19 America’s Most Peculiar Roadside Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

Save to Find It Later!

The United States is vast, stretching over 3,000 miles from coast to coast, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and communities. It’s this sheer size and diversity that have given rise to an array of quirky and unique roadside attractions.

From towering statues to mysterious spots defying gravity, these oddities are sprinkled across the country, each telling its own story of local pride, creativity, or humor. Embarking on a road trip across the USA offers the perfect opportunity to experience these peculiar sights firsthand.

Whether it’s a giant ball of twine or a desert monument to love, these attractions add a layer of fun and wonder to the journey, showcasing the eccentric side of American life and the boundless imagination of its people.

Here are 20 of the American most peculiar roadside attractions that you will love!

1. Carhenge, Nebraska

Carhenge, in Alliance, Nebraska, is an intriguing replica of England’s Stonehenge, but it’s built with vintage American cars. This peculiar monument, created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987, features cars arranged in a circle, all painted grey to mimic the stones of its ancient counterpart. It’s a testament to American ingenuity and humor, drawing visitors intrigued by its blend of history, art, and automotive culture.

2. The Corn Palace, South Dakota

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, stands as a unique tribute to the state’s agricultural heritage. Decorated annually with thousands of bushels of corn, grains, and native grasses, the Palace showcases elaborate murals and designs. This living art piece, originally built in 1892, serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a venue for concerts, sports events, and other community gatherings, embodying the spirit of the Midwest.

3. Salvation Mountain, California

Salvation Mountain, located in the California desert, is Leonard Knight’s labor of love—a vivid, painted monument celebrating faith and compassion. Covered in biblical quotes and religious iconography, this man-made mountain is made from adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of lead-free paint. It’s a vibrant testament to one man’s devotion, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its beauty and message.

4. The Thing, Arizona

“The Thing” is a mystery shrouded in kitsch, located off a dusty highway in Arizona. This roadside attraction invites travelers to explore a series of oddities leading to “The Thing” itself—a mummified figure whose origins are part of the allure. Along the way, visitors encounter an eclectic mix of exhibits, blending Americana, bizarre artifacts, and speculative history in a fun, family-friendly detour.

5. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Cadillac Ranch, an iconic art installation near Amarillo, Texas, features ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field, their tails jutting skyward. Created in 1974 by the art group Ant Farm, it’s a colorful commentary on materialism and the American dream. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark with spray paint, contributing to the ever-changing canvas of this classic American symbol.

6. The Largest Ball of Twine, Kansas

In Cawker City, Kansas, the Largest Ball of Twine holds a quirky spot in America’s heart. Started by Frank Stoeber in 1953, the ball has grown with contributions from locals and tourists alike. This monument to community spirit and odd achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished with time, dedication, and a lot of twine.

7. Foamhenge, Virginia

Foamhenge, a full-size replica of Stonehenge made entirely from styrofoam, is an amusing and surprisingly detailed tribute to the ancient structure. Created by artist Mark Cline, this lightweight wonder replicates the original’s astronomical precision. Though originally in Natural Bridge, Virginia, it has moved to Centreville, offering a whimsical, educational experience that blends history with modern creativity.

8. The Mystery Spot, California

The Mystery Spot, located in Santa Cruz, California, is a gravitational anomaly that defies explanation. Discovered in 1939, this circular area of distorted perceptions and seemingly impossible occurrences has fascinated visitors for decades. Tours of the site offer a fun, mind-bending experience that challenges the senses and invites speculation about the forces at work in this peculiar spot.

9. The Paper House, Massachusetts

The Paper House in Rockport, Massachusetts, is a remarkable structure built in the 1920s by Elis F. Stenman. Constructed from newspapers—over 100,000 of them—it includes furniture and decorations made from the same material. This unusual home showcases the durability and versatility of paper, preserved for nearly a century, and offers a glimpse into an innovative, if unconventional, approach to building.

10. World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, North Carolina

The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, in High Point, North Carolina, stands as a homage to the city’s furniture manufacturing legacy. Built in 1926 and renovated in 1996 to stand 38 feet tall, this oversized piece of furniture features two giant socks hanging from a drawer, symbolizing High Point’s hosiery industry. It’s a playful landmark that captures the imagination and celebrates the area’s commercial history.

11. The Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a beloved roadside attraction on Route 66, serving as a whimsical landmark for travelers since the 1970s. Created by Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift for his wife, this massive blue whale became a popular swimming hole and photo op spot. Though swimming is no longer allowed, the Blue Whale continues to delight visitors with its charming presence and story.

12. Lucy the Elephant, New Jersey

Lucy the Elephant, located in Margate, New Jersey, is a six-story architectural novelty built in 1881. This massive pachyderm-shaped building was originally designed to attract real estate buyers to the area. Today, Lucy stands as a beloved historic landmark, offering tours that provide panoramic views from her howdah and a unique glimpse into quirky American architecture.

13. The Fremont Troll, Washington

The Fremont Troll dwells under a bridge in Seattle, clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle in its hand. This public sculpture, created in 1990 by four local artists, has become a symbol of the Fremont neighborhood’s creative and eccentric spirit. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore, the Troll offers a fantastic photo opportunity and a reminder of the power of community art.

14. Jolly Green Giant Statue, Minnesota

The Jolly Green Giant statue in Blue Earth, Minnesota, towers 55 feet high, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and the iconic brand mascot. Erected in 1979, this friendly giant with his welcoming smile has become a roadside must-see, complete with a visitor center that delves into the history of the Green Giant company and its impact on local and national food culture.

15. The UFO Welcome Center, South Carolina

The UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, South Carolina, is a quirky, homemade structure built by Jody Pendarvis to greet extraterrestrials. Constructed from scrap metal and other materials, this makeshift spaceship features an eclectic mix of alien memorabilia and DIY engineering. It’s a testament to one man’s imagination and hospitality towards visitors from this world and beyond.

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

In Bemidji, Minnesota, the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox stand as a tribute to American folklore and logging history. These oversized figures have been welcoming visitors since 1937, embodying the larger-than-life tales of the legendary lumberjack and his faithful companion. The site offers a nostalgic nod to the storytelling tradition and the lore of the American Northwoods.

17. The Big Banana, California

The Big Banana Car, a whimsical vehicle shaped like a giant banana, tours the roads of the United States, turning heads and spreading smiles wherever it goes. Created by Steve Braithwaite as a fun project, this unique car showcases the joy of eccentric creativity and the freedom of the open road. It’s a mobile monument to whimsy and the unexpected pleasures of roadside America.

18. Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

The Enchanted Highway in North Dakota features a series of giant metal sculptures along a 32-mile stretch of road, turning a rural drive into an outdoor art gallery. Created by artist Gary Greff to attract visitors to the area, these sculptures depict themes from North Dakota’s wildlife and history, offering an unforgettable journey through imagination and the vast prairie landscape.

19. Dinosaur Land, Virginia

Dinosaur Land in White Post, Virginia, is a throwback to classic roadside attractions, featuring over 50 life-sized dinosaur sculptures in a prehistoric park setting. Opened in the 1960s, this family-friendly destination allows visitors to step back in time and explore the world of these ancient creatures, offering a mix of education, nostalgia, and kitschy fun.

More Like This

• [Quiz] Which National Park Are You?
• 4 Road Trips From Arizona to Utah
• 19 TV Show filming Locations That Are Small US Towns