nothing on this historical duo. Kate and William Middleton? Ha! They got nothing on Bonnie and Clyde.

These two went on a robbing and murdering spree during the Great Depression.

They reportedly murdered nine officers and four civilians while they robbed countless small stores and gas stations.

Eventually, their luck run out and police ambushed them in Gibsland, LA. A little over a 100 years later they decided it would be a good idea to open a museum about them in the very same city.

The museum features every available piece of information on Bonnie and Clyde as well as criminal artifacts including guns and money.

• Where? Gibsland, LA
• Hours of Operation? 9AM – 5PM
• How much? $7 (Cash only)
• Nearest RV Park? Cinnamon Creek RV Park

You can find out more about Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum by visiting its website.

19. Eartha – Largest Rotating Globe in the World , Maine

This has been the largest rotating globe since it’s creation in 1999. It’s 41ft diameter fills a 3-story atrium.

Eartha tilts on a23.5 degree axis, which reflects the real Earth’s angle. 792 panels compose the surface, all created using a computerized database.

According to DeLorme, it’s creator, it’s the largest Earth image ever constructed.

It takes 18 minutes for the giant globe to make a full rotation so stretch your limbs, and take your time before hopping back into your RV.

Or you can view Eartha at night through the atrium’s glass. It looks truly spectacular lit by lights!

• Where? Yarmouth, ME
• Hours of Operation? 9AM – 3PM (Or 24/7 from outside)
• Nearest RV Park? Freeport Village Campground

You can find out more about Eartha, the Largest Globe,by visiting its website.

20. Vanadu Art House , Maryland

Clarke Bedford found himself with spare time one day, and decided to do something with it.

So, he started using found objects to decorate his house. Pretty soon, his house, fence, and several cars were tricked out with junk art.

It’s truly a sight to see from the street, but it’s even better to tour the grounds.

There’s no official admittance but you can introduce yourself to Bedford, and he’ll most likely let you take a tour. It’s been called Burning Man in the suburbs, visit and see why.

• Where? Hyattsville, MD
• How much? FREE (But ask first)
• Nearest RV Park? Greenbelt Campground

You can find out more about Vanadu by visiting this website.

21. Lawson Tower , Massachusetts

A medieval tower is the last thing you expect to find in the United States. That is, until you come across Lawson Tower in Massachusetts.

This incredible piece of architecture was built by a rich author, and used to store water since 1902. It’s 150ft high observation deck is open to the public.

Furthermore, you can tour the rest of the grounds which has been preserved as a historical site, and includes old buildings, artifacts, and brass bells. It’s a great place for history buffs and nature lovers.

• Where? Scituate, MA
• Hours of Operation? 10AM – 4PM Weekdays
• Nearest RV Park? Fourth Cliff Recreation Area

You can find out more about Lawson Tower by visiting its website.

22. American Museum of Magic , Michigan

Who doesn’t love magic? It’s been around for as long as the first caveman made a stick materialize from behind his buddy’s ear.

The magical craft grew even larger in America with famous magicians like Houdini.

Now you can learn all about the history of the practice by visiting the American Museum of Magic.

Visitors can see magical artifacts, discover famous magicians, and attempt a few simple tricks of their own.

Whether you want to be a magician, or just love good ol’ fashioned magic, this is the place for you.

• Where? Marshall, MI
• How much? $5
• Nearest RV Park? Camp Turkeyville RV Park

You can find out more about the American Museum of Magic by visiting its website.

23. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues , Minnesota

Gigantic statues of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe, are all over the country.

They can be found in California, Oregon, and Maine, but none of them are the originals—these are the originals.

Built in 1937, these two statues are the oldest Bunyan and Babe caricatures in the country.

As testament to their historical importance the government entered them into the National Register of Historical Places in 1988.

Kodak even claims they’re the second most photographed statues in the country, so bring your camera with you when you visit.

If you’re going to see Paul Bunyan and Babe, you might as well see the originals.

• Where? Bemidji, MN
• Nearest RV Park? Bemidji KOA Journey

You can find out more about the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Oxby visiting its website.

24. Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Exhibit , Mississippi

Jim Henson grew up in Leland, Mississippi. When he died in 1990 the city decided to open a small museum in his honor.

It’s only a couple rooms, but it features Muppet memorabilia, the life-story of Jim Henson, and classic episodes.

The museum is a great place for Muppet fans, or even those curious about puppeteering.

In case you find yourself unsatiated after the tour, you can peruse the massive library containing Muppet facts galore!

• Where? Leland, MS
• Hours of Operation? 10AM – 4PM; closed Sundays
• Nearest RV Park? Delta Village RV Park

You can find out more about the Birth place of Kermit the Frog Exhibit by visiting its website.

25. The Awakening , Missouri

Everyone interprets this statue in a different way. Is it creepy? Funny? Inspiring? Who knows?! One thing is for sure, it’s worth seeing.

The 70ft long and 17ft high statue is mostly buried, only it’s hands, face, left leg, and right foot protrude from the ground.

It was created by J. Seward Johnson in 1980 for an exhibit in Washington D.C.

The 2 nd cast, made from aluminum, was placed in Missouri’s Central Park. Now, it makes for a popular picture destination for road trippers.

• Where? Chesterfield, MO
• Nearest RV Park? Sundermeier RV Park

You can find out more about The Awakening by visiting its website.

26. The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas , Montana

A short drive from US-93 will bring you to one of the strangest and most peaceful sights you’ve ever seen.

Gleaming in the soft Montana sun sits one thousand pure white Buddha statues.

It might just be Montana’s most unique attraction! According to the website, the purpose of the garden is as follows:“to bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today”.

The only way to see if this purpose is being fulfilled is by visiting yourself. Spend a day in Nirvana, visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.

• Where? Arlee, MT
• Hours of Operation? Spring (March-May: 9am-7pm); Summer (June-August: 9am-9pm); Autumn (September, October: 9am-7pm); Winter (November-February: 9am-5pm)
• Nearest RV Park? Jim & Mary’s RV Park

You can find out more about The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas by visiting its website.

27. Carhenge , Nebraska

In the future, alien road trippers will stop over in Nebraska and marvel at the ancient Carhenge.

As they gaze upon it they’ll ask questions like, what peoples built it, and, how did they lift the massive vehicles without anti-gravity propulsion like we have today.

For now, us humans, know exactly how Carhenge came to be. Jim Reinders, it’s artistic creator, built the sculpture to mimic Stonehenge in England.

He used 39 junk cars to create the final product. It now towers over the Nebraska plains for centuries to come. Check it out before the alien invasion!

• Where? Alliance, NE
• Hours of Operation? Dawn to Dusk
• Nearest RV Park? J & C RV Park

You can find out more about Carhenge by visiting its website.

28. The Republic of Molossia – A Micronation , Nevada

This one might take the cake for the weirdest roadside attraction. After all—It’s an entire country.

Founded by Kevin Baugh, it’s permanent governmental leader, this micronation has thrived for over 40 years.

It encompasses 1.28 acres of land in Dayton, Nevada, its official currency is cookie dough, and it’s been at war with East Germany since 1983.

While, not an official country observed by the United States (Baugh still pays taxes, he just calls it foreign relief aid), The Republic of Molossia still remains convicted to its claim as an official, sovereign state.

You can visit this rising micronation by setting up a tour via their website.

• Where? Dayton, NV
• Hours of Operation? Tour season is April 15 th – October 15 th ; Call ahead
• How much? FREE (Call ahead, or visit during tour season)
• Nearest RV Park? Dayton RV Park

You can find out more about the Republic of Molossia by visiting their website.

29. The American Classic Arcade Museum , New Hampshire

Pacman and Galaga and Pinball, oh my! Visit this Museum, and find yourself transported back to the 1980s, when arcades reigned supreme.

It’s a nostalgic place to visit for adults, and a fun place for kids. The dimly lit arcade hall features over a 100+ games ranging from pinballs to classic arcade machines to old simulators.

It’s the largest arcade museum in the world, and deserves your attention. Help keep the video game golden age alive! Visit the American Classic Arcade Museum.

• Where? Laconia, NH
• Hours of Operation? Mon-Fri noon to 10pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am to 10pm.
• How much? FREE entry (Arcade game costs vary)
• Nearest RV Park? Singing Cove RV Park

You can find out more about the American Classic Arcade Museum by visiting its website.

30. Lucy the Elephant , New Jersey

This weird roadside attraction predates the automobile. It’s been providing New Jersey visitors with a unique experience since 1881, and with no signs of stopping.

Lucy the Elephant stands 65ft tall, and gazes over the Atlantic Ocean.

You can tour it’s 6-story structure which includes vintage furniture and history about Lucy.

Its ticket price is worth the ocean and city views alone, both of which are spectacular!

• Where? Margate City, NJ
• Hours of Operation? Times vary by season and day. See website for details.
• How much? FREE to look; self-guided tours starting at $4
• Nearest RV Park? Sleepy Hollow Campground

You can find out more about Lucy the Elephant by visiting its website.

31. Roswell – Yes, the Whole Town , New Mexico

If a town could be a roadside attraction it’d be Roswell. Anyone that loves aliens and UFOs has heard of the infamous Roswell UFO incident that took place near the town in 1947.

A resurgence in the story happened in 1970, and since then, the town has become a mecca for UFO enthusiasts.

You’ll find alien gift shops, alien virtual reality games, alien museums, and even alien haunted houses.

I mean, come on, even the city’s streetlights are shaped like aliens! Outside of it’s more touristy persona, Roswell also offers great nature experiences and beautiful, historic buildings.

Whether or not you believe in extraterrestrial beings, Roswell is a fun place to spend a few days with the family.

• Where? Roswell, NM
• Nearest RV Park? Trailer Village RV Park

You can find out more about Roswell, New Mexico by visiting its website.

32. Cross Island Chapel – World’s Smallest Church , New York

This 3 foot by 6 foot, non-denominational church rests on a tiny, man-made island in the middle of a pond.

It can fit five people total—two sitting and three standing. Over the years, Cross Island Chapel, has hosted numerous weddings.

Newlyweds reach and leave the island on a boat paddled by a preacher.

You can take a picture from far away, or contact the church if you wish to see the inside. Either way, it’s a great photo opportunity, and a unique overall experience!

• Where? Oneida, NY
• How much? FREE to view
• Nearest RV Park? The Villages RV Park

You can find out more about the World’s Smallest Church by visiting this website.

33. Metal Man Riding a Pig-Dog , North Carolina

Is this six-shooter carrying, flower-wielding, metal-man riding a pig, or a dog? No one can decide, and it’s creator isn’t offering any answers! In fact, not much at all is known about this art piece.

Its one of many unique sculptures featured in the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens.

Make sure you bring a camera so you can get a picture with this whimsical, cartoon-like statue!

• Where? Asheville, NC
• Nearest RV Park? Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park

You can find out more about the Metal Man Riding a Pig-Dog by visiting this website.

34. W’eel Turtle , North Dakota

Another giant monster joins our weirdest attractions list! It’s an enormous turtle made from 2,000 tire rims melted together.

It has been a local tourist destination since 1982. The best part? You can climb all over it.

Go to the top, and take a picture sitting on its head. You won’t spend a whole day at this one, but you will spend one super fun hour.

• Where? Dunseith, ND
• Nearest RV Park? Jan’s RV Park and Lodge

You can find out more about the W’eel Turtle by visiting this website.

35. Hartman’s Rock Garden , Ohio

Most people look at rocks and say, meh, cool, a bit of mineral—but not, Ben Hartman.

No, he saw art ! Starting in 1932 Hartman began constructing the rock garden that visitors can see today.

He built it using concrete, glass, metal, rock, and whatever else he could find. The art installation reflects the man’s personal views on the world and humanity.

In 1944, when Hartman died, his wife, Mary, took on the monumental task of preserving what he created.

Today, the rock gardens remain a fascinating component of Springfield culture, drawing in thousands of visitors every year.

• Where? Springfield, OH
• Hours of Operation? 8AM – 8PM
• Nearest RV Park? Springfield KOA Holiday

You can find out more about Hartman’s Rock Garden by visiting its website.

36. Joe Hargrove’s Route 66 Museum , Oklahoma

We couldn’t make this list without giving some love to The Mother Road. Joe Hargrove felt the same way, so he opened this museum to pay tribute to Route 66.

You’ll find replicas of Route 66’s most famous roadside attractions.

Hargrove included the Twin Arrows from Arizona, a Volkswagen Beetle half buried in the dirt, and even a small “Route 66 diner”, among others.

His diner seats a few dozen people and features a movie screen showing iconic Mother Road imagery.

It’s even free so don’t miss your chance to learn about the road that started it all!

• Where? Arcadia, OK
• Nearest RV Park? Abe’s RV Park

You can find out more about Joe Hargrove’s Route 66 Museum by visiting its website.

37. Enchanted Forest , Oregon

You ever wanted to teleport into a Grimms Brother tale? Now you can! Enter the Enchanted Forest Amusement Park through the mouth of a wretched witch, and find yourself in a land of sprung from a story book.

There’s several amusement park rides inside, including a water log ride, and bumper cars.

The park is also divided into Storybook Lane, Western Town, and an Old European Town, all with their own attractions, dining, and shopping options.

It’s a great place for the family to relive the old tales they heard when they were kids!

• Where? Turner, OR
• How much? 13 and older – $15.25; Seniors – $13.75; Children 3-12 – $13.25; 2 and under – FREE
• Nearest RV Park? Emerald Valley RV Park

You can find out more about the Enchanted Forest by visiting its website.

38. Magic Gardens , Pennsylvania

A funny, creative, and whimsical typhoon of handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk art used to chronicle the life and influences of its creator.

Isaiah Zagarhas been building the two indoor galleries, and bi-level outdoor sculpture garden, since the 1960s.

It’s breathtaking and unique. You can spend all day walking its grounds, and still not see everything it has to offer. If you’re lucky, it might even inspire the artist in you!

• Where? Philadelphia, PA
• Hours of Operation? Wednesday through Monday from 11AM – 6PM
• How much? Adults – $15; Seniors – $12; Children 6-12 – $8; 5 and under – FREE
• Nearest RV Park? Clarksboro KOA Holiday

You can find out more about Philly’s Magic Gardens by visiting its website.

39. Musée Patamécanique – Cabinet of Curiosities , Rhode Island

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the Musée Patamécanique. Its constantly changing locations, mysterious venue, and practically paranormal existence makes it a difficult roadside attraction to find.

Start your search in Downtown Bristol, and you might get lucky enough to come across this otherworldly museum.

Or you can just contact them through their website and make a reservation, either way.

They’ll give you secret instructions on when and where to meet your tour guide.

We won’t ruin the allure by telling you what’s inside, so you’ll need to visit the museum if you want to uncover its mystery!

• Where? Bristol, RI
• Hours of Operation? mid-May – October on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The tours usually happen sometime between 5:45PM – 8:45PM though the exact time is a mystery
• How much? $100.00 for groups of 2 to 5 individuals
• Nearest RV Park? Melville Ponds Campground

You can find out more about Musée Patamécanique by visiting its website.

40. WonderWorks – Science Museum , South Carolina

Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but it’s a good one. The price for the museum is relatively low compared to other contemporaries of its like.

This upside-down museum offers an entire day of fun. It has a number of exciting and informative science exhibits as well as tons of other fun activities.

When the cerebral entertainment begins to bore you, you can go have some mindless fun in their laser tag arena.

Since it’s open 365 days a year, and housed indoors, you can visit anytime!

• Where? Myrtle Beach, SC
• Hours of Operation? Sunday – Thursday, 9:30am to 10:00pm; Friday & Saturday, 9:30am to 11:00pm
• How much? Ticket prices vary. See website for rates.
• Nearest RV Park? Myrtle Beach KOA Resort

You can find out more about WonderWorks by visiting its website.

41. Petrified Wood Park , South Dakota

This Petrified Forest doesn’t look like a forest at all. Instead, artist, Ole S. Quammen, used pieces of petrified wood and stones to build artistic sculptures. Its purpose was two-fold.

For one,”thirty to forty otherwise unemployed men received sustenance during this period”,a time of economic upheaval in the later years of the Great Depression.

Quammen, ageologist, had themen search forfossils and rocks in the vicinity and thenbring them back to the city of Lemmon.

Their work yielded a castle, a wishing well, a waterfall, and hundreds ofsculptures. Today, the city continues to preserve this otherworldly work of art.

• Where? Lemmon, SD
• Nearest RV Park? D & D RV Park

You can find out more about Petrified Wood Park by visiting its website.

42. Backyard Dino Park , Tennessee

Who needs a time machine to see dinosaurs?! Just take an RV road trip to this dinosaur replica park.

They currently display 50 prehistoric creatures with more being added annually.

They also offer a picnic area, and pizza from a local restaurant can be delivered here for a discount.

Chris Castner built the first dinosaur in 2007, and since then, continues to grow the park in a number of different ways including a haunted house.

You could visit once a year, and find yourself in a different park every time!

• Where? Bluff City, TN
• Hours of Operation? 9AM – 9PM
• Nearest RV Park? Lakeview RV Park

You can find out more about Backyard Dino Park by visiting its website.

43. Cadillac Ranch , Texas

At most roadside attractions you stop, you take a picture, and get back in your RV. Not this one.

Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo, Texas is unique, in one big way—everyone that visits gets to add to it.

Buckets of paint cans sits next to the ten nose-down Cadillac cars. These paint cans can be used by visitors to paint their own message or image on the sculptures.

A group of art hippies called the Ant Farm, and a mysterious billionaire started Cadillac Ranch, but since then it’s grown into a cultural phenomenon. Be a part of it, pull over!

• Where? Amarillo, TX
• Nearest RV Park? Oasis RV Resort & Villages

You can find out more about Cadillac Ranch by visiting its website.

44. Hole N’ The Rock , Utah

It’s no wonder this little, hidden gem pulls in 500 visitors a day. The historic pit stop features a 5,000 square foot home carved into a sandstone cliff face.

You can find out about its history by taking the 12-minute tour which consists of antique tools, mining equipment, vintage neon signs, and an exotic zoo.

The zoo includes a Camel, Watusi, Albino racoon, and others! It also features the largest collection of Lyle Nichols art sculptures in the world.

Needless to say, Hole N’ The Rock is worth the visit, and may even keep you busy for an entire day.

• Where? Moab, UT
• How much? $7
• Nearest RV Park? Portal RV Resort

You can find out more about Hole N’ The Rock by visiting its website.

45. Queen Connie – Gorilla Holding a VW Beetle , Vermont

A lot of people don’t know this, but King Kong had a wife. Her name is “Queen Connie”, and she lives in Vermont.

This 20ft ape sculpture holds up a real Volkswagen Beetle in her stretched out left hand.

The artist, T.J. Neil,constructed this roadside attraction in 1987 using steel-reinforced concrete.

The gorilla’s other armis stretched down, palm up, so visitors can sit on it and take picture with this local icon.

• Where? Salisbury, VT
• Nearest RV Park? Carolina Rose Campground

You can find out more about Gorilla Holding a VW Beetle by visiting its website.

46. Dinosaur Kingdom II – Sculpture , Virginia

Everyone loves a little bit of alternate history, but this one is really odd. Remember the Civil War between Union and Confederate troops?

Well, imagine if a portal from Jurassic era suddenly opened up, and poured dinosaurs onto the Yankee army.

That’s the mad artistic vision that artist Mark Cline, created in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

Dinosaur Kingdom II displays an array of dinos attacking Union soldiers, a mad scientist, and a statue of Stonewall Jackson wielding a 15-foot-long robotic arm.

• Where? Natural Bridge, VA
• Hours of Operation? Times vary. See website for details.
• How much? $15 for ages 13+; $12 for ages 3-12
• Nearest RV Park? Jellystone Park RV Resort

You can find out more about Dinosaur Kingdom II by visiting its website.

47. The Fremont Troll , Washington

Trolls under bridges have been menacing kids for decades, but not this one.

The Fremont Troll is a 6.5-ton, silver-eyed, concrete monster grasping a Volkswagen Beetle.

This ‘mixed media’’ sculpture stands beneath George Washington Memorial Bridge at 18ft tall.

It was created to revive the area around, and under, the bridge which had become a dumping spot, and hangout for drug dealers.

The troll now stands watch over this area, and provides visitors with photo opportunities.

• Where? Seattle, WA
• Nearest RV Park? Lake Pleasant RV Park

You can find out more about The Fremont Troll by visiting its website.

48. Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold , West Virginia

When you’re driving through West Virginia you expect to see the war-time forts, the old government buildings, even the crumbling plantations.

What you don’t expect to see is an ornate Hindu Palace made from gold. Nonetheless, that’s what you’ll find in Moundsville, WV.

The residence once belonged to the Hare Krishna leader Srila Prabhupada.

His followers built it as a quiet retreat where he could meditate and study the scriptures. Today, it’s a tourist attraction, and one who’s over-indulged opulence is worth seeing.

• Where? Moundsville, WV
• Hours of Operation? January-February: Saturday – Sunday, 10:00am – 5:00pm; March-December – open 7 days a week 10:00am – 5:00pm
• How much? Ticket prices vary. See website for details.
• Nearest RV Park? CnH RV Park

You can find out more about Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold by visiting its website.

49. Concrete Park , Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Concrete Park features an outdoor museum with 237 sculptures constructed from 1948 to 1964 by Fred Smith.

He was a retired lumberjack as well as a self-taught musician and artist.

The concrete sculptures create a historical panorama of both life-size and larger-than-life sculptures, portraying everything from people to animals to local history and lore.

Smith’s expansive imagination brought this place to life, and he depends on visitors to keep it alive so please drop by!

• Where? Phillips, WI
• Hours of Operation? Year-round during daylight hours
• Nearest RV Park? Campground Town RV Park

You can find out more about Concrete Park by visiting its website.

50. The Ames Monument , Wyoming

This roadside attraction looks as though it belongs in Egypt. However,it’s located in Buford, Wyoming.

The Ames Monument was built by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1881 to pay homage to two brothers responsible for finishing the transcontinental railroad from beginning to end.

H. H. Richardson, an American architect, designed the pyramid. It includes portraits of the Ames brothers, created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

These bas-reliefs sit on the east and west sides of the pyramid respectively. This roadside attraction is certainly worth a stop, and a picture!

• Where? Buford, WY
• How much? Starting at $8 for non-residents. See website for all ticket prices.
• Nearest RV Park? Vedauwoo Campground

You can find out more about The Ames Monument by visiting its website.

Visiting all 50 of these roadside attractions should be on everyone’s bucket list! Not only is it an excuse to take a road trip across the United States, but it’s also an opportunity to see some of the weirdest sights this country has to offer. Which roadside attractions have you seen? Tell us your story in the comments below!

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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22 Quirky Roadside Attractions That Will Remind You How Weird America Is

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

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America is a patchwork of attractions and experiences, with each state and region home to its own unique color, culture, and roadside attractions . For proof of this, simply look at the various roadside attractions found across the U.S. of A. From larger-than-life landmarks and monoliths to staggering sculptures and showpieces, America’s roadside attractions are as varied as they are extraordinary. Here are 22 quirky roadside attractions that will remind you just how weird — and wonderful — America really is.

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Editor’s note: This Bucket List originally listed a Wigwam Village in Kentucky that doesn’t align with what we’re seeking to do at OnlyInYourState; that is, promote places and experiences for everyone, that are in no way offensive, exclusive, or alienating. 

While all of these roadside attractions can be considered a bit quirky, there’s so much more beyond their initial shock value. Each of these attractions tells a story — some of American triumph and tragedy; others, fables passed down through generations; and some stand to represent big cultural moments and events in our county’s history. These roadside attractions are wholly, wonderfully American, and worth exploring on your next bucket list adventure !

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Roadside attractions.

What are some of the most bizarre roadside attractions in the US?

Americans, it seems, have a thing for Paul Bunyan. We get it; the lumberjack is quite legendary, but in the U.S., he's a larger-than-life legend... quite literally! In addition to the Paul Bunyan statue in Minnesota (see above), there's a massive Paul Bunyan statue on the streets of Portland . At 31 feet tall, Mr. B most definitely stands out as one of the state's more bizarre roadside attractions; however, in a state known for keeping it weird, Portlanders happily accept this massive monolith as part of the town scenery. But that's not the only place in the West where you'll find him; standing tall and in full view of Highway 101 in Northern California, Paul Bunyan and his faithful blue ox, Babe, are the first thing visitors see when stopping at Trees of Mystery in Klamath . Standing 49-feet tall, the current Paul Bunyan statue was constructed all the way back in 1961! However, it took them a few tries to get it right. The first statue was made from papier mache and only lasted a year before Paul's head melted during a winter rain. And over on the East Coast, Paul Bunyan has been keeping a watchful eye over the good folks of Bangor, Maine , for decades. Gifted to the good people of Maine by a group of builders from NYC on the occasion of their 125th anniversary, the statue has been a prominent feature of Bass Park in Bangor since 1959.

What are some must-visit roadside attractions *and* road trips in America?

They don't call 'em "roadside attractions" for nothing; these unique sites are found along some of the country's most amazing road trips, giving beleaguered road warriors a fun reason to stop and enjoy the scenery. The American Discovery Trail is an epic coast-to-coast journey that absolutely belongs on any adventurer’s bucket list. It’s 6,800 miles of continuous, multi-use trails that stretch from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Pt. Reyes National Seashore in California, with numerous points of interest (and yes, roadside attractions) in between.

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Strange Roadside Attractions From Every State

In addition to wide-open prairie, twisting coastal highways, and sun kissed mountain ranges, the United States has its fair share of oddities—really, really odd oddities, as it turns out. What better way to spend a road trip than discovering how bizarre our country (and some of its inhabitants) is?

Alabama: Unclaimed Baggage Center

Known to many as the “land of lost luggage,” this stop in Scottsboro, Alabama sees about one million visitors from around the world every year. Covering more than a city block, visitors can purchase literally any item that has been packed in a suitcase that was never claimed by its owner or left on an airplane. It’s the only lost luggage store in the United States.

Alaska: Igloo City

This tourist attraction—located in Cantwell, Alaska—is especially odd because it never actually opened for business. The four-story, concrete hotel, (circa 1970) remains unfinished to this day because it failed to meet building codes. But tourists sure do love to pay it a visit—it can even be seen from airplanes cruising at a lofty 30,000 feet in the air.

Arizona: The Thing

Creators of the hit movie “The Thing” take roadside advertisement to the next level along Interstate 10. The stretch of endless highway is lined not only by dry desert for miles, but with billboards advertising the mysterious “Thing” at exit 312.

Arkansas: Christ of the Ozarks

Interestingly enough, this larger-than-life monumental Jesus is actually known for sort-of resembling a milk carton.

California: Salvation Mountain

Located in Nilan, California—not too far from Slab City—lays a mini mountain, covered in paintings of colorful biblical messages like “God is Love.” The late Leonard King who lived on Salvation Mountain and continuously painted his messages on it from 1985 until the early 2000s created the man-made mountain.

Colorado: UFO Watchtower

Finding a weird, alien-themed road stop is usually within a stone’s throw when it comes to the American Southwest. But the UFO Watchtower is pretty out-there. Finding herself in the middle of what many believers think to be a hub of galactic activity, Judy Messoline decided to turn her ranch into a campground with a UFO watchtower, which is open to the public.

Connecticut: Cushing Brain Collection

“Check out that diseased brain collection” is definitely not something you hear often. But around Yale’s medical school library in New Haven, Connecticut, it might be. Donated to Yale in 1939 in the name of Dr. Harvey Cushing, this collection of brains ridden with tumors and disease definitely earns a spot on the list.

Delaware: Miles the Monster

Think “The Hulk”—except stone grey, angular, and with glowing red eyes.

Florida: Airstream Ranch

Nothing says “America” like a good old, standing car formation that vaguely resembles Stonehenge. This collection of eight classic Airstreams alongside I-4, between Tampa and Orlando, looks more like the RVs were sent rocketing down from space, straight into the ground.

Georgia: Georgia Guidestones

“Let these be guidestones to an age of reason,” reads from the tablet in the front of the Georgia Guidestones. This structure—a monument made up of several 19-foot granite stones, commissioned by an anonymous man in 1979—offers 10 post-apocalyptic messages of guidance, written in eight different languages. The perfect thing for a bit of light reading.

Hawaii: World’s Longest Plant Maze

If you have time to pay a visit to the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa, Hawaii, you’ll want to stop by the world’s biggest botanical maze—made up of 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants, all in the shape of a giant pineapple.

Idaho: World’s Biggest Beagle (Dog Bark Park Inn)

Here in Cottonwood, Idaho, you can visit the world’s biggest beagle—and sleep in it, too!

Illinois: Gold Pyramid House

This six-story, 17,000-square-foot private home in Wadsworth, Illinois is plated in gold—and it’s surrounded by a moat.

Indiana: Roofless Church

At the nondenominational Roofless Church in New Harmony, Indiana, all are welcome to pray under cover of the sky, next to a domed structure. It also serves as a popular wedding destination.

Iowa: The Hobo Museum

Since it opened in 1980, the Hobo Museum has come a long way in preserving the legacy of hoboes. It exists within an old converted town theater, and serves as an archive of all things created by hoboes of America (music, photographs, art, and more).

Kansas: The World’s Largest Collection of Smallest Versions of Largest Things

The creator of this mobile collection of roadside attractions (which is, in fact, a roadside attraction in itself) does just what you would think: When Erika Nelson hears news of a “World’s Largest” roadside item, she visits it for photo documentation and creates a tiny replica out of various materials.

Kentucky: Dinosaur World

When you spot the giant, larger-than-life T-Rex off of I-65, you know you’re close to Dinosaur World. Visitors will find massive, life-sized dinosaur replicas scattered throughout this park as they take a prehistoric stroll.

Louisiana: The Gates of Guinee

If you’re looking for the gates to the voodoo underworld, Guinee, look no further than the French Quarter. It is believed that seven gates are scattered around the city.

Maine: International Cryptozoology Museum

This unique museum unveils artifacts related to the study of hidden or unknown animals. Established by crypto-zoologist Loren Coleman, the museum is home to a collection of “cryptid” specimens—think Yetis, Bigfoot, sea serpents, and the like.

Maryland: Ouija Board Headstone

It’s only fitting that the man who patented the Ouija Board, Elijah Bond, has a headstone that resembles exactly what he created.

Massachusetts: The Witch House of Salem

This is the last standing structure in Salem with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

Michigan: Hell, Michigan

With a slogan like “Go to Hell…Michigan,” how could you not be curious? Established in 1838, this little town officially became “Hell” after the first settler began to pay farmers for their grain with whiskey.

Minnesota: Spoonbridge and Cherry

Located in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, this larger-than-life spoon provides a large dose of whimsy, with an even larger cherry on top. During the winter, when the spoon is covered in snow, the sculpture looks like a massive ice cream sundae.

Mississippi: Touch the Hand of Elvis

This bronze sculpture was created in Elvis’s hometown, Tupelo. Fans will often reach up to touch the hands of the King.

Missouri: Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail

Despite how it looks from the outside, this man-made mountain—just south of Weldon Spring, Missouri—encapsulates the remnants of the largest explosives factory in America, as well as a Cold War-era uranium refinery. Now, you can take a stroll over the 54-acre expanse of 1.48 million cubic yards of covered-up PCBs, mercury, asbestos, TNT, radioactive uranium, and radium.

Montana: Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

Surround yourself with more Buddhas than you’ve (probably) ever encountered in this international center for peace.

Nebraska: Carhenge

There’s something about vintage cars arranged in Stonehenge-like formations that really resonates with the American population. Carhenge, in Alliance, Nebraska, was created by Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father.

Nevada: The Clown Motel

Located on a stretch of the Nevada desert—right next to a century-old miner’s graveyard—sits the oh-so inviting Clown Motel. What about a motel decorated with dozens of smiling, glassy-eyed clowns in a desert doesn’t sound appealing? That being said, all are welcome.

New Hampshire: Yankee Siege Catapult

If there’s one thing that the good people of Greenfield, New Hampshire love to do in the fall, it’s launching enormous pumpkins into the sky with this massive catapult (which actually resembles a giant medieval weapon). As of 2010, unfortunately, the Yankee Siege Catapult is out of commission—but it sure is cool to look at.

New Jersey: Lucy the Elephant

Located in Margate, New Jersey, Lucy the Elephant just might be the coolest thing in the state. What’s not to love about a 134-year-old, 90-ton, 65-foot elephant made of tin and wood? You can even go inside the structure through a small spiral staircase to peruse a museum focused on the history of her creation.

New Mexico: World’s largest pistachio

It’s safe to say that this larger-than-life pistachio is one of the more unique “World’s Largest” items found in the U.S. It’s only fitting that this giant nut is located near Pistachio Land. The giant pistachio stands 30-feet tall and is pretty realistic—but don’t be fooled. It’s concrete.

New York: World’s Smallest Church

The Cross Island Chapel (or chapel-ette, perhaps?) in Oneida, New York, is tiny . The small structure has enough room to accommodate a bride, groom, and minister—but don’t worry, the church is in the middle of a pond, so the wedding party can anchor on a boat nearby.

North Carolina: The last Shell Oil Clamshell station

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you can ogle the last standing Shell Oil Clamshell station, from an era when Shell thought that selling gas from seashell-shaped stations was a good idea. Turns out, the clamshell shape doesn’t lend itself to much other than a clam. The station was abandoned in the 1950s.

North Dakota: Enchanted Highway Sculptures

Driving through the open, flat prairie of North Dakota can be monotonous—but things start to get exciting along highway 21 (now the Enchanted Highway ) when heading toward the small town of Regent. From giant metal deer and geese frozen in mid-flight to an alarmingly large grasshopper, Gary Greff made sure that no traveler would find themselves bored while driving down the enchanted highway.

Ohio: Frozen Cleveland Lighthouse

Ever wondered what an empty lighthouse covered in hundreds of layers of ice looks like? Search no further than the Frozen Cleveland Lighthouse to discover this beautiful natural ice sculpture.

Oklahoma: Totem Pole Park

In 1938, local artist Ed Galloway began creating the first of 11 concrete totem poles, one of which became the world’s largest concrete totem pole, standing at 90 -eet. The structures eventually covered the expanse of 14 acres in what is now a public folk art garden and park.

Oregon: Octopus Tree of Oregon

The reason behind the octopus-shape of this wild Spruce tree in Tillamook, Oregon is a complete mystery. People have speculated that it was natural forces, and others attribute it to Native Americans, who some believe shaped the tree’s cage-like structure. Either way, it’s cool to look at—be warned: there are no octopus here.

Pennsylvania: Shoe House

A very wealthy shoe-enthusiast built this boot-shaped house in 1948. Once serving as an over-the-top advertisement for Haines Shoe Company, the giant boot is now open for tours.

Rhode Island: The Big Blue Bug

Located in plain site right along I-95, road-trippers don’t even need to stop for the experience that is the Big Blue Bug. The bug serves as a mascot for Big Blue Bug Solutions, and welcomes all who pass through Providence.

South Carolina: South of the Border

Advertisements leading up to this road side experience off of I-95 include signs that say things like, “You never sausage a place!” The stop offers restaurants, gas stations, a motel, and an amusement park. Its mascot—a giant sombrero-wearing caricature of a Mexican man—is known to be politically incorrect, but is impossible to miss while crossing the border from North Carolina to South Carolina.

South Dakota: Wall Drug

Wall Drug is the epitome of tourist traps and weird America, boasting over 80 years of inviting travelers in with giant billboards advertising kitschy attractions, restaurants, and stores (think giant dinosaur, life-size cowboy statues, western wear, and Wild West-style apothecary shoppe). One of the biggest draws? Free ice water.

Tennessee: Peabody Memphis Duck March

The Peabody Memphis Hotel Duck March began in 1933 and is now a famous tradition at this iconic Tennessee hotel. Everyday at 11am and 5pm, five North America mallards march (read: waddle) up a red carpet at the hotel lobby fountain to pay a visit to hotel guests.

Texas: Prada Marfa store

Two Berlin-based artists, Elmgreen and Dragset, created this permanent sculpture installation located along U.S. 90 near Valentine, Texas in 2005. The idea was that the sculpture would resemble a real Prada store—but in the middle of the dessert, with the hopes that it would eventually deteriorate into the Earth. To discourage vandals from stealing the expensive products, all bags are bottomless and all shoes are right-footed.

Utah: Hole in the Rock

There’s a 5,000-square-foot home carved directly into a rock along Highway 191 in Utah—and all visitors are welcome.

Vermont: Ben and Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard

Here, you can pay your respects to the ice cream flavors that just couldn’t make it to the shelf.

Virginia: Foamhenge

In Natural Bridge, Virginia, there is a full-sized replica of Stonehenge, made entirely out of styrofoam. So if you can’t make it to England, fear not. Foamhenge is here.

Washington: Wild Metal Horses Monument

Above the Columbia River, a majestic stampede of 15 wild metal horses runs along a ridge in Vantage, Washington, as a memorial to the horses that once inhabited the area.

West Virginia: Mothman Statue

In Point Pleasant, West Virginia, the legend of Mothman lives on as a giant red-eyed sculpture.

Wisconsin: Chatty Belle, World’s Largest Talking Cow

Built for the World’s Fair in Neillsville, Wisconsin, The World’s Largest Talking Cow used to be able to tell visitors about fun Wisconsin dairy facts. Unfortunately, Chatty Belle’s voice box no longer operates correctly.

Wyoming: Fossil Cabin

With a sign outside the building that says “Believe it or not,” this tourist attraction is hard to miss. Built way back in 1932, this roadside cabin was constructed from real dinosaur bones, found at the nearby Como Bluff just outside of Medicine Bow, Wyoming.

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Weird Roadside Attractions: 10 Picture-Worthy Pit Stops in the U.S.

Planning a road trip? Here’s everything you might need to plot a cross-country journey, a family vacation, or a solo trek.

It’s time to load the car, set the GPS, and get ready for a great American road trip. We’re not suggesting that you go trade in your car for the Griswold, wood-paneled Wagon Queen Family Truckster — but who doesn’t want to hit the open road like Clark?

• World’s Largest Buffalo Monument

Dinosaur Park

The blue whale, cadillac ranch.

• Hole n’ the Rock
• World’s Largest Chest of Drawers

Lucy the Elephant

Salvation mountain.

America boasts a bevy of bizarre pit stops, from massive monuments to sprawling works of art. If you’ve got a road trip planned, here’s our list of some the best roadside attractions across the U.S. that are worth an impromptu detour this summer.

World’s Largest Buffalo Monument

Jamestown, north dakota.

Built in 1959, this monstrous beast was created by college art teacher Elmer P. Peterson after being hired by a local billboard magnate who wanted to create something large enough to attract the attention of passing motorists to the town. The 60-ton behemoth is 26 feet tall and 46 feet long. However, those passing the buffalo along the highway are first greeted by its posterior end as the structure was built before the Interstate came through the area. Existing for more than half a century as a nameless icon, the colossal buffalo was finally christened as Dakota Thunder in 2010.

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Rapid City, South Dakota

Whether your map takes you to South Dakota to visit the iconic Mount Rushmore or your plans entail arriving on two wheels at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, no trip to the home of the Badlands or the Black Hills would be complete without a quick stop at Dinosaur Park. Open to the public since 1936 (the Sturgis Rally began in1938 and Mount Rushmore was completed in 1941), seven life-size concrete dinosaur sculptures dot the landscape. This is not your average Jurassic Park, though there is a Tyrannosaurus Rex.  

Alliance, Nebraska

Created using automobiles instead of monolithic stones, Carhenge has less spiritual significance than its namesake but built as a memorial nonetheless. This unique replica utilizes a total of thirty-nine automobiles assuming the same proportions as the ancient ceremonial site. Measuring approximately 96 feet in diameter, cars are buried trunk end down, horizontal components are welded in place, and the entire structure is painted gray. Appropriately enough, the site was dedicated on the Summer Solstice in 1987.

Catoosa, Oklahoma

Located along the famed Route 66, the concrete and iron creation began attracting visitors in 1972 after taking two years to complete. Hugh Davis started work on the leviathan in 1970 while enlisting the help of a friend to fashion the iron framework. Then, according to his notes, Davis spent almost 3,000 hours applying the concrete skin to his creation, one 5-gallon bucket at a time. Originally built as a surprise gift for his wife, the more than 18-foot-long whale continues to attract visitors and has undergone ongoing restorations since it welcomed its first visitors over 40 years ago.

Amarillo, Texas

Just west of Amarillo stand 10 Caddies half buried, nose down as a tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin. In 1974, a group of hippies drove the 10 models, ranging from 1949 to 1963, and supposedly buried them at the same angle facing west as that of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Centreville, Virginia

There’s an alternative this summer to visiting England to see the famed archaeological monument. Built in 2004 and made completely out of Styrofoam, Foamhenge is a full-size replica of Stonehenge that originally lived in Natural Bridge but relocated to Centreville’s Cox Farms.

Hole n’ the Rock

Located just south of the outdoor mecca of Moab lies a 14-room, 5,000-square-foot home hand carved into the side of a cliff. Begun in the 1940s, Albert and Gladys Christensen worked on the project until Albert’s death in 1957 at which point Gladys continued to operate a café and gift shop for another seventeen years. Today, large painted white letters announce its presence in the desert landscape.

World’s Largest Chest of Drawers

High point, north carolina.

The “home furnishings capital of the world” is home to not one, but two giant chests of drawers. The original was built in the 1920s by the city’s chamber of commerce to serve as the Bureau of Information. While the original 38-foot icon remains as an homage to the city’s place in the furniture industry, a local furniture store has added its own 80-foot version to its storefront.

 Margate, New Jersey

Built in 1881 by a real estate developer, Lucy weighs over 90 tons and is covered in more than 12,000 square feet of sheet tin. This six-story tall pachyderm is a National Historic Landmark and has served as a real estate office, tavern, and a summer home. By the late 1960s, Lucy was abandoned and on the verge of collapse until the citizens raised the necessary funds to prevent her extinction. Today, the giant pachyderm is open to the public and visitors can peruse her structure and gift shop.

Niland, California

In 1985, Leonard Knight began painting his message of salvation onto a hillside in Southern California and continued painting (and repainting) until his death in 2014. The 50-foot high and 150-foot wide mural serves as one man’s quest to share his message to the world that God is love. The adobe clay hill is adorned with religious scriptures and colorful artistic creations including a giant red heart at its center. A public charity was established that continues to support and preserve Knight’s vision.

Article originally published June 30, 2017.

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When traveling, you don't want to throw your stuff in a duffel bag and call it a day. You want luggage that will keep your items organized while adding a quiet sophistication to your look. German company Rimowa is the luggage brand to trust your travels to. Rimowa has been in the luxury business for over 100 years, but you won't have to wait that long to check out their new Hammerschlag collection. Rimowa blends old and new We love it when a brand takes a vintage piece and modernizes it. The Rimowa Hammerschlag line combines elements old and new without skimping on the craftsmanship the brand is known for. Behind-the-scenes details

Originally called Gortz & Morszeck, after the two men who started things in 1898, Rimowa was forced to switch production to aluminum-only luggage when the factory burned down in the 1930s, wiping out the other materials. Now, the signature aluminum grooves are a sleek companion for your trip. The vintage features What makes the Hammerschlag collection unique is its homage to the 1966 archival piece. It starts with the handle, which might be leather, but the look and design are based on the classic metal version. Rimowa takes things back even further, with each of the limited cases given a Cognac leather tag with an 1898 stamp as a nod to the origins of the company and the city of Cologne, Germany, where Rimowa still keeps headquarters. The Rimowa Hammerschlag collection The Hammerschlag collection consists of the Hand-Carry Case, a standard-size suitcase, and the Cabin, your rolling luggage piece.

Jet lag, the dreaded consequence of crossing multiple time zones, can wreak havoc on your body and shake up your travel plans. From headaches, to fatigue, to insomnia, jet lag can leave you feeling drained, making it difficult to enjoy your vacation. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can minimize the effects of jet lag and start enjoying your travels in no time. This is how to get over jet lag. How long can jet lag last?

While jet lag symptoms are generally temporary and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the new time zone, the duration of jet lag can vary from person to person. A few factors that influence the duration of jet lag include:

Avid and frequent travelers know the importance of owning well-made and versatile luggage. Whether that be a carry-on bag, backpack, duffel bag, rolling suitcase or trunk, purchasing reliable luggage makes traveling ten times easier and more efficient. Most of the time, the type of luggage you choose to purchase is dependent on your personal needs, the duration of your trip or how often often you will use your new bag or suitcase. No matter what type of trip you have planned on you calendar, a luxurious, high-quality and durable backpack should be added to your shopping list.

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America’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions

Quirky roadside attractions are an American staple. If you’re heading on a road trip, consider adding some of these sights to your itinerary.

Visiting quirky roadside attractions is a quintessentially American pastime. No other country can compare to the U.S. when it comes to the vast variety or sheer weirdness of things to see and do along the road, and we think that’s pretty cool!

In the 1940s, Route 66 became America’s original leisure road trip. The highway from Chicago to Los Angeles was littered with small-town oddities that made for a fun and wholesome family vacation. The 50s ushered in a fascination with the American roadside attraction, and ever since, people have been traveling from all over the world to see the “world’s largest chest of drawers,” or the “largest ball of twine.”

While these attractions are certainly silly, they have an element of nostalgia and simple fun. If you’re heading out on an American road trip, we highly recommend adding some of these roadside attractions to add to your itinerary.

It’s all about the journey!

As you enjoy the great open roads of America, it’s important to make pitstops. No doubt you’ll be passing some beautiful spots and interesting places along the way. A city scavenger hunt is a great way to stretch your legs and break up the boredom of the never-ending highway. Find an adventure for your next trip!

The Weirdest Roadside Attractions in the States

In this guide, we’ve gathered all the odd must-see sites for your road trip! America’s quirky sites are no longer restricted to the famous Route 66, they’ve popped up all over the country. The States are littered with Guinness World Record holders, funky art pieces, and over-the-top religious sites. This list is a random collection that focuses on the weirdest and most interesting attractions in no particular order.

1. World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas

Why do we need to know the world’s largest ball of twine? Well… we really don’t, but why not? Kansas holds the title for this one. it’s still growing too, as an annual “twine-athon” keeps adding to it. The reportedly weighs around 20,000 pounds and has a circumference of over 41 feet. it’s contested though by another giant in Minnesota.

2. Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska

Forget ancient astronomical rock circles on English plains, America has a henge made of antique cars! Artists Jim Reinders created this beauty from 39 cars, painted the same shade of gray, and stacked to resemble the ancient wonder, Stonehenge.

3. Mitchell’s Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota

Stop by and visit this innovative concert hall covered in corn and grain. This one is pretty old by American standards, and is “the world’s only corn palace.” It was built in 1892 to show that South Dakota was agriculturally thriving and sits prominently on Main Street.

The palace, which receives over 500,000 visitors a year, is covered inside and out with colorful and creative murals made of corn. They are changed out regularly, keeping the site interesting, and you can even attend a show here, such as a rock concert or polka show.

4. World’s Heaviest Fork, Springfield, Missouri

Hungry? You can find the world’s heaviest fork outside a law office in Springfield, Missouri. The fork is 35 feet tall and weighs 11 tons. Springfield is the original home of The Food Channel . According to the plaque in front, the fork was built to celebrate this. It was once the largest in the world, but it has been bested by a 37-footer in Oregon.

5. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas

This famous art piece is the “Cadillac” of roadside attractions! It’s probably the most famous, but for good reason. Sitting in the center of a windswept plain, on Route 66, Cadillac Ranch was created by a group of hippies from San Francisco. Funded by an Amarillo billionaire, the art piece consists of 10 Cadillacs ranging from 1949-1963, half-buried in the billionaire’s field.

Over the years, the cars have been stripped of their details by onlookers. This defacement seemed to be encouraged by the creators, and now the cars are barely recognizable. They are now coated in 50 years of spray paint applied by tourists. Bring your own can and make your mark!

6. The World’s Largest Tire, Allen Park Michigan

The world’s largest tire is a behemoth of a roadside statue. It stands 80-foot tall and weighs 12 tons! It was built as a Ferris wheel for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The tire is a symbol of the American auto production industry, and it reportedly is built to sustain hurricane-force winds. The piece now stands outside of the Uniroyal Corporate Building.

7. Jolly Green Giant, Blue Earth, Minnesota

Blue Earth is the home of the famous vegetable company, “Green Giant.” Therefore, it’s the perfect place for this jolly, green fellow. The 55.5-foot-tall statue has stood since 1979. It wears a size 78, pointed shoe, and is certainly the symbol of the small town. There is now a Giant Museum and Festival as well!

8. Salem Sue, New Salem, North Dakota

Salem Sue is the world’s largest fiberglass cow. Legend says that in 1883, settlers arrived to farm the land. While tilling a field, two Sioux Indians stopped to watch. One of them pick up a patch of the overturned sod and flipped it back over, stating that it was the wrong side up. The farmer thought about it and decided that the land was better for grazing cattle than for farming. New Salem, as it was dubbed, became a mecca for cattle farming.

Standing atop a large hill, Salem Sue can be seen from a few counties. She is 38 feet tall. She weighs six tons and cost over $40,000 to construct, in 1974.

9. The 50,000 Silver Dollar Inn, Haugan, Montana

Just off I-90, you will find a bar like no other. It started as the $10,000 bar but has grown, over the years, to now include more than 75,000 silver dollars. The inn is part of a complex that includes camping sites, Montana’s largest gift shop, restaurants, and two casinos. Many travelers include this little stop in their road trip to Glacier or Yellowstone National Park.

10. Sweet Willy, Cottonwood, Idaho

Want to stay in one of the most unique hotels in the country? Sweet Willy is not only the largest beagle in the world, at over 30 feet tall, but it’s also a Bed and Breakfast. Willy’s creator is a local chainsaw artist, and the property includes a garden of animal statues, including fish, moose, and bears. They also have a cute little gift shop. They will even create a statue of your pooch, just bring in a photo and place your order!

11. The Last Supper, Rhyolite, Nevada

Thought you had seen the Last Supper in pretty much every manner imaginable? Well, maybe you haven’t! In the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nevada, known as “the Gateway to Death Valley,” you will find a rendition of the famous painting with white dementor-like figures representing the apostles. It was constructed in 1985, by Belgian artist, Albert Szukalski. It’s a weird and eerie scene in the desert.

12. Our Lady of the Rockies, Butte, Montana

Standing 90 feet tall, and overlooking the city of Butte, this virgin Mary statue makes a big impression. It was installed in 1985, after a 6-year building project, and is dedicated to “women everywhere.” The statue rises 8,510 feet above sea level and sits on a 400-ton base. The lady arrived by sky crane, with help from the National Guard and Army Reserve, and she has been guarding the pass ever since!

13. Lucy the Elephant, Margate, New Jersey

Towering above the New Jersey shoreline, the 65-foot elephant must have been something to see in 1881. James V. Lafferty, a local property owner and inventor, had the giant built as a tourist attraction. He patented his idea for buildings built as animals, and Lucy was born.

Lucy’s legs are staircases, her body a myriad of rooms. After all these years, Lucy is undergoing another huge renovation currently, and she is almost ready to shine again! Lucy is on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.

14. The World’s Largest Ball of Paint, Alexandria, Indiana

In 1977, Mike Carmichael decided to entertain his toddler son by painting a baseball with housepaint. The two men continue to paint that baseball today. The one tiny ball has grown to over 14 feet in circumference and has over 25,000 different-colored layers of paint.

This roadside attraction now hangs in a building built specifically for it, and paying tourists can add their own coat of paint, with the help of a few mirrors to get the hard spots. Don’t worry, the 2.5-ton ball hangs from an industrial-sized hook so feel free to get under there and make your mark!

15. Largest Santa Claus in the USA, North Pole, Alaska

There is just nothing about this we don’t love. Once the world’s largest Santa, it has now been eclipsed by a bigger one in Portugal, which is ridiculous, because obviously, Santa needs to be at the North Pole. So, we are going to ignore that southern Santa and celebrate the awesomeness of Alaska’s giant elf.

The 900-pound statue, like many on the list, was built for a World’s Fair, the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, for specifics. It was then bought by the North Pole and transferred in pieces to Alaska, where it found its permanent home on St. Nicholas Drive. The 42-foot Santa is free to visit, and you can peruse the gift shop and indulge in fudge and other sweet treats.

16. The World’s Smallest Church, Oneida, New York

If you have always envisioned a small wedding, then we can’t imagine a venue more quaint than the two-person, Cross Island Chapel. The tiny chapel floats on a wooden dock in the center of a pond, in Oneida. It was built in 1989 and is only 28 square feet. It’s stinking adorable!

17. The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, High Point, North Carolina

High Point had a little competition going with the neighboring town, Thomasville. Thomasville had a giant chair, and High Point needed its own enormous furniture piece to compete. The World’s Largest Bureau was built.

By 1990, it was looking a bit antique, and it was swallowed up, literally, by a new creation, The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers. The new piece was built around the old one and is constructed of steel and stucco. The 28-foot dresser is a representation of the High Point furniture and hosiery industries, notice the giant socks hanging out of the drawer.

18. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, Ishpeming, Michigan

This weird attraction is a celebration of local humor, with exhibits focused on farting, beer consumption, and belching. Apparently, Big Ernie, the giant rifle can fire duct tape balls more than 2.5 miles. Big Gus is a 23 feet long chainsaw powered by a V-8 engine. Check out the Yooper Assault Vehicle, the Big-butted bike riders, or the outhouse-themed photo booths. Don’t blame the yoopers for their crass amusements, they were isolated up there for a long time.

19. House on the Rock, Spring Green, Wisconsin

This house of anomalies cannot be described as anything but weird. Touring this roadside attraction is like taking an acid trip. Wander the halls filled with vintage music machines, the world’s largest indoor carousel, a Titanic replica, a massive sea creature, and much more. Oh, did we mention this “Infinity Room” dangles precariously 15 stories above the ground? It’s a feat of engineering, for a very weird purpose.

20. Teako’s Giants of Hatch, Hatch, New Mexico

Teako Nunn has a lifelong passion for huge figures. His collection started in 2006 with the purchase of a giant muffler man off of eBay. From there, it has grown to a collection of statues including their mascot, Sparky, a robot built of tires by Teako’s wife.

Sparky was the inspiration for their small-town restaurant, which is now the home of the collection. The roof features an A&W Burger Family. There’s a giant pic, a Ronald McDonald statue, and a fiberglass replica of Colonel Sanders. There is even a 30-foot figure of Uncle Sam. If you like corky statues, stop in for some BBQ and peruse Teako’s collection.

21. Hole N” the Rock-Moab, Utah

If you have taken a trip to Utah, then you know it boasts a menagerie of odd rock formations. In Moab, there stands a large piece of sandstone with several eroded openings, at its base, called tafoni. Chambers like this were likely once used by native inhabitants for shelter, but this one has a much weirder function.

Hole N” the Rock is a 5,000-square-foot home carved into tafoni. The Christensen family excavated a huge amount of rock to build their sandstone wonder, and it consists of 14 rooms, a fireplace, and even a rock-hewn bathtub.

What started as a quirky homestead, but now it’s a full-blown attraction featuring antique furniture, odd carvings, an exotic petting zoo, a vintage penny stretcher, tons of antique signs, a towering cactus made of bowling balls, and an ice cream shop.

Yep! Hole N” the Rock is uncanny, but also kind of magnetic. As proved by the millions of visitors who have stopped in for a tour.

22. The Fremont Troll, Seattle, Washington

The 1932 Aurora Bridge has always been plagued with rumors of a troll lurking beneath. Locals decided to make good on the rumor and constructed a rebar and concrete masterpiece inspired by the children’s story, Billy Goat’s Gruff.

The 18-foot, two-ton troll is a friendly fella. Fremont is a bit obsessed with trolls, but their versions aren’t mean people-eating monsters. Fremont trolls are fun. They attend parades and like to dance. They are extremely attracted to shiny things though (hence the eye), so leave your jewelry in the car.

23. Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon, California

Why build giant dinosaurs on the side of a California interstate? Umm….because you can! These two behemoths have been Hollywood fodder since the 1980s, appearing in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure , Coke commercials, and National Lampoon’s Vacation. Families still love this attraction.

Claude Bell was a former statue designer for an amusement park, so when he bought the Wheel Inn on I-10, he decided to bust out his talents and build Dinny, a 150-foot Apatosaurus. It was followed by “Mr. Rex,” a giant T-Rex. The inn no longer exists, but the current owners of the property keep the dinosaurs updated with a fresh coat of vibrant paint several times a year. Who knows what color they will be for your visit?

24. Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, Foyil, Oklahoma

Ed Galloway was a famous Oklahoma folk artist. From 1937 to 1961, he worked on the construction of the now-infamous Totem Pole Park. The main totem is 90-foot tall and is made of red sandstone and reinforced concrete. The interior features Native American-inspired murals and landscapes. Several other concrete totems dot the former residence, and a small museum houses the wood crafter’s beautiful, hand-carved fiddles and other musical instruments. Ed Galloway’s is a staple in the U.S. road trip repertoire.

25. The Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

Let’s be real, a car ride through parts of the U.S.A can be pretty boring. The citizens of North Dakota have found the solution. For 32 miles along I-94, from Gladstone to Regent, you will find a series of large metal art installations. Giant pheasants, families of geese, overgrown grasshoppers, and 70-foot trout all make for great photo ops and places to stretch your legs! At the end of your day, book a night at The Enchanted Castle, a Medieval-themed hotel created by the same artist as the highway.

26. Christ of the Ozarks, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs is a beautiful town in Northwest Arkansas that feels like a step back in time. The B&Bs are historic homes, and the streets are lined with fabulous locally-owned markets of all kinds. Over 50,000 people each year come to witness a live-action rendition of “The Passion,” while a giant version of Jesus overlooks the whole show approvingly.

The giant Jesus doesn’t quite rival Rio’s World Wonder, and truthfully, he looks a bit like a milk carton. The 65-foot Jesus weighs sits atop Magnetic Mountain and is quite a sight to behold. Nearby, there is weirdly a section of the Berlin Wall.

27. Quigley’s Castle, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

While we are in Eureka Springs, let’s talk about another little oddity. Quigley’s Castle is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a very weird place. An Italian immigrant, Elise Quigley, had a vision for a whimsical garden home. Not only are their giant tropical trees growing from the ground floor, but the entire home and gardens are encrusted with crystals, arrowheads, and colored rocks of every kind. It’s a wonderland where you could imagine that ferries and trolls reside. It’s a weird place, that’s kind of wonderful.

28. The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things, Lucas, Kansas

Well… this is quite the concept. You could spend your entire road trip looking for “the largest____,” or you could just find this mobile museum with teeny tiny versions of hundreds of the world’s most popular big things. It’s basically a trailer, but it’s full of the funniest mementos, and perhaps you’ll find inspiration for your next road trip destination!

29. Cano’s Castle, Antonito, Colorado

“Artistic” folks have constructed castles all over the United States, from the actual mansion of Hearst Castle to weird and wonderful creations of glass and rock, but none are quite like Cano’s Castle. In little Antonito, Colorado, you can find a mansion made completely of beer cans and hub cabs. It honestly looks like a junkyard, but it’s too weird to pass up.

30. Gemini Giant-Wilmington, Illinois

The first official sight on the iconic Route 66 road trip, about an hour from Chicago, Gemini Giant is a 30-foot tall spaceman, made of fiberglass. He was once used in “Muffler Men” TV advertisements, but now he just hangs out at a local, abandoned, drive-in restaurant. He’s a symbol of a bygone era and makes for a great photo op.

31. World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle-Collinsville, Illinois

Americans really do like big stuff! If you’re a fan of tomato-based sauces, then make a quick stop by the world’s largest Catsup Bottle. It stands 170-foot tall and is actually a water tower, built in 1949. It’s another anomaly that has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Hey, America isn’t a very old place. We have to get creative!

32. Blue Whale of Catoosa-Catoosa, Oklahoma

This one’s kinda sweet. Oklahoma native, Zelta Davis had a thing for whale figurines. In a gesture of love for their anniversary, her husband Hugh built her a giant Blue Whale beside a local pond. The whale serves as a dock of sorts, where you can walk into the giant open mouth. It’s a popular local swimming hole, mostly due to the friendly blue whale.

The state of Oklahoma is a minefield of weird roadside attractions. A giant, smiling, blue whale is just the tip of the iceberg. From giant Transformer remakes to Wizard of Oz tin men, and alien landing sights, the Sooner State has it all!

33. Winganon Space Capsule, Oologah, Oklahoma

In 1959, a traveling cement truck lost its mixer on the side of the road. It was full and too heavy to be retrieved, so the haulers just left it there. After a while, local artists decided it looked like a space capsule, so they painted it to appear as a fallen NASA module. Cute!

34. Spider VW Bug, Lexington, Oklahoma

It went like this, or so we imagine: “Hey guys, I’ve got this out-of-commission Volkswagen Beetle. I think we should make a giant spider sculpture.” The remainder of the drunk friends responded, “yep, sounds good. Let’s do it.” The VW Bug was then painted to have red eyes and fangs, hoisted up to hover on 8 giant legs, and that was that. The really funny thing is, this isn’t the only one! There are also Bug spiders in Carson City, Nevada, and Avoca, Iowa. Apparently, it’s a thing.

35. Wigwam Village Motel-Holbrook, Arizona

A classic Texaco gas station in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by traditional teepees? Yep! That is exactly what you will find at the Wigwam Village Hotel. The hotel chain has been open since the 1930s, and there used to be seven locations. Today, there are sadly only three. The other locations are Cave City, Kentucky, and Rialto, California. The site consists of a small museum, a few antique vehicles, and of course, a night’s stay in a beautiful wigwam.

36. Golf Ball House-Yucca, Arizona

Things are getting weirder and weirder here people. The Golf Ball House is a roadside attraction that was originally built as a restaurant, but the owner went bankrupt before it opened, and the community it was for never came to fruition. The building is literally a giant golf ball on a tee. It served as a private residence for a while, but now it appropriately serves as a UFO Museum.

37. Truck on a Pole-Yucca, Arizona

While you’re in Yucca, you can’t miss the life-sized semi-truck dangling above the town! There’s not much information on it, except that there used to be a garage there. It’s huge. It’s weird, and we think it’s awesome!

38. The Thing, El Paso Texas

If you have driven through this part of Texas, you know there isn’t much to look at, so road trippers get sucked in by the funny billboards. The owners of “The Thing” have taken full advantage of that! For miles and miles, you will see nothing but advertisements for “The Thing,” so many that you can’t help but stop! “The Thing” is supposedly a mummified mother and child from the mid-19th century. It’s part of a larger exhibit of oddities in an old gas station.

39. Georgia Guidestones, Georgia 

In Elbert County stand the Georgia Guidestones, five massive granite blocks that were erected in 1980. Sometimes referred to as the “American Stonehenge,” the stones are inscribed with instructions that urge humanity to live in tune with nature. These “commandments” appear in multiple languages, including Sanskrit and Egyptian hieroglyphics.

40. Adak National Forest, Ada Island, Alaska

During WWII, an unlucky regimen was stationed in Ada Island, and apparently, morale was pretty down in the freezing outpost. General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr. decided to plant some trees to boost it. They mostly all died, and at one point the little grove only had one surviving Pine. It now consists of a whopping 33 trees and boasts a humorous sign stating “You are now entering and leaving the Adak National Forest.” At least they kept their sense of humor!

43. Cold War Horse, Arvada, Colorado

So, the Cold War made humans, all over the world, do a lot of weird things, mostly due to gigantic conspiracies and government scare tactics. However, nuclear weapons are still looming over us and their destructive capacity is obviously terrifying and horrendous, with the capability of destroying entire regions.

That’s what artist Jeff Gipe portrays in his wacky creation, stationed outside of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapon Plant. The statue is a bright red horse, dressed in a hazmat suit. It’s a unique place to stop for a photo op and education session!

44. World’s Largest Frying Pan, Georgetown, Delaware

Appropriately created in the 1950s, the world’s largest frying pan is a 10-foot by 18-foot ode to cornbread. Funnily, they actually used it for the Delmarva Chicken Festival, and it has reportedly fried over 100 tons of chicken in its day! Now retired, the legend sits in a museum and is just one of the first of America’s many giant cooking instruments.

45. Rockmen Guardians, Rockford, Illinois

The city of Rockford Illinois appropriately boats 12-foot-tall guardians made of boulders. Artist, Terese Agnew, created the series of boulder soldiers in 1988, and they have been standing guard ever since on The Rock River Recreation Path.

46. World’s Largest Concrete Garden Gnome, Ames, Iowa

Back to the world’s largest category, this 15-foot-tall gnome is adorable! He lives in Reiman Gardens, on the Iowa State University campus. There are other giant gnomes located in New York and the country of Poland.

47. Garden of a Thousand Buddhas, Arlee, Montana

Montana might not be the most obvious location for a Buddha-metroplex, but nonetheless, if you want to see a Buddha statue, “Big Sky Country” has plenty to peruse. The peace garden was opened in 2000 as a place to meditate and find relaxation. The monument is a 750-foot circular monstrosity with 1,000 identical white Buddhas. You can actually take a class or attend one of the many festival events here as well.

48. Alien Abduction Gas Station, Lincoln, New Hampshire

There are a lot of weird alien sights in the United States, but most of them are out west. Lincoln, New Hampshire isn’t where you’d think to find an alien abduction museum. That’s what makes this place even weirder.

Apparently, in 1961, the Irving Express gas station was the abduction sight of Barney and Betty Hill. It was one of the first abductions to gain massive media coverage, and the station now displays this coverage and details the story. The specific abduction sight is just down the road and is denoted by a historical marker.

49. Pistachioland, Alamagordo, New Mexico

New Mexico is so delightfully strange! A nut farm in New Mexico boasts the world’s largest pistachio. It stands 30 feet tall and was erected by Tim McGinnis to honor his belated father, the founder of the family farm. There is a small gift shop, a winery, and a gourmet candy shop to round out your visit.

50. The Cardiff Giant, Cooperstown, New York

America has long been obsessed with human oddities, as proved by our long-running fascination with Barnum’s cast of “peculiarities”—bearded ladies, Tom Thumb, conjoined twins. While some of these circus attractions were unfortunate human beings, others were elaborately concocted hoaxes.

One of America’s first and greatest hoaxes was “dug up” in 1869, in Syracuse, New York. Two diggers supposedly unearthed the body of a 10-foot man. Onlookers flooded to see the anomaly, but the reality would turn out to be something different altogether. George Hull, a local businessman, produced the plaster giant as a joke and had it buried on family property. He then charged innocent onlookers to view his find. You can still view “the giant” in the Farmer’s Museum.

51. Hartman Rock Garden, Springfield, Ohio

The Hartman Rock Garden is pretty fantastic. Ben Hartman worked as a mold creator, but like most, he lost his job during the Great Depression. Since he had some extra time on his hands, he set out to build a new fishing pond, but he didn’t stop there. He built and crafted for the rest of his life, creating fountains, castles, cathedrals, full villages, and statuary of animals to fill his property. He began to give tours of the place, and you can still take a guided tour today.

52. Coral Castle, Homestead, Florida

Just outside the world-famous city of Miami, this small Homestead boasts a bit of a mystery. This “castle” isn’t a castle at all and isn’t made of coral. It’s made of over 1,000 tons of local limestone, sculpted into everything you can imagine! Even the furniture is constructed from it. The site is miraculous, as it was created by one man, over a 28-year period. Edward Leedskalnin was an immigrant from Latvia who used his talent to prove his worth to a lost love, or so legend says.

Theories began to emerge about Ed’s creations and how they were built. People said he used mysticism or magic to levitate the rocks into place, or that he has some strange magnetic control over the rock. However, it was all done by Ed, alone, with very basic tools, and it stands as a labor of love!

53. Salvation Mountain, Niland, California

Located in the desert of Southern California, Leonard Knight created a tribute to God. The “mountain” was created of local adobe clay and is 50 feet wide by 150 feet tall. It’s adorned with religious artwork and scripture, and the overall theme is love. Leonard died in 2014, but you can still visit his epic creation!

54. UFO Welcome Center, Bowman, South Carolina

While most people shun the visit of ET, Bown welcomes our galaxy neighbors with an official welcome center. Jody Pendarvis built the center, in 1994, as a place where he felt aliens would be comfortable if they wanted to meet Earthlings. It looks like a giant traditional UFO, and it’s surrounded by the rest of Jody’s, umm, collections (junk). The alien visitor center is a bit dilapidated, but Jody will gladly give you a tour!

55. Big Boy Statue, Wapiti, Wyoming

There are lots of “Big Boy” statues out here, but this one is really strange. It supposedly just appeared, way out in a field in rural Wyoming one day in 2013. It sits alone, in a vast field, nowhere near a burger joint. Then, it disappeared for a while in 2020, only to return with a new paint job!

Pack up the car!

Now that you know the range of quirky roadside attractions that await you, it’s time to pack the car. Fill up on gas and your favorite snacks, prepare some car games , and set your GPS for some of these weird and wonderful sights.

Looking for travel inspo ? Try a national park road trip or embark on a journey to see the country’s best fall foliage ! And, while American road trips are perfect for a domestic vacation, remember that there are incredible highways all over the world. You might even fancy hopping across the pond for a Scottish road trip someday!

Frequently Asked Questions

Even older than the Statue of Liberty, Lucy the Elephant was built in 1881, making her the oldest quirky roadside attraction in America .

Check out Let’s Roam’s list of 55 quirky roadside attractions! To make the most of your adventure, pick a city and enjoy a scavenger hunt to see awesome sights and stretch your legs a little.

Try a national park road trip or embark on a journey to see fall foliage ! Before heading out, prep road trip games , download the Let’s Roam app , and consider a city scavenger hunt along the way.

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The Best Roadside Attractions in America

Road trips aren’t about the destination, they’re about all the stops along the way. At Silly America we embrace the detours. We find the weirdest roadside attractions, the craziest roadside oddities, the most iconic Americana, and all the best road trip stops we can find. Don’t settle for a long, boring car trip: veer off the highway and explore the silly side of America.

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The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

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Plan your Route 66 road trip. Explore some of the best roadside attractions on the Mother Road.

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BY Valerie Bromann

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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• Truly Bizarre Roadside Attractions
• Tangier, VA, Residents Sound Like Foreigners
• Slab City, CA: The Last Free Place in America
• Abandoned Roadside Attractions
• Gibsonton, FL: Circus Community
• American Small Towns with Kooky Claims to Fame
• North Brother Island, NY: Population 0
• Whittier, Alaska, Residents Are All Neighbors

21 Bizarre Roadside Attractions From Across America

The great American road trip is a tradition almost as old as the automobile itself. For decades, towns across the country have constructed weird attractions to draw in travelers as they pass by, from large objects to replicas of famous monuments . Some of these strange roadside attractions seem more like the stuff of fever dreams than actual places - just consider the giant roller skate sitting in Virginia, or the six shooter-toting shrimp that hovers above Houston.

If you have a taste for the bizarre, you can visit many of these weird road trip stops today. Others collected here have since closed, but they live on in photo collections from the Library of Congress and other outlets. So gas up your car and go for a ride, and remember to keep your eyes open for unexpected sights along the way.

1. Cowboy Shrimp, Houston, TX

2. Big Fish Supper Club, Bena, MN

3. Drinking Elephant, Fortville, IN

4. Headless Statue, Marineland, FL

5. Big Blue Whale, Catoosa, OK

6. Gemini Giant, Wilmington, IL

7. Hat 'n Boots Gas Station, Seattle, WA

8. Hoot Owl Cafe, Los Angeles, CA

9. Peach Water Tower, Gaffney, SC

10. Stonehenge II, Ingram, TX

11. Coney Island Dairyland, Aspen, CO

12. Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD

13. Viking Statue, Chincoteague, VA

14. The Donut Hole, La Puente, CA

15. Giant Roller Skate, Bealeton, VA

16. Candy House, Riverside, CA

17. World's Largest Buffalo, Jamestown, ND

18. Leaning Tower Of Pizza, Quincy, MA

19. Dinosaurs, Cabazon, CA

20. Dog Bark Park, Cottonwood, ID

21. Uncle Sam, Lake Winnipesaukee Pier, Weirs Beach, NH

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• Weird History
• Places/Travel

Lists about some kooky places to check out right here in the US of A.

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29 Weird And Wonderful Roadside Attractions In The US

Posted: April 17, 2024 | Last updated: April 17, 2024

From vast national parks to scenic stretches of coastline, the USA is road trip heaven. But it isn’t just about the big sights and the breathtaking roads – it wouldn’t be an American road trip without the quirky stuff thrown in along the route.

From kitsch diners and open-air art installations to otherworldly natural wonders, click or scroll on to discover the best and most unusual roadside attractions across the US...

Salvation Mountain, Calipatria, California

Local adobe clay, straw, thousands of gallons of donated paint and a lot of love were poured into creating Salvation Mountain, a vivid hillside monument in the Colorado Desert near Calipatria in southern California. It was created by local artist Leonard Knight, who began piecing it together in the 1980s as a symbol of his religious devotion.

He regularly updated it with messages and embellishments up until his death in 2014.

Doo Wop motels, Wildwood, New Jersey

New Jersey has its very own Ocean Drive, which skims along the Jersey Shore from Atlantic City to the golden beaches and retro amusement park of Cape May. En route is Wildwood, famous for its classic beach town vibes and fascinating strip of mid-century modern inns.

Known as ‘Doo Wop’ motels, they burst with colourful details like plastic palm trees, dolphin motifs and original 3D signage.

Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska

Stonehenge might be shrouded in mystery but, in Nebraska, it’s all about Carhenge. This curious sculpture, off Highway 59, was created in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father.

He used 39 old cars to replicate the original Neolithic stone circle which is in Salisbury, England, UK.

Iowa 80, Walcott, Iowa

Haines Shoe House, Hellam, Pennsylvania

A shoe-shaped house on Shoe House Road? It’s all part of the classic US road trip. The Haines Shoe House was built in 1949 by an eccentric shoe salesman (of course) originally as an advertising gimmick. It later became a holiday rental and remains one today.

The 25-foot-long and 48-foot-tall boot sleeps six people and has gorgeous design details, including wall murals and stained-glass windows adorned with… shoes. The street on which it sits, just off the Lincoln Highway, was renamed in its honor.

Unclaimed Baggage Center, Scottsboro, Alabama

There’s something enduringly fascinating about the stuff people lose or leave behind. That’s the premise behind the Unclaimed Baggage Center, which is filled with, well, unclaimed baggage.

The center takes in luggage left behind on domestic airlines and, if they can’t track the owners, selects items for sale. It's essentially a huge second-hand store stuffed with finds ranging from designer handbags to diving helmets.

Other items are recycled or repurposed to be donated to communities in need.

Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California

Madonna Inn – named for its founders, married couple Alex and Phyllis Madonna, rather than the Queen of Pop – is a palace of pink off US 101 in central California. The 1950s hotel’s exterior resembles an intricate wedding cake crossed with a scene from  The Flintstones , and the inside is even more outrageous with themed bedrooms and lipstick-pink bathrooms.

The flamboyant Gold Rush Steak House (pictured) serves some of the best burgers in the area, while the relatively subdued Copper Cafe is famous for huge wedges of cake.

Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The most majestic waterfalls are usually reached via long hikes or long treks through forests. But this lofty beauty is right by the roadside. The upper portion of Multnomah Falls can even be viewed from the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The cascade crashes from 611 feet, with a stone bridge – built in 1914 – spanning its width.

Enchanted Highway sculptures, Regent, North Dakota

The 32-mile (51km) Highway 21, known as the Enchanted Highway, is an open-air gallery of huge sculptures crafted from scrap metal. There are seven pieces in total, created by Gary Greff.

They include the World’s Largest Tin Family and Geese in Flight, which is shaped like an eye (pictured). Some of the works can be seen from the I-94 but they’re at their surreal best viewed up close, looming through the windscreen.

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The Mammoth Orange, Redfield, Arkansas

If a giant orange by the roadside doesn’t seem strange enough, the fact that this is a burger restaurant – rather than a juice bar – makes this spot even more brilliantly bizarre. The Mammoth Orange can be found just off the road between Little Rock and Pine Bluff, and was built in 1966, inspired by a similar restaurant in Fresno, California.

The hot dogs and hamburgers are highly rated.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Drivers traveling along US Route 70 could be forgiven for thinking they’ve landed on another planet or somehow taken a wrong turn and ended up at an enormous, blazingly white beach. The alabaster dunes of White Sands National Park cover 275 square miles, making this the world’s largest gypsum dune field.

The white waves can be seen from the road, brightening the landscape between the San Andres and Sacramento mountain ranges.

Dog Bark Park, Cottonwood, Idaho

Just off the US-95, this 12-foot-tall sculpture of a giant beagle used to double as a place to stay, but now it's just a quirky (and free) roadside attraction. The 'dog house' was handcrafted by the original owners using a chainsaw.

They also created the series of sculptures, including a smaller dog and a fire hydrant, that dot the grassy grounds.

Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman, Alabama

To describe the Ave Maria Grotto as intricate would be an understatement. To describe its creator, Benedictine monk Brother Joseph Zoett, as dedicated would be even more so.

The park in Cullman, which opened in 1934, has 125 stone and cement structures depicting biblical passages, shrines, and miniature replicas of famous religious buildings including St Peter's Basilica and Lourdes Basilica Church.

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

The lunar-like landscape of Bonneville Salt Flats sprawls out for 30,000 awe-inspiring acres between Utah’s Salt Lake City and Wendover, Nevada. The salt pans are blazingly white, cracking and curling in the heat, with nothing growing or living on the surface.

There are several viewpoints along the I-80.

Bishop Castle, Rye, Colorado

It’s hard to believe this intricate monument is the product of one man’s imagination, let alone built by one man’s hands. The elaborate, self-built stone and iron structure has been chiseled, embellished, and decorated by Jim Bishop over six decades.

What started as a one-bedroom stone cottage is now a 16-story fortress with cathedral windows and a steel dragon. It’s just off Highway 165, which wiggles through central Colorado.

The Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive, just north of pretty Carmel on California’s Central Coast, is a road trip within a road trip, looping off the Pacific Coast Highway. This isn’t a drive to rush: there’s a must-stop pretty much every few minutes, from beaches with harbor seals to this forlorn but noble-looking cypress tree, which occupies a solitary, salt-sprayed perch on a rock jutting over the ocean.

Jolly Green Giant, Blue Earth, Minnesota

Thor’s Well, Yachats, Oregon

America’s oddities aren’t limited to quirky cafes and giant sculptures. Sometimes, the natural world rivals the human imagination when it comes to strangeness. Take Thor’s Well.

Dubbed ‘the drainpipe of the Pacific,’ it sucks in water and swirls it around before spurting it out with optimum drama. It can be viewed at a safe distance from the parking area at Cook’s Chasm, off the coast-skimming US 101.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, Key Largo, Florida

Wild donkeys, Oatman, Arizona

The tiny ghost town of Oatman, on historic Route 66, has some unusual residents – wild donkeys, or burros. The animals, which roam the streets, were originally brought here by prospectors and set loose in the surrounding mountains when the gold mine closed in 1942.

They’re so beloved – and such a part of the town’s fabric – they even feature on the welcome sign, and stores sell special ‘burro food.’

Prada Marfa, Texas

Desert oases tend to appear in the form of watery pools – but this looks like something springing from the imagination of a tired, hallucinogenic fan of high fashion. In some ways it is an illusion, as this Prada boutique on US Route 90 is an art installation, created in 2005 by Berlin-based artists Elmgreen and Dragset.

Although it does have real merchandise on display, the bags are bottomless and all the shoes are right-footed.

Bleu Horses, Three Forks, Montana

This striking series of steel statues is a prime example of art working beautifully with nature. From a distance, the 39 equine figures that make up Bleu Horses look very much like real horses – except they stay stunningly, silently still.

They were created by local artist Jim Dolan to stand watch from their hillside perch off Highway 287, just north of Three Forks.

Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard, Waterbury, Vermont

Dinosaur World, Cave City, Kentucky

Shell Oil Clamshell, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

There were once eight of these striking gas stations in North Carolina, designed to bring the Shell logo vividly to life. Now just one of the bold 1930s structures remains, in the city of Winston-Salem.

The pumps no longer dispense petrol and the building has been closed since the 1950s, but it’s become a beloved curiosity in the town and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.

Hole N” The Rock, Moab, Utah

Carved out of a massive rock on US Highway 191, this unusual structure was created in the 1940s as a small alcove for the owners’ kids to sleep in. It gradually expanded into a 5,000-square-foot home with 14 rooms.

The unusual ‘house’ is usually open for brief tours so people can see how the Christensen family once lived. Things get even more bizarre with an on-site zoo housing zebras, camels, and bison.

Lucy the Elephant, Margate, New Jersey

Lucy the Elephant is rather old. The tin-and-wood structure was built in 1882, modeled after real-life elephant Jumbo who starred as the ‘Largest Elephant on Earth’ in PT Barnum’s circus.

She’s also rather large, looming over the coastal city of Margate at a lofty 65 feet and weighing 90 tons. She once housed offices and a restaurant, the bones of which you can see on a tour of her interior (accessed by spiral stairs hidden in her hind legs).

Rhyolite Ghost Town, Nevada

Rhyolite, near the eastern edge of Death Valley, boomed during the Gold Rush of the early 20th century but quickly went into decline and was deserted in 1916. The remnants – including a well-preserved railroad depot, school, bank, and general store – look especially eerie against the stark, shrubby, desert backdrop.

A scattering of art installations, added from 1984 and including a metal model of a miner with a penguin, take the scenery to an even more bizarre level.

Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower, Collinsville, Illinois

Officially the world’s largest catsup (or ketchup) bottle, this landmark just outside Collinsville is pure, joyful Americana. It was built in 1949 to supply water to the nearby Brooks ketchup factory and was saved from demolition in the 1990s. It’s now owned by a group of volunteers dedicated to its preservation and has been restored and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Now discover your state's most mysterious place

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The BIG State-by-State List of U.S. Roadside Attractions

One of the things I like best about road trips is the roadside attractions that we see along the journey. I love roadside attractions – the quirkier, the better! Check out this huge list of United States roadside attractions.

WARNING: Read at your own risk! This list may result in sudden and uncontrollable desires to road trip across the United States (also known as Road Trip Fever).

It appears that I am not alone in my love for these cheesy roadside tourist lures. When I shared that I was compiling a list of interesting roadside attractions throughout the United States, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to contribute to it. Friends, family, travel bloggers, and tourism bureaus across the nation submitted photos and descriptions of road trip points of interest.

As a result, we have compiled an epic list of nearly 100 unique roadside attractions from all across the United States!

United State Roadside Attractions

For your convenience, this list is organized by regions of Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Use the links within this table of contents if you would like to jump ahead to a specific region or state. Enjoy!

Midwest Region

Illinois   |  Indiana   |  Iowa   |  Kansas   |  Michigan   |  Minnesota   |  Missouri  |  Nebraska   |  North Dakota   |  Ohio   |  South Dakota   |  Wisconsin

Northeast Region

Connecticut   |  Delaware  |  Massachusetts  |  Maine  | New Hampshire  |  New Jersey  |  New York  |  Pennsylvania   |  Rhode Island  |  Vermont

Southeast Region

Alabama   | Arkansas  |  Florida  |  Georgia  |  Kentucky   |  Louisiana  |  Maryland  |  Mississippi  |  North Carolina   |  South Carolina   | Tennessee  |  Virginia   |  West Virginia

Southwest Region

Arizona   |  New Mexico   |  Oklahoma   |  Texas

West Region

California   |  Colorado   |  Idaho  |  Montana  |  Nevada   |  Oregon  |  Utah  |  Washington   |  Wyoming

This list has been so much fun to compile. Be sure to check back often because I will be adding to it as our family visits new areas of the country over the next couple years.

Don’t forget to pin this post for future reference!

Illinois Roadside Attractions

Superman Square

Did you know that the hometown of Superman is located in southern Illinois? If you make the drive into the small town of Metropolis, be sure to stop in the center of town at Superman Square. You are going to want a picture with the giant 15-foot Superman statue there.

Leaning Tower of Niles

What a surprise to discover this leaning tower in Chicago! This half-sized replica of the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa can be found at 6300 Touhy Avenue in Niles, Illinois.

World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

Roadside attraction submitted by Val at Silly America

“The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle stands at 170 feet tall in Collinsville, Illinois. Unfortunately, this roadside attraction isn’t actually filled with ketchup. Instead, the giant condiment once served as an operation water tower for Brooks Tomato Products Company.”

Route 66 Muffler Men

Route 66 is infamous for interesting roadside attractions including its Muffler Men. These oversized fiberglass men were used for advertising purposes back in the Mother Road’s heyday. The two iconic muffler men featured in the picture is the Gemini Giant (pictured left) and Bunyon Giant. The Gemini Giant can be found on the site of the now closed Launching Pad drive-in restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois. Bunyon Giant can be seen holding a hot dog in Atlanta, Illinois.

World’s Largest Covered Wagon

Lincoln, Illinois is home to the world’s largest covered wagon, the Railsplitter. Riding atop this wagon is a statue of Abe Lincoln. And of course, the president is reading a book! The Railsplitter Covered Wagon is a fun stop for all ages and a great addition to your itinerary if you are already traveling to nearby Springfield for the Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Return to Table of Contents

Indiana Roadside Attractions

World’s Largest Ball of Paint

Roadside Attraction submitted by Amy at Visit Indiana

“Along a gravel road in Alexandria, Indiana, I became a part of history. I painted a layer of the   World’s Largest Ball of Paint . In a shelter built exclusively for the ball the paint, I added a layer to the growing mass, which hung by a large chain from the ceiling. The enormous ball actually started as a baseball that Mike Carmichael and his son painted. And now, almost 40 years later, people from all over the world head to this rural part of Indiana to see and paint it. You can too. Just call and make an appointment, it’s free. The owners do accept donations to cover the cost of supplies. You will get to walk away with a souvenir paint chip carved from the ball.”

New Harmony Labyrinths

The small utopian town of New Harmony is home to two distinctly different labyrinths. Both of these quiet, beautiful areas meant to encourage mindful contemplation are located roadside and open for public use. The Harmonist Labyrinth is made of hedges and is located at 1239 Main Street. The New Harmony Cathedral Labyrinth is made of granite  and can be found at 309 North Street.

Heritage Trail Quilt Gardens

A lovely roadside attraction for the spring and summer months is a tour of Indiana’s Quilt Gardens . The Indiana Heritage Trail weaves through several communities throughout northern Indiana including Elkhart, Goshen, Nappanee, Wakarusa, Middlebury and Bristol. Along with the 15+ gorgeous quilt gardens, the Heritage Trail also features over 20 hand-painted large wall murals.

Iowa Roadside Attractions

Albert the World’s Largest Bull

Roadside Attraction submitted by Megan at Olio in Iowa

“Albert the Bull is not only Iowa’s hugest Hereford, but he’s also sure to steal your heart. Located in Audubon, Iowa, Albert weighs in at 45 tons and towers 30 feet above the rolling cornfields. This beautiful bull was built in 1963, and even had his own cameo in a 2018 Super Bowl commercial.”

READ MORE:   Albert the Bull – Olio in Iowa

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a full city block of impressive sculptures in the heart of Des Moines. Located at 1330 Grand Avenue, this free attraction is open to the general public from sunrise until sunset. It features more than 30 large sculptures by world famous artists such as Keith Haring, Ai Weiwei, and more.

READ MORE:   Your Family Will Love Pappajohn Sculpture Park!

Giant Wind Turbine Blade

Travelers along Westbound I-80 can examine a wind turbine close up close when they stop at the rest area between Adair and Casey (near mile marker 80) in Iowa. This rest area offers educational displays about alternative and renewable energy sources including a wind turbine blade on display outside of the building. It’s hard to wrap your mind around just how big these blades are until you are standing next to one. The blade is 148 feet tall. That’s almost the height of a 15-story building!!

Jesse James Train Robbery Historical Site

Hop off Interestate 80 in Adair, Iowa to check out a Jesse James Historical Site. At 1156 Anita-Adair Road, you can see the site where Jesse James and his outlaw pals pulled off their first train robbery on July 21, 1873. The event is commemorated with a small stretch of railroad tracks, a train wheel on display, an informational plaque and a sign.

READ MORE:   Jesse James Historical Site in Adair, Iowa  

World’s Largest Truck Stop

Hop off I-80 at exit 284 to check out the Iowa 80 Truckstop – the World’s largest Truck Stop.  More than just a truck stop, the large grounds also features a Trucking Museum and often hosts concerts and festivals. Best of all, the truck stop and museum are free! The Iowa 80 Truckstop is located at 755 W. Iowa Road in Walcott.

LEARN MORE:   Iowa 80 Truckstop

Kansas Roadside Attractions

Cars on the Route

Cars on the Route in Galena, Kansas has an interesting connection with the animated Cars movie. This renovated Kan-O-Tex service station is home to Tow Tater, a 1951 International Boom truck that inspired the beloved Tow Mater character in the movie. Cars on the Route has restored vehicles displayed that resemble other favorite characters from the Cars movie as well. The entire family will enjoy stopping here for a bit.

RELATED ARTICLE: Cars the Movie and Route 66

Michigan Roadside Attractions

Eiffel Tower

Did you know there is a small city named Paris in Michigan? It even has its own replica of the Eiffel Tower! You can find the 20-foot Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Park (22090 Northland Drive).  The tower was built in the 1980s by high school students, and the material used was leftover steel from the bed frames of an old CCC bunkhouse. The grounds were used as a state fish hatchery from 1881 until 1964. Bring some quarters with you so you can feed the trout still on site. Also, look around for an 8-foot tall wooden Native American on the premises as well.

READ MORE:   20-Foot Tall Eiffel Tower – Roadside America

Giant Adirondack Chair

Few things better represent life by the great lakes in the summertime better than an Adirondack chair, and in Michigan’s upper peninsula city of Munising, you can find a giant one of these chairs in front of the AmericInn Lodge and Suites. Stop by, have a seat, and snap a picture!

Santa’s Workshop

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to a host of fun family-friendly stops including a gift shop called Santa’s Workshop in a merry little town named Christmas. While you are there, pick up some souvenirs and holiday décor. Then, pose for a few pictures with the roadside attractions found on the grounds – the World’s Largest Santa, the World’s Largest Concrete Snowman, and the Old Lady Who Lives in a Shoe.

Dinosaur Gardens

Near Alpena, you can walk amongst prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur Gardens . Children and adults alike will marvel at the enormous life-like recreations – over 20 dinos in all! You can even walk into the belly of a brontosaurus!!  While you are there, you may want to enjoy a round of dino mini-golf and mine for some gems. Dinosaur Gardens is located at 11160 US 23 South in Ossineke, Michigan.

READ MORE:   Visit the Ancient Past at Dinosaur Gardens – Wagon Pilot

Did you know there is a town in Michigan named Hell? It’s true! And, your family is sure to enjoy a quick visit to this small town.  It features fun photo opportunities, the Hell Hole Diner, a Locks of Love Bridge, and tourist attractions like putt-putt golf and ice cream.

But, mostly, it is just fun to say that you have literally been to Hell and back.

READ MORE:   A Visit to Hell (and Other Unique Michigan Day Trips)

The Mighty Mac (Mackinac Bridge)

The Mackinac Bridge is the ultimate Michigan roadside attraction. Opened in 1957, this 5-mile bridge spanning over the Straits of Mackinac is the 5 th longest suspension bridge in the world. The Mighty Mac is located along I-75 and can be accessed from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. There are several nearby places to view the impressive suspension bridge on both sides. Every Labor Day, the bridge is closed to public vehicular traffic for part of the day in order for Michigan to host its Annual Bridge Walk . Between 25,000 and 65,000 people attend this event every year.

RELATED:  Best Views of the Mackinac Bridge

Lakenenland Sculpture Park

Lakenenland is a privately-owned sculpture park where Tom Lakenen displays his scrap iron creations. It’s free to visit, open 24/7, and conveniently located right on highway M-28 just a little east of Marquette. From dragons and UFOs to sunflowers and mermaids, the entire family will enjoy this wonderland of whimsical creations!

Da Yooper Tourist Trap

Da Yooper Tourist Trap in Ishpeming is a pretty amazing gift shop. This tourist attraction features more than just the usual assortment of gift shop novelty items. It also features a wide assortment of fossils, minerals and precious stones… AND it’s a wonderland of oversized roadside attractions like Gus the world’s largest chainsaw and Ernie the world’s largest working rifle.

Additionally, there are displays and photo opportunities that will make the entire family chuckle. (Do your children find flatulence funny? Then, there is a special area of Da Yooper Tourist Trap that they are going to want to see!)

Ravenna Caboose and Water Tower

While at the Musketawa Trail staging area in Ravenna, be sure to admire the caboose, bicycle art and the 100-year old rebuilt railroad water tower. These points of interest pay tribute to the trail’s history and its current recreational purpose. The Musketawa Trail is an abandoned rail line that has been turned into an all-season recreational trail. Find these roadside attractions right off from the trail parking lot on the corner of Blackmer Rd and Crockery Creek Dr in Ravenna.

READ MORE:   Musketawa Trail and Thatcher Park

Fantasy Forest

If visiting the Battle Creek area, be sure to check out Leila Arboretum – home to a Fantasy Forest (as well as other interesting sights). In the Fantasy Forest, you can find wizards, tree spirits, griffins, and more. My children’s favorite is a large sculpture of Groot from the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. Plus, it’s free! Leila Arboretum is located at 928 West Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek.

Battle Creek’s Historic Bridges

Hop off I-94 just southeast of Battle Creek to visit Historic Bridge Park – six historic Michigan bridges have been restored and rehomed to this small park. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy river views, and take in a little history. Historic Bridge Park is located at 14930 Wattles Road in Battle Creek.

National Trout Memorial

The National Trout Memorial can be found roadside along the main drag of Kalkaska, Michigan. This water fountain featuring a large 17-foot trout has delighted onlookers of all ages since 1966. Watch for it as you drive through town along 131 (also known as Cedar Street).

World’s Largest Lugnut – Lansing

Having grown up in Lansing, Michigan, I never thought of the big lugnut attached atop a smoke stack as a roadside attraction… until someone from out of town once said “Oh, you are from Lansing – the home of the World’s Largest Lugnut?” Ummm. Yeah. I guess it is.

This giant lugnut was affixed to the top of a factory smokestack in the late 1990s in honor of the city’s new minor league baseball team, the Lansing Lugnuts. The World’s Largest Lugnut is easily visible from the Cooley Law School Stadium (505 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing) where the baseball team plays home games.

St. Ignace Mystery Spot

The St. Ignace Mystery Spot is a peculiar little area. People claim that things just don’t balance right there. Is this a trick or optical illusion? Or, is there a mysterious magnetic force at work there? Either way, you will have a lot of fun seeing these peculiarities for yourself!

On site, you will also find other fun activities including ziplines, a large human maze, putt-putt golfing, and a souvenir photo booth. The St Ignace Mystery Spot is located on Highway US-2 about 5 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge.

Shaftsburg Flying Saucer

In the small town of Shaftsburg, look for a flying saucer at the corner of Woodbury Road and Lansing Road (exit 98 off from I-69). According to one entry on the Roadside America website , this flying saucer was the first of three UFOs created by Allen Boertman. I wonder where the other two flying saucers ended up. You can find a life-size Big Foot on the grounds as well.

Tri + Bridge = Tridge. What else would one call a three-legged bridge?? This popular roadside attraction spans the water where the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers come together in Midland, Michigan. From this three-way bridge, you can access Chippewassee Park, the Farmer’s Market and St Charles Park. It also serves as a trailhead for the Pere Marquette Rail Trail and the Chippewa Nature Trail. If driving there, parking can be found at the Midland Area Farmer’s Market (111 W. Main Street)

READ MORE:   Midland’s Tridge – City of Midland

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

Frankenmuth is home to the world’s largest Christmas store! The address for Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is 25 Christmas Lane. (I know, I know! Even the address is adorable!) Inside the building, you can experience the sights and sounds and spirit of Christmas year round. On the grounds outside of the store, you will find festive novelties and photo opportunities like giant nativity scenes and stacks of oversized Christmas ornaments. Stop on by for the sights and for all of your Christmas décor/novelty needs!

READ MORE:  Guide to Visiting Bronner’s – Thyme and Love

Silent Night Memorial Chapel

Silent Night was first sung in an Austrian chapel in 1818. You can find a 56-foot tall replica of this chapel outside of Bronner’s (25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth). There is no charge to visit this memorial chapel, and it is open daily. There are signs along the chapel’s walkway that share additional historical information. The Silent Night Memorial Chapel has even hosted small services where “Silent Night” is sung accompanied only by guitar (just as it had been all those years ago).

READ MORE:   Silent Night Chapel at Bronner’s

Continue to Page 2 for more United States Roadside Attractions –>

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21 comments

Great post! Now I want to hit the road and see some of these attractions!

I know, I know! Everytime I hear of an interesting roadside attraction, I immediately get the desire to road trip.

Such a fun post! I want to see them all!

Me, too! Me, too!

The puzzle store looks like some place I need to visit if I ever find myself in Minnesota! What a fun listing of attractions!

Thanks, Tara! It was so much fun compiling this list!

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What good timing! Will be keeping this list handy for our road trip next month!

Yes! I can’t wait to hear all about your big road trip!!

This is EPIC! Thanks for putting it together!

Thank you!!! This list was SO MUCH WORK to compile and format but I am really pleased with the final product. I think it will be a helpful resource… especially as I add to it over the years. Thanks for all of your help with it!

What a great list. We have just been to Colorado and I would add Glenwood Springs. The Hotsprings are right next to the I70 and are a great attraction for all ages. #fearlessfamtrav

Oh, that would be an interesting stop! I wish I had realized that was there a couple of years ago during our big family road trip!

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I’m from Texas, and Cadillac Ranch has been on my list for ages!! Your list is so good— I’ve got some traveling to do!

I know, I know! We did a major cross country road trip with the kids a couple years ago, and now, I totally have the itch to road trip again. So much neat stuff to see and do throughout the United States!

This is so cool! I’m from the US and had no idea most of these places existed! It’s definitely made me want to take a road trip now haha 🙂

You caught the road trip fever! It’s pretty contagious, isn’t it?

This is BRILLIANT! All this cheese makes me smile! And I couldn’t help but giggle at your ‘warning’. We love road tripping (obviously!) and would love to do a US road trip!

Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

I learned of so many new (and wonderfully quirky) attractions from other bloggers’ contributions while compiling this list. It was so much fun to put this post together!

What a great list! Hopefully we’ll be going on a roadtrip this fall, so I’ll have to keep these in mind.

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The strangest roadside attraction in every state

• The best road trips are those that include a few detours to break down the monotony of driving long distances.
• The US is filled with incredible roadside attractions worth the extra mileage , but it also has its fair share of truly bizarre ones.
• From World's Largest Ball of Paint in Indiana to World's Smallest Church in New York, these pit stops may not be for everyone.

Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories .

When it comes to planning the perfect road trip, there are a few things you can't live without. You need games to play in the car , gas station junk food , and a killer playlist .

But if you want to take your road trip to the next level, planning some pit stops along the way will make any long drive more fun.

That's why we've compiled a list of the country's strangest roadside attractions , choosing one from every state. Here are the most bizarre roadside attractions worth a detour.

ALABAMA: Ave Maria Grotto

This four-acre roadside attraction is detailed, to say the least. Its  125 grottos, statues, and replicas were made of trash and cement by the hunchbacked Benedictine monk Brother Joseph. They're worth seeing should you find yourself near Cullman, Alabama.

ALASKA: The World's Largest Santa

This 42-foot-tall Santa stands guard over the town of North Pole, which used to go by Davis before its name changed in 1953. During the cold Alaskan winters, this Santa might feel right at home but when temperatures rise in the summer, it's apparent that he's far from "home" — farther than 1,700 miles to be exact.

ARIZONA: London Bridge

If you thought that the only London Bridge is in London, you're wrong. The original London Bridge actually sits over Arizona's Lake Havasu.

Though the bridge was first built over the River Thames in England's capital in the 1830s, it was dismantled and brought to the US in 1967 as a tourist attraction for entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch's retirement real estate development,  Lake Havasu City.

ARKANSAS: Christ of the Ozarks

This ode to Brazil's famous Christ the Redeemer stands tall at 66 feet, making it the third tallest Jesus statue in the world. Some people stop there to pray, but most will go just to talk about the fact that it looks exactly like a milk carton.

CALIFORNIA: Salvation Mountain

Similar to Alabama's Ave Maria Grotto, this larger-than-life artwork is a religious shrine. It's five stories tall and 150-feet-wide, crowned with the words "God Is Love." The mountain is adorned with vibrant doodles and artwork made of old tires, windows, and an assortment of junk.

COLORADO: Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle

Herkimer is a monster-sized West Indian Hercules Beetle that tries to attract passersby into the May Museum of the Tropics. He was victim to quite a bit of vandalism back in his prime, so now he's locked behind a barbed wire fence and has 24-hour surveillance.

CONNECTICUT: Entropy and Watermelons

Some people might not consider this version of Hera to be a roadside attraction, but she's worth a detour nonetheless. The Greek-style statue, by  Tony Matelli, is 12-feet-tall and covered with whole, halved, quartered, and chewed watermelons.

Their relation to each other is still a mystery, but it's fun to take a gander and guess.

DELAWARE: Fountain of Youth

This wouldn't be nearly as weird if this Fountain of Youth were somewhere you might expect it to be, like Florida or an island in the Caribbean. Even weirder, there's no water left in it.

FLORIDA: Weeki Wachee

These world famous mermaids have been putting on shows since 1947. The performers have to pass a rigorous application and tryout process to be hailed an official mermaid and once they make it, they perform three 15-minute shows a day.

GEORGIA: Jimmy Carter Peanut

This 13-foot peanut was built for former President Jimmy  Carter's 1976 bid for the Oval Office by the Indiana Democratic Party. It has resided in Plains, Georgia, ever since and is easily the strangest presidential monument to date.

HAWAII: Volcano steam vents

Steam from the  Kilauea volcano pours out of vents along Hawaii's Crater Rim drive. Watch the steam rise from your car, or pull over for a quick steam facial. Just don't be tacky and throw coins into the holes like many of the tourists who have come before.

IDAHO: A giant spud

Idaho is known for its potatoes, so it's no surprise that they have a giant replica of one somewhere in the state. The thing that's so interesting about this spud, which resides at a drive-in movie theater, is that despite drawing in thousands of visitors, it's not even the biggest, largest, or heaviest.

ILLINOIS: World's Largest Catsup Bottle

This 170-foot catsup bottle is more than meets the eye. It's actually a working water tower in Collinsville and the center of a yearly festival in July. 

Where the world's largest ketchup bottle stands is still uncertain.

INDIANA: World's Largest Ball of Paint

The ever-growing project started as a baseball in 1977 and has been a work in progress ever since. It now has over 24,000 layers of paint and weighs two and a half tons. If you find yourself in Alexandria stop by to contribute your very own layer.

IOWA: Albert the Bull

For over 50 years, Albert the Bull has stood proudly off of Highway 71. Thanks to a button-activated voice recording, visitors know that Albert sees 20,000 guests a year, is 33-feet-long, and was once an answer to a "Jeopardy!" question.

KANSAS: World's Largest Ball of Twine

What started as a simple way to store leftover twine quickly turned into a race for the record books. As of 2014, Cawker City's ball of twine was the largest on record. 

Sadly, its ball shape is becoming disfigured and years of rain have made it a bit pungent. Nonetheless, it's a sight (and smell) worth pulling over for.

KENTUCKY: Dinosaur World

Once you see the giant T-Rex, take the next exit and stop for a stroll through the dinosaur-clad park. With over 150 replicas of the ancient monsters scattered through the park, it's a perfect pit stop for kids. 

LOUISIANA: Mardi Gras World

It can be pretty difficult to secure a hotel room and flights that aren't hundreds of dollars for New Orlean's world-famous Mardi Gras. Luckily, if you can't swing it, there's  Mardi Gras World. 

This weird roadside warehouse in New Orleans holds hundreds of bizarre Mardis Gras props, floats, and paraphernalia.

MAINE: International Cryptozoology Museum

Founded by crypto-zoologist Loren Coleman, t his museum is filled to the brim with artifacts and "evidence" related to all the folklore animals you grew up hearing about.

You might even leave with a newfound opinion on the existence of Big Foot or The Lochness Monster.

MARYLAND: National Museum of Health and Medicine

This t axpayer-funded museum isn't exactly a roadside attraction, but with real slices of human arms, brains in glass jars, and the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln, it might as well be.

Their collection of medical oddities can't be rivaled, so skip Ripley's Believe It or Not and head here instead.

MASSACHUSETTS: Paper House

Seeing as it's smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood, this house isn't necessarily the easiest to get to, and — even though it's made entirely of paper — it fits right in. 

The concept for Paper House was simple, but the execution, which included collecting, rolling, and shellacking years' worth of newspapers, took over 20 years.

MICHIGAN: World's Largest Tire

Flying in or out of the Detroit airport? Then you'll probably see this gigantic tire right off the side of I-94. It's 12 tonnes, 80-feet-tall, and worked as a Ferris wheel during the 1964-1965 World's Fair.

Its greatest accomplishment thus far is surviving a puncture attempt by the world's biggest nail back in 1998.

MINNESOTA: Jolly Green Giant

Wouldn't you be just the slightest bit upset if the town that birthed the famous frozen veggies didn't have this statue?

MISSISSIPPI: Mammy's Cupboard

Mammy's Cupboard may seem like an innocent mom and pop joint today, but she's had quite a political past. The woman on the building was originally painted dark brown, but the owners decided to repaint with a lighter shade in 1960s after heavy criticism.

The restaurant still serves the same classics they always have, including Southern fried food and old-fashioned pies.

MISSOURI: World's Largest 20th Century Pecan

If this actually was the largest pecan in the world, it would be pretty cool. But it's not. It is just painted concrete. There are also no signs that explain what a "20th century pecan" is, or why that's important.

MONTANA: 50000 Silver $ Bar

Collecting 50,000 silver dollars and amassing one of the largest coin collections in America is quite the feat. The collection is housed in the bar, but there's also a casino, a motel, loads of RV parking, and Montana's largest gift shop to make stopping by even more enticing.

NEBRASKA: Carhenge

There's a certain mystery behind Stonehenge. No one knows who built it, where it came from, or why it's there. Unlike that monumental attraction, there's absolutely no mystery at all behind Carhenge. It was set up just like England's Stonehenge by founder  Jim Reinders in 1987 — but, instead of stone, the monument is made of cars that have been painted gray. Nearly 100,000 people come to see it every single year. 

NEVADA: Rhyolite's Last Supper

Rhyolite has been on the map for years. The small ghost town recently found new life when several installations and sculptures were scattered around the area. The most intriguing sculptures are the white ghost-like figures of the Last Supper.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: USS Albacore

When you seek out a tour of an important, top-secret submarine, you probably don't expect to see it laying in a ditch on the side of the road. But you'll find US Albacore just off of US 1 and I-95. According to the curators, insurance isn't as expensive if it sits rather swims.

NEW JERSEY: Lucy the Elephant

This six-story elephant has had quite a life. After s erving as a real estate office and then a bar, Lucy the Elephant is now a beloved roadside attraction.  This National Historic Landmark, and the oldest roadside attraction in the US, was built in 1881 and is a prized possession of the Garden State.

NEW MEXICO: The Four Corners

It wouldn't be all that strange if the small plaque that claims to cover the corners of  New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah actually was on the four corners of those states. Unfortunately, it's a widely known fact  that it's actually 1,800 feet from the real intersection . 

NEW YORK: World's Smallest Church

In a world where everyone is trying to make the biggest, largest, and best, it's nice to see someone strive for something a bit more quaint. This tiny church, which goes by Cross Island Chapel, can only fit two people inside and floats on a small lake. 

NORTH CAROLINA: World's Largest Chest of Drawers

The two sets of drawers were built to honor High Point, the  "Home Furnishings Capital of the World." The North Carolina city also has a large hosiery industry, which explains the hanging socks hanging off the side of one of the chests.

NORTH DAKOTA: The Enchanted Highway

For 32 miles of southern North Dakota highway, passersby will see families of fish, giant grasshoppers, eyes shaped out of geese, and tall, towering statues all made of scrap metal. The collection isn't exactly cohesive, but it makes driving through North Dakota slightly less boring.

OHIO: The World's Largest Basket

This giant roadside basket is actually an office that hundreds of people have to work in every single day. Stop, stare, and be thankful that you're not one of those people.

OKLAHOMA: Bowling Ball Yard

It all started when Chris Barbee wondered what to do with the old gazing balls in his wife's garden, ones that were made of old bowling balls. He decided to use them to make a decorative fence — and the rest is history. Today, his yard has hundreds of ball and pins, many of which have transformed into artwork. 

He's spelled out the entire alphabet, built a breast cancer ribbon, and has even constructed a small house out of them.

OREGON: Grants Pass Caveman

It's always nice to hear about a town coming together in times of need. One of those times was back in 2004, when a few rowdy teenagers burnt the beloved caveman down. 

The town had the Grants Pass Caveman back up within the year. The town even cut down a tree that blocked him and gave him a total body makeover at a local auto shop.

PENNSYLVANIA: Where the Ducks Walk on the Fish

For years people have been pit stopping at  Pymatuning State Park  to feed hundreds of crammed-together carp in the spillway off the reservoir, as well as the ducks that walk on top of them to steal their bread.

RHODE ISLAND: World's Largest Bug

For a whopping $20,000, New England pest control company Big Blue Bug Solutions can say they have the world's largest bug. Their giant, blue termite stands atop their roof and can be seen from I-95 in Providence.

SOUTH CAROLINA: World's Largest Fire Hydrant

This piece was commissioned for the city of Columbia in 1975. The city wanted another piece of original artwork from Blue Sky, the man behind the city's beloved "Tunnelvision" mural. This oversized fire hydrant, which once worked as a fountain, is what they got.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Petrified Wood Park

This unique park takes up an entire block of Lemmon's Main Street. Walking through the cone-shaped trees, all made of pieces of petrified wood, is a perfect way to stretch your legs.

TENNESSEE: Parthenon

This full-scale replica of the legendary Parthenon in Athens, Greece, is perfect if you don't have the time or money to see the real one.

TEXAS: Beer Can House

This Houston landmark has been a favorite since it's construction in the late '60s. Over 50,000 beer cans cover the house, but according to the man behind the cans ,  John Milkovisch , it isn't art. It was just a way to pass time.

UTAH: Metaphor: the Tree of Utah

The monument was built by  Swedish artist Karl Momen after he was driving through the desolate area and imagined a tree standing there. It's confused locals and those driving by ever since.

VERMONT: A gorilla holding up a Volkswagen Beetle

Not only is this the best opportunity to get a punch buggy in while driving along Route 7, it's also arguably the best photo opportunity. According to the dealership's owners, the gorilla's other hand is outstretched just so people can sit in it and snap a photo.

VIRGINIA: Foamhenge

It's Stonehenge, but it's not made of stone. Why the artist decided on foam instead of anything else for his tribute to the mysterious phenomenon, no one may ever know.

WASHINGTON: Fremont Troll

Everyone knows the story of the troll under the bridge. Seattle brings it to life with the cement creature they have living under the Aurora Bridge.

WEST VIRGINIA: Mothman Statue

Point Pleasant is home to the Mothman Statue, a giant chrome statue with an over-the-top wing span and glaring red eyes.

As the story goes, the mutant monster Mothman came to Point Pleasant in the late '60s to terrorize the citizens. It rose to even bigger fame in 2001 with the Richard Gere film, "The  Mothman Prophecies."

WISCONSIN: The World's Largest Fish

Right off US 63, you'll find the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame... inside the world's largest fiberglass fish. It's as big as a Boeing 757, making it the largest thing in Hayward, Wisconsin.

WYOMING: Giant head of Abraham Lincoln

A memorial monument to Abraham Lincoln isn't strange. The fact that it's in Wyoming — a state that has no connection to the 16th President — is.

Rumor has it, the giant head once sat nearby at the highest point along the old Lincoln Highway, but was moved to rest along I-80 when it was completed in 1969, rendering it pretty much pointless.

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The Best Road Trip Atlas for Weird & Unusual Places & Attractions

Tired of the same old travel plans looking for unusual places to visit here are the best road trip atlas options for weird and unusual attractions….

• 1 Tired of the same old travel plans? Looking for unusual places to visit? Here are the best road trip atlas options for weird and unusual attractions…
• 2.1 1. A Haunted Road Atlas
• 3 2. Unique America
• 4 3. National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas
• 5 4. Roadfood: An Eater's Guide
• 6 5. Atlas Obscura
• 7 How to Find Interesting Stops on a Road Trip
• 8 21 Best Travel Guides for RVers
• 9 Mike and Jennifer's Ultimate Michigan and Great Lakes Bundle – THREE ebooks

When you've been RVing as long as we have, you start to tire of the same old mainstream destinations. And when you've been RVing as long as we have, you realize how many weird, unusual, and interesting places there are to see across the country.

There's a lot! So much so that there are entire road trip atlases, guidebooks, and travel guides on unique places to visit.

So, we decided to round up the best of the best. They just might inspire your next RV road trip!

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our  full affiliate disclosure here.

What's the Best Road Trip Atlas?

Well, that depends on your interests! So, we've compiled several great options for you.

The following atlases and guidebooks will open your travel plans to interesting places and unusual attractions you likely would have never known about otherwise!

1. A Haunted Road Atlas

Are you a True Crime fan? Have you heard of the hit podcast And That's Why We Drink? Well, the creators, Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz, put together this Haunted Road Atlas with “Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales.”

If you're looking for a bit of creepy excitement, this is the road atlas for you. They also include their personal recommendations for the best local bars, ice cream parlors, oddity museums, curiosity shops, and more. It's sure to be a weird trip!

2. Unique America

Unique America is a collection of quirky roadside history and cool Americana. It delivers on its promise of taking you “A Trip Through America” that is “Strange, Unusual, and Just Plain Fun.”

It covers a wide range of unusual roadside attractions and natural wonders, from the world's largest globe that you can walk through to historic castles to giant prospectors. There's really something for everyone to look at, chuckle at, and say, “That's oddly interesting.”

3. National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas

How about letting the kids or grandkids direct your next road trip? This National Geographic Kids U.S. Road Trip Atlas gets kids really excited and involved in your travel plans.

And, regardless of your age, it lists cool and fun things to do in different states. Things that will appeal to your inner child, like Secret Caverns in New York or the El Dorado Gold Mine in Alaska.

4. Roadfood: An Eater's Guide

Do you plan your road trips around food? You're certainly not alone, and we have a guide just for you! Roadfood is an “Eater's Guide to More Than 1,000 of the Best Local Hot Spots and Hidden Gems Across America.”

This eater's guide was first published in 1977 and is currently on it's 10th edition. It's considered a “treasure house of information” for travelers tired of food chains.

5. Atlas Obscura

We must immediately point out that this is a world atlas of hidden wonders, so the U.S. portion is limited. However, we must include it on this list because it's just so cool (and the USA section is excellent, even if limited).

Any travel lover would love to flip through this book, and we should really add it to our lists of the 10 Coffee Table Books for Your RV Picnic Table and the 10 Best Books to Read While Camping .

If you're a world traveler as well as an RVer, this is a must-have atlas. You may also want to get their Gastro Obscura, a food adventurer's guide to what people around the world eat and drink.

How to Find Interesting Stops on a Road Trip

Are you already on the road and need to find things to do along the way? Are you not interested in a specific guidebook? Well, have no fear because Roadtrippers is here to save the day.

Roadtrippers is a website and mobile app that helps travelers find interesting places along your route. So if you already have a main destination in mind, you can use Roadtrippers to fill in your itinerary during the road trip.

Using Roadtrippers is just one of our suggestions on How to Find Hidden Gems (RVers Share Their Secrets) …

21 Best Travel Guides for RVers

As interesting as the above books and atlases are, you may want to use them as supplements to the best travel guides. And, lucky for you, we've made a list of those, too!

As RVers, Jennifer and I are always looking for resources to improve our travels, and books have been a big part of our travel kit. 

So, we’ve put together a list of must-have travel books for RVers. This list includes incredibly helpful atlases and guides for any RVer or road traveler.

They mainly focus on more mainstream destinations, but they also include some unique places and interesting things to do in the area. Click here to check out the list…

Mike and Jennifer's Ultimate Michigan and Great Lakes Bundle – THREE ebooks

This bundle contains our ever-popular  Michigan Upper Peninsula 7-Stop Adventure Guide  PLUS the  NEW LOWER Michigan Adventure Guide  PLUS the  US Side Tour of the Great Lakes! This ULTIMATE Bundle will help you keep enjoying Michigan and the Great Lakes for years!

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Published on 2024-03-27

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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The Spookiest Road Trips in the United States

Astrid was the Senior Special Projects Editor at TripSavvy.

Summer is finally over, and with crisp air, vibrant fall colors , and pumpkin spice lattes, comes the arrival of every Halloween lover’s favorite time of year: spooky season. Autumn may be the perfect time to hit the road for leaf-peeping, cider trails, and wineries, but as the fall chill sets in and the crunch of dead leaves collect on the ground, it’s also the best time of year to hop in the car and scare yourself silly. 

The good news for horror enthusiasts is that there’s no need to travel to Trannsylvania to visit some seriously spine-tingling destinations. From Salem, Massachusetts, to Alcatraz Island, the United States is full of haunted history and creepy legends. So why not take advantage? After all, with plenty of frightening things going on in the world these days, it’s much more fun to focus on ones in the past or in your imagination.

Salem to Boston

Undoubtedly the most well-known spooky destination in the United States, Salem, Massachusetts , is where this route begins. Immortalized by the witchcraft hysteria of 1692, history buffs and Halloween lovers alike will enjoy a visit to the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the infamous events that took place there, as well as the Witch Trials Memorial, where you can remember the 20 young victims of the trials. Next, head north to Dogtown in Gloucester, a mysterious ghost town that became a hotspot for vagabonds after it was abandoned in the 1800s. The townspeople were rumored to practice witchcraft; to this day, you can find odd words and phrases—“Help Mother” being one of them—carved into boulders in the vicinity.

Head southwest to Fall River to see the infamous Lizzie Borden house , where America’s most gruesome axe murders took place. It was here that Lizzie Borden was accused of butchering her father and stepmother in broad daylight, though the case has never been solved. Nearby, take a stroll through Freetown-Fall River State Forest , also known as the "The Cursed Forest of Massachusetts.” Legends surrounding this forest include UFO sightings, witchcraft and human sacrifices, ghostly orbs, unexplained disappearances, and even stories of a race of troll-like creatures who call the forest home. End your trip at Boston’s Cutler Majestic Theater. Numerous ghost sightings have been reported here, including sightings of stagehands and theater patrons from centuries past still sitting in their seats, waiting for a show.   

Philadelphia to Evans City

This frightening road trip starts at one of the country’s most infamous haunted destinations, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia‎. This famous prison, which once held criminals along the likes of Al Capone, was known for its extreme approaches to isolation and solitary confinement, causing many prisoners to lose their sanity. To this day, angry spirits are said to haunt the prison, with many visitors experiencing the feeling of being pushed, shoved, and followed as they walk past the prison’s cells. Next, head west to the Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City. Nicknamed “The Shame of Pennsylvania,” this former hospital for the mentally disabled was the site of horrific abuse towards its patients. To this day, visitors who enter claim to see visions of nurses and children, and have reported leaving with unexplained marks and scratches across their arms.

In Stewartstown, head to Hex Hollow, where Nelson Rehmeyer was murdered by a local man named John Blymire, who believed Rehmeyer was a witch who had placed a hex on him. After the murder, Blymire and two accomplices set Rehmeyer’s house on fire, but the house survived and remains standing to this day. Visitors who drive past report feeling a deeply sinister atmosphere surrounding the house. After, head to the legendary Gettysburg , the site of the notorious Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, which resulted in more than 55,000 casualties. The spirits of Union and Confederate soldiers are still said to haunt the battlefield. In Altoona, make a pit stop at the Mishler Theatre , where the theater’s owner, Isaac Mishler, is often seen roaming the theater during productions, leaving a trail of cigar smoke behind him. Finally, end your trip at the Evans City Cemetery , where you can visit the graveyard—and recreate that epic opening scene—where "The Night of the Living Dead" was filmed. 

Asheville, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina

The Carolinas may be known for their beauty, but both states are also steeped in haunted history. Begin this route at Asheville, North Carolina’s Omni Grove Park Inn , where a young woman in a pink dress fell to her death sometime in the 1920s. Often seen by guests wearing a pink ball gown, the friendly Pink Lady is said to appear when children are around, and is known to try and hold their hands or tickle their toes. Next, head to Abbeville, South Carolina’s infamous Abbeville Opera House , and look up to the balcony, where you’ll find one chair that stands out from the rest of the building’s modern refurbishments. The chair is left there for the ghost of a young actress who died in the middle of a performance and is said to haunt the opera house to this day.

The city of Charleston has no shortage of hauntings. Your first stop should be the Old City Jail , where criminals deemed too dangerous for society were housed in the 1800s and are still said to wander to this day. Grab lunch at Poogans Porch , where multiple accounts of ghost sightings and bizarre happenings, such as water faucets, radios, and lights randomly turning on, are said to occur. Finally, end your trip at White Point Gardens , where numerous pirates were executed and buried in the nearby marsh. Visitors often report seeing ghostly orbs, feeling cold spots throughout the park, and seeing apparitions of pirates waiting for their ship to return.

San Antonio to El Paso

Mark A Paulda  / Getty Images

Begin your Texas trek at Woman Hollering Creek off Interstate 10. The creek is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who drowned her children and continues to walk the riverbanks, searching for them. Spend some time walking around and you may hear her loud wails of anguish—but don’t get too close to the water, as she may pull you in. Next, head to the haunted railroad track at the intersection of Shane and Villamin in San Antonio. In the late 1930s, a school bus was hit by a speeding train, killing 10 children and a bus driver. The crash’s only survivor drove to the train tracks to end her life out of guilt, but felt her car being pushed off the tracks before the next train came. It is said that anyone who parks their car on or near the railroad tracks will start to feel their vehicle being pushed away, as the children make sure no one meets their same fate.

In Marfa , head down Route 67 to experience the country’s most famous ghost lights. Discovered in the 1800s, visitors from all over Texas and beyond travel to see these glowing orbs that are often spotted floating over the town. While some attribute the lights to reflections of car headlights, others say that the lights are the remnants of UFOs or a sign of paranormal activity. Finally, drive to El Paso to experience the 16th century tale of La Llorona, the grief-stricken Mexican woman who drowned herself and her children in the Rio Grande. Visitors who have traveled to the river where she drowned report horrific wailing in the dead of night followed by an apparition of a woman in a white gown with long dark hair. Locals are warned against going near the river at night, fearing that the spirit may possess their bodies.

San Jose to Bodie State Historic Park

Northern California’s spookiest road trip begins at San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House , one of the most infamous haunted houses in America. Constructed by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the rifle’s inventor, it is said that anyone killed by a Winchester rifle haunts the house to take revenge on the family. Further up north in San Francisco, no haunted road trip is complete without a visit to one of America’s most well-known prisons, Alcatraz Island . Nicknamed The Rock, the former military fortress—surrounded by shark-infested waters—was used to confine some of history’s most dangerous criminals, including James “Whitey” Bulger, murderer Robert Stroud, and again, Al Capone. The prison is a hotbed of paranormal activity, with many employees reporting apparitions, floating lights, and freezing cold temperatures in several cells, even in the heights of summer.

Next, head to the Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee. These abandoned former train tunnels were originally built in the 1860s and were named after the Donner Party, a group of explorers en route to California who were stranded in this region due to heavy snow and notoriously resorted to cannibalism for survival. Walking through the tunnels today, visitors report experiencing a cold and sinister atmosphere. End your trip in Bodie State Historic Park , nestled in the Basin Range of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. This once bustling mining hub from the 1800s was completely abandoned in 1915, when it became a ghost town. It is said that anyone who takes anything from the town, even something as small as a pebble, is cursed with bad luck until it’s returned.

Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Denver, Colorado

Begin your route at the Atlas Theater in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A National Historic Landmark, the theater has gained a state-wide reputation as a ghost hunter’s paradise, with reports of several ghosts haunting the second floor, as well as observations of moving objects, floating orbs, and the sound of voices when no one is around. Next, head to the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church bell tower, the site of a truly gruesome murder cover-up. Two Swedish workers hired to construct the tower disappeared here without a trace in the early 1900s. It was later revealed that one worker had slipped and fell to his death and the other, afraid of deportation, hid the man’s remains in the tower wall and fled town. To this day the church’s organ will play and bells will ring by themselves.

One of the best-known hotels in America due to its status as the inspiration behind the hotel in Stephen King’s "The Shining," The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, has fielded reports of paranormal activity since the 1970s. Guests at the hotel have experienced ghost sightings in almost every room, with closet doors opening and closing, lights flickering on and off, and apparitions following guests to their beds. If you’re brave enough to spend the night, get your camera ready and be prepared for some surprise guests appearing in the background of your selfie. Finally, back in Denver, take a break at Cheesman Park, one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Few may know, however, that it was built over a cemetery for unclaimed bodies. Visitors to the park have reported sudden overwhelming feelings of sadness and despair, and have claimed to witness apparitions and shadows treading behind them during morning runs.

Los Angeles to Death Valley National Park

There’s no better place to kick off your southern California haunted road trip than the City of Angels. While it may be best known for the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles has a haunted past. Spooky spots include Pasadena’s Colorado Street Bridge, the site of hundreds of suicides, the Rosenheim Mansion, best known as the “Murder House” from "American Horror Story," and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel , where the ghosts of Old Hollywood are said to still hang out. The Hollywood sign itself has a dark history; in 1932, aspiring actress Peg Entwistle jumped off the “H” and reportedly haunts the sign’s surroundings to this day. 

After exploring Los Angeles’s terrifying history, drive out to The Padre Hotel in Bakersfield for more ghostly encounters. A fire in the 1950s killed several children who have been spotted running through the halls to this day. Skeptics should check out the child-size handprint in the hotel’s cafe; it continues to reappear even after being painted over several times. End your trip at the beautiful Amargosa Opera House , located on the eastern outskirts of Death Valley National Park. There have been numerous reports of unexplained phenomena here, from strange smells, the sound of babies crying, and even a ghost cat that interrupts performances in the theater. The property also includes a hotel, sections of which used to be a morgue for miners during the Gold Rush. Nicknamed “Spooky Hollow,” visitors who explore its hallways report glowing orbs and a deeply eerie atmosphere.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Omaha, Nebraska

This Midwestern journey begins in Milwaukee, at Shaker’s Cigar Bar , once operated by Al Capone as a speakeasy and brothel. Unsurprisingly, Capone’s shady dealings meant that many mobsters suddenly “disappeared” here, and visitors to this day have reported many run-ins with ghosts of those who lost their lives at the infamous bar. In 2001, human remains were found packed into the building’s walls. Next, head west to Cresco, Iowa, to the Cresco Theater & Opera House , where visitors have witnessed what appear to be apparitions of vaudeville performers on the stage. Another spooky figure has been spotted sitting in the theater while the lights are off, disappearing when anyone tries to approach.

One of the most infamous haunted houses in the midwest, Iowa’s Vilisca Axe Murder House was the site of the 1912 murder of eight people in their sleep—six of whom were children—by an unknown axe murderer. Today, visitors report hearing children laughing, doors opening and closing by themselves, and feelings of being pinched as they walk through the house. End your trip at Omaha’s Hummel Park , notoriously surrounded by spooky folklore and urban legends. The park has long been believed to be a hotbed of satanic activity, with the bodies of several missing persons being discovered there and visitors reportedly seeing spray-painted pentagrams on park property. Others say that the park is home to a colony of albino cannibals who have been spotted in the park’s dense woods. Even worse, a rickety staircase in the park is nicknamed the “Stairway to Hell,” and somehow always seems to have more steps to count going up than going down. The city of Omaha closes the park early from October to April to discourage Halloween enthusiasts from spending too much time there.

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DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

The Weird, Weird West

Washington - Nevada

Stops on this Route:

• Gas Works Park
• Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
• Mount Tabor
• Lava River Cave
• Shasta-Trinity National Forest
• The Wave Organ
• Griffith Observatories Tesla Coil
• The Echo Park Time Travel Mart
• McDonald’s Museum
• Atomic Survival Town
• International Car Forest of the Last Church
• Clown Motel
• The Republic of Molossia

What to drive:

Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection :

Nissan Pathfinder

Dodge RAM 1500

Cadillac Escalade

Stop 1: Gas Works Park 1/13

The old Gas Works overlooks Lake Union, on the edge of the freaky Fremont neighbourhood which is home to the huge Fremont Troll sculpture and a statue of Lenin, among other curiosities. The former coal plant has been turned into a beautiful green space that retains most of its distinctive industrial features, and has been made safe via various eco-friendly additions to the soil. Now the park is open for concerts, games or just a good stroll around the old Gas Works perimeter to enjoy some seriously quirky architecture. (Image credit: WikiPedant)

Picturesque Cape Neddick, in the south of Maine, has one of the stars of the sleepy state: Nubble Lighthouse. It stands guard on Nubble Island and lures in keen photographers with its Victorian-era keeper’s house. Head to Sohier Park’s telescope for the best views or enjoy dinner with a view at Fox’s Lobster House, which is a fantastic place for your first taste of Maine’s rendition of New England chowder.

While you’re in Cape Neddick

Don’t miss Long Sands Beach, which flanks popular scuba-diving waters and charming York Harbor. The latter has riverside nature trails plus a combined golf and tennis club.

2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle WA 98103

https://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/gas-works-park

Find out more about car rental for this Road Trip route

Stop 2: Ye Olde Curiosity Shop 2/13

Described by a local newspaper in 1927 as “the world boiled down”, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop opened its doors in 1899 and has since welcomed more than a million visitors every year. The shop displays a large variety of items from many cultures and countries collected over the last century. Taking pride of place in the shop is Sylvester the mummy, thought to be one of the best-preserved human bodies in the world. (Image credit: Joe Mabel)

1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104

http://yeoldecuriosityshop.com/

Stop 3: Mount Tabor 3/13

In the spirit of Keeping Portland Weird, its “urban volcano” – one of only four in the States - has been turned into a forested park. The journey to the top comes complete with hiking trails of various difficulties – and many scenic stops for picnics – up and around the cone. At the summit, Mount Tabor Park includes playing courts for basketball and tennis, as well as some fantastic views of the city below. (Image credit: Robin Zebrowski)

Portland, OR 97215

Stop 4: Lava River Cave 4/13

Take a trip to the site of a volcanic eruption which happened 80,000 years ago to see some of Oregon’s most beautiful natural features. The Lava River Cave is more than 5,000 feet long and curves its way beneath Deschutes National Forest. A guided tour takes visitors a mile deep into the cave to explore its innermost secrets – and the beach-like conditions at the bottom where the steady trickles of sand collect at its lowest point. (Image credit: Dave Bunnell)

Bend, OR 97707

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/centraloregon/recarea/?recid=38396

Stop 5: Shasta-Trinity National Forest 5/13

Home of California’s largest man-made lake, the National Forest is an ideal destination for getting away from the weirdness – for a little while. And although the California climes may not seem like the place for a spot of cross-country skiing, the peaks of Mount Shasta offer just that. In the warmer weather, Lake Shasta provides an ideal getaway, with boating and fishing available alongside some lakeside lazing.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California

http://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf/

Stop 6: The Wave Organ 6/13

Back to the city – and a musical interlude, with the Wave Organ out in the Marina District. As the tide comes in, listen out for a haunting musical accompaniment created by the rush of water against a set of PVC pipes which engineering maverick Peter Richards had installed in the 1980s. Time and tide have lessened the volume and pitch, but the sound is nonetheless still distinctive – and a hidden gem of the San Fran scene.

83 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94123

http://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ

Stop 7: Griffith Observatories Tesla Coil 7/13

Dr Frederick Finch Strong donated most of the components of his working Tesla coil to the city in the 1930s, and to this day it remains one of the most popular displays at the remarkable Griffith Observatory. Nikola Tesla originally conceived the coil as a way to test his theories about electricity and how it travels – today, tinkerers and other science enthusiasts gather to watch its hourly demonstrations.

2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA, 90027

http://www.griffithobservatory.org/

Stop 8: The Echo Park Time Travel Mart 8/13

‘Whenever you are, we're already then’ – that’s the slogan of this chrono-centric store which sells trinkets from time periods in the past, present and future. The Time Travel Mart forms part of a national non-profit organisation with a chain of unique stores, with the proceeds going towards child literacy programmes. By shopping here you’re not only helping the kids, but are able to pick up some neat merchandise too – the Michael Jordan pogs alone are worth the trip.

1714 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

http://www.timetravelmart.com/

Stop 9: McDonald’s Museum 9/13

This museum celebrates all things fast foody – not surprising given as it stands where the very first branch of McDonald’s was built. There’s a huge collection of merchandise, including decades’ worth of Happy Meal toys displayed in glass cases. Another highlight of the guided tour is the original 1940s menus being displayed – alongside its more recognisable options, the original branch used to offer barbecued beef and hot tamales. (Image credit: Cogart Strangehill)

1398 North E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92405

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/unofficial-mcdonald-s-museum

Stop 10: Atomic Survival Town 10/13

As you pass through Nevada you’ll find many roads leading to Vegas, but persist and you’ll be rewarded with a walk around an area once used as an atomic testing site both above and below ground. Real atomic explosions have happened in this small ‘village’ out in the desert, and a guided tour can now take you around these sites of devastation. Cameras are not permitted, and the lifting of rocks from the site is strictly prohibited – so no ‘souvenirs’. (Image credit: US Department of Energy)

Nevada Test Site Area 400, Nye County NV

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/atomic-survival-town

Stop 11: International Car Forest of the Last Church 11/13

This unusual roadside attraction came about when two artists joined forces to sow their imaginative seed into the grounds of Goldfield – in the form of more than 40 dishevelled cars in various states of wreckage. With some half-buried in the ground and others stacked like toys, this surreal symbol was dubbed a ‘forest’ by its creators, and attributed to a force more powerful than organised religion.

Goldfield, NV 89013

https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/nevada/international-car-forest-last-church

Stop 12: Clown Motel 12/13

If you’ve ever fancied spending the night somewhere surrounded by clowns, then we’ve got just the place for you. From the moment you’re greeted in reception by a life-size clown-like mannequin, you know it’s going to be an unusual stay. The rooms are bedecked in all manner of candystripe decorations and bizarre knick-knacks – but none of this seems to keep the customers away. (Image credit: Famartin)

521 Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049

https://www.theclownmotelusa.com/

Stop 13: The Republic of Molossia 13/13

End your trip with a skirt around the edges of Yosemite and head for Nevada’s very own micronation – the Republic of Molossia. Its benevolent ruler, Kevin, offers guided tours of every corner of his nation including Government House (his home) and the rest of Baughton (the capital city, and his garden). Other land purchased in the name of Molossia includes the Desert Homestead Province in California, a small patch of the Pacific Ocean, and Vesperia – 50,000 square miles on Venus. (Image credit: Kevin Baugh)

226 Mary Lane, Dayton, NV 89403

http://www.molossia.org/

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Breaking news, riley strain texted mom about strange-tasting drink on night he disappeared, she says.

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The mother of Riley Strain — the University of Missouri student whose body was pulled from a river in Nashville — said he texted her about his drink tasting odd on the night he disappeared.

Michelle Whiteid shared the now-haunting March 8 messages from her son in an interview with NewsNation on Tuesday.

Strain, 22, had texted her that he ordered a rum and coke but it “didn’t taste good” during a night out in the Music City with his fraternity brothers, she said.

Whiteid said she told him he probably shouldn’t drink it.

He then said it tasted “like barbecue,” the mom recounted to the news station.

“I go, ‘Well that sounds awful,'” she said. “He said, ‘Well, it sounds good, but it’s not.”

After her son was kicked out of a downtown bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink , later that night and vanished, the seemingly mundane texts have left Whiteid with serious questions.

“Maybe there was something in it that shouldn’t have been,” she told NewsNation of the drink.

Her son was seen by witnesses and surveillance footage stumbling around and appearing “very, very intoxicated” after he was thrown from the bar.

Strain’s body was discovered in the Cumberland River in West Nashville on March 22, less than two weeks after he vanished. He was missing his pants, belt, wallet and cowboy boots he had been wearing earlier in the night.

Though investigators have ruled out foul play and a preliminary autopsy report lists his death as accidental , the college student’s family members say they have doubts.

“If he fell and truly fell in the water, and you can prove that to me, show me. I’ll accept it,” his stepfather Chris Whiteid said to NewsNation.

“But I can tell you from all the stuff that we’ve done as far as search and looking, taking pictures — I don’t feel like it’s really possible that happened. He may have fallen, but someone helped him in the water,” he said.

The family has requested a second autopsy after it was revealed that Strain had no water in his lungs, as is typical in drowning cases.

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Al sharpton limited series in works at abc signature with anthony anderson eyed to star & ep, ‘star trek: strange new worlds’ renewed as ‘lower decks’ sets ending after 5 seasons.

By Rosy Cordero

Rosy Cordero

Associate Editor, TV

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been renewed for a fourth season ahead of the show’s Season 3 premiere which is slated for 2025 and currently in production. Additionally, the previously announced fifth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks will serve as its final. New episodes of the final season, currently in production, will arrive this fall.

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“Our incredible cast, crew and artists have given you everything they have because they love the characters they play, they love the world we’ve built, and more than anything we all love love love Star Trek. We’re excited for the world to see our hilarious fifth season which we’re working on right now, and the good news is that all previous episodes will remain on Paramount+ so there is still so much to look forward to as we celebrate the Cerritos crew with a big send-off,” they added.

Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated comedy series following the support crew serving on one of Starfleet’s least important ships, the U.S.S. Cerritos. The crew residing in the “lower decks” of the U.S.S. Cerritos includes the voices of Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells and Eugene Cordero; the bridge crew is voiced by Dawnn Lewis, Jerry O’Connell, Fred Tatasciore and Gillian Vigman.

The series is produced by CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, CBS Studios’ animation arm; Secret Hideout; and Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producers include Alex Kurtzman, Mike McMahan, Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth. Titmouse serves as the animation studio for the series which streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Latin America and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

It stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia and Babs Olusanmokun, along with special guest stars Paul Wesley and Carol Kane. The series is produced by CBS Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Jenny Lumet, Henry Alonso Myers, Aaron Baiers, Dana Horgan, Davy Perez, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers.

“On behalf of the cast and crew of Strange New Worlds, we are thrilled and grateful to continue our voyages together. We can’t wait for you to join us and the crew of the Enterprise on another season of exploration and adventure,” said Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers and Alex Kurtzman in a statement.

The expanded world of Star Trek on Paramount+ also includes the fifth and final season of Star Trek : Discovery, currently airing; the original film Star Trek : Section 31 starring Michelle Yeoh, which recently wrapped production; and the new original series Star Trek : Starfleet Academy, slated to begin production later this year.

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